Azerbaijan is scattered with centuries-old monuments that
represent the Islamic world’s legacy.
Known as the masterpieces of Eastern architecture, Yukhari
Govhar Agha Mosque and Ashaghi Govhar Agha Mosque, which stand as
symbols of Shusha’s religious heritage, have always been
fascinating with their ancient past.
With its rich cultural legacy, Azerbaijan joined the Islamic
World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO)
in 1991.
Since then, Azerbaijan has actively promoted the preservation of
its Islamic cultural heritage.
The country successfully collaborates closely with various
organisations, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation,
the Islamic Development Bank, the Islamic Conference of
Parliamentary Union, and the Islamic Conference of Youth Forum.
Moreover, Shusha city has been designated as the Cultural
Capital of the Islamic World for 2024.
Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage was highlighted at the 11th
meeting of the Islamic World Heritage Committee (IWHC), operating
under ICESCO, where ten examples of Azerbaijan’s intangible
cultural heritage were inscribed in the Islamic World Heritage
List.
On November 21, 2023, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev,
signed a decree on measures related to declaring the city of Shusha
the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2024.
In connection with Shusha being named the Cultural Capital of
the Islamic World for 2024, the city will host the Festival “Common
Table of Islamic Countries” and an international conference on
tourism development in the Islamic world.
Additionally, an ICESCO conference dedicated to the protection
of cultural heritage will be held, along with a round table and
exhibition focusing on the lost examples of intangible cultural
heritage in the Islamic world.
Moreover, an exhibition and camp of artists and photographers
from Islamic countries will be organized in Shusha within the
Action Plan, approved by Prime Minister Ali Asadov.
Azerbaijan’s membership in ICESCO has played a crucial role in
promoting cultural exchange and preserving the nation’s diverse
heritage.
The Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2024 will also
host many large-scale sports events.
Films that reflect the historical monuments of Shusha and its
role in the Islamic world will be demonstrated as well.
The official opening ceremony of the year 2024, the Cultural
Capital of the Islamic World, is scheduled for May.
The Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the
special mission of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in
the Shusha region and the Department of the State Reserve of the
city of Shusha were given the necessary instructions.
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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr
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