Azerbaijan, Turkiye keen to protect cultural legacy

Cultural monuments have outstanding historical and aesthetic values. Ancient cultural constructions can provide insight into past experiences. From this point, the protection of cultural sites is incredibly important for society.

Azerbaijan carries out significant work to protect the country's cultural and historical legacy.

The Azerbaijani State Service for Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage is increasingly involved in this process.

The State Service is actively exchanging experience in cultural heritage protection with other countries, including Turkiye.

Deputy Head of the State Service for Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage Agajavid Ramazanov has recently signed a letter of intent with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TCCA).

Important steps are being taken to expand relations and exchange of experience between Azerbaijan and Turkey in the protection and restoration of cultural heritage.

Speaking at the second Azerbaijani-Turkiye Joint Culture Commission, he underlined that the two countries take major steps to expand relations and exchange of experience in the protection and restoration of cultural heritage.

In his speech, Agajavid Ramazanov also informed participants about cooperation with TIKA.

"The letter of intent signed between the State Service and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), implies the restoration of Mardakan Castle and Tuba Shahi Mosque with the support of TIKA. The preparation for and approval of all project documents have already been completed. It is planned to start restoration and conservation works for a short period".

The Tuba Shahi Mosque is included in the list of historical and architectural monuments of local importance.

The mosque is named after Tuba Shahi, a woman who commissioned the edifice's construction. The inscription on the mosque indicates that it was constructed in 1481-1482.

Among the monument's details, it is worth noting window stone bars with complex geometric ornaments. Of all the openings, only two have the same lattice pattern, which is common for ShirvanAbsheron architectural school.

The XV-century monument was built not far from Mardakan Castle.

The historical site was constructed in the middle of the 12th century by Akhsitan I, son of Manucohr III. It was erected after the victory of Akhsitan I. The tower was used as a shelter and observation point for feudal barons.