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"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.
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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.

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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

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Within the framework of the 2025 Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty, a webinar titled “The Victory of September 20 Is the Confirmation of Our Eternal Presence on These Lands” 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, particularly emphasized the Azerbaijani people’s spirit of struggle, attachment to their land, and the political will demonstrated in the restoration of historical justice. She noted that this victory serves as an important example for future generations.

Subsequently, Tural Valizade, a lecturer at the Military College under the National Defense University, senior lecturer at Baku Girls University, and doctoral candidate, stated that the victory of September 20 represents a significant stage in strengthening Azerbaijan’s national statehood traditions and should be regarded as a turning point on the country’s path toward sovereignty.

Later, Ayten Aliyeva, an employee of the Nardaran Historical and Cultural Reserve, noted that the September 20 victory demonstrates not only political success but also the unity of the Azerbaijani people and the strength of their historical memory in cultural and moral terms. She emphasized that such events make an important contribution to the formation of national identity awareness among the younger generation.

Overall, nearly 30 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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Within the framework of cooperation between the Guba branch of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University and the Genocide Memorial Complex in the city of Guba, another training session was held for Uzbek teachers. Heads and staff of the Pedagogical Skills Centers operating under the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan participated in the training titled “The Application of the Facts of the 1918 Guba Genocide in Education and the Role of Museums and Reserves in Educating the Younger Generation”, held at the Genocide Memorial Complex in Guba.

The participants first became acquainted with the museum of the Genocide Memorial Complex. During the guided tour, guests were informed by the Complex’s staff about the events of the 1918 Guba genocide and closely examined the exhibitions that reflect the mass atrocities committed against Azerbaijanis during that period through historical facts and archival materials.

Delivering the opening remarks, Mehriban Aliyeva, Deputy Director of the Complex, welcomed the guests and reviewed the history of friendly relations between Azerbaijan and brotherly Uzbekistan. She emphasized that significant progress has been achieved in economic cooperation between the two countries in recent years, noting that the main areas of cooperation include energy, textiles, agriculture, and urban development.

Subsequently, Timur Kalmuratov, Director of the Tashkent Regional Pedagogical Skills Center, expressed his gratitude for the organized training program and spoke about innovations in the field of education and opportunities for cooperation. He noted that an Agreement on cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the fields of science, vocational education, and higher education has been approved.

Other speakers noted 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 cultures and have exerted a unique influence on each other’s cultural development.

Within the framework of the training, participants also held discussions on preserving the memory of the events of the 1918 genocide, accurately conveying these historical facts to future generations, and using museum exhibition materials in the educational process. They also watched a documentary film prepared on the topic.

At the end of the event, certificates were presented to the participants.

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"Mother-of-Pearl Craftsmanship"

Mother-of-pearl craftsmanship is a type of woodcraft created by inlaying uniformly cut pieces of mother-of-pearl into various carved designs on wooden constructions. Also known simply as “mother-of-pearl work,” it is an important traditional handmade art form applied to interior elements.
This art involves embedding pieces of mother-of-pearl into wooden items such as Quran boxes, writing desks, chests, chairs, mirrors, and musical instruments. Artisans prepare the designs by cutting the inner shells of mollusks into various shapes. They draw motifs onto wooden surfaces, carve the outlines, create spaces for the inlays, and decorate the wood with intricate patterns. Finally, the surface is smoothed with a polisher, burnt for coloring, and lacquered with melted resin. Practitioners often prefer dense woods like walnut, ebony, and mahogany, using dark hues to contrast with the shimmering mother-of-pearl. Geometric and calligraphic motifs are commonly employed for decoration.
Today, artisans share their knowledge and skills through social media, online blogs, training programs, and workshops, thereby enhancing social cohesion and cultural exchange among different countries. Mother-of-pearl craftsmanship also contributes to the preservation of tangible heritage, social memory, and cultural identity through the restoration of historical items displayed in museums.
On December 6, 2023, during the 18th session held in Kasane, Botswana, “Mother-of-Pearl Craftsmanship,” jointly submitted by Azerbaijan and Turkey, was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
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A master class was held for students of Mingachevir State University. Organized by the Genocide Memorial Complex in the city of Guba, a master class was conducted for students of the Faculty of History of Mingachevir State University.

Opening the event with introductory remarks, Dr. Rakhshanda Bayramova, Director of the Genocide Memorial Complex, provided university students with information about the activities of the Complex and the work carried out to promote awareness of the 1918 genocides.

Subsequently, Orkhan Huseynov, an employee of the Scientific Research, Exhibition, and Collections Department of the Genocide Memorial Complex, introduced the students to the Genocide Museum in a virtual format and presented documents and photographs in the museum based on historical facts.

During the discussions, the impact of the events of that period on the socio-political life of the region was explained to the students. At the end of the session, students’ questions were answered

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Mədəni irsin qorunması üzrə Dövlət Proqramının təsdiq edilməsi 27 dekabr 2013-cü il tarixində təsdiq edilmiş Mədəni irsin qorunması üzrə Dövlət Proqramın qəbul edilməsi Azərbaycan mədəniyyətinin inkişafında yeni mərhələnin başlanğıcı oldu. Bu sənəd ölkənin müxtəlif bölgələrində yerləşən tarixi abidələrin bərpasını, qorunmasını və gələcək nəsillərə bütöv şəkildə çatdırılmasını strateji məqsəd kimi müəyyənləşdirdir.

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Dövlət Proqramı yalnız maddi irsin deyil, həm də qeyri-maddi mədəniyyət nümunələrinin muğamın, aşıq sənətinin, xalçaçılığın və folklor ənənələrinin yaşadılmasını prioritet kimi qarşıya qoydu. Beləliklə, Azərbaycan mədəniyyəti həm fiziki, həm də mənəvi aspektdən qorunmaq üçün geniş dövlət dəstəyinə sahib oldu.
Proqram çərçivəsində abidələrin inventarlaşdırılması, bərpası, konservasiyası, onların elektron bazada sənədləşdirilməsi, eləcə də mədəniyyət müəssisələrinin maddi-texniki bazasının möhkəmləndirilməsi kimi mühüm işlər həyata keçirildi. Bu tədbirlər yalnız mədəni dəyərlərin qorunmasına deyil, həm də turizmin inkişafına, xalqın tarixi yaddaşının güclənməsinə və milli kimliyimizin daha aydın şəkildə təbliğinə şərait yaratdı.

 

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"Azerbaijani tea"

Azerbaijani tea is a unique gift that has emerged from the union of our country’s natural-geographical conditions and ancient tea-growing traditions. The humid subtropical climate of the Lankaran-Astara region creates a favorable environment for the development of tea plantations. The tea leaves grown in this area are distinguished by their special taste and delicate aroma. Azerbaijani tea, with its deep color, rich flavor, and pleasant fragrance, attracts the attention of both local consumers and foreign guests.
When brewed, the natural characteristics of the leaves are preserved, resulting in a beverage that is rich in both taste and quality. Historically, tea has been an inseparable part of family tables, friendly gatherings, and hospitality traditions, holding a special place in Azerbaijani culture. The saying “No home without tea” reflects the high value our people place on this drink.
In recent years, the application of modern technologies in the tea industry has increased productivity and created conditions for the formation of local brands. At the same time, the expansion of eco-friendly cultivation methods has contributed to the further improvement of the tea’s quality. Today, Azerbaijani tea is both a part of our cultural heritage and an important agricultural product that reflects the economic potential of our country.
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"Bayati"

Bayati is one of the most widely spread genres of oral folk poetry. It has been an inexhaustible treasure of folk literature, with each example expressing thoughts and feelings through its artistic-aesthetic and philosophical richness, which is distinguished for its variety of content. Bayatis reflect the spiritual heritage of our people and provide profound insights into its history, traditions, and emotions.
Bayatis are primarily songs used by the people, most often expressing different aspects of life and emotions. They convey a person’s inner world, joy, sorrow, as well as their connection to nature. Each bayati has a certain repetitive melodic and rhythmic structure, which gives it a unique dynamic and repeated beauty. Bayatis can cover different themes depending on life circumstances and social conditions. For example, love, separation, patriotism, and love for nature are widely addressed in bayatis. These musical pieces not only provide aesthetic pleasure to listeners but also offer a spiritual experience.
Bayatis are also a part of the social environment, as they are performed at traditional gatherings, weddings, and other folk celebrations. As a result, bayatis are a valuable part of Azerbaijani culture, which must be passed on to future generations.
 
My dear, the homeland is best,
Linen to wear, a fine request,
A foreign land, to roam and see,
But to die for homeland — that’s the key.
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"Azerbaijani miniature art"

Azerbaijani miniature art is a vibrant part of our rich cultural heritage. This art form has developed over centuries as an adornment for books, epics, and religious texts. In particular, the Tabriz miniature school is one of the most renowned art centers in the world.
In miniatures, every detail — clothing, facial expressions, depictions of nature — tells a story. The colors are not random: red symbolizes heroism, blue represents peace, and green is the symbol of life.
In the 16th century, masters like Sultan Muhammad and Mir Seyid Ali brought works such as the “Shahnameh” and “Khamsa” to life with color. Miniatures lack perspective, but every detail speaks — the wall of the palace, the bird’s gaze, even the shape of the clouds carry a message. This delicate art was included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2020.
Azerbaijani miniature art is not merely a depiction; it is a bridge between the past and the present, a form in which the soul speaks through the brush.

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Another Training Held for Uzbek Teachers

Another training session for Uzbek teachers has been held as part of the collaboration between the Guba branch of Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University and the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in Guba city. The heads and staff members of the Pedagogical Skills Centers under the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan participated in a training at the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in Guba, titled “The Role of Museums and Reserves in the Education of the Young Generation.”
The participants first visited the museum of the Genocide Memorial Complex. The staff of the complex provided detailed information about the documents and photographs exhibited in the museum. In her opening speech, the Deputy Director of the Complex, Mehriban Aliyeva, greeted the guests and gave an overview of the history of friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. She noted that in recent years, the relations between Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, have entered a new phase of development. Today, the Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan relationship is rapidly advancing as a result of the visionary policies of the two countries’ leaders, mutual visits, and regular communication.
Next, the Deputy Director of the Andijan Pedagogical Skills Center, Gurbanov Utkirbek, and the Head of the “Language Teaching Methodology” Department at the Tashkent Pedagogical Skills Center, Dushayeva Nazokat, expressed their gratitude for the training program, discussing innovations in education and collaboration opportunities. The speakers highlighted that the relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have an ancient history, and both nations are united by close national traditions, a common language group, culture, and religion.
At the end of the event, certificates were presented to the participants.