Baku conference explores history, heritage of Caucasian Albania PHOTO

An event titled “The heritage of Caucasian Albania in Azerbaijan's statehood history” was held in Baku, with historians and officials discussing the historical and religious heritage of Caucasian Albania.

Ramil Aghayev, head of a department at the Institute of History and Ethnology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences and Doctor of Historical Sciences, said attempts to attribute Albanian material and cultural heritage to Armenians were closely linked to Armenia’s past territorial claims against Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

Aghayev said Caucasian Albania was one of the oldest states established in the lands of Azerbaijan.

“The spread of Christianity in Caucasian Albania dates back to periods preceding the history of the Armenian Church. The issue of the independence of the catholicosate and church institutions operating in Albania during that period has also been studied based on historical sources. Unfortunately, there are currently attempts in some cases to attribute this heritage to other peoples," he said. 

Rizvan Huseynov, director of the Caucasus History Centre, said Albanian heritage had been destroyed during different periods. He stressed the importance of studying the region’s historical and religious heritage to better understand its past.

Farhad Mammadov, deputy chairman of the board of the Centre of Analysis of International Relations and Multiculturalism, said research had been conducted in the territories since the liberation of Azerbaijani lands and was continuing.

“Armenians are trying to use religious heritage as a weapon. The decisions recently adopted by the Armenian Church show that this is the greatest form of revanchism in Armenian society. The history of Caucasian Albania's heritage should be studied in greater depth. We will see its impact either at the scientific or political level," he added. 

MP Zaur Shukurov called for continued study of the subject, particularly among younger generations.

“Artificial intelligence has developed today, and as a result, there is also inaccurate information. Young people should be educated in this area. It is necessary for young people to be informed in the fight against disinformation. Caucasian Albania should be discussed at universities, and the topic should be covered on various platforms," Shukurov noted. 

The event continued with discussions involving political scientists and historians.

By Sabina Mammadli