In a solemn ceremony held under the patronage of H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, celebrations marking the conclusion of “Shusha Capital of Culture in the Islamic World 2024,” organized by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), brought to a close a year rich with remarkable activities carried out under ICESCO’s Program of Capitals of Culture in the Islamic World.

The closing ceremony, held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, commenced with a recorded speech by Dr. Salim Al-Malik, ICESCO Director-General. He expressed ICESCO’s pride in having chosen Shusha, “the jewel of Azerbaijani heritage,” as the 2024 Capital of Culture in the Islamic World, citing its rich cultural and intellectual heritage and significant role in preserving Azerbaijani identity. He highlighted the remarkable cultural renaissance currently unfolding in the city.

Addressing a large audience of senior Azerbaijani officials and members of the ICESCO delegation, Dr. AlMalik emphasized, “Shusha is a vibrant city,” attributing the cultural dynamism to a “wise vision” under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, “whose dedication to serving national identity, culture, and historical justice is unparalleled.” He praised the remarkable transformations Shusha has undergone during President Aliyev’s tenure, ushering the city into a golden era characterized by cultural flourishing, heritage restoration, and national pride.

Dr. AlMalik also conveyed deep appreciation to Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Lady and First Vice President of Azerbaijan, noting her “unwavering commitment to heritage, generous support for the arts, and affection for Shusha, which has enriched every initiative and brightened every moment.” He added that the city’s cultural revival “bears her marks on every stone, every melody, and every restored memory.”

Coinciding with the closing celebrations, the Islamic World Cultural Forum titled “Protection and Revival of Cultural Heritage in Post-Conflict” was held, featuring the participation of the ICESCO delegation alongside international experts, policymakers, and representatives from global and regional organizations. The forum focused on developing effective strategies to protect and restore cultural heritage in areas affected by conflict.

Prior to the ceremony, Mr. Aydin Karimov, the President’s Special Representative for the Shusha District, received the ICESCO delegation, commending the profound partnership between Azerbaijan and ICESCO. In response, the delegation reaffirmed ICESCO’s steadfast commitment to preserving the cultural identity of its Member States, particularly those impacted by war, displacement, and destruction.

The ICESCO delegation included Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku; Dr. Webber Ndoro, Director of ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage Center; Mr. Mohammed Al-Absi; and Dr. Mahamat Abba Ousman, experts at the Center.