Delegates of the International Parliamentary Conference on "Parliamentarism: Traditions and Perspectives," visited Shusha, the cultural jewel of Karabakh and a symbol of Azerbaijan's history and heritage.
The delegation’s tour of Azerbaijan's cultural capital began at the central square of Shusha, where they observed the bullet-riddled statues of iconic Azerbaijani figures, including Bulbul, Khurshidbanu Natavan, and Uzeyir Hajibeyli. Aydın Karimov, the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Shusha, briefed the guests on the city’s history, the situation during the occupation, and the ongoing reconstruction efforts. He highlighted that during the nearly 30 years of occupation, Shusha’s historic buildings, mosques, and monuments were subjected to Armenian vandalism. After Shusha’s liberation, the Azerbaijani government initiated large-scale restoration and rebuilding projects.
In addition to rebuilding the city’s infrastructure, work has begun to restore Shusha’s historical identity, including its cultural and historical landmarks. The return of Shusha’s residents, who had lived as displaced persons for 32 years, has also been realized.
The delegates were also informed about the bullet-riddled statues of prominent Azerbaijani figures. During the occupation, Armenians attempted to transport the statues to Armenia in an effort to melt them down. Thanks to the initiative of national leader Heydar Aliyev, the statues were retrieved from Armenia and brought to Azerbaijan, where they were preserved in the yard of the Museum of Arts in Baku. After Shusha’s liberation, the statues were returned to their original locations.
The delegation also visited the residence of Khurshidbanu Natavan, the Khan’s Daughter Spring, the fortress walls, and Bulbul's House Museum.
The delegation was accompanied by the Vice Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Rafael Huseynov, committee chairs Ahliman Amiraslanov, Samad Seyidov, Polad Bulbuloglu, the Member of Parliament for Khankendi, Tural Ganjaliyev, and other officials.
The delegation later departed for Khankendi.
