Presidents of Azerbaijan, UAE witness cultural, architectural revival in Shusha PHOTO

On September 16, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan experienced a series of symbolic and culturally significant events during their visit to the historic city of Shusha, underscoring the deepening ties between the two nations.

The leaders began their visit with a spectacular Karabakh horses show at the Jidir Duzu plain, a site of immense cultural and historical importance to Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Following the equestrian showcase, Presidents Aliyev and Sheikh Mohamed inspected the ongoing construction of the New Shusha Mosque, a project that reflects both spiritual renewal and architectural innovation. Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, briefed the presidents on the progress of the construction.

The mosque’s foundation was laid by President Ilham Aliyev in 2021, and the structure is set to become a modern landmark in Shusha. Under President Aliyev’s instructions, symbolic elements have been integrated into the design: the number 8 is featured to represent Victory Day—the day Shusha was liberated from occupation—while the mosque’s twin minarets, shaped to resemble the number 11, commemorate the liberation of Shusha and Karabakh in the eleventh month of the year. Located in the upper part of the city, the mosque’s façade will be adorned with geometric motifs inspired by the minarets of Shusha’s historic mosque, bridging past and present.

The presidents then posed for official photographs in front of the Shusha Fortress, one of the city’s most iconic and enduring symbols. 

By Vafa Guliyeva