AzUAC Hosted International Online Conference on the Preservation and Utilization Issues of Architectural Heritage in Liberated Territories

An online international scientific-practical conference on "Preservation and Use of Architectural Heritage in Liberated Territories" was organized by the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction (AzUAC) on December 15.

This conference coincides with the historic days of our country and our people, marking the Great Victory. It is dedicated to the preservation and use of architectural heritage in the territories liberated from occupation by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief and the Victorious Azerbaijani Army.

Representatives and scholars from various universities around the world, including the Union of Architects, the Institute of Architecture and Art of ANAS, scientific centers, and other organizations, participated in the conference.

Speaking at the conference conducted via the Zoom platform, the rector of the university, Honored Architect, Professor Gulchohra Mammadova, emphasized the relevance of the topic. The rector noted that over 30 years, the occupying Armenia has taken many steps towards erasing Azerbaijan's cultural and historical monuments from the face of the earth. Islamic monuments in the liberated territories have been completely destroyed, while Christian monuments have been Armenianized. The rector emphasized that Azerbaijani architects and scholars have always presented the Armenian vandalism against our monuments with accurate facts at international conferences, trying to draw the attention of the international community to this issue. Despite the relevant resolutions and decisions by international organizations, serious measures have not been taken against the occupier, who has not abandoned its ugly intentions.

"We witness the terrifying scenes of destruction in the territories liberated by our army today. Significant work needs to be done for the rehabilitation of these areas. The destroyed city centers, villages, and historical monuments in those areas should be restored to their former state. Professionals in this field will be needed," said G. Mammadova.

Elbay Gasimzade, the chairman of the board of the Union of Architects, stated that thousands of cultural, historical, and religious monuments in Azerbaijan's occupied territories have been victims of Armenian aggression, with some of these monuments completely wiped off the ground. He emphasized that the return of Azerbaijan's cultural and historical monuments to their original state today is one of the main issues on our country's agenda.

During the plenary session of the conference, G. Mammadova made a presentation on "Preservation and Restoration of Architectural Heritage in Liberated Territories." She spoke about the architectural history of Karabakh, Christian architectural monuments belonging to Caucasian Albania, and the current state of Islamic monuments.

Presentations on "Management of Information for Preservation Projects: From Structures to Reuse" by Nora Lombardini, Associate Professor of Restoration Works at the Polytechnic University of Milan, and "Preservation of Cultural Heritage. Karabakh Monuments" by Rahiba Aliyeva, Director of the Department of Preservation and Restoration Problems of Architectural Monuments at the Institute of Architecture and Art of ANAS were heard after the plenary presentations.

After the plenary presentations, the conference continued its work in sessions.