The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) hosted the launch ceremony of the Arabic version of the book “Shusha: Sacred City”, in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, today, Wednesday (November 20, 2024). The translation was published by IRS Heritage Journal with the support of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and the “Al Basha Holding Company, as part of the activities of Shusha capital of culture in the Islamic world celebrated this year within the framework of ICESCO program for capitals of culture in the Islamic world.

In his speech during the ceremony, Dr. Salim AlMalik, ICESCO Director General, stated that the book tells the history of the ancient city of Shusha since its founding by Panah Ali Khan. It is designed to value the historical heritage of the city and provide an opportunity for readers in the Arab world to learn about history, traditions, culture and the art of the city.

He expressed ICESCO’s pride in the patronage of His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for the activities and programs of the Organization at the national level, especially the celebration of Shusha capital of culture, praising the efforts and successes achieved by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, presided by Azerbaijani First Lady, First Vice-President, ICESCO’s Goodwill Ambassador, Ms. Mehriban Aliyeva, in restoring and modernizing the city.

For his part, Mr. Adil Gabil Oglu Karimli, Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Azerbaijan National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, highlighted the cultural and artistic wealth that has characterized the city over centuries, pointing out that the Ministry is working to implement several programs to preserve the spirit of the city.

Mr. Aydin Karimov, the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district, confirmed that the city continues to develop through a combination of heritage and modernity, to become a place where the visitor can notice the efforts made to preserve the city’s rich heritage along with its transformation into a vibrant cultural capital.

In his turn, Mr. Soltan Mammadov, Head of the Department of International Relations at the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, said that the book highlights the cultural values of the Azerbaijani people and that it is an example of the fruitful cooperation between the institutions concerned with heritage.

The ceremony concluded with an intervention by Mr. Musa Marjanli, editor-in-chief of the “IRS Heritage Journal”, in which he confirmed that Shusha mirrors the Islamic identity of Azerbaijan, which is clearly seen in the historical monuments that are scattered in the ancient city.