Lachin: The official opening ceremony of the CIS Cultural Capital 2025 was held in the city of Lachin.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, The event marked a significant cultural milestone, gathering approximately 100 official representatives and guests from six CIS member countries.

The ceremony commenced with an opening speech by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Culture, Adil Karimli. The minister elaborated on the city’s symbolic name, ‘Lachin,’ which means ‘falcon’ in Azerbaijani, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance. Karimli highlighted that Lachin, situated among high mountains, is a cultural gem of the region. He mentioned that the city has been a source of inspiration for various artists, including folk poets, painters, and musicians.

Karimli also pointed out the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage. He noted that Lachin is renowned for its ancient architectural and cultural monuments and its contribution to Azerbaijani carpet weaving, particularly the Gasimushsaghi carpets. The event’s logo incorporated traditional patterns unique to Lachin carpets. Furthermore, the minister spoke about the local cuisine, which he described as a preservation of centuries-old culinary traditions.

The opening ceremony featured speeches from several dignitaries, including Nurlan Seytimov, Deputy Secretary-General of the CIS; Polad Bulbuloghlu, Co-chairman of the Board of the CIS Interstate Humanitarian Cooperation Fund; Masim Mammadov, Special Representative of the President in Lachin; and Mikhail Shvydkoy, Special Representative of the Russian President for International Cultural Cooperation. Each speaker underscored the importance of the event and its role in promoting cultural ties within the CIS.

Concluding the ceremony, Mikhail Shvydkoy awarded the ‘Union Cultural Capital’ Certificate to Masim Mammadov, symbolizing Lachin’s new status as a cultural hub within the CIS.