In accordance with the Decree of Chairman of the Supreme Majlis of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic dated July 4, 2016 "On Restoration and Investigation of Garabaghlar Tomb Complex", Garabaghlar Tomb Complex, one of the rare examples of Turkic-Islamic culture in Garabaghlar village of Kangarli region, was restored on scientific and historical basis.
On July 5 Garabaghlar Tomb Complex was put into operation after restoration.
Chairman of the Supreme Majlis of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Vasif Talibov cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening.
The Chairman of the Supreme Majlis said: The development of the culture of each nation is related to the history of its statehood. The people have a rich culture that has a great history of statehood. Our national leader Heydar Aliyev had said: "There are great states in the world, but they cannot create great monuments. Because along with the architectural value of the monuments, perhaps even greater value for us is the fact that Azerbaijan is an ancient state. It shows not only the richness of architecture, but also how solid and firm our statehood is".
The Chairman of the Supreme Majlis said: Historical monuments in the autonomous republic - castles, palaces and tombs are directly connected to our statehood history. In Nakhchivan, the capital of the Atabegs state of Azerbaijan in the 12th century, it was contributed to the development of culture, especially the art of Ajami Nakhchivani, monuments of world significance have been created. Garabaghlar Tomb Complex, which we gather at its opening ceremony, is a continuation of the architectural school of Ajami Nakhchivan, an example of the outstanding architect, Ahmed Nakhchivani, and our state heritage and cultural wealth that we hand down the present and next generations. When monuments are restored and explored, they become the subject of history. Today, we have to study the monuments not only as our cultural heritage, but also as part of our statehood history. Ministry of Culture and Nakhchivan Branch of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences should further expand researches in Garabaghlar Tomb Complex, collect historical materials, introduce new scientific approaches, and enrich it with exhibits.
It was noted that the Knowledge Foundation under the Chairman of the Supreme Majlis of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic should finish the publication of the book "Garabaghlar Tomb Complex", measures should be carried out in the direction of the promotion of the tomb, educative work should be implemented. When history and modernity is combined, traditions are preserved, the art of architecture develops and enriches. State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and Union of Architects should preserve the ancient architectural traditions, they should unite the historicity and modernity in the construction of work. The Tourism Department of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic should ensure tourist routes to the Garabaghlar Tomb Complex, organize excursions of educational institutions to the monument, share information on websites and social networks.
The Chairman of the Supreme Majlis expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the restoration of the Garabaghlar Tomb Complex and congratulated the participants on the occasion of the monument's inauguration.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Culture of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Natavan Gadimova said that the Chairman of the Supreme Majlis of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, who gave instructions on restoration and study of historical monuments, offered wide opportunities for the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage. Over the past 22 years, about 70 historical and cultural monuments have been overhauled and repaired, and more than 1,200 world-wide, national and local monuments have been registered. The Decree of the Chairman of the Supreme Majlis of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic dated July 4, 2016 "On the Restoration and Investigation of Garabaghlar Tomb Complex" is another expression of his attention and care for the centuries-old historical and cultural heritage of our people.
Chairman of the Nakhchivan Branch of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, academician Ismayil Hajiyev said that attention and care for our history, culture, historical and cultural monuments are the priority in the reconstruction works carried out in the autonomous republic. Historical monuments exposed to great destruction and erosion by natural forces over time have been restored and returned to our people. One of them is Garabaghlar Tomb Complex. "Garabaghlar Tomb Complex" research group created under the relevant order of the Chairman of the Supreme Majlis of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic revealed new facts about the history of the tomb complex. The research group collected information about the history, inscriptions, architectural features, ethnography of the Garabaghlar Tomb Complex, the origin and etymology of the word "Garabaghlar", the tomb and its surrounding epigraphy, archaeological and historical-architectural monuments, ceramics, and new scientific results about the tomb complex and surrounding areas were obtained on the basis of them. Ismayil Hajiyev expressed his gratitude to the Chairman of the Supreme Majlis on behalf of the intellectuals and scientists of the autonomous republic for his careful attention and care for the comprehensive investigation and enrichment of our history, the restoration, study and promotion of the historical and cultural monuments in the area, and gave his word that they would enhanced their activity in the field of research, promotion and comprehensive study of Nakhchivan's history.
Arif Azizov, Specialist for Historical Monument Restoration of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic said: The measures taken to restore, investigate and protect historical monuments in the autonomous republic are of great importance. As a restorer, I have to tell that the restoration of the monuments in Nakhchivan has never been so important as today. I had been working in the Soviet era for the restoration of historical monuments. Clearly, then, the attitude towards our history and our monuments was not heartwarming. In the early years of independence, our monuments were about to collapse. Then, our great leader returned to the political power, our country has taken consistent measures in this area. Special attention is paid to the restoration of historical monuments in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic today. The history of Nakhchivan is not only written in books, but also studied, restored and researched. The work done by the Chairman of the Supreme Majlis in this area is a great example of patriotism, ownership and responsibility for the people's history. Garabaghlar Tomb Complex was restored on the basis of the instructions and recommendations of the Chairman of the Supreme Majlis. He has visited the monument several times during the restoration, and gave valuable guidance to the restorers. Without this care and guidance, we would not be able to cope with these difficult tasks. Arif Azizov thanked the Chairman of the Supreme Majlis on behalf of the restorers for his historic decisions on the restoration of our historical monuments.
Poet-publicist, chairman of Nakhchivan Press Council Rovshan Huseynov said: Every monument that preserves our history is our cultural heritage, spirituality and national identity. There are unique architectural monuments in ancient Nakhchivan that witness history. Today, Nakhchivan has reached a great stage of construction. Measures included historical and cultural monuments. The monuments created by our ancestors in this territory are restored and returned our people, the centuries-old historical-cultural heritage are handed down coming generations. Today's Nakhchivan is a bright land uniting history and modernity. The modern development of the autonomous republic, the restored history is an inspiring source for creative people-poets, writers, journalists, architects, artists. To describe and promote all these in our works, to preserve today's history is our main duty.
Then, Rovshan Huseynov read his poem "Garabaghlar tomb".
On the basis of the Decree of the Chairman of the Supreme Majlis of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic dated July 4, 2018, one person was awarded the badge "For Services to Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic" and 2 persons were awarded with the badge of "For Gallant Labor" for their efficient activity in the restoration of historical monuments in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The Chairman of the Supreme Majlis presented to the awarded "For Services to Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic" and "For Gallant Labor" badges and certificates, and presented gifts to the restorers of Garabaghlar Tomb Complex.
Then the Chairman of the Supreme Majlis and participants of the event viewed the Garabaghlar Tomb Complex. The basis of the complex is a tomb, one of the pearls of Nakhchivan architectural school. The architectural features of the tomb, the writing techniques of the inscriptions and other indications prove that this monument is the sample of Nakhchivan architectural school. The tomb belonging to tower shaped types of memorial construction of Azerbaijan consists of 12 halfcylindric projections. Garabaghlar tomb about 10 m diameter, reaching 16 m height at present-day condition, has 4 head-spans. On the top of four head-spans was written the last part of the 16th verses of the “Al-Mumin” surah of holy Koran. The historical appearance of the monument has been preserved.
Exhibits are demonstrated in the khanagah part of the complex. The ancient household items reflecting life style of our people, the material-cultural samples discovered during archeological excavations in the territory are exhibited here. Earthenware and copper things, stone dastars (hand mills) mortar and pestle reflecting the history, traditions, welfare of our people, including weaving samples create a full impression about the welfare culture of our people. The history of the tandirs (oven made of clay in a hole in the earth) in the building dates to the same time as the history of the complex, reflecting the main activity, traditions and lifestyle of our people for that period. The exposition shows the photographs of the Garabaghlar Tomb Complex before and after the restoration, including the paintings on the "Garabaghlar Tomb" painted on canvas, the books reflecting the history of Nakhchivan and information about the Garabaghlar Tomb Complex. The building has work rooms and a fund, 5 people have been provided with new job, the complex has been equipped with the necessary inventory and equipments. There is also a new road to the monument complex, lighting systems are installed in the area and greenery has been laid.
"Monuments are not only our cultural heritage, but also our statehood history. If every nation wants to build a secure future, it should first of all preserve its history and preserve its monuments. It is impossible to ensure its future without preserving the history of the people",- said the Chairman of the Supreme Majlis of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The Chairman of the Supreme Majlis gave instructions on preparing and enriching the website of the Garabaghlar Tomb Complex, adding the complex in museums network, conducting scientific researches on the monument, writing monographs and books.
At the end, the Chairman of the Supreme Majlis together with the event participants took a photograph.
Press Service of the Supreme Majlis of
Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic
The "Sharg gapisi" Newspaper
06.07.2018