On August 1, the Turkish city of Ankara hosted a presentation ceremony of the book "Shusha - crown of Karabakh, art temple of the Caucasus, cultural capital of the Turkic world."

Published in Turkish with support of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY), the book by Elchin Ahmadov, Professor of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Azerbaijan, Doctor of Political Sciences, Head of Karabakh Heritage Research Center, examines the historical and cultural significance of Shusha.

Addressing the event, organized at the General Secretariat of TURKSOY, the organization's Secretary General Sultan Raev recalled that on March 31, 2022, during the meeting of the Permanent Council of Ministers of Culture of the organization's member countries held in the Turkish city of Bursa, a decision was made to designate Shusha as the "Cultural Capital of the Turkic World" for 2023.

İn his remarks, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Türkiye Rashad Mammadov emphasized that on November 8, 2020, the Azerbaijani Army, led by Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, liberated the historically, culturally, and strategically important city of Shusha, the crown of Karabakh, from invaders.

Elshad Iskandarov, Chief Advisor to the Special Representation Office of the Azerbaijani President in Shusha, highlighted the ongoing reconstruction and restoration efforts in the liberated territories.

The book examines the factors that led to the creation of the Karabakh Khanate, emphasizing the ancient historical, cultural, and strategic importance of Shusha, the crown of Karabakh. It also covers all the historical stages, from the founding of Shusha to the present day. The publication also provides and extensive information about prominent Azerbaijani scientists, culture, art, and public figures hailing from Shusha who have made invaluable contributions to the socio-political and cultural life of Azerbaijan.

The publication provides extensive research, based on historical facts, the multifaceted activities of the outstanding personality, prominent statesman, and National Leader Heydar Aliyev in raising the national spirit in Karabakh in 1969-1982, particularly highlighting his care for Shusha as a rich historical monument.

The book also highlights the efforts to restore the historical image, traditions and ancient cultural monuments of Shusha following its liberation by the Azerbaijani Army under the leadership of President of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, on November 8, 2020, providing photos as well.

The event also featured the opening of a painting exhibition "Shusha-2023 TURKSOY Artists' Meeting" and a photo exhibition "Shusha-2023 Capital of the Turkic World."

Ramin Abdullayev

Special correspondent