Azerbaijan launches restoration of historic Momine Khatun Mausoleum in Nakhchivan

On June 16, 2025, a contract was officially signed for the restoration and conservation of the Momine Khatun Mausoleum at the State Art Gallery of Nakhchivan, following an initiative by the Ministry of Culture of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (NAR). A press briefing was also held to inform the public about the planned works.

Hasan Seyidov, Deputy Minister and Acting Minister of Culture of NAR, gave an overview of the completed preparations and outlined the tasks ahead regarding the mausoleum’s restoration and preservation, Caliber.Az reports, referencing domestic media.

He explained that a preliminary inspection had been carried out to comprehensively assess the mausoleum’s current condition and to take necessary measurements. The findings from this assessment have been submitted to the ministry.

Speaking on behalf of cultural workers, Seymasoleumidov expressed appreciation to President Ilham Aliyev for his ongoing attention to and support of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage.

Detailed information was also shared during the event about the present state of the monument and the scope of the restoration work.

Additional remarks were delivered by Ismayil Hajiyev, Chairman of the Nakhchivan branch of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS); Elbrus Isayev, Rector of Nakhchivan State University; and Haji Fakhraddin Safarli, a corresponding member of ANAS and professor at Nakhchivan State University. Each emphasised the Momine Khatun Mausoleum’s historical importance, the critical need for its preservation, and offered their perspectives on the forthcoming conservation efforts.

The ceremony concluded with the signing of a contract between the Ministry of Culture of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and the Austrian company Atelier Erich Pummer GmbH, which will be responsible for executing the restoration and conservation work.

It is worth noting that on May 22, President Ilham Aliyev issued a decree titled "On Measures for the Restoration and Conservation of the World Cultural Heritage Site – the Momine Khatun Mausoleum in the City of Nakhchivan."