Shamakhi: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva inspected the conservation works carried out at the Pir Omar Sultan shrine in Shamakhi. The historical site is located in the village of Avakhil, Shamakhi district, where archaeological excavations revealed the remains of a 14th-century tomb associated with Pir Omar Avakhili, founder of the Khalwatiyya order.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, during a visit to Shamakhi in 2020, President Aliyev and the First Lady had given instructions for the conservation works on the shrine. The remnants, constructed from river stone and rock, have been conserved with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation's support. Eight graves, including that of Pir Omar Avakhili, were discovered and restored. A protective wall and an octagonal metal canopy structure were built to safeguard the site, and a walking path was created for visitors, ensuring minimal impact on the natural environment and surrounding graves.

The conservation of the Pir Omar Sultan shrine is part of a broader initiative to preserve religious and historical monuments. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation plays a significant role in these efforts, reflecting its contribution to state-level preservation activities across Azerbaijan.

During the inspection, President Aliyev and the First Lady were briefed on restoration work at the Kalakhana Tombs Complex in Shamakhi. Eight of the nine 17th-century tombs have survived, while one has been severely damaged. With support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture, restoration efforts, involving international experts, have been undertaken for seven tombs within the complex.