Azerbaijan plans stricter safeguards for Shusha’s historic monuments

Plans are underway in Shusha to prohibit the relocation of historical and cultural monuments without prior approval from the relevant authorized body.

The proposed amendments are to be introduced to the law “On the City of Shusha — Cultural Capital of Azerbaijan,” Caliber.Az reports per local media.

The draft legislation was discussed at today’s meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Culture.

The document has been prepared as part of efforts to bring national legislation into line with recent amendments made to the Criminal Code, the Code of Administrative Offences, as well as the laws “On the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments” and “On Culture.”

Under the proposed changes, the destruction or damage of monuments would be strictly prohibited, as would their relocation without approval from the authority designated by the relevant executive body.

The draft also bans construction, restoration, reconstruction, conservation work, or landscaping activities that could compromise the integrity of monuments or pose a threat to their preservation.

By Vafa Guliyeva