Elnur Mustafayev, Head of the Department of the Institute of Oriental Studies of ANAS, Chairman of the Young Scientist and Specialist Council of the Institute: “Creating developed ecotourism routes in Karabakh can contribute to the development of tourism in the territories freed from occupation.”
Protection of the environment in our liberated territories, compliance with ecotourism standards and proper use of the region’s potential in this regard are important factors in economic reintegration. The massive return of the population to our liberated territories, the creation of settlements and modern infrastructure there has returned Karabakh to our society. However, the mass settlement of these areas, at the same time, the growing international interest in Karabakh, and the desire of foreign tourists to travel make the establishment of tourism, especially ecotourism standards in the region urgent.
The opinions and suggestions of experts and scientists on the subject are of interest to our society.
Our interviewee is Elnur Karim oghlu Mustafayev, head of the department of the Institute of Oriental Studies of ANAS, chairman of the Young Scientist and Specialist Council of the Institute.
– Protecting the environment, including water bodies and their bioresources, as well as other natural resources in our liberated territories, is also important in terms of compliance with the principles of “green growth” in our country. In this context, how do you evaluate the measures implemented in our country, including in the liberated territories?
– In the course of economic development proposed by President Mr. Ilham Aliyev regarding the liberated territories, the transformation of this region into a “green energy” zone is one of the priority goals and directions. is considered one. It should be noted that the Cabinet of Ministers approved the “Action Plan for the establishment of a “green energy” zone in the liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2022-2026″. In accordance with the mentioned action plan, in addition to the implementation of “green” technologies and energy efficiency in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur economic regions, actions are planned that will positively affect many general energy infrastructure and the development of the field. At the same time, in order to discuss the obligations in this action plan, the tasks set in connection with the creation of a “green energy” zone in the territories freed from occupation, with the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers dated August 3, 2022, “green in the territories freed from occupation of the Republic of Azerbaijan Archimedes installation with a total capacity of 636 KW until April of solar panels in many houses, solar energy systems with a total capacity of more than 1,000 kW in public and social buildings, equipped with about 2,500 LED lamps and solar-based, energy-efficient light poles, as well as “smart parking”, electric charging points has been installed.
The implementation of such large and practical works in the occupied territories in a short period of time will once again contribute to the creation of the “green energy” zone of the Azerbaijan state and the ecological environment. it is a clear indication of the attention it pays to its protection. A working group for coordination and monitoring of the application of technology and energy efficiency requirements has been established.
For this purpose, that is, within the framework of the creation of the “green energy” zone, electricity production from renewable energy sources in the liberated territories, energy efficiency measures , the use of electric vehicles, the installation of renewable energy devices (especially solar panels) on the roofs of buildings, as well as the use of solar energy-based LED lamps in street and road lighting, renewable energy technologies in heating, cooling and hot water supply measures such as use, application of smart energy management technologies, energy-oriented management of waste are planned.
– How are scientific research conducted on the topic we are talking about? What ideas and suggestions can you have regarding the activities carried out in this field at the scientific level?
– On November 8, 2020, under the leadership of Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, our heroic and professional army will be of historical, cultural and strategic importance. Malik, the liberation of the city of Shusha, which is the crown of Karabakh, from the invaders was the most important historical event and a great military victory among the successful counter-offensive operations in the Patriotic War of Azerbaijan, which began in Karabakh and was carried out for 44 days.
Furthermore, in September 2023, the liberation of our lands was completed by our brave army with 23 hours of anti-terrorist measures. With this, Azerbaijan fully ensured its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and put an end to the policy of occupation carried out by Armenians for 200 years.
Liberation of the city of Shusha from occupation had a special meaning for the history and culture of Azerbaijan. Shusha is one of the rare and unique pearls of the city culture of Azerbaijan, which has an ancient history. According to the decree of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 7, 2021, the city of Shusha was declared the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, according to the decree dated January 5, 2022, the “Year of Shusha” of 2022, on March 31, 2022, in the city of Bursa, Republic of Turkey, the International Turk At the extraordinary meeting of the Permanent Council of Ministers of Culture of the member countries of the Turkish Culture Organization (TURKSOY) for 2023, the Turkic world the cultural capital, including the declaration of the cultural capital of the Islamic world for 2024 at the 12th Conference of the Ministers of Culture of the Islamic World, which was held on September 25, 2023, in Doha, the capital of the State of Qatar, has set great tasks for the science of Azerbaijan. Thus, one of these important tasks is to study the territories freed from occupation in all directions on a scientific basis and conduct fundamental, systematic and consistent researches in the historical lands of Azerbaijan. In this direction, the Institute of Oriental Studies has carried out a number of important works in terms of the study of the city of Shusha from various aspects and the delivery of Azerbaijani truths about Karabakh to the international community, and these measures are being continued at the present time. For example, during the last two years, the republican conferences on “Shusha, the ancient cultural center of Azerbaijan”, “Traditions of tolerance and multiculturalism in Karabakh (based on the Azerbaijani model)” and the international conference on “One of the cultural centers of the Islamic world – ancient Shusha” were organized by the Institute of Oriental Studies. including several scientific sessions. The institute also published a booklet about Shusha in 7 languages, Azerbaijani, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Russian, English and Chinese, entitled “Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan”. In addition, a number of scientific research works on the history and culture of Shusha and Karabakh in general are being conducted by Orientalist scientists working in the Institute, taking into account various directions. As an example of these research works, we can mention the monograph “Material and cultural heritage of Shusha (based on epigraphic monuments)” that I created last year.
It should be noted that Azerbaijan as a whole, especially the city of Shusha, is a rich place with epigraphic monuments, construction inscriptions and inscriptions engraved on tombstones. Written inscriptions are considered the first reliable sources about any construction building and historical monument built on it. In addition to providing the first necessary information about the monument, the written inscriptions also create a complete picture of the culture, architecture, ideological and social thought of the period and the area to which it belongs, as well as language features. we shed light on the basis of epigraphic monuments and clarified a number of historical problems. For example, in this direction, in the courtyard of Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque, we can mention the tombs written in Arabic-Persian languages. For the first time, these writings, which were involved in research and read by us, shed light on many events that took place in the Caucasus at the beginning of the 20th century. The inscriptions engraved on a number of epigraphic monuments belonging to the small cemetery in the yard of Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque contain important information that will prove Armenian crimes. Thus, during the study of inscriptions in Arabic-Persian languages on the memorial monuments, it was found that the absolute majority of those buried here are the graves of those who died as a result of the genocide committed by Armenians against Azerbaijanis in the city of Shusha in 1905. For example, on one of those memorials, it was written as follows: “This is the grave of Mashadi Suleyman Karbalayi Rustam oglu, who was killed by Armenians at the beginning of the month of Rajab in 1323.”
The date indicated on the grave coincides with August 1905 AD, in which mass massacres were organized by Armenians against Azerbaijanis in various regions. The important point here is the special mention of the phrase “murdered by Armenians” on the grave. These informations in themselves are visible facts that prove the Armenian brutality and the crimes committed by the hated enemy against our people.
In general, the problem of studying the material and cultural heritage of Karabakh from various aspects remains relevant in the modern era. Thus, the researches to be carried out on the territories freed from occupation will create an opportunity to determine the damage caused to our cultural heritage during the occupation period, and to reveal new facts about the city that have not been studied before. heritage (on the basis of epigraphic monuments)” from the point of view of conveying the material and cultural achievements of the past generations of the Azerbaijani people to the world arena, thus determining its important position among the cultural nations of the world can be quite an effective tool. As we mentioned, in the future there is a great need to conduct multidisciplinary scientific research from various directions, to expand these scientific research and to translate the obtained results into different languages and deliver them to the world community. In addition, in the near future, it is appropriate to create a museum in accordance with modern requirements that includes the history and material and cultural heritage of Karabakh in the city of Khankendi.
– What social media projects can be implemented in terms of education, promotion and information for the main audience and target groups in this regard? How should propaganda be built using new media tools?
– After the liberation of our lands, conducting educational work among citizens covering different layers of our society is one of the most necessary issues. In this sense, the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences is contributing to the important works of the state of Azerbaijan in the direction of the ethnic cleansing and genocide policy carried out by the Armenians against our people for two centuries, as well as the more systematic study of the Karabakh truths and informing the world community.
It should be taken into account that scientific awareness-raising activities, conferences and scientific seminars about the policy of aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan should be carried out in order to highlight the truths of Karabakh and convey them to the world community in the correct form, in a justified and systematic manner. is important in terms of However, we should base our action concept not on defense, but in some cases on attack. That is, it should be built on the demand of the historical Azerbaijani lands, which were annexed to Armenia by artificial means. In other words, being on the offensive is a more effective way to reveal the truth.
In this context, the development of scientific-mass, cultural-educational, educational programs in our country is very important. We must admit that important work has been done and is being done in this direction in Azerbaijan. In recent years, especially in the education system, important innovations have been observed. It is obvious that this is received very positively by our society. In this context, the establishment of Karabakh University in the city of Khankendi by the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev dated November 28, 2023 is one of the very important steps of the successful policy towards the restoration of our territories freed from occupation. The establishment of Karabakh University is a history aimed at the development of science and education, its ideological base and technological capabilities in a single building line that combines various directions such as restoration and reconstruction of territories, return to national roots and historical lands, development of regions, management system, geopolitics, culture, transport-logistics. is a decision. It’s no secret that meeting the region’s demand for highly qualified personnel and preserving historically existing educational traditions will play an important role in accelerating the Great Return to the territories freed from occupation. Karabakh University, which is supposed to educate about 1,000 students at the initial stage, will start operating from the 2024-2025 academic year.
In general, the development of our education, which has always been one of the main priorities of state policy, maintains its relevance even today.Very important steps are being taken to develop the education sector in Azerbaijan. In our country, programs are being adopted to achieve greater success in this direction. Adding special lessons and projects related to Karabakh to the list of educational programs adopted by the state can be very effective in the future. Of course, in the last three years, certain lesson programs related to Karabakh have been prepared. However, this is not enough, and there is a great need to do more systematic and extensive work in this direction in the future.
– Taking advantage of the potential of ecotourism by following the principles of “green growth” and thereby contributing to the effective reintegration of those areas is also profitable from an economic point of view. It is also reported that the touristic potential of that region is high. In this regard, what steps should be taken to develop ecotourism in those areas?
– It should be noted that interest in ecotourism has increased in our country in the last ten years and this trend is about to develop. Our citizens, even guests from abroad, go to the mountains, to the most remote places, and enjoy the fascinating nature of our homeland. In Azerbaijan, there are programs and special educational projects adopted by the relevant authorities in the direction of developing ecotourism. Along with this, recommendations for local and foreign tourists visiting the bosom of nature, and educational work on the rules they should follow during their vacations are also being carried out on various platforms. In general, ecological tourism is one of the main factors that determine care for the environment. This type of tourism is sustainable and highly profitable. Our recommendation is that it is necessary to approach nature trips with care, to study nature and carry out this activity. It should be noted that ecotourism is a type of tourism aimed at protecting the environment. At such a moment, it is the duty of every tourist to be careful with nature, to observe safety rules, in short, to protect the nature that we enjoy and relax.
Ecotourism is closely related to the cultural and spiritual heritage of our people. It is very important to protect it as a state and people, promote the country and develop it for the common good. Because 20 years ago, they hardly knew Azerbaijan abroad. However, as a result of the projects implemented by our state, Azerbaijan became known in the world. At the same time, thanks to such events, both the number and geography of tourists coming to Azerbaijan have expanded significantly. Before the pandemic, millions of tourists from Arab countries and East Asian countries visited our country. The establishment of the Tourism Agency in 2018 and the establishment of Azerbaijani tourism offices in several countries can be included in the list of works.
Besides, there is a lot of work to be done in the field of ecotourism. We would recommend using gravel when repairing roads in areas where our natural resources are located. Because asphalt is processed from oil, it heats up and raises the temperature in the areas. This causes great damage to nature and the environment. Also, the tourism centers around our natural resources should pay attention to landscaping works, local and natural materials should be used more.
As for the areas freed from occupation, we can mention that these areas are one of our most favorable charming corners for ecotourism. of courseduring the occupation, our hated enemies caused great damage to both our nature and our material and cultural heritage, and in many cases our natural resources were destroyed and looted. In addition, there are mined zones in the liberated territories. Probably, after certain demining works are carried out, after safer conditions are created in those areas, works related to ecotourism will be carried out. Creating developed ecotourism routes in Karabakh can be a contribution to the development of tourism in the territories freed from occupation.
Three main factors must be ensured in order to take full advantage of the tourism opportunities of Karabakh and surrounding regions. Ensuring security, the return of the population and the creation of infrastructure in the liberated territories are of great importance. We must admit that in the near future, after all these issues are resolved, there will be no doubt in anyone’s mind that Karabakh will be distinguished by its hegemony in Azerbaijan’s tourism. I believe that Karabakh will become a regionally important, and later a world-important ecotourism center.
According to the order of President Ilham Aliyev, the tourism development strategy of the liberated territories has already been prepared. According to the adopted road map, the development of tourism products will be carried out in parallel with the construction of tourism infrastructure in those areas. Of course, ensuring the safety of tourists comes first. In parallel with the return of the population, the restoration of housing and infrastructure, tourism places will also be created there. Investments have already started. In the future, it is planned to organize tourism routes in the directions of Fuzuli-Khojavand-Shusha-Lachin, Fuzuli-Jabrayil-Zengilan, Zangilan-Gubadli-Kalbajar-Lachin, Barda-Aghdam. In the last two years, routes have been established with the concept of “Our road is to Karabakh”. These routes are carried out through special corridors taking into account security issues. In this regard, it is appropriate to build sanitary junctions on those corridors, and to solve issues related to waste and nutrition.We must admit that in the near future, after all these issues are resolved, there will be no doubt in anyone’s mind that Karabakh will be distinguished by its hegemony in Azerbaijan’s tourism. I believe that Karabakh will become a regionally important, and later a world-important ecotourism center.
According to the order of President Ilham Aliyev, the tourism development strategy of the liberated territories has already been prepared. According to the adopted road map, the development of tourism products will be carried out in parallel with the construction of tourism infrastructure in those areas. Of course, ensuring the safety of tourists comes first. In parallel with the return of the population, the restoration of housing and infrastructure, tourism places will also be created there. Investments have already started. In the future, it is planned to organize tourism routes in the directions of Fuzuli-Khojavand-Shusha-Lachin, Fuzuli-Jabrayil-Zengilan, Zangilan-Gubadli-Kalbajar-Lachin, Barda-Aghdam. In the last two years, routes have been established with the concept of “Our road is to Karabakh”. These routes are carried out through special corridors taking into account security issues. In this regard, it is appropriate to build sanitary junctions on those corridors, and to solve issues related to waste and nutrition.We must admit that in the near future, after all these issues are resolved, there will be no doubt in anyone’s mind that Karabakh will be distinguished by its hegemony in Azerbaijan’s tourism. I believe that Karabakh will become a regionally important, and later a world-important ecotourism center.
According to the order of President Ilham Aliyev, the tourism development strategy of the liberated territories has already been prepared. According to the adopted road map, the development of tourism products will be carried out in parallel with the construction of tourism infrastructure in those areas. Of course, ensuring the safety of tourists comes first. In parallel with the return of the population, the restoration of housing and infrastructure, tourism places will also be created there. Investments have already started. In the future, it is planned to organize tourism routes in the directions of Fuzuli-Khojavand-Shusha-Lachin, Fuzuli-Jabrayil-Zengilan, Zangilan-Gubadli-Kalbajar-Lachin, Barda-Aghdam. In the last two years, routes have been established with the concept of “Our road is to Karabakh”. These routes are carried out through special corridors taking into account security issues. In this regard, it is appropriate to build sanitary junctions on those corridors, and to solve issues related to waste and nutrition.
There is a great need to promote the existing tourism potential of Karabakh. As we mentioned a little earlier, tourism has an economic side as well as a promotional side. Tourists will relax in our Karabakh, enjoy the beauty of nature, our cultural and historical monuments, the created favorable environment, and see the results of the occupation in our territories such as Aghdam, Jabrayil, Fuzuli. For this, it is necessary to keep some destroyed buildings as they are, which will be displayed as exhibits. With this, local and foreign tourists will be an eyewitness to the condition of Karabakh by Armenian barbarians, and how it is now beautified by its original owners.
The article was prepared within the framework of the “Ecotourism standards in liberated areas” project implemented by the Public Union of Integration to the Globalized World with the financial support of the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The position of the author or the interviewee and the position of the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations may not be consistent.