The plenary session of the international conference "Nakhchivan: Capital of Islamic Culture" was held at “Nakhchivan” University on September 7. The event continued with sectional meetings. On September 8, the conference ended its work with the final meeting at Nakhchivan Branch of ANAS. The information related to the activity of the conference sessions held in accordance with the Action Plan of the Knowledge Foundation under the Chairman of the Supreme Majlis of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic was in the spotlight, as well as the importance of the conference. Then the account of department chiefs was heard.
The conference participants got closely acquainted with the monuments of Turkic-Islamic culture in the territory of the autonomous republic. At first, the guests visited "Khan Palace" State Historical-Architectural Museum, Momuna Khatin and the Museum in the Open Air Complex. They were informed that Khan Palace was built by Kalbali Khan Kangarli, the father of Ehsan Khan in the 1760s. Built in the style of eastern architecture, this palace is made up of three floors and is now a museum. After acquaintance with the mausoleum of Momuna khatin, the guests watched the stone monuments which are exhibited in the open air in Ajami space. They received detailed information about 450 material and cultural examples of various periods found in the autonomous republic.
Then participants of the conference took part in the festival "National clothes" held at the Historical-Architectural Museum Complex "Nakhchivangala". Guests watched the fashion-show in interest which palace clothes of khanate era were demonstrated.
The conference participants who visited Garabaghlar Tomb Complex were informed that the complex of rare examples of Turkish-Islamic culture in Garabaghlar village of Kangarli region was restored on scientific and historical basis in accordance with the Order of the Chairman of the Supreme Majlis of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic dated July 4, 2016 “On the restoration and investigation of Garabaghlar Tomb Complex”. The historical monument consists of double minarets and a head arch joining them, a khanagah and a tomb. The buildings in the complex underwent destruction over time. The architectural features of the tomb prove that it is an example of Nakhchivan architectural school. During the restoration, the historical appearance of the monument was preserved. The architectural features of the tomb prove that it is an example of Nakhchivan architectural school. During the restoration, the historical appearance of the monument was preserved.
Participants of the international conference also got acquainted with exhibits exhibited in the khanagah of the complex. The ancient household items reflecting our people's lifestyle and the material and cultural samples found during archeological excavations in the area are exhibited here. Then the guests came to Nehram village mosque of Babak district. They were given detailed information about the 830 square meter mosque building commissioned in November 2016. The participants of the conference, who gave interviews to the "Sharg gapisi" newspaper, emphasized that the familiarization with the Turkish-Islamic cultural monuments of Nakhchivan made good impressions on them.
Oktay Belli-the teacher of Istanbul University, professor: - My acquaintance with the ancient land dates back to 1998. From that time, we have been doing researches with my colleagues here. In order to declare our researches to the world, to introduce the ancient land, we have already written two valuable books in Turkish and English. I want to note that it is not accidental that the city of Nakhchivan has been chosen as the Capital of Islamic Culture. Each monument in this area speaks about a certain stage of history. The material-cultural samples that are exhibited in the Open Air Museum are not merely a piece of stone; they are the mirror of Turkish history, the seal of our national identity. Tombstones, rams, sheep sculptures, old-time labor instruments are the live eyewitnesses of this oguz land. The preservation and demonstration of these monuments is also a great attention and care for the history of the Turkic world. Generally, every time when we visit Nakhchivan we see the care to the historical heritage and the modern patterns of the ancient land which has the glorious past. It makes us happy and inspires to live, to create.
Holding international events and festivals in Nakhchivan tells us great development and progress here. Participation in the "National clothes" festival was a great pleasure for me as each participant of the conference. This festival demonstrated that the people, the nation, were bound to their historical genealogy. These important events form a solid bridge between history and today, creating a sense of patriotism in the younger generation. It is very good that young people are sensitive to this issue.
Finally, I would like to note that the preservation of historical past, national-moral values, traditions in Nakhchivan, the modern conditions is a product of a successful policy. When compared today's Nakhchivan with the one 20 years ago, I cannot really hide my amazement. It is possible to say that Nakhchivan created by the leader who loved his people, thought of his nation, land and the people's welfare, will further develop over years.
Bahram Ajarli- the teacher of Tabriz Art University, PhD on philosophy: - Election of capital of the autonomous republic as the Capital of Islamic Culture is a right decision. Because, Nakhchivan is one of the unique cities not only in the Caucasian but also in the Islamic world and also a rich land with historical-cultural monuments. This land has contributed very talented architectures and craftsmen to the world. The constructions once built by the Architect Ajami Nakhchivani showed its influence in architectural style of Turkey and Iran.
What drew my attention most is the preservation and restoration of historical and cultural monuments. I noticed that Nakhchivan residents also show special attention and sensitiveness to historical monuments. I hope that this tradition will be preserved in future too, Nakhchivan, five thousand old year city, will develop and flourish.
Huseyn Yurttash- the head of Art study chair of Arzurum University, professor: - Nakhchivan is one of the important cities of the Islamic world. At the same time it played a very important role as a bridge between Turkey and Iran. This land is very rich in monuments of Turkic-Islamic culture.
The architectural monuments of Nakhchivan occupy a special place in the development of architecture in Anatolia. The monuments created by Ajami Nakhchivani are special among them with their monumentality. The head arch gates with double minarets, tombstone monuments in the ancient land appeared in the architectural monuments built in Anatolia later. For this reason the selection of Nakhchivan as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2018 is a very important event for the Islamic and Turkic world.
I must note that this is my second visit to Nakhchivan. Every time my amusement increases here. I think everyone who is interested in Turkic-Islamic culture must visit Nakhchivan. The conference on this topic is of great importance to promote Nakhchivan in the world.
Jafar Giyasi - Director of Scientific Research Design Institute of Monuments Restoration of Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, corresponding member of ANAS: - It is no coincidence that Nakhchivan is the Capital of Islamic Culture. Nakhchivan played a very important role in the history of Islamic culture. The architects of Nakhchivan carried out significant work not only on the architecture of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, but also on Islamic architecture in general. There are rich and diverse architectural monuments in the autonomous republic. "Ashabi-Kahf Sanctuary" Religious-Cultural Complex, Gamigaya paintings, Nakhchivangala, Noah tomb, Garabaghlar, Yusif Kuseyir oglu and Momina khatun tombs, Alinjagala and other monuments are associated with sacred values both in terms of material and spiritual and religious beliefs. Comparing these monuments with architectural monuments of Turkey, Iran, and Central Asia, we see that most of these have benefited from Nakhchivan architecture. Nakhchivan is the ancient town where the architectural school was formed. The masterpiece among the tower-shaped tombs is Momina khatun tomb. Garabaghlar tomb is also a masterpiece among the cylindrical tombs. The architects of a number of countries also acknowledge this.
Architects of Nakhchivan were also great constructive engineers. Thus, in the architecture of the Islamic world, twin minaret head-spans for the first time were widely spread in Nakhchivan. Such tombs were erected in Turkey 100 years later and 50 years later in Tabriz than Nakhchivan. All this prove the fact that Nakhchivan really deserves to be the Capital of Islamic Culture.
We hope that Nakhchivan, the capital of Islamic Culture, which is historically one of the main centers of Islamic civilization, brings this ancient land closer to the overall Islamic world and contributes to the strengthening of its public position in the global arena.
Abbas Seyidov - Professor of the Azerbaijan State University of Economic, Doctor of History: - Nakhchivan, a great civilization, plays a role as an indestructible bridge between the Western Asia and the South Caucasus. It is a great supreme value to maintain the Islamic culture, morality, moral values and rules of Islam here.
It should be noted that 4-5 years ago we started archaeological excavation near the Garabaghlar tomb. During the study, numerous material and cultural examples dating back to the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages, about 3,200 years ago, were discovered in the area, and it became evident that the natural-geographical conditions of this place made it possible for people to live there at least 3,500 years ago. This shows that Nakhchivan was also one of the ancient cultural centers before Islam. After the region became an integral part of the Islamic world, the great culture existing here contributed to the enrichment of Islamic culture. Today Nakhchivan plays a significant role in the Islamic world with its rich material and moral values.
I'm proud of being a participant in such a high-level event organized in this land where I was born. During our trip to Nakhchivan, we visited the monuments of Islamic culture here, and once again we saw the high value given to Islamic values. The buildings collapsing because of desolation in the past admire people with their gorgeousness now.
Generally, in every inch of Nakhchivan's land where Noah set foot on, there is a great history, rich cultural heritage. Undoubtedly, the history itself will give the highest value to those who preserve this precious treasure and hand down the next generations.
Nail Asgarov
Tural Aghayev
Guntaj Shahmammadli
"Sharg gapisi" newspaper
11.09.2018