Heads of State Bodies Responsible for Religious Affairs of OTS Tour Shusha

Shusha: Participants of the 1st Meeting of the Heads of State Bodies Responsible for Religious Affairs of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) toured Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan. The participants first viewed the bullet-riddled busts of Azerbaijan's prominent figures Khurshidbanu Natavan, Bulbul, and Uzeyir Hajibeyli.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the guests were briefed on the city's history, the period of occupation, and the ongoing reconstruction being carried out under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva. It was noted that during nearly 30 years of occupation, Shusha's historical buildings, mosques, and monuments were subjected to Armenian vandalism. Following the city's liberation, the Azerbaijani state launched large-scale restoration and reconstruction projects. Alongside the development of modern infrastructure, Shusha is undergoing a meticulous restoration process aimed at preserving its original historical appearance and rich cultural heritage.

The participants visited the "Heydar Aliyev and Garabagh" exhibition, the house of Khurshidbanu Natavan, the Khan Gizi (Khan's Daughter) Spring, the Shusha Fortress walls, and the Ashagi Govhar Agha and Yukhari Govhar Agha mosques. They also enjoyed the breathtaking view from the Jidir Duzu plain.