Azerbaijani Parliament Approves Amendments to Strengthen Protection of Shusha’s Cultural Heritage

Baku, The Gulf Observer: The Azerbaijani Parliament has approved in a single reading a draft law introducing amendments to the Law “On the City of Shusha – the Cultural Capital of Azerbaijan,” aimed at enhancing the protection of the city’s historical and cultural monuments.

The issue was discussed and adopted during a plenary session of the Milli Majlis held on June 12.

Under the proposed amendments, Article 5.2 of the existing law has been revised to introduce stricter safeguards for monuments located within the territory of Shusha, widely regarded as Azerbaijan’s cultural capital.

According to the new wording of the article, it is prohibited to damage or destroy monuments situated in Shusha, relocate them without the approval of the competent authority designated by the relevant executive body, or undertake any construction, installation, restoration, reconstruction, conservation, or landscaping activities that could compromise their integrity or pose a threat to their preservation.

The amendment is intended to strengthen legal protections for the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage, ensuring that development and restoration activities are carried out in a manner that preserves the authenticity and inviolability of its monuments.

Shusha holds a special place in Azerbaijan’s cultural identity and has been the focus of extensive restoration and reconstruction efforts aimed at preserving its historical legacy and promoting its status as a cultural center.

The newly approved amendments are expected to provide a stronger legal framework for the protection and conservation of the city’s valuable heritage sites.