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Another webinar titled “The Genocide Events Committed Against Azerbaijanis in 1918” was held. The webinar, organized by the Genocide Memorial Complex in the city of Guba—operating under the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan—took place as a continuation of this series.

The event was moderated by the Deputy Director of the complex, Mehriban Aliyeva. During the webinar, staff members of the complex—Sariyya Abidova, Ulker Zeynalova, and Islam Aslanov—stated that in 1918, in the city of Baku and various regions of the Baku Governorate, as well as in Shamaxi, Guba, Khachmaz, Lankaran, Hajigabul, Salyan, Zangazur, Karabakh, Nakhchivan, and other territories, Azerbaijani people were brutally and mass murdered by the Baku Soviet and Dashnak Armenian armed groups.

It was emphasized that the response to all crimes committed against the Azerbaijani people by Armenians throughout history was given during the Patriotic War, which began in September 2020 and lasted 44 days. The Azerbaijani Army, under the leadership of the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, avenged the atrocities committed for over 200 years within the framework of the “Greater Armenia” ideology on the battlefield. The 30-year-long occupation by Armenia was brought to an end, and the territorial integrity of the country was restored.

At the end of the webinar, an exchange of views took place around questions of interest to the participants. It should be noted that more than 25 employees from reserves operating under the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan participated in the webinar.

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A webinar titled “The Genocide Events Committed Against Azerbaijanis in 1918” was held. It was organized by the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in the city of Guba, which operates under the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The event was moderated by the Deputy Director of the complex, Mehriban Aliyeva. During the webinar, the complex’s staff members—Doctor of Philosophy in History Tahmina Aliyeva, Nurcan Allahverdiyeva, and Orkhan Huseynov—stated that Armenian nationalists, at various stages of history, carried out ethnic cleansing, deportations, and genocides against Azerbaijanis in pursuit of realizing the mythical idea of a “Greater Armenia.”

One of the most horrific tragedies inflicted upon the Azerbaijani people was the mass massacres committed with particular cruelty in March–April 1918 by Dashnak-Bolshevik armed groups operating under the mandate of the Baku Soviet.

It was also noted that the government of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic established an Extraordinary Investigation Commission to examine the grave crimes committed by Armenians. The government took a number of measures to preserve the truth revealed by the commission in the national memory and to communicate it to the international community. However, after the fall of the Democratic Republic, this process was halted, and further investigation and appropriate political and legal assessment of these events were prevented.

Only 80 years later—on March 26, 1998—did the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, National Leader Heydar Aliyev, sign a decree “On the Genocide of Azerbaijanis,” which gave an adequate political assessment of these tragic events and declared March 31 as the “Day of the Genocide of Azerbaijanis.”

At the end of the webinar, an exchange of views took place around questions of interest to the participants. It should be noted that more than 35 employees from reserves operating under the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan participated in the webinar.

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"Kultepe – The Ancient Cradle of Azerbaijan’s History"

The village of Kultepe, located in the territory of Nakhchivan, is a historical monument of global significance with an ancient and rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijan. Kultepe is considered one of the oldest settlements not only in Azerbaijan but in the entire South Caucasus. Archaeological research shows that life existed here during the 4th–1st millennia BCE, that is, in the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages. This fact proves that the territory of Azerbaijan was one of the important centers in the formation of ancient civilizations. During excavations, remains of ancient houses, hearths, tools, clay pottery, and various household items were discovered. The ceramic artifacts found indicate that the inhabitants of Kultepe were engaged in pottery, and that agriculture and animal husbandry were well developed. This proves that during that period people had already transitioned to a settled way of life. The examples of material culture discovered in Kultepe provide important information about the worldview of ancient people, their economic life, and social relations. According to archaeologists, this settlement also played an important role in the formation of economic and cultural connections in the region. Kultepe is a vivid example of the ancient and rich cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people. This monument shows that our ancestors created a developed economic and cultural life thousands of years ago. Preserving historical heritage and passing it on to future generations is the duty of each of us.
 
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"Artistic Ceramics in Azerbaijan"

Artistic ceramics is one of the oldest branches of Azerbaijani craftsmanship and has maintained its significance to this day. This art has served both the needs of daily life and the aesthetic demands. According to experts, the emergence of this art form dates back to the Neolithic period. Primarily practiced by women, pottery evolved during the Eneolithic period through various technical achievements and artistic progress, eventually becoming an independent art form. The formation of aesthetic concepts among the local population led to an increase in the decorative features of ceramic products. Simple geometric and botanical motifs, initially intended to be protective and magical, gradually became ornamental systems as their decorative qualities were discovered.

Azerbaijani potters have created decorative works rich in various shapes and patterns. Each region has its own distinctive style and ornaments. Gobustan, Shirvan, Nakhchivan, and other regions have been centers of ceramic production. Artistic ceramics have been used to create both utilitarian and decorative objects. Ceramic tools and dishware reflect the daily life of the people. This art has been passed down from generation to generation, preserved, and lived on. In the modern era, Azerbaijani potters participate in both national and international exhibitions. Thus, artistic ceramics remain an inseparable and valuable part of Azerbaijani cultural heritage.

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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).

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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.

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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.   

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"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.
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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.

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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.