Azerbaijan honors deported heritage with powerful new book and conference in Baku

In the heart of Baku, a remarkable scientific-practical conference is underway, titled "In the Footsteps of Deported Heritage," shedding light on the enduring legacy of Western Azerbaijan.

Organized by the Social Research Center and the Community of West Azerbaijan, the event delves deep into the rich cultural heritage of a region marked by the tragedy of forced displacement, Caliber.Az reports citing local media.

The conference features a highly anticipated presentation of "Return: Our Material and Spiritual Heritage in Western Azerbaijan" (Volume III), a monumental work that showcases the resilience and depth of Azerbaijan's historical identity.

Among the attendees are members of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis (Parliament), distinguished scientists, NGO representatives, and notable public figures, all gathered to honour the enduring spirit of the Western Azerbaijanis.

This third volume of the book, a project initiated by the Center for Social Research and the Community of Western Azerbaijan, offers a profound exploration of 144 key historical and cultural monuments that once stood in the heart of Western Azerbaijan (modern-day Armenia). The book systematically documents their state, classification, and the fates they endured — especially in the aftermath of the mass deportation of Azerbaijanis between 1987 and 1991.

It is a powerful reminder of the region's cultural richness and the resilience of its people, captured in a publication that preserves the memory of their lost heritage while calling for its rightful return.

By Tamilla Hasanova