Azerbaijan hosts first Islamic World Cultural Forum on heritage preservation
Forum highlights post-conflict restoration, innovation, and collaboration in safeguarding cultural identity
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan (MNTV) – The historic city of Shusha in Azerbaijan welcomed delegates from across the Islamic world on Thursday for the inaugural Cultural Forum of the Islamic World, held under the theme “Safeguarding and Revitalization of Cultural Heritage in the Post-Conflict Period.”
The event was organized by Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Special Representative Office of the President of Azerbaijan in Shusha district, reported Azertag News.
Held as part of the “Shusha – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2024” initiative, the forum brought together senior officials, cultural experts, and media representatives to discuss the impact of conflict on cultural heritage and the pathways to preservation and renewal.
In her opening remarks, deputy minister of Culture Saadat Yusifova emphasized the lasting scars of war on cultural sites and identity.
“The destruction, looting, and desecration of cultural sites not only rob us of our past but also undermine the very foundation of our collective memory,” she said.
Emin Huseynov, the special representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the districts of Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavand, provided an overview of the country’s post-conflict recovery efforts.
He noted that many cultural heritage sites had suffered severe vandalism and shared updates on the ongoing restoration and demining operations in liberated territories, under the guidance of the national leadership.
Abdulhakeem Fahad Alsenan, director of ICESCO’s Regional Office, stressed the importance of cross-border cooperation in promoting peace through culture.
“The forum in Shusha offers an excellent platform to launch new initiatives that celebrate Islamic heritage and foster creativity, peace, and development,” he said.
Webber Ndoro, Director of the Islamic World Heritage Center, advocated for community engagement in heritage preservation, underscoring that “local communities must be involved, as they best understand their own cultural needs.”
The forum proceeded with two panel sessions. The first, “International Protection Mechanisms in Practice,” featured case studies of heritage recovery in post-conflict contexts and examined relevant legal and institutional frameworks.
The second, “Revitalization of Cultural Heritage,” focused on technological innovations including the use of artificial intelligence and 3D modeling in cultural preservation.
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