A sustainably growing competitive economy, a dynamic, inclusive and socially just society; a competitive human capital and a space for modern innovations; a great return to the liberated territories; and a country of clean environment and “green growth” are five national priorities according to Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development (No.2469 of February 2, 2021).
The I State Program on the Great Return to the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan (No. 3587 of November 16, 2022) aims to facilitate the rapid reconstruction and revitalisation of the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions, as well as the sustainable settlement of the population and promote economic development. The State Program’s important activities include revitalising cultural life, restoring cultural infrastructure and heritage sites, including restoration, conservation, reconstruction, and regeneration works at historical and cultural monuments; construction and restoration of entirely or partially destroyed museums; implementation of measures related to the creation of the Occupation and Victory Museum complexes; taking measures to re-establish cultural institutions, facilities, and artistic collectives to organise cultural services; holding cultural events and projects, including festivals and poetry days; et cetera.
As a result of the monitoring and inventory work carried out during 2023-2024, 354 monuments were inventoried, and 402 objects of historical, architectural, and archaeological significance were identified. One hundred sixty-nine monuments were identified as needing restoration and conservation work at the initial stage, and the amount of material damage to 434 monuments in the liberated territories was calculated. During the inventory work, field research was conducted, electronic maps of the monuments were prepared, high-quality photography and drone filming was undertaken, archival documents were examined, and other relevant sources were reviewed. The inventory of historical monuments in the liberated territories has already been completed, and their restoration has begun.
The Uzeyir Hajibeyli House Museum in Shusha, the Shusha branch of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, the Bulbul House Museum in Shusha, and the Aghdam İmarat Complex have been restored. Work continues on two projects: the restoration of the State Drama Theatre building in Khankendi and the restoration of the Askeran Fortress Complex in the Khojaly region.
The creation, design, and content preparation of the Occupation and Victory Museum complexes in the cities of Aghdam, Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Zangilan, Kalbajar, Gubadli, Lachin, Shusha, and Khankendi are ongoing.
On March 12, 2024, the opening ceremony of the Kurmangazy Children’s Creativity Centre, constructed in the city of Fuzuli at the initiative and under the financing of the Republic of Kazakhstan, took place. The centre offers courses and clubs in art and sculpture, carpet weaving, choreography, vocals, music, web design, photography and videography, robotics, 3D modelling, cooking, chess, and more.
On November 5, 2024, the opening ceremony of the Aghdam Mugham Centre took place. The Centre have classrooms, concert halls, performance halls, an open-air amphitheatre, and other necessary infrastructure.
The “Khari Bulbul” International Music Festival (May 9-11, 2023 and May 11-13, 2024) and Vagif Poetry Days (July 14-15, 2023 and July 17-19, 2014) were jointly organised in Shusha City by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture and the Shusha City State Reserve Department.
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