Azerbaijani clerics from Türkiye and Georgia visit Shusha to bolster spiritual unity PHOTO/UPDATED

A delegation of Azerbaijani religious leaders from Türkiye and Georgia is touring several significant cultural and historical landmarks in Shusha. 

Officials from the State Reserve Administration briefed the visitors on Shusha’s historical background and the ongoing restoration efforts, Caliber.Az reports.

They highlighted that nearly three decades of occupation had led to widespread damage to the city’s architectural heritage — including mosques, monuments, and historic buildings — as a result of Armenian vandalism. Since Shusha’s liberation, comprehensive restoration efforts have been underway to rebuild its infrastructure and revive its cultural and religious landmarks.

The guests visited the central square, where the bullet-riddled statues of Khurshidbanu Natavan, Bulbul, and Uzeyir Hajibeyli are located, along with other symbolic sites such as Natavan's house, the Khangizi spring, the fortress walls, and the Mehmandarov estate.

At the Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque, the clerics were informed that historic Shusha had 17 neighbourhoods, each with its own bathhouse, mosque, and spring. These architectural sites suffered damage during the occupation. However, since liberation, the Yukhari Govhar Agha, Ashaghi Govhar Agha, Saatli, Mamayi, and Chol Gala mosques have been restored.

Concluding their visit, the delegation toured the museum and mausoleum complex of Molla Panah Vagif and admired the breathtaking view from the Jidir Duzu plateau.

The trip is scheduled to continue through June 2.

10:02

A delegation of Azerbaijani religious leaders from Türkiye and Georgia has arrived in the city of Shusha as part of a visit organised by Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Work with Religious Organisations and the Foundation for the Promotion of Spiritual Values, which operates under the committee’s oversight.

The visit, which began on May 31, brings together over 30 Azerbaijani clerics based abroad, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

It is aimed at deepening spiritual and religious unity, fostering a stronger sense of solidarity with Azerbaijani communities living outside the country.

During their stay in Shusha, the delegation will tour several significant cultural and historical landmarks. Their itinerary includes visits to key mosques in the city, such as Yukhari Govhar Agha, Ashaghi Govhar Agha, and Saatli mosques, as well as the iconic Jidir Duzu plain — all central to Shusha’s rich religious and cultural heritage.

The trip is scheduled to continue through June 2.

By Tamilla Hasanova