UNESCO envoy: Resumption of negotiations between Baku, Yerevan raises hope

Active cultural life should be returned to Karabakh, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO for Cultural Diplomacy Hedva Ser said.

She made the remarks at the international event “Reconstruction, Reconciliation and Integration: Energy, Economy, Environment and Equity” in Azerbaijan’s Shusha, told Report.

"We believe that the Karabakh region will continue to develop. Cultural life should be returned to Karabakh since as we know, Shusha was the cultural capital and hometown of many outstanding poets, singers, and musicians," she noted.

According to her, resumed peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia raise hope: "Azerbaijan has been talking about peace for a long time. Now Armenia understands how important this is for them and the region as a whole. These negotiations should be encouraged for the prosperity of the entire Caucasus region."

Notably, Azerbaijan and UNESCO have cooperated since 1992, with Azerbaijan becoming one of the donors of UNESCO in 2003.

Many Azerbaijani cultural sites have been included in UNESCO's World Heritage List, including Icharishahar (Old City) with Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah's Palace, Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve, etc.

Moreover, the Pomegranate Festival and Art of Miniature were inscribed in UNESCO Representative List in December 2020.

Shusha, which was occupied by the Armenian forces on May 8, 1992, was liberated from Armenia's occupation on November 8, 2020. The city, which played a crucial role in Karabakh's liberation, is located on the road to Khankandi, the region's largest city.

Following the liberation of Shusha, the Azerbaijani government prioritized restoration work, including the restoration and preservation of the city's historical and cultural heritage.

The Shusha General Plan was completed quickly, the bust of the great poet Molla Panah Vagif and the museum-mausoleum complex were restored to their original state, the house-museum of vocalist Bulbul and the statue of composer Uzeyir Hajibayli were opened, historical, religious, and architectural monuments, music festivals, and the organization of the Vagif Poetry Days in front of the magnificent mausoleum were also restored.