Azernews.Az

A delegation of religious leaders from Türkiye and Georgia is visiting Azerbaijan as part of an initiative to deepen spiritual, cultural, and fraternal ties with Azerbaijani communities abroad, Azernews reports.

Organized by the State Committee on Religious Associations of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Foundation for the Promotion of Moral Values, the visit included a significant stop in the city of Shusha on May 31.

The delegation was welcomed by representatives of the Shusha State Historical and Architectural Reserve Administration, who briefed the guests on the city's rich history and the large-scale reconstruction efforts underway following its liberation.

During the visit, it was emphasized that Shusha's historical buildings, mosques, and monuments had suffered extensive damage during nearly 30 years of Armenian occupation. Since liberation, Azerbaijan has launched comprehensive restoration projects to revive the city's historical and cultural heritage, alongside the rebuilding of its infrastructure.

The religious leaders toured several symbolic landmarks, including the city square where the bullet-riddled statues of Natavan, Bulbul, and Uzeyir Hajibeyli are displayed. They also visited Khurshidbanu Natavan’s residence, the Khan Gizi spring, the ancient fortress walls, and the Mehmandarov estate complex.

At the Upper Govhar Agha Mosque, the guests were informed that historic Shusha once consisted of 17 neighborhoods, each with its own mosque, bathhouse, and water spring. Many of these architectural and religious monuments were damaged during the occupation. However, major restoration work has been completed on the Upper and Lower Govhar Agha mosques, Saatli, Mamayi, and Chol Gala mosques.

The delegation also visited the museum-mausoleum complex of the renowned poet Molla Panah Vagif and enjoyed the breathtaking views from the Cıdır Plain, one of Shusha’s most iconic natural landmarks.