Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

A republican scientific conference titled “Western Azerbaijan: History, Culture, and the Great Return” was held in Nakhchivan

The conference was jointly organized by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, the A.A. Bakikhanov Institute of History and Ethnology of ANAS, the Nakhchivan Division of ANAS, the Western Azerbaijan Community, and Nakhchivan State University.

Prior to the event, the participants visited the monument of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in Nakhchivan city and toured the Heydar Aliyev Museum. The guests viewed the exhibits dedicated to the life, work, and rich heritage of the National Leader.

Later, they viewed the exhibition titled “Western Azerbaijan: History, Culture, and the Great Return.”

The plenary session began with a speech by Academician Ismayil Hajiyev, Chairman of the Nakhchivan Division of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences. He spoke about the genocide committed against the Azerbaijani people and the deportations. He said that as a result of deportations carried out during certain periods, nearly 300,000 Azerbaijanis were expelled from their native lands. Drawing attention to the increasing number of international and republican events dedicated to Western Azerbaijan in recent times, Ismayil Hajiyev underlined the importance of this issue.  

In his speech, the Prime Minister of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Jeyhun Jalilov spoke about the achievements attained by Azerbaijan. He said that the progress in the development of the republic has been made possible thanks to the policy pursued by President Ilham Aliyev, our national unity, and the heroism of the army. Jeyhun Jalilov wished success to the scientists who are making a significant contribution to the study of toponyms, linguistic factors, and cultural monuments of Western Azerbaijan.  

Further, the President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Academician Isa Habibbeyli delivered a speech. He highlighted the far-sighted policy of the Head of State based on peace and cooperation. Academician Isa Habibbeyli also spoke about the successful outcomes of the 44-day Patriotic War and the departments established at ANAS for the study of the history and folklore of Western Azerbaijan.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli presented the book titled “A Century-Long Bibliographic Chronicle of Nakhchivan”, which was published with his foreword, as a gift to Jeyhun Jalilov.

Deputy Chairman of the Council of Elders of Azerbaijan and Chairman of the Amasiya district Community of the Western Azerbaijan Community, Academician Abel Maharramov spoke about the similarities in the history of Nakhchivan and Western Azerbaijan and the activities of the Western Azerbaijan Community.

The Rector of Nakhchivan State University, PhD in History and Associate Professor Elbrus Isayev spoke about the fundamental research dedicated to Western Azerbaijan. He noted that such research opens new horizons for young scientists.

Member of the Board of the Western Azerbaijan Community, Chairwoman of the Keshkend District Community, Professor Mahira Huseynova spoke in detail about the changes in the toponyms of Western Azerbaijan and the responsibilities of Azerbaijani scientists in this regard.

Associate Professor at Iğdır University in Türkiye, PhD in Geography, Oghuz Shimshek delivered a presentation containing precise information on the history of Western Azerbaijan. He demonstrated slides showing our historical territories to the conference participants. Reciting a poem dedicated to Irevan, Oghuz Shimshek spoke about the crimes committed by Armenians and about the history of Azerbaijani villages whose names were deliberately changed.  

Head of the Department of the History of Western Azerbaijan at the A.A. Bakikhanov Institute of History and Ethnology of ANAS, Professor Jabi Bahramov spoke in detail about the research of the history and culture of Western Azerbaijan. He emphasized the importance of studying our historical territories and culture based on accurate sources.

Topics such as the “Great Return” implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the restoration of our historical territories, and other issues were discussed during the conference.

Following the discussions, the documentary film “We Will Return” was screened.

Reyhan Majidli, Public Relations, Press and Information Department of the Presidium Administration of ANAS

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