Open classes continue at the Genocide Memorial Complex.
An exhibition titled “Our Cultural Heritage Yesterday and Today” was organized at the Shamakhi branch of ADPU (Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University)
An exhibition was organized at the Shamakhi branch of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University (ASPU) within the framework of the “Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty” and the project “Our Cultural Heritage: Yesterday and Today”, initiated by the Quba Genocide Memorial Complex.
At the opening of the exhibition, the director of the Shamakhi branch, Associate Professor Tünzalə Yusifova, emphasized that the exhibition was held in accordance with the provisions of the memorandum signed between the branch and the Quba Genocide Memorial Complex. She noted that this exhibition plays an important role in educating young people about the restoration and protection of our cultural heritage.It was also highlighted that the Azerbaijani state and people continue their just struggle on their historical and ancestral lands based on international law. During the 44-day Patriotic War, under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev, the victorious Azerbaijani army liberated the country’s lands from occupation after 30 years. This victory was also an act of retribution for the ethnic cleansing, genocide, and acts of vandalism committed by Armenia against the Azerbaijani people.
Armenia bears international legal responsibility for the acts of vandalism committed against cultural monuments in the occupied territories. Research is currently being conducted regarding the restoration of these monuments and the preservation of historical heritage. Restoration and reconstruction efforts in Karabakh and other liberated territories are being carried out in a systematic and well-planned manner.
Later, Dr. Subhan Talibli, Associate Professor of the Department of Social and Special Subjects at the branch and an expert of the Genocide Memorial Complex in Quba, spoke in detail about the exhibition. He touched upon current issues related to the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage. He stated that the restoration of monuments destroyed during the occupation in Karabakh is not just a construction process, but also a restoration of the identity of our people and the recovery of lost values.
“Every monument is a piece of history, every stone is a memory,” he said. “The restoration of these monuments teaches us not to forget our past and to build a stronger and more resilient future.” In his speech, he also provided detailed information on the Karabakh Khanate, the socio-political, socio-economic, and cultural-spiritual situation in Karabakh, Armenian terrorism against Azerbaijan’s historical and cultural-spiritual monuments, Armenian vandalism in Yerevan, the destruction of Turkic-Muslim and Albanian monuments in Karabakh during the occupation, and the historical background and restoration processes of monuments destroyed as a result of Armenian vandalism.
The exhibition, which attracted great interest from the branch’s staff and students, will remain open for several days
The open history lessons organized for students by the staff of the Genocide Memorial Complex are ongoing. The latest lesson was held for the 5th-grade students of the Piral village full secondary school in the Qusar district.
As part of the "Let's Protect Our Historical Monuments" project, the organization of open lessons aimed at conveying our historical truths to the younger generation continues. At the latest event, nearly 30 teachers and students from Secondary School No. 2 of the First Nugadi village in the Guba district participated.
On April 18, an event dedicated to the International Day for Monuments and Sites was held on the topic "Continuing the Tradition of Preserving and Restoring Historical Monuments," organized jointly by the Heydar Aliyev Center in Yasamal District and the "Genocide Memorial Complex" in Guba city.
The event was attended by Zohrab Jafarov, Head of the Department of Yasamal District Executive Authority; Dr. Subhan Talibli, specialist at the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in Guba and associate professor with a PhD in history; Dr. Rizvan Garabaghi, leading researcher at the Institute of Architecture and Art of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, associate professor with a PhD in architecture; Saadat Mirzayeva, Director of the House Museum of Tahir Salahov; Zakir Guliyev, an employee of the Ministry of Culture; as well as teachers and students from the Azerbaijan University of Culture and Arts.
At the event, participants visited a photo exhibition titled “Our Cultural Heritage: Yesterday and Today – Karabakh Monuments,” organized by the Genocide Memorial Complex, in the center’s foyer.
The event began with the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by a one-minute silence in memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs.
Nigar Huseynova, the head curator of the Center, opened the event with a welcoming speech, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting Azerbaijan’s rich historical and cultural heritage, as well as the exceptional services of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in this field.
The speakers, Zohrab Jafarov, Subhan Talibli, Rizvan Garabaghi, and Saadat Mirzayeva, talked about the restoration, protection, and preservation of historical monuments in the country, as well as the promotion of cultural artifacts on the international stage. They highlighted the work done in the capital Baku and other regions of Azerbaijan, with the support and care of President Ilham Aliyev, in the fields of conservation, restoration, and reconstruction of cultural and historical monuments.
A video clip titled “Ancient Azerbaijani Monuments” was then shown.
"47 Ronin Monument"
The monument built to commemorate the heroism of Lord Asano and the 47 samurais (later known as ronin after losing their master) is located inside the Sengakuji Temple in Tokyo, Japan. The story of the 47 Ronin is one of the most famous samurai legends in Japanese history. This event took place in the early 19th century and embodies the highest values of the samurai code, “Bushido.”
The story of the monument begins with the insult of a feudal lord named Asano Naganori by a court official, Kira Yoshinaka, who schemed to seize Asano’s position. Unable to tolerate the insult, Asano slashed Kira with his sword. However, since he violated the laws of the court, Asano was sentenced to death, and Kira achieved his goal by taking Asano’s position as the feudal lord.
Asano’s loyal samurai (ronin) decide to take revenge on their lord’s behalf. They realize that regardless of whether they win against Kira or lose, they will be sentenced to death under the current laws.
In December 1702, following a carefully planned attack, the 47 Ronin successfully kill Kira and restore justice. The Ronin were to be executed, but the government, acknowledging their loyalty to their master, granted them an honorable death – seppuku (ritual suicide). One of the Ronin is pardoned, while the remaining 46 commit seppuku.
The monument stands as a symbol of loyalty, honor, and sacrifice for the Japanese people. Every year on December 14th, the anniversary of their revenge, a memorial ceremony is held, and thousands of people visit Sengakuji Temple to pay their respects.
The 47 Ronin Monument is a relic of a historical event that left a profound mark in history. This monument is an important symbol emphasizing the significance of the samurai code, honor, and loyalty. Both historically and culturally, the tale of the 47 Ronin continues to inspire people today.
On the eve of April 18, International Day for Monuments and Sites, a quiz was organized for schoolchildren who visited the "Genocide Memorial Complex" in Guba. The quiz was based on information about the Complex's activities, the facts of the genocide, as well as the events that took place in Azerbaijan in 1918. Active students who answered the questions correctly were presented with various gifts by the guides of the Complex.
"Sagrada Familia"
One of the most famous architectural landmarks in Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia, holds a special place in the history of Spanish architecture and in global architectural history. This extraordinary and magnificent temple was designed by the world-renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. He regarded the “Sagrada Familia” as the greatest and most spiritual project of his life, dedicating the last 15 years of his life entirely to this endeavor.
Construction of the temple began in 1882, and it remains unfinished to this day. After Gaudí’s death, the construction process continued based on his original sketches. Interestingly, the temple’s construction is still funded by donations and charitable contributions. The main goal is to complete the temple by 2026, marking the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death.
From an architectural perspective, the Sagrada Familia is entirely unique. Gaudí drew inspiration from nature, combining sculpture, mathematics, and religious symbols. The temple has three main façades: the Nativity Façade, the Passion Façade, and the Glory Façade. Each depicts certain stages in the life of Jesus Christ. The temple is planned to have 18 towers, of which 12 represent the apostles, 4 represent the Gospel writers, one represents the Virgin Mary, and the tallest one symbolizes Jesus Christ.
The interior is equally stunning. Gaudí designed the columns to resemble tree trunks, creating an interior that feels like a forest. Sunlight filters through the stained-glass windows, creating a colorful and mystical atmosphere inside.
In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI declared the Sagrada Familia a basilica, making it a sacred place of worship. Since 2005, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Sagrada Familia is not only a symbol of religious faith and craftsmanship but also proof of what the human spirit can achieve. This magnificent structure attracts millions of tourists every year and has become a symbol of Barcelona.
The organization of open lessons continues. As part of the "Let's Protect Our Historical Monuments" project, open lessons are being organized with the aim of conveying our historical truths to the younger generation. In the next event, about 20 teachers and students from Zizik Secondary School in Guba District participated.
A webinar was held in Guba city in connection with the International Day for Monuments and Sites on April 18, organized jointly by the "Genocide Memorial Complex," the "Chiraqqala Shabran" State Architectural Reserve, and the "Pir Hussein Khanegah" State Architectural Reserve.
The event was opened by Dr. Rakhshanda Bayramova, the director of the Complex, who emphasized the importance of protecting monuments on an international scale and their significance in our cultural heritage. She also noted the importance of such events in transmitting Azerbaijan’s rich historical heritage to future generations.
Following her speech, Maharram Muslumov, the director of the Pir Hussein Khanegah State Architectural Reserve, highlighted the important role of such events in the preservation and promotion of monuments.
Gunel Pirguliyeva, the director of the “Chiraqqala Shabran” State Architectural Reserve, also underscored the significance of organizing events that introduce the history and culture of Azerbaijan’s monuments. She mentioned that such initiatives contribute to the protection and promotion of cultural heritage among the public.
Later, employees of the Genocide Memorial Complex provided detailed information about monuments located in various parts of the world that are included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The speakers presented comprehensive information about famous landmarks such as Machu Picchu, Alhambra, the Sagrada Familia, the Louvre Museum, the 47 Ronin Monument, and other notable sites.
The webinar dedicated to the International Day for Monuments and Sites was attended by nearly 40 employees from the mentioned reserves.
"Terracotta Army"
The Terracotta statues were buried with the first Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang, who unified the Chinese empire and connected all parts of the Great Wall of China, in the 3rd century BC. According to Sima Qian, after ascending the throne in 246 BC, the 13-year-old Ying Zheng (later known as Qin Shi Huang) began constructing his tomb. His idea was that the statues should accompany him after his death and, likely, he wished to ensure his ambitions for power in the afterlife, just as he had in life.
The statues were discovered in March 1974 by a local farmer while digging an artesian well to the east of Lishan Mountain. Lishan Mountain is an artificially created necropolis for the first emperor of China. The material for some of the statues was taken from this mountain. Qin Shi Huang was buried in 210 BC. According to the great Chinese historian Sima Qian, many precious jewels and examples of craftsmanship were buried with the emperor. Additionally, his 48 concubines were buried alive with him. Over 8,000 terracotta statues of infantrymen, archers, and cavalry were hidden underground. The details of these statues are astonishing! Interestingly, every soldier statue is unique. Each has its own distinct features, height, clothing, face, and even different facial expressions. Scholars believe that the statues were modeled after real people.
The warrior and horse statues of the Terracotta Army were made in different regions of China and then transported to the outskirts of Xi’an city. The Institute of Botany of the Chinese Academy of Sciences compared samples from the statues and their origins, leading to the conclusion that the horse statues were made directly near the necropolis, likely for easier transportation (the horse figures weigh about 200 kilograms). The warrior statues are lighter, averaging 135 kilograms, though their exact production location remains undetermined.
The warrior figures are considered masterpieces of art because they were handmade individually using various techniques. After being formed, the statues were fired, their faces covered with a special coating material, and then painted. The warriors are distinguished by their ranks (officers, regular soldiers) and weapons (spear or sword).
It is believed that the discovered group of soldiers was positioned to protect the emperor from the east. Similar military units may have been placed in the western and southern parts of the pyramid.
In 1987, during UNESCO’s 11th session, the Terracotta Army was included in the World Heritage List as part of the “Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.” The tomb complex of Qin Shi Huang became one of the first monuments in China to be added to this list. Visiting the Terracotta Army is often included in the official visit programs of foreign heads of state to China.
