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
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.
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.
"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.
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
