Int'l travellers complete Karabakh tour, witness restoration, reconstruction PHOTO / Updated

A group of travellers from eight countries has concluded a two-day tour of Karabakh and East Zangezur under the leadership of Kolja Šporin, head of the Extreme Traveller International Congress (ETIC), on October 23.

The visit began with stops in Aghdam, where participants toured the Juma Mosque and the ruins of the Bread Museum, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The group then met with officials at Karabakh University in Khankendi, who briefed them on the institution’s activities and international partnerships.

In Lachin, visitors explored the city centre, the Yurd Gallery, and the Gilabi Ceramics Centre. They were provided with insights into the city’s history, cultural heritage, artisanal traditions, and current infrastructure projects.

On October 23, the delegation continued to Shusha, visiting the city centre and monuments dedicated to Natavan, Bulbul, and Uzeyir Hajibeyli. The travellers were informed that during the occupation, attempts were made to remove and melt down these monuments, but they were returned to Azerbaijan under the initiative of the country’s late leader, Heydar Aliyev.

The group also visited the “Khan gizi” spring and learned about the restored water supply system and the life of poetess Khurshidbanu Natavan. Tours of Shusha’s fortress walls and the Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque included explanations of the historical significance of the fortifications, damage caused during the occupation, and subsequent restoration efforts.

In the Fuzuli district, travellers were briefed on the city’s post-occupation reconstruction. While Fuzuli was completely destroyed during the conflict, 824 families have already settled in a new residential complex. Plans are underway to build additional housing, a hospital, and an administrative centre.

Visitors were also informed about the ongoing mine clearance in liberated areas such as the village of Horadiz. The presence of landmines continues to hinder residents from returning, though clearance efforts are being carried out using modern equipment and mine-detecting dogs, with demonstrations provided for the delegation.

The two-day tour of Karabakh and East Zangezur concluded with a comprehensive overview of the region’s cultural restoration and reconstruction initiatives.

15:33

Doug Casey, an American member of the Extreme Travellers International Congress (ETIC) has praised the revival of Shusha while warning that delays by Armenia in providing maps of minefields are complicating the clearance of de-occupied territories in Azerbaijan.

Casey, who has visited more than 150 countries, told local media that the lack of timely maps creates serious challenges, as the positions of landmines can shift over time.

“Natural processes, rainfall, erosion and ground subsidence can alter the exact location of mines. As a result, the value and relevance of these maps diminish each year,” Casey said.

During his visit to Karabakh, Casey said he was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm of students at the university in Khankendi.

Reflecting on his extensive travels, he added, “This journey to Karabakh will be one of my last. I have travelled to 150 countries, and my adventures are nearing their end, so this is one of the final places I will visit.”

14:48

Jeff Shea, an American member of the Extreme Travellers International Congress (ETIC) currently visiting Azerbaijan, underscored the imperative of fully eliminating the country’s landmine threat.

“These lands have been defiled by mines, and this problem must be resolved,” Shea told local media, expressing confidence that Azerbaijan would successfully overcome the challenge.

He noted the visible progress since his last visit. “Since my previous trip, many beautiful buildings have been constructed, and numerous innovative projects have been realised. I’m very happy to be here,” he said.

A group of international travellers began a two-day road trip earlier this week, covering the route Aghdam–Khankendi–Lachin–Shusha–Fuzuli to explore the post-war reconstruction efforts and cultural revival in the liberated territories.

13:15

A delegation of international travellers representing eight countries has arrived in Azerbaijan’s city of Fuzuli.

The visitors were given the opportunity to witness firsthand the ongoing demining operations in the region, conducted by the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), Caliber.Az reports via local media.

During their visit, the group received detailed briefings on the persistent landmine threat in the area, as well as the tragic toll it has taken on the civilian population.

11:33

A group of international travellers from eight countries visited Yukhary Govhar Agha Mosque in Shusha.

The guests familiarised themselves with one of the city’s most significant historical landmarks, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

They were also briefed on the acts of vandalism carried out by Armenians during the years of occupation, as well as on the restoration work.

Visitors have expressed admiration for Azerbaijan’s efforts to restore Karabakh, particularly the city of Shusha.

Thus, Portuguese traveller Luík Pedras described the work as “fantastic” and said he was deeply impressed.

“What struck me most is how life is returning to the region. There can be no development without peace. We see both peace and progress here,” he added.

German traveller Björn Braunstein also commented on the remarkable changes in Karabakh. He noted that with each visit, he observes increasing signs of positive transformation.

“The most impressive aspect is the rapid development, especially in infrastructure. It was almost non-existent before. Although work is ongoing, the pace of construction and the determination of local residents is astonishing,” Braunstein said.

He concluded by saying he intends to return to Azerbaijan in the future. “I enjoy being here. Why not come back again?”

10:40

A group of international travellers from eight countries visited the central square in Shusha to learn about the city’s history and cultural landmarks.

The visitors were briefed on the city’s historical significance and key cultural sites, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

The group witnessed first-hand the damage inflicted on Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage during the occupation of Shusha, including acts of vandalism by Armenian forces.

They toured monuments dedicated to Natavan, Bulbul, and Uzeyir Hajibeyov, which were targeted during the city’s occupation.

Acts of vandalism in Karabakh are linked to Armenia’s deliberate destruction of Azerbaijan’s historical and cultural heritage in the occupied territories. Since the early 1990s, during the occupation of Karabakh and surrounding regions, numerous historical and religious monuments were damaged, and mosques and cemeteries were desecrated.

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described these actions as “cultural cleansing” and “urbicide”. According to the Ministry of Culture, over 700 historical monuments, 22 museums, 927 libraries, and 58 archaeological sites were destroyed or looted during the occupation.

Among the damaged sites were key religious and cultural landmarks such as the Upper and Lower Govhar Agha Mosques in Shusha, the Juma Mosque in Aghdam, and the Aghoghlan temple in Lachin.

These acts represent a targeted attempt to erase Azerbaijan’s historical and cultural heritage and are considered violations of international law. Azerbaijan has documented these crimes and presented them to international organisations to highlight the destruction of cultural heritage during the occupation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev