34 Years Have Passed Since the Khojaly Genocide
Within the framework of the “Heirs of Heritage” Guba Winter School project of the “Azerbaijan Children” Public Union, children from the Child Shelter–Reintegration Center of the “Azerbaijan Children” Public Union visited the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in the city of Guba.
After becoming acquainted with the museum of the complex, an event was organized for the visitors. The event, moderated by the Deputy Director of the Complex, Mehriban Aliyeva, featured several speakers. The Chairman of the Guba District Council of Elders, Ildirim Mammadov, spoke about the history of Guba and the ethnic groups living there, emphasizing that holding such events is essential for educating children—our future—in a spirit of love for the homeland, respect for national and moral values, and traditions, as well as for their overall enlightenment.
Subsequently, the Director of the Complex, Dr. Rakhshanda Bayramova, welcomed the guests and provided detailed information about the complex’s activities and ongoing work.
Kamalə Agazadeh, Chairperson of the “Azerbaijan Children” Public Union, noted in her speech that the organization brings together socially active individuals and implements various programs and projects aimed at the social and legal protection of children, their comprehensive development, the discovery of their talents and abilities, and the effective organization of their leisure time.
At the end of the event, a composition prepared by the children of the Child Shelter–Reintegration Center of the “Azerbaijan Children” Public Union was presented.
It should be noted that the project was implemented at the initiative of the “Azerbaijan Children” Public Union, with partnership support from the Guba District Executive Authority and the Regional Development Public Union (RDPU).
A webinar on the topic “Genocides Committed Against Azerbaijanis” was held in “Genocide Memorial Complex" in the city of Guba
Opening the event with an introductory speech, the Deputy Director of the Complex, Mehriban Aliyeva, stated that the policy of genocide committed against the Azerbaijani people at various times is not merely a historical fact, but also a component of a systematically implemented strategy of ethnic cleansing and extermination. She emphasized that the investigation, documentation, and scholarly presentation of these crimes are of great importance both for preserving national memory and for defending the truth in the international legal and political arena.
Subsequently, Dr. Oder Alizadeh, a lecturer at the Department of History and Archaeology of Khazar University, delivered an extensive presentation on the subject. Based on archival documents and historical sources, he analyzed the political and ideological foundations of the mass massacres carried out against Azerbaijanis and discussed the impact of these events on the demographic and social development of the region.
Approximately 30 employees of reserves operating under the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage participated in the webinar.
Milli Məclisin deputatı, iqtisad elmləri doktoru, professor Əlibala Məhərrəmzadə, Azərbaycanda Qadın Sahibkarlığının İnkişafı Assosiasiyasının sədri Səkinə Babayeva və assosiasiyanın üzvləri Quba şəhərində “Soyqırımı Memorial Kompleksi”ni ziyarət etmişlər. Ziyarətçilərə 1918-ci il hadisələri və memorial kompleksin fəaliyyəti haqqında ətraflı məlumat verilmişdir.
On the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, a masterclass was organized at the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in the city of Guba. The event began with a one-minute moment of silence in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the homeland.
In the opening speech of the masterclass, the Director of the Genocide Memorial Complex, Dr. Rakhshanda Bayramova, emphasized the historical significance of the Khojaly events. She stated that during the tragedy, 613 people were killed with particular brutality, including 106 women, 63 children, and 70 elderly individuals. She also noted that 1,275 people were taken hostage, and their fate remained unknown for many years. Subsequently, Professor Haji Hasanov stated that the Khojaly genocide was not only a great tragedy for Azerbaijan but also a crime against all humanity. He emphasized that the Khojaly genocide is one of the bloodiest and most horrific examples of the deliberate policy of ethnic cleansing carried out by Armenian nationalists against Azerbaijanis. This tragedy, he stressed, should be regarded not only as a crime against the Azerbaijani people but as a crime against humanity as a whole. It was also noted that thanks to National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the Khojaly genocide was brought to international attention, and that today diplomatic and legal measures are being undertaken by his достой successor, President Ilham Aliyev. The event continued with discussions centered around the topic.
"The Government House"
Located in the center of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, on the shores of Freedom Square, the Government House stands out not only for its monumental appearance but also for its historical significance. This grand building is one of the key centers of the country’s state administration and is considered one of the rarest examples of Azerbaijan’s architectural heritage.
The Government House holds a special place in the magnificent architectural ensemble and has a rich and interesting history. In 1924, the idea of building a new building for government members in Baku was proposed, and this process continued until the early 1930s. A competition for the design of the building was announced in 1932, and the winners were selected in 1934. Although the project by Mikayıl Hüseynov and Sadıq Dadaşov was of a high level, it was not approved. The jury awarded first place to Moscow architect Lev Rudnev. It was decided that the building would be constructed in the city center, at the current Freedom Square, with 13 floors planned. However, due to the lack of national architectural elements in the project, changes were made. Arches in the alleys facing the sea were added as a result of these modifications. Although construction began in 1934, it was left unfinished due to World War II and was only completed in 1952. Today, the Government House is preserved as a national historical monument, reflecting the architectural elements of the Shirvanshahs’ Palace.
The Government House is not only an administrative building but also a living witness to the history of Azerbaijan’s statehood, a gem of architectural art, and a symbol of national pride. It has witnessed significant events in Azerbaijan’s history. For example, during the January 20, 1990, events, the mourning rally held in Freedom Square took place in front of the Government House. This event is a reflection of both the people’s will for freedom and the symbolic significance of the building in the national memory.
The grandeur and history of the building create a bridge between the past and present of the Azerbaijani people, reminding future generations that the country’s statehood traditions have been preserved.
A training session titled “The Role of Museums and Reserves in Educating the Younger Generation” was held.
Organized by the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in the city of Guba and initiated by the Guba branch of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, directors and staff members of pedagogical skills centers operating under the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan took part in a training session entitled “The Role of Museums and Reserves in Educating the Younger Generation” at the Genocide Memorial Complex.
The participants first familiarized themselves with the museum of the Memorial Complex. Afterwards, the Deputy Director of the complex, Mehriban Aliyeva, delivered a speech welcoming the guests and provided detailed information about the complex’s activities, objectives, and educational mission. She noted that within the framework of mutual cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economics, transportation, and humanitarian affairs, the number of joint projects continues to grow steadily, further strengthening the bonds between the two nations.
Other speakers emphasized that Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan relations have deep historical roots and spoke about the historically close cultural ties between the two countries.
At the end of the event, certificates were presented to the participants in recognition of their attendance.
An expanded board meeting on the activities of the Azərbaycan Respublikasının Mədəniyyət Nazirliyi for 2025 is being held.
On February 11, an expanded board meeting on the activities of the Azərbaycan Respublikasının Mədəniyyət Nazirliyi for 2025 is being held in Azərbaycan. The meeting, held at the Azərbaycan Dövlət Milli Gənc Tamaşaçılar Teatrı, is attended by Minister of Culture Adil Kərimli, members of the board, Chairman of the Culture Committee of the Azərbaycan Respublikasının Milli Məclisi Polad Bülbüloğlu, committee members, heads and representatives of relevant higher education institutions and creative organizations, well-known cultural figures, and heads of the ministry’s subordinate institutions.
Employees of the State Service are participating in the “Turkish Restoration and Conservation Laboratories Network – Turkey Experience Exchange Program.”
In Ankara, the “Turkish Restoration and Conservation Laboratories Network – Turkey Experience Exchange Program” has started. The program is organized at the initiative of the Türk Mədəniyyəti və İrsi Fondu, hosted by the Türkiyə Respublikası Mədəniyyət və Turizm Nazirliyi, and supported by the Türk Əməkdaşlıq və Koordinasiya Agentliyi (TİKA) and the Türk Dünyası Fondu.
The aim of the program is to strengthen cooperation in the restoration and conservation of cultural heritage across the Turkic world.
Within the framework of the program, which runs from February 9 to 13, specialists in restoration and conservation from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Hungary, and Turkmenistan will come together in Ankara and İstanbul.
On the first day of the program, a session was held for participants at the Ankara Regional Restoration and Conservation Laboratory.
As part of the visit, the next events will take place in the city of Istanbul.
"Urban Planning and Architecture Year"
According to the Decree No. 858 of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated December 22, 2025, the year 2026 has been declared the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture.” The declaration of the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan is an expression of the importance given to the country’s historical heritage and future development. This decision emphasizes the necessity of approaching cities not only as living spaces but also as carriers of cultural and social memory. Azerbaijani cities have developed over centuries along the Silk Road, becoming centers of trade, craftsmanship, and culture. This process has created a unique style and identity in the architectural appearance of cities.
Historical forts, caravanserais, mosques, and tombs demonstrate that national architectural thought has deep roots. Monuments like the Momine Khatun Mausoleum, Khudafarin Bridge, and the Ateshgah Complex are examples of our architectural heritage recognized worldwide. The inclusion of the Old City, the Shirvanshahs’ Palace Complex, Maiden Tower, and the historical center of Sheki in UNESCO’s World Heritage List further affirms the value of this heritage.
In particular, the work of Ajami Nakhchivani has had a significant influence on the formation of the Azerbaijani architectural school in the Near East. From the 19th century onward, a new architectural language began to emerge in Baku, combining Eastern and Western styles. In the 20th century, modern urban planning approaches based on national traditions were developed, and many cities’ planning was renewed.
In the period of independence, architectural projects implemented in the country significantly expanded the aesthetic appearance and functional capabilities of cities. The Heydar Aliyev Center, Flame Towers, and the White City complex have become symbols of modern architecture. Construction works in the regions have given new impetus to the balanced development of cities.
Restoration and reconstruction projects implemented in the liberated territories reveal the humanistic and sustainable essence of urban planning. The restoration of Shusha’s historical architectural environment is a manifestation of national will and memory. The “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” is a call for the systematic and thoughtful continuation of these processes. This year aims to shape cities in a more livable, aesthetic, and future-oriented manner.
Agreements on the Southern Gas Corridor Project
The Southern Gas Corridor, one of the most important international projects implemented by the Republic of Azerbaijan, was established in 2013 with the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Shah Deniz-2 project. This decision enabled the development of the second phase of the Shah Deniz gas field located in the Caspian Sea and the large-scale production of natural gas. The Southern Gas Corridor is a strategic energy corridor that ensures the safe and sustainable delivery of Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian Basin to European markets and is based on several important international agreements.
The agreement between Azerbaijan and Turkey has served to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. TANAP (Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline) starts at the Georgian border, passes through Turkey, and extends to Europe, playing a significant role in both Turkey’s and Europe’s energy security.
Additionally, within the framework of the Southern Gas Corridor, intergovernmental and host country agreements have been signed with all the countries through which the project passes. These documents play a crucial role in regulating the construction, operation, legal, and tax issues related to the pipelines and ensure the long-term stability of the project. The agreements signed under the Southern Gas Corridor project have strengthened Azerbaijan’s position as a reliable partner in the international energy market, contributing significantly to the country’s economic development and the enhancement of its political influence.
Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on making amendments to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan 'On the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments' and 'On Culture'.
