Presentation of the first volume of the book “Western Azerbaijan heritage” was held in Gabala region

On July 22, 2025, the presentation of the first volume of the book “Western Azerbaijan Heritage: reports and materials on the consequences of the systematic destruction of the tangible and cultural heritage of Azerbaijanis in Armenia – cemeteries and international legal responsibility” took place. The event was jointly organized by the Western Azerbaijan Community and the Gabala Region Executive Power. Initially, the event participants paid tribute to the great leader Heydar Aliyev by visiting his monument, laying flowers, and honoring his cherished memory with deep respect and reverence. The National Anthem of Azerbaijan was played at the event which continued in the conference hall of  “Gabala Garden” Hotel, and the memory of great leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who rose to martyrdom for the liberation of our lands was commemorated with 1 minute of silence.  In his opening speech at the event, the Head of the Region Executive Power, Mr. Sabuhi Abdullayev, emphasized that, following the guidance of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, ongoing research is being carried out into the historical statehood traditions established by Azerbaijanis in the territory of Western Azerbaijan, their cultural heritage—both tangible and intangible, the historical injustices and crimes they endured, and the material and moral assets they lost. The member of the Republican Council of Elders, professor Hasan Bayramov, highlighted the significance of the publication of the first volume of the book “Western Azerbaijan Heritage”, which is based on modern scientific methodologies and recent in-depth research. He underlined that the undeniable facts presented in the book represent not only valuable historical and scientific material but also hold considerable legal weight. He also stressed the importance of studying the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the historical Azerbaijani territories, both for current and future generations, and noted the efforts being made within the framework of the “Concept of Return to Western Azerbaijan”. Other speakers discussed the phased displacement of Azerbaijanis from the territory of Western Azerbaijan and emphasized that the Armenian actions against our compatriots were not limited to a policy of ethnic cleansing. They also drew attention to acts of vandalism aimed at the complete destruction of material and cultural heritage belonging to Azerbaijanis, including cemeteries, mosques, sacred sites, and mausoleums. Additionally, compatriots who were forcibly displaced from their native lands and have since settled in our district shared their personal memories and experiences. At the end of the event, a video about the history and culture of Western Azerbaijan, as well as the historical injustice suffered by Western Azerbaijanis, was shown.