― 15 марта 2025 г.

International conference on the “Preservation of Ancient Human Settlements: Threats and Modern Approaches” held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan

An international conference organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the “Preservation of Ancient Human Settlements: Threats and Modern Approaches” was held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

The opening speeches of the conference were delivered by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Adil Kerimli, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev, the President of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan Isa Habibbeyli, the President of the Turkic Academy Prof. Dr. Shahin Mustafayev, the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktoti Raimkulova, UNESCO Director for Culture and Emergencies Krista Pikkat and the President of the OIC Cultural Institute Saad S. Khan.

In the  speech  he delivered at the conference, Secretary General Sultan Raev emphasised that the preservation of prehistoric human settlements is a global issue that concerns all humanity. Expressing the importance that TURKSOY attaches to the preservation of common historical and cultural heritage, Raev said: ‘Our ancient civilisation, whose roots go back thousands of years, imposes a great responsibility on us. The preservation of this heritage is a common issue not only for one country but for the entire Turkic World and humanity.’ Secretary General Raev who  also stressed the importance attached by Azerbaijan to culture and science in its region throughout history and drew attention to the country's pioneering role in carrying the traces of the past to the future said that: “Azerbaijan's realisation of such visionary projects is of great value for our common future.”

The Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Adil Kerimli who also delivered a speech at the opening of the conference, underlined that the protection of historical and cultural heritage is not only a regional but also a global responsibility and added that: “The protection of ancient human settlements is not only to protect our past, but also to secure our future. Azerbaijan will continue to strengthen international co-operation on this issue and support joint projects.”

Other issues discussed at the conference pertained to global problems such as climate change, urbanisation and the destruction of historical heritage.