On the occasion of the anniversary of the January 20 tragedy, a commemorative event and masterclass titled 'January 20 – A Chronicle of Heroism' was organized in Guba. The event was held through the joint cooperation of the 'Genocide Memorial Complex' and the Guba District Branch of the New Azerbaijan Party
The event commenced with a minute of silence to honor the memory of the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity and independence of Azerbaijan, followed by the playing of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Dr. Tahmina Aliyeva, a specialist at the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in Guba and Doctor of Philosophy in History, moderated the event and spoke about the historical significance of the January 20 tragedy. She stated that although the events of January 20 were intended to silence the will of the Azerbaijani people through force, they instead strengthened the national struggle, securing an eternal place in the nation’s memory as the pinnacle of martyrdom for independence.
Dr. Rakhshanda Bayramova, Director of the Genocide Memorial Complex, discussed the historical and political essence of the tragedy and its crucial role in the people’s struggle for freedom. She emphasized that the primary mission of the Memorial Complex is to preserve national memory and educate the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism.
Elkhan Maharramov, Deputy Chairman of the Guba District Branch of the New Azerbaijan Party, highlighted the important place January 20 holds in the history of Azerbaijan’s national struggle and stressed the necessity of always honoring the martyrs with deep respect. He noted that this history, written with the blood of the January 20 martyrs, forms the foundation of Azerbaijan’s state independence, and today’s achievements are a direct result of those sacrifices.
Furthermore, Dr. Sabir Hajiyev, Head of the Department of Humanities at the Guba branch of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, and an eyewitness to the January 20 tragedy, delivered a speech. He described the events as part of the Soviet empire’s bloody policy aimed at breaking the freedom-seeking will of the Azerbaijani people. During his presentation, he used a visual display based on archival materials and facts to provide a vivid account of the course and historical consequences of the events. Dr. Hajiyev emphasized that, by its nature, this tragedy was not only an act of repression but also a historical turning point that awakened national consciousness and bolstered ideas of liberty. He noted that the heroism shown by the January 20 martyrs is etched in history as a symbol of the Azerbaijani people’s determination to fight for independence and continues to play a vital role in shaping the patriotism of the youth. The speaker also shared his insights on the political and legal aspects of the January 20 tragedy and its evaluation on the international stage.
The event concluded with discussions on the topic.
THE 1ST INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON “THE SILK ROAD: HISTORY, CULTURE, AND ART OF TURKIC PEOPLES ALONG THIS ROUTE”
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM THE SILK ROAD AND THE HISTORY, CULTURE, AND FINE ARTS OF THE TURKIC PEOPLES ALONG THIS ROUTE April 16 – 17, 2026 Gobustan National Historical and Cultural Reserve THE 1ST INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON “THE SILK ROAD: HISTORY, CULTURE, AND ART OF TURKIC PEOPLES ALONG THIS ROUTE”
According to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, on the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress, a series of international academic events will be organized as part of the anniversary. Among these events, the 1st International Symposium titled “The Silk Road: History, Culture, and Art of Turkic Peoples Along This Route” will be held in Baku on April 16–17, 2026. The Silk Road has historically served as a central hub of trade and cultural exchange between East and West for centuries, becoming one of the oldest and most significant trade routes in the world. Along with goods, ideas, knowledge, and cultures also traveled this road. The Silk Road has significantly influenced the development of the history, culture, and art of various peoples over time, including the Turkic peoples. This symposium aims to explore the heritage, history, art, and culture of the Turkic peoples along the Silk Road, as well as the challenges they faced – such as genocide, deportation, and repression.
Objectives of the Symposium:
To introduce the history and culture of the Turkic peoples living along the Silk Road; To study the historical, socio-economic, and political factors that influenced the culture of Turkic peoples via the Silk Road; To discuss the identification, preservation, and promotion of historical monuments and sites of Turkic peoples; To examine the genocide, deportations, and repressive policies faced by Turkic peoples in the territories along the Silk Road and contribute to the international recognition of these issues; To establish experience-sharing and cooperation among scholars and researchers. Date and Venue: Date: April 16–17, 2026 Venue: Baku, Azerbaijan Deadline for article submission: March 1, 2026
Email for article submission:
simpozium2026@gmail.com
Who Can Participate? Scholars and researchers in the fields of archaeology, history, culture, and art, as well as employees of museums and heritage institutions. Symposium Topics: 1. Archaeological heritage, rock art, and their study in ethnographic context 2. The Silk Road and the history of Turkic peoples 3. The Silk Road: Historical and cultural relations in the formation of Turkic civilization 4. The cultural heritage of Turkic peoples, its study and development in the modern era, and its influence on global culture 5. Preservation, study, and promotion of historical monuments of Turkic peoples 6. Genocide, deportation, and repressive policies in the territories inhabited by Turkic peoples: historical and legal aspects 7. Cultural integration policies among Turkic-speaking states in the modern era and the Great Silk Road 8. The Heritage of the Great Silk Road: Internationalization of global cultural values Formatting Requirements for Symposium Materials: Paper size A4 Font Times New Roman, size 12 pt Languages Azerbaijani, Russian, or English Line spacing 1.15 Indentation 1.25 cm Margins 2 cm on all sides Title Centered, uppercase, bold Author’s full name Centered, bold Institution, city, country: Centered, italic Email address: Centered, italic ORCID code Centered, italic Keywords 5–7 keywords in Azerbaijani, English, and Russian Abstract 80–100 words in Azerbaijani, English, and Russian Structure References Abstract, Introduction, Main Body, Discussion, Conclusion Cited in square brackets (e.g., [1, p. 56]); listed alphabetically Only one article will be accepted per author (individual or co-author). Authors without academic degrees must include a review from a scientific supervisor, expert (e.g., their institution’s head), or a field-relevant academic. The review should be presented on a separate page and include contact details and institutional affiliation. Submitted articles will be checked through an anti-plagiarism system before being published in the symposium proceedings. Articles that do not meet the specified requirements will not be accepted. Authors bear full responsibility for their submissions.
Organizational Support: Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture Gobustan State Historical-Artistic Reserve “Genocide Memorial Complex” in Guba
Contact Information: For organizational issues:
Ali Bayramov – Deputy Director, Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve (+994777077770)
Khayal Nuhbalayev – Staff Member, “Genocide Memorial Complex” in Guba (+994558850036)
For academic matters:
Nazila Mammadova – Staff Member, “Genocide Memorial Complex” in Guba (+994556797911)
Namig Bagirli – Staff Member, “Genocide Memorial Complex” in Guba (+994506097097)
Sevinc Shirinli – Senior Researcher, Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve (+994518583388)
Project Leaders: Vugar Isayev, Rakhshanda Bayramova
Concept Authors: Vugar Isayev, Rakhshanda Bayramova
Chief Scientific Advisor: Anar Isgandarov
Scientific Secretary: Irada Aliyeva
Literary Editor and Proofreader: Namig Bagirli
Chief Coordinator: Nazila Mammadova
Design and Technical Layout: Mikayil Sultanzade
Scientific Committee of the Symposium
1. Academician Nargiz Akhundova – Full Member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences
2. Professor, Doctor of Historical Sciences Anar Isgandarov – Chair of the Science and Education Committee of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan
3. Professor, Doctor of Historical Sciences Maryam Seyidbeyli
4. Professor, PhD in History Haji Hasanov
5. Professor, Doctor of Art History Maryam Ali-zade
6. Professor, People’s Artist Mammadsefa Gasimov
7. Professor, Doctor of Historical Sciences Sevinc Aliyeva, Baku Engineering University
8. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Erdem Atnur, Vice-Rector of the Azerbaijan National Defense
University
9. Professor Melahat Farajova – Lecturer, Department of History and Theory of Fine
Arts, Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts
10. Professor Vafa Gurban – Ege University, Institute of Turkish World Studies,
Department of Social, Economic, and Political Relations of the Turkish World
11. Professor Selma Unlu Yel – Gazi University, Gazi Faculty of Education, Department
of Elementary Education
12. Professor Danuta Chmielowska (Danuta Khmelovska) – Political Scientist, Specialist
in Turkish Studies
13. Professor Lindita Xhanari –University of Tirana, Teacher of Faculty of History and
Philology
14. Professor Melike Cummarutova – Tashkent State University
15. Professor Shohistohon Uljayeva – Head of the Department of Humanities, Tashkent
Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers
16. Professor Igor Viktorovich Turisin – President of the Research Institute of Economics
and Law; Editor-in-Chief of the academic journal “Modern Scientific Thought”
17. Professor, Doctor of Economic Sciences Antella Muço – Chair of the Albania–
Azerbaijan Friendship, Science, and Culture Society
18. Professor, PhD in History Aydar Yurevich Khabutdinov – Kazan University
19. Doctor of Historical Sciences Irada Bagirova
20. Doctor of Historical Sciences Vagif Abishov
21. Doctor of Historical Sciences Shirinbey Aliyev – Azerbaijan State University of
Culture and Arts
22. Doctor of Historical Sciences Marina Imasheva – Sh. Marjani Institute of History,
Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan
23. Associate Professor, PhD in Art History Sadaqat Aliyeva.
24. Associate Professor, PhD in Pedagogy Yegana Eyvazova
25. Associate Professor, PhD in History Sona Maharramova – Head of the Department of
History and Methods of Teaching History, Sumgait State University
26. PhD in History Rakhshanda Bayramova – Director of the Genocide Memorial
Complex in Guba
27. Associate Professor, PhD in History Irada Aliyeva – Leading Researcher, Institute of
History and Ethnology named after A.A. Bakikhanov, Azerbaijan National Academy of
Sciences
28. Associate Professor, PhD in History Subhan Talibli – Leading Researcher, Institute of
Oriental Studies named after Academician Z. Bunyadov, Azerbaijan National
Academy of Sciences; Specialist at the Genocide Memorial Complex in Guba
29. PhD in History Sevinc Nasirova – Academic Secretary of the National Museum of
Azerbaijani History; Senior Lecturer at Azerbaijan Cooperation University
30. PhD in History Nurana Asadullayeva – Academic Secretary, National Museum of
Azerbaijani Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi
31. PhD in Art History Pike Akhundova-Talibli – Member of the Union of Composers of
Azerbaijan
32. PhD in Art History Gunay Gafarova – Head of the Department of Social Sciences,
Azerbaijan Tourism and Management University
33. PhD in History Elnur Najiyev – Senior Lecturer at Baku Engineering University
34. PhD in History Aida Ismayilova – Senior Researcher at the National Museum of
Azerbaijani History; Lecturer at Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts
35. PhD in Philology Aysel Sheydayeva – Lecturer at the Guba Branch of Azerbaijan
State Pedagogical University
36. PhD in Philosophy Kamala Nuriyeva – Deputy Director for Museology and Collection
Management, National Museum of Azerbaijani Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi
37. PhD in History Gunay Hasanova – Lecturer at Western Caspian University
38. PhD in History Lachin Mustafayev – Senior Researcher, Archaeological Scientific
фонд Department of the National Museum of Azerbaijani History; Senior Lecturer,
Department of General History and History Teaching Technologies, Guba Branch of
Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University
39. PhD in Cultural Studies Naile Aliyeva – Head of the Department of International
Relations and World Museums, National Museum of Azerbaijani Literature named
after Nizami Ganjavi
40. PhD in History Tahmina Aliyeva – Senior Lecturer, Department of Humanities, Guba
Branch of Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University
41. PhD in Philology Maleyka Mammadova – Leading Researcher at the Folklore
Institute of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences
42. PhD in Art History Gulseba Hasanova – Head of the Literary Chronicle and
Documentary Film Archives Department, National Museum of Azerbaijani Literature
named after Nizami Ganjavi
43. PhD in History Ayten Asadova – Lecturer at Sumgait State University
44. Ahmed Tarabek – Researcher at the Turkish Studies Center based in Egypt PhD in
History, Associate Professor Safar Ashurov, Head of the “Early Bronze Age
Archaeology” Department at the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology,
Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS)
45. PhD in History, Associate Professor Kamala Najafova, Deputy Dean for Research at
the Faculty of History, Baku State University
46. PhD in History, Associate Professor Safar Ashurov, Head of the “Early Bronze Age
Archaeology” Department at the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology,
Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS)
The 2nd Republic Forum of Young Ethnographers will be held in Lankaran on March 16-17, 2026. The forum will focus on the theme 'Community, Culture, and Scientific Cooperation.
The forum is organized by the “Support for Ethnographic Research” Public Union, with the support of the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in Guba, the Lankaran Regional Science Center, and the “Intellect” Borderless Enlightening Youth Public Union.
Purpose of the Event
The goal of the forum is to research the national, cultural, and spiritual heritage of local communities, stimulate the scientific activities of young researchers, expand the cooperation platform in the field of ethnography, and strengthen intercultural dialogue.
Main Research Directions:
- Ethnography and Ethnology: Household traditions, national costumes, food culture, and cultural integration processes.
- Archaeo-ethnography: Ethnographic analysis of archaeological finds, ancient settlements, and the identification of material culture samples.
- Ethno-Photography: Analysis of photo-documents, visual documentation of customs and ceremonies, and bringing photo archives into scientific circulation.
- Cultural Anthropology: Kinship systems, concepts of social status, and the study of rituals.
- Cultural Heritage and Historical Memory: Traditional arts, and the preservation and promotion of tangible and intangible heritage.
- Historical-Cultural Monuments and Architectural Heritage: Ethnographic study of caravanserais, bathhouses (hammams), bridges, and fortresses.
- Ethnographic Aspects of the 1918 Genocide: The impact of the events on communities and the restoration of destroyed historical-cultural sites.
Submission Guidelines and Requirements
Young researchers are invited to submit scientific abstracts of 3–5 pages, formatted according to APA 7 standards. Abstracts must be submitted in Azerbaijani or English.
- Deadline: Materials must be sent to ethno.studies24@gmail.com by February 1, 2026.
- Review Process: A double-blind peer-review system will be applied. Articles that do not meet the requirements or contain plagiarism will be rejected.
Publication and Recognition
The forum materials will be published in a special edition of the “Gadim Diyar” (Ancient Land) international scientific journal. All presenters will be awarded certificates.
You can register for the forum here: [https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUAirgfl_n8tPO2bbXhSskNlCNLnpj3M5btotwmnBvJSrupg/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawPYR4hleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYaW96Y1NXWFYwOHhJcDNGc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgTLKWhE5IyKGGhjFN5t3yCebUW_K_V73SVXwIF8RSKaYKVDEZodr9]
On the occasion of December 31 – the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and the New Year, employees of the 'Genocide Memorial Complex' held an event in the city of Guba.
"The Gavaldash (Drum Stone) Tradition"
Among the ancient examples of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage, the Gavaldash (Drum Stone) occupies a special place. This extraordinary stone attracts great interest both as a musical instrument and as one of the earliest rhythmic expressions created by primitive human thought. Located in the Gobustan region, the Gavaldash has survived to the present day as a living witness to the sounds of millennia, the lifestyle of ancient people, and their musical perception.
The most distinctive feature of the Gavaldash is that when it is touched or struck, it produces a delicate and resonant sound. This sound seems to carry the rhythm of ancient people, hunting scenes, ritual ceremonies, and the musical traces of everyday life into the present. Together with the rock carvings found on and around it, the Gavaldash embodies the Azerbaijani people’s deep connection to music, their sense of rhythm, and their creative thinking. The Gavaldash is not merely a piece of stone—it is a strong bridge between history and the present.
The formation of this musical stone is a miracle of nature. Its hollow interior and the resonant qualities created by various minerals attracted the attention of ancient people, who transformed it into both a musical instrument and an essential element of ritual ceremonies. This is one of the factors that demonstrates how ancient and rich the musical sensibility of our people is.
The Gavaldash is not only a historical relic but also a cultural treasure that holds value today. Preserved in the Gobustan State Historical and Artistic Reserve, this unique artifact is one of the rare contributions of Azerbaijani culture to world civilization. Protecting this heritage, passing it on to future generations, and studying it scientifically is our national responsibility.
The Gavaldash represents the musical memory, ancient past, and creative spirit of the Azerbaijani people. It is a valuable part of both our tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The sound of this stone, like an unceasing call echoing through the centuries, connects us to our roots and shows that our people’s bond with music is a continuous journey extending from the most ancient times to the present day.
December 12 is the day commemoration of the National Leader, Heydar Aliyev. We remember with respect and pride!
The next training session on the topic “The Role of Museums and Reserves in Educating the Younger Generation” has been held.
At the initiative of the Guba branch of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University and with the organization of the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in the city of Guba, heads and staff of pedagogical skills centers operating under the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan took part in another training titled “The Role of Museums and Reserves in Educating the Younger Generation” at the Genocide Memorial Complex.
The training participants first became closely acquainted with the museum of the Memorial Complex. Afterwards, the Deputy Director of the complex, Mehriban Aliyeva, delivered a speech, welcoming the guests and providing detailed information about the activities, objectives, and educational mission of the complex. During her speech, she also spoke about the existing friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Mehriban Aliyeva noted that the number of joint projects within the framework of mutual cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economy, transport, and humanitarian affairs is steadily increasing, further strengthening the ties between the peoples.
Other speakers emphasized that Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan relations have an ancient history and that there have historically been close cultural ties between the two countries. Both nations have benefited from each other’s culture and have exerted a unique influence on each other’s cultural development.
At the end of the event, participants were awarded certificates for their participation in the training.
" Sericulture"
Sericulture in Azerbaijan has been an vital part of the nation’s agricultural and artisanal traditions for centuries. The presence of fertile climates in certain regions created favorable conditions for the development of this craft, with vast mulberry plantations supporting its growth. In particular, the districts of Sheki, Gakh, Zagatala, and Fuzuli have been known for widespread sericulture since ancient times. Sheki’s world-famous “Sheki silk” has long stood out for its quality and durability. The cocoons grown and the raw silk produced here have been used both in local production and exported to foreign markets.
The development of sericulture has impacted not only the economy but also the cultural life of the people. Traditional garments, carpets, and various decorative items made from silk fabrics reflect refined taste and a rich tradition of craftsmanship. Since each stage of silkworm breeding requires special care and labor, this field was considered one of the most demanding areas of agriculture. In recent years, comprehensive programs have been implemented across the country to revive and advance sericulture, with farmers receiving considerable support.
In 2014, Azerbaijani sericulture was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
"Pehlevanliq Culture"
Pehlevanliq Culture: A Fundamental Part of Azerbaijani Physical, Spiritual, and Moral Heritage
Pehlevanliq culture is one of the oldest manifestations of the physical, spiritual, and moral culture of the Azerbaijani people. Over centuries, this culture has evolved, becoming an essential part of folk traditions, rituals, festive games, and the system of youth education. Pehlevanliq is not only about strength, skill, and wrestling techniques but also represents high moral qualities such as honor, justice, humility, and the protection of the weak.
The culture of pehlevanliq in Azerbaijan has deep historical roots. Archaeological findings, epic tales, and folklore reveal that the tradition of strength competitions existed since the time of Caucasian Albania. In the Middle Ages, pehlevans played a significant role in public life — participating in folk festivals, protecting caravan routes, serving in the army, and acting as defenders of the community.
In epics and legends such as Book of Dede Korkut and Koroglu, heroic figures with both physical strength and high moral codes are portrayed. These heroes became role models for future generations of wrestlers.
From November 28 to December 3, 2022, during the 17th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, the “Pehlevanliq Culture: Traditional Zorkhana Games, Sports, and Wrestling” was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Another training session has been held for Uzbek teachers.
At the initiative of the Guba branch of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University and with the organization of the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in the city of Guba, heads and staff of pedagogical skills centers operating under the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan participated in another training titled “The Role of Museums and Reserves in Educating the Younger Generation” at the Genocide Memorial Complex in Guba.
After becoming acquainted with the museum of the Genocide Memorial Complex, the event participants listened to an opening speech by Mehriban Aliyeva, Deputy Director of the Genocide Memorial Complex in Guba, who welcomed the guests and reviewed the history of friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. She noted that the development of relations with Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, holds an important place in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy. Relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan—one of the largest and fastest-developing countries in Central Asia—have been steadily expanding, especially in recent years.
Subsequently, Soliyov Abdumajid, Head of the Tashloq District Department of Preschool and School Education, expressed his gratitude for the organized training program and spoke about innovations in the education sectors of both countries, emphasizing that cooperation is developing successfully.
In his speech, Sabir Hajiyev, Head of the Department of Humanities at the Guba branch of ASPU and Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science, highlighted that the number of formats of mutual cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan—particularly joint projects in the fields of economy, transport, and humanitarian affairs—is steadily increasing.
At the end of the event, certificates were presented to the participants.
A webinar titled “For a Corruption-Free and Transparent Future” was held in the city of Guba, organized by the Genocide Memorial Complex and the Nardaran Historical and Cultural Reserve.
Delivering the opening remarks, Mehriban Aliyeva, Deputy Director of the Complex, emphasized that the fight against corruption is only possible with the active participation of every member of society. She noted that such educational events play an important role in shaping a sense of transparency and responsibility among young people.
Subsequently, Ayten Aliyeva, an employee of the Nardaran Historical and Cultural Reserve, spoke to the webinar participants about the social impacts of corruption and the importance of educational efforts in preventing it, highlighting the necessity of ensuring the continuity of measures taken in this field.
Ulkar Zeynalova, an employee of the Complex, stressed the importance of strengthening legal awareness on the issue, particularly emphasizing initiatives that serve to increase trust between state institutions and citizens.
Overall, nearly 20 employees from both reserves participated in the webinar
