Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

On July 15, the historical monument in Baku, known as Zargarpalan bathhouse, dating back to the 19th century, was opened after conservation works. The conservation works were carried out by the employees of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS, the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, and Italian Professor Luigi Scrinzi, commissioned by the “Miras” Public Union.

The opening ceremony was attended by the President of ANAS, Academician Isa Habibbeyli, Member of Parliament Vasif Gafarov, the Chairperson of the SEBA Azerbaijan-Korea Cultural Exchange Association, PhD in Biology Ruhangiz Heydarova, the Head of the Department of Islamic Period Archaeology of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology and Head of archaeological works carried out at the Zargarpalan monument, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Gafar Jabiyev, the Chairperson of the “Miras” Public Union, PhD in History Fariz Khalilli, the owner of the Zargarpalan bathhouse, Ali Aliyev, the staff of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology and other relevant persons.

Opening the event with a speech, the Head of the archaeological works at Zargarpalan bathhouse, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Gafar Jabiyev stated that the historical building was constructed in 1899 with funds from local entrepreneurs, its owner was subjected to repression in 1937, and during World War II, its function was changed and it operated as a workshop for war-related products. He emphasized that the monument had been neglected for a long time and became private property during the privatization period at the end of the last century. Gafar Jabiyev said that the monument is on the state register and that, upon the application of entrepreneur Ali Aliyev to the “Miras” Public Union, an initial archaeological examination was conducted here and then research work began. Providing information about the monument, he also noted that the main structure of the bathhouse consists of an entry room, two main halls, and adjacent rooms. During the archaeological excavations, material and cultural samples, construction layers, and architectural elements were found in each room. In addition to elements of Eastern architecture (arches, domes, platforms, fountains), some features of the European architectural school were also observed in the monument.

Gafar Jabiyev said that Italian technology was used during the conservation works and the originality of the monument was preserved to the maximum extent. He specifically highlighted the contributions of PhDs in History Fariz Khalilli and Elmira Abbasova during the research he led.

The President of ANAS, Academician Isa Habibbeyli underlined that in recent years, significant research has been carried out in the Divisions of Humanitarian Sciences and Social Sciences of ANAS in line with the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev and the priorities of the independent Azerbaijani state, and Azerbaijani science contributes to the development of our country. Academician Isa Habibbeyli emphasized that as a result of the reforms carried out in recent years, Azerbaijani archaeological science is developing, and several expeditions operate to study archaeological monuments in various regions of our country. He said that he personally inspected the archaeological excavations carried out in the regions by the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS on-site, and added that these monuments can also contribute to attracting tourists.

The head of ANAS mentioned that these monuments reflect our country’s history, architecture, and culture and also have great importance in terms of being transmitted to new generations.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli mentioned that archaeological expeditions are currently operating successfully in liberated Karabakh and East Zangezur, as well as in many regions of our country and that in addition to the regions, archaeological research has been started in recent years in the capital Baku and on the Absheron Peninsula. He noted that this area has an ancient history and that archaeological research in the historical neighborhoods of Baku should be further expanded.

Expressing his satisfaction with the conservation works carried out in a short time at the historical Zargarpalan monument, Academician Isa Habibbeyli said that in the future, the building would be suitable for use as a tourist site and for organizing exhibitions, and he mentioned that the monument would contribute to the study of our cultural heritage.

In her speech, the chairperson of the SEBA Azerbaijan-Korea Cultural Exchange Association, PhD in Biology Ruhangiz Heydarova said that the revival of the Zargarpalan monument is another page of the successes of Azerbaijani culture. She noted that with the support of the protector of Azerbaijani culture worldwide, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, the SEBA Azerbaijan-Korea Cultural Exchange Association has implemented many projects for many years, especially organizing archaeological excavations in Gabala with the participation of foreign specialists. Ruhangiz Heydarova underlined that the recent inclusion of "Ancient Gabala City" on UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List is the result of their many years of efforts and that the necessary activities will continue to be carried out to be included in the final list.

In his speech, Member of Parliament and historian Vasif Gafarov said that the Zargarpalan bathhouse is a part of our historical and cultural treasure.

He also said that the construction of a road had started in order to resume archaeological excavations in the historical caves of Lerik district, and after the completion of the work, archaeologists would be able to conduct research in those areas.

The chairperson of the “Miras” Public Union, PhD in History Fariz Khalilli, and Professor Hidayat Jafarov also shared their thoughts on the conservation works carried out at the Zargarpalan bathhouse, and the history of the monument.

After the speeches, the owner Ali Aliyev, expressed his gratitude to the scientists for the conservation works and return of the historical monument to Azerbaijani culture.

After the speeches, the monument was toured and commemorative photos were taken.

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

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