Shusha proves power of unity and heritage, says ISESCO head in landmark address

Shusha has become a powerful example of what the world can achieve when history is respected, leadership is forward-thinking, and the Islamic world unites around shared values of culture, knowledge, and spirituality, ISESCO Director-General Salim bin Mohammed Al-Malik stated in a video address.

His remarks were delivered during the official closing ceremony of the “Shusha – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World” year, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The ceremony marked the conclusion of a year-long celebration that placed Shusha at the forefront of the Islamic world’s cultural calendar.

“Shusha has demonstrated what the world can achieve when history is honoured, leadership is visionary, and the Islamic world unites around culture, knowledge, and spiritual values,” Al-Malik emphasised.

Describing the city as a beacon of Islamic creativity and a living testament to resilience and renewal, the ISESCO chief said Shusha had reestablished itself as a hub of cultural dignity and excellence.

“From the very first day of being designated the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World, Shusha not only developed rapidly, but also reaffirmed itself as a centre of cultural excellence,” he noted.

He stressed that the city has not merely received a symbolic title, but has accepted it as a “torch to be passed on to future generations.”

“Dear Shusha, we are not closing this celebration — we are, together with you and your people, opening a new era of culture. We thank Azerbaijan,” Al-Malik concluded in his address.

The closing ceremony coincided with the inauguration of the first Cultural Forum of the Islamic World, held under the theme “Safeguarding and Revitalisation of Cultural Heritage in the Post-Conflict Period.” The event opened on April 17 in Shusha, drawing high-level attendees and cultural policy leaders.

The forum was attended by Emin Huseynov, the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavand districts, and Aydin Karimov, the Special Presidential Representative for the Shusha district. Also present were Deputy Ministers of Culture Farid Jafarov and Saadat Yusifova, along with numerous officials, cultural experts, and heritage preservation specialists.

The forum’s key objective is to strengthen international efforts aimed at preserving and restoring cultural heritage sites that have suffered damage during periods of conflict. The event also aims to deepen cooperation between countries of the Islamic world on cultural preservation and innovation.

As part of its agenda, the forum features two focused panel discussions: “International Protection Mechanisms in Practice: Case Studies on Post-Conflict Heritage of the Islamic World” and “Revitalisation of Cultural Heritage: Technological Innovation and Digitalisation in Heritage Preservation.”

These discussions aim to explore concrete strategies and tools that can be used to protect heritage in vulnerable areas and to promote digital approaches to restoration and conservation.

By Tamilla Hasanova