Baku: A jubilee event marking the 25th anniversary of the inscription of Icherisheher, along with the Maiden Tower and the Shirvanshahs’ Palace Complex, on UNESCO’s World Heritage List was held in Baku. The event highlighted the significance of Icherisheher in preserving and promoting Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Rahib Azeri, the host of the event, emphasized Icherisheher as a prime example of Azerbaijan’s efforts in cultural heritage conservation. Rufat Mahmud, Chairman of the Board of the ‘Icherisheher’ State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration, noted the importance of December 2, marking the anniversary of this heritage site’s recognition by UNESCO.

Rufat Mahmud credited National Leader Heydar Aliyev for securing Icherisheher’s place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. He noted that the preservation and development of Icherisheher continue under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and with the support of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva.

Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Culture, Saadat Yusifova, highlighted Azerbaijan’s active role within UNESCO under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership. She mentioned the growing number of Azerbaijan’s nominated sites on UNESCO’s lists, with 24 heritage examples registered, including both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

Other speakers included Sabina Hajiyeva, Head of the State Service for the Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage; Simone Giometti, Secretary General of the Romualdo Del Bianco Foundation; and Mustafa Shabanov, Second Secretary of the Azerbaijan National Commission for UNESCO.

The event featured a concert program and concluded with a congratulatory video for the 25th anniversary. Icherisheher, located in the heart of Baku, is known for its rich cultural and architectural heritage, with a history dating back to the Bronze Age. It stands as a testament to the development of urban planning over the centuries, with significant landmarks like the Maiden’s Tower and the Shirvanshahs Palace Complex.