Within the framework of the “Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty,” an event related to the implementation of the tasks arising from the National Action Plan for Strengthening the Fight against Corruption for 2022–2026 was held at the Genocide Memorial Complex

 

Opening the event attended by the staff of the Complex with introductory remarks, Mehriban Aliyeva, Deputy Director of the Complex, stated that corruption—one of the problems societies have faced throughout history—remains one of the most pressing global challenges today, negatively affecting overall development and security and posing a serious threat to social justice. She emphasized that the organized and consistent fight against corruption is always at the center of attention of the country’s President, Mr. Ilham Aliyev.

At the end of the event, a film on the topic of combating corruption was screened.

An Event Dedicated to November 8th – Victory Day Held

An event dedicated to November 8th – Victory Day was held in Guba city, organized jointly by the “Genocide Memorial Complex” and the Avey State Historical and Cultural Reserve. The event was moderated by Rana Gocayeva, a scientific staff member of the Avey Reserve.

Employees of various reserves under the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage also participated in the webinar. During the session, one of the proud holidays in Azerbaijan’s modern history, Victory Day, was discussed, along with the country’s historical heritage, patriotism, and the educational activities being carried out in this regard.

In her speech, Mehriban Aliyeva, Deputy Director of the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in Quba, emphasized that under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani Army achieved incredible successes in the victorious march that began on September 27, 2020, to stop Armenia’s continuous provocations and new occupation plans, and to liberate the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

At the end of the event, a discussion was held around the topic.

5th International Conference and Exhibition on "Balkan, Anatolia, Caucasus, and Turkestan Geography, Art, Culture, History, and Folklore" Held in Elbasan, Albania

The 5th International Conference and Exhibition on the topic “Balkan, Anatolia, Caucasus, and Turkestan Geography, Art, Culture, History, and Folklore” was held in Elbasan, Albania, from October 20 to 22, 2025. Over 100 scholars and researchers representing Azerbaijan, Turkey, Albania, Moldova, Italy, Uzbekistan, Iran, Iraq, Belarus, Romania, Hungary, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and other countries presented scientific papers.

At the event, the following scholars delivered presentations:

Fariz Khalili, PhD in History, presented on “Ancient Gabala – A Unique Archaeological City Nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List, Dr. Rakhshanda Bayramova, PhD in History and Director of the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in Guba, spoke on the “Guba Genocide (April-May 1918) Committed by Armenian Dashnaks Against Turks and Muslims in the Pursuit of the ‘Greater Armenia’ Fantasy.” PhD. Seadət Aliyeva, Director of the “Avey” State Historical and Cultural Reserve and PhD in History, gave a talk on “Archaeological Evolution and Cultural Continuity at the Damcili Cave Campsite.” Musa Mursaguliyev, Director of the “Keshikchidag” State Historical and Cultural Reserve, presented on “Archaeological Research of the Yovshanlıdere Mounds in the Keikchidagh Region.” Gunel Pirguliyeva, Director of the “Chiraggala-Shabran” State Historical and Cultural Reserve, discussed “Chıiraggala: Historical-Archaeological Research and Restoration-Conservation Analyses.”
At the end of the event, certificates were presented to the participants. The conference attendees also participated in an excursion to Elbasan Castle and the Elbasan Ethnography Museum.

"Ashiq Art"

Ashiq art is one of the main components of Azerbaijan’s ancient and rich oral culture. This art form is a unique blend of music, poetry, dance, and theater harmoniously intertwined. Ashiqs perform their poetry accompanied by the saz (a traditional string instrument), and they narrate epics and stories. They skillfully express the art of words, conveying the spirit and moral values of the people. Ashiqs also play a vital role in preserving the language and literature of the nation. The most common poetic forms found in Ashiq art are qoshma and gerayli. Ashiqs possess the ability to improvise, meaning they can express different themes and emotions in each performance. This art form encapsulates many works that reflect the daily life, history, and culture of the people.
Ashiq art also addresses social issues and events in public life through artistic expression. In 2009, Azerbaijani Ashiq creativity was included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. This decision ensures the international recognition and preservation of Ashiq art. As a part of the Azerbaijani people’s cultural identity, this art is being passed down to future generations. It is not only respected within the country but is also held in high regard worldwide.

On the Eve of November 8th – Victory Day, a Webinar Titled "Historical Realities of the 20th Century – The 1918 Genocides" Was Held with the Initiative of the Nardaran Historical and Cultural Reserve and the "Genocide Memorial Complex" in Guba.

The webinar was moderated by Mehriban Aliyeva, Deputy Director of the “Genocide Memorial Complex,” who provided a comprehensive overview of the 1918 genocides.

Aytən Aliyeva, the Chief Archivist of the Nardaran Historical and Cultural Reserve, spoke about the history and activities of the reserve, emphasizing that the genocides of that period left painful marks on the collective memory of the Azerbaijani people.

Next, Ulkar Zeynalova, a staff member of the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in Guba, delivered a presentation on the “1918 Shamakhi Genocide,” highlighting that among the criminal acts committed by Armenian nationalists in their attempt to create a “Greater Armenia” on Azerbaijani land, the Shamakhi massacre holds a special place due to its scale, the number of victims, and the extent of the material and spiritual damage it caused.

At the end of the webinar, a discussion took place around the questions posed by the participants.

A training session for Uzbek teachers was held as part of the collaboration between the Guba branch of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University and the "Genocide Memorial Complex" in Guba.

Under the initiative of the Guba branch of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University and organized by the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in Guba, the leaders and staff of the Pedagogical Skills Centers under the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan participated in a training session titled “The Role of Museums and Reserves in Educating the Young Generation” at the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in Guba.
After getting acquainted with the museum of the Genocide Memorial Complex, the participants visited a photo exhibition titled “Our Cultural Heritage: Yesterday and Today – The Monuments of Karabakh.
In her opening speech, Dr. Rakhshanda Bayramova, the Director of the “Genocide Memorial Complex,” welcomed the guests and reflected on the historical friendship between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Following that, Prof. Yusif Aliyev, the Director of the Guba branch of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, emphasized the significance of the training program. Murot Isogov, the Director of the Surkhandarya Regional Pedagogical Skills Center, expressed gratitude for the organized training program and discussed innovations in the field of education and opportunities for cooperation.
Subsequently, Mehriban Aliyeva, Deputy Director of the Guba Genocide Memorial Complex, along with the staff members Islam Aslanov and Emin Ulubeyov, gave presentations on the activities of reserves and museums and their role in public education.
At the end of the event, certificates were presented to the participants.

In 2025, within the framework of the "Constitution and Sovereignty Year," a large-scale tree planting campaign was held under the initiative of the Genocide Memorial Complex and with the support of the Guba Regional Forestry Center.

 

The campaign, organized under the slogan “One Tree – A Thousand Breaths,” took place on October 14 in the village of Khujbala at the stadium named after the martyr Hero Sanan Nəsimi oglu. The event was attended by the “Genocide Memorial Complex,” the Guba-Khachmaz Regional Department of Youth and Sports, the Guba Entrepreneurs Support Association (GESA), the Khujbala Executive Power, and the Khujbala Municipality. Over 300 trees were planted during the campaign. The family of the martyr Sanan Gahramanov also participated in the tree planting campaign.

As part of the 3rd Guba Symposium on "Reserves and Museums: A Bridge from the Past to the Future," the authors of the accepted scientific papers continue their presentations in the sectional meetings. The authors are discussing topics related to the activities of reserves and museums, the organization of work within these institutions, how reserves and museums are keeping up with modern times, the application of artificial intelligence in this field, and other related subjects.

The 3rd Guba Symposium titled "Reserves and Museums – A Bridge from the Past to the Future"

For several years now, symposia, conferences, forums, and exhibitions have been regularly held in Guba city at the “Genocide Memorial Complex” with the broad participation of the public. Today, the 3rd Guba Symposium titled “Reserves and Museums – A Bridge from the Past to the Future” has started its work at the complex.

The symposium is organized by the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in cooperation with the “Genocide Memorial Complex” in Guba. The event was attended by Saida Abasova, the Deputy Head of the Guba District Executive Authority, Sabuhi Bashirov, Head of the Department of Cultural Heritage Protection at the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, Sadagat Aliyeva, Vice Rector for Science and Creative Affairs, Honored Cultural Worker, and Associate Professor of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts, local administrators, leaders of cultural institutions operating in the country, museum staff, historical monument custodians, intellectuals, and young activists.

After an exhibition featuring works by Azerbaijani Artists’ Union members – Sahib Guliyev and Vugar Guliyev, the symposium officially began.

The Director of the complex, Dr. Rakhshanda Bayramova, greeting the participants, shared that the “Genocide Memorial Complex” has been operating in Guba since 2013. Over the course of 12 years, the complex has hosted more than 1 million visitors, including over 200,000 foreigners. Regular symposia, conferences, and forums have been organized at the complex. Dr. Bayramova noted that the symposium plays a crucial role in the development of reserve and museum work, the protection of monuments, guidance services, and increasing public interest in reserves and museums.

In her speech, Saida Abasova, Deputy Head of the Guba District Executive Authority, emphasized that the knowledge and experience gained through the symposium would contribute to enhancing the quality of reserve and museum work in the region and the country, and further successes in the preservation of historical and cultural heritage.

Sabuhi Beshirov, Head of the Department of Cultural Heritage Protection at the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, also addressed the audience, discussing various projects implemented by the Ministry related to the protection, restoration, and promotion of historical and cultural monuments, and the use of these monuments at both national and international levels.

Subsequent speakers highlighted the significance of the symposium and emphasized that museums and reserves play a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations.

After the official part, during the sectional meetings that continued throughout the day, scientific discussions were held on topics such as “The Historical and Contemporary Role of Reserves and Museums,” “Cultural Heritage Preservation and Digitization,” “Monument Restoration and Conservation,” “Museology and Education,” “Exhibit Presentation and Innovative Approaches in Reserves and Museums,” “Guidance and Visitor Experience Enhancement,” “Increasing Public Interest in Reserves and Museums and Reserve-Museum Marketing,” “Reserve and Museum Management and Strategic Leadership,” “Inclusivity and Accessibility in Reserves and Museums,” “Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies in Reserves and Museums,” “Opportunities for Global and Local Cooperation between Reserves and Museums,” “Promoting Reserves and Museums on Social Media,” “The Relationship Between Literature and Reserves/Museums: Interactive Presentation of Historical and Cultural Heritage,” and “Musical Presentations in Reserves and Museums.”

It is worth mentioning that around 80 scientific papers were presented within the framework of the symposium, with more than 100 participants attending, and a collection of materials from the symposium has been prepared.