🔥ШУША-ЖЕМЧУЖИНА АЗЕРБАЙДЖАНА ! #azerbaycan#şuşa#baku#bakuazerbaijan#travel#tourismazerbaijanbaku#

Shusha, the former capital of the Karabakh Khanate, is a stunning pearl of unique beauty in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. But it is famous not only for its wonderful natural landscapes. It is also the cultural capital of Azerbaijan with a rich literary and musical heritage, unique carpet weaving traditions, a history dating back centuries, and the birthplace of many famous Azerbaijanis. On March 31, 2022, at an extraordinary meeting of the Permanent Council of Ministers of Culture of the member countries of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) in the city of Bursa, Republic of Turkey, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan - the city of Shusha was declared the "Cultural Capital of the Turkic World" for 2023. Famous People Many Azerbaijanis who left a noticeable mark on the history and culture of the country were born in the city. Khurshidbanu Natavan, the daughter of the last ruler of the Karabakh Khanate, Mekhtigulu Khan, is revered not only as an author of heartfelt poems and a talented artist. She was involved in charity work and social projects. At her expense, the first water supply system was built in Shusha, providing the townspeople with clean water and still operating. Shusha has given the world many famous musicians, for which it is called the "conservatory of the Caucasus". Among them, a special place is occupied by the great Uzeyir Hajibeyov, the founder of professional Azerbaijani music, and the famous opera singer Murtuza Rza oglu Mammadov, better known as Bulbul ("nightingale"). Jidir Duzu The beauty of Shusha's nature, which delights at first sight, is difficult to convey in words, and once you get to Jidir Duzu to the south of the city, you cannot help but be imbued with its magical charm. The grand plateau offers stunning views of the Dashalty River valley and the majestic Lesser Caucasus Mountains. Since ancient times, it has been a place for ceremonies, festivities and competitions: for example, the celebration of Novruz or the exciting game of chovgan (a type of polo). After the end of the war, in May 2021, the Hari Bulbul music festival was held again on Jidir Duzu, bringing together the best performers from all over the country. The festival was named after the rare flower that grows here and has become a symbol of Shusha and Karabakh. And in the future, many more interesting events will be held on the plateau. Vagif Mausoleum Literature has always been and remains a significant part of the cultural heritage of the region. One of the most revered among the many outstanding masters of the pen from Shusha is Molla Panah Vagif (1717-1797). He was a great poet, the founder of realism in Azerbaijani poetry and the first vizier of the Karabakh Khanate. The mausoleum, which was built back in 1982 in memory of his literary and state activities, has become one of the most striking sights of the city. Despite the destruction of the building of the complex and the exhibits displayed here during the occupation, the reconstruction breathed new life into a significant architectural monument for the region, returning it to its historical appearance. Also of great symbolic significance is the resumption in 2021 of the Vagif Poetry Days, held annually before the occupation. Mosques Among other historical sights of the city are beautiful ancient mosques. The most famous are the Yukhari (upper) Govhar-aga and Ashagi (lower) Govhar-aga mosques, named after their location. They were built in the late 19th century by local architect Karbalayi Safi Khan Karabagi, commissioned by Govhar Agha, the daughter of Karabakh Khan Ibrahim Khalil. Both mosques, with their double minarets, feature the elegant style typical of the mosques of the Karabakh region, and both were severely damaged during the First Karabakh War. The Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque, which was restored in 2021, is included in the list of historical and cultural monuments of national significance. The Saatli Mosque is another magnificent structure in Shusha, built in the 19th century according to the design of Karbalayi Safi Khan Karabagi. Although the mosque has been completely restored, its original architectural style has been preserved.