Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

On December 23, a presentation ceremony of the book “Flora of Karabakh,” dedicated to the glorious Victory by the Institute of Botany of the Ministry of Science and Education, was held at the Central Scientific Library of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS).

The book was published with the financial support of the Ministry of Science and Education and the State Agency for Science and Higher Education. Its author and editor is Professor Sayyara Ibadullayeva, Doctor of Biological Sciences and Director General of the Institute of Botany.

The presentation ceremony was attended by President of ANAS, Academician Isa Habibbeyli; Chairman of the Milli Majlis Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Ecology, Sadiq Gurbanov; prominent intellectuals; botanist scientists; representatives of higher education institutions; as well as representatives of the media and the public.

Opening the event with an introductory speech, President of ANAS, Academician Isa Habibbeyli, emphasized the scientific significance of the book “Flora of Karabakh,” which is the result of many years of research by natural scientists. He noted that the publication provides an objective scientific map of the plant world of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur across all historical periods, based on scientific classification.

The head of ANAS drew attention to the fact that, within the framework of preparing the “Red Book” of the Republic of Azerbaijan, scientists of the Division of Biological and Medical Sciences have carefully studied and thoroughly researched rare plant species and fauna across the country. He stated that the new publication reflects the results of studies conducted by employees of the Institute of Botany in the Karabakh region, which had remained outside systematic research for many years, following the glorious Victory in the Patriotic War. The book “Flora of Karabakh” is a substantial scientific research work that serves to fill the existing gap after Armenia’s 30-year occupation policy.

Academician Isa Habibbeyli noted that the publication, produced as a result of visits, expeditions, and ethnobotanical studies conducted by Azerbaijani botanists in Karabakh, examines rare, endemic, medicinal plants, as well as moss and algae species found in the region. He emphasized that their bioecological characteristics and geographical distribution have been studied in detail.

The President of ANAS stated that the book compiles valuable scientific information on more than 2,000 higher plant species, over 400 species of fungi, and 91 rare plant species related to Karabakh. He noted that the work provides a clear scientific understanding of Karabakh’s rich flora, particularly medicinal plants and rare and endemic species, and that each section of the book deserves to be the subject of separate research.

He also pointed out that the Latin names of plants are included in the publication, emphasizing the importance of this approach for introducing Karabakh’s flora to the international scientific community.

Highly praising the comprehensive and substantial research work, Academician Isa Habibbeyli expressed confidence that the book would contribute to the emergence of new monographs, dissertations, and scientific articles on the rich flora of Karabakh.

Then, Chairman of the Milli Majlis Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Ecology, Sadiq Gurbanov, delivered a speech, describing the presentation of such a book on the eve of the birthday of the conqueror of Karabakh, President Ilham Aliyev, as a significant event. He noted that the work, covering the vegetation of Karabakh liberated from occupation under the leadership of the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, is a valuable scientific source.

Sadiq Gurbanov recalled that in the 18th century, Muhammad Yusif Shirvani, in his book “Tibbinama,” wrote about the botanical composition of plants growing in the Karabakh lands and their positive effects on traditional medicine. The committee chairman emphasized that Karabakh possesses medicinal water resources, a clean climate, fertile and productive soils, rich flora, biodiversity, and a resilient ecosystem.

He stated that the work, which is the result of many years of great effort and productive research, will serve as a scientific source for researchers and future generations. He stressed that the book “Flora of Karabakh” is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking comprehensive and detailed information about the flora of Karabakh.

Speaking next, Vice-President of ANAS, Academician Irada Huseynova, stated that following the historic Victory achieved in the Patriotic War and the complete restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, large-scale research was conducted in those territories by botanist scientists. As a result of these studies, a number of previously unrecorded rare, endemic, and relict species were discovered in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, and their distribution areas were clarified. Some of these species have international conservation status and are also included in the third edition of the “Red Book” of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Academician Irada Huseynova noted that the publication presented to the public also contains scientifically systematic information on the rich biodiversity of Karabakh’s flora and the classification of plants. She stated that the book includes 8 maps, 10 tables, and illustrations of 300 relict and endemic plants, including 91 rare plant species. The work also reflects the botanical characteristics of higher plants, mosses, and lichen species.

The Vice-President emphasized that the nature of Karabakh and the Eastern Zangezur region is not only a national treasure of the country but also has strategic importance for the ecological sustainability of the Caucasus. She highlighted the significance of the new publication in terms of the practical application of Karabakh’s flora and the transmission of natural heritage to future generations.

The author and editor of the publication, Director General of the Institute of Botany, Professor Sayyara Ibadullayeva, Doctor of Biological Sciences, provided detailed information about the book in her speech. She noted that since the establishment of the Institute of Botany, this is the first time such a book on the flora of Karabakh has been published in Azerbaijan. The 900-page book presents the results of scientific research conducted after the glorious Victory by the leadership and staff of the Institute of Botany based on the rich flora of the Karabakh region.

At the event, Babek Alibeyov, Chief Adviser of the Department for Work with Scientific Institutions of the State Agency for Science and Higher Education, PhD in Biology; Elmira Alakbarova, Director of the Archive of Political and Public Documents of the Administrative Department of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Lamia Hasanova, Head of Department of the same Administration; Professor Afat Abbasova, Director of the Presidential Library; Sharaf Jalili, Editor-in-Chief of the Baku-baku.az website, PhD in Philology, Associate Professor; Parvana Aliyeva, Adviser to the Chairman of the Confederation of Trade Unions of Education Workers; Zarifa Guliyeva, Chairwoman of the “Modern Development and Family” Public Union and member of the ANAS Women’s Council; Nigar Helmi Abbasbeyli, Head of the “Heritage of Karabakh” project; and Professor Aydin Asgarov, Head of the Department of Systematics and Phylogeny of Higher Plants of the Institute of Botany CJSC, shared their views on the presented book and noted that the work is a valuable contribution to science.

Translation by Gulhane Aghayeva, Department of Public Relations, Press, and Information, Presidium of ANAS.

© All rights reserved. Reference to www.science.gov.az is required when using materials from this site.