Azerbaijan’s Lachin Hosts Official Inauguration Ceremony as CIS Cultural Capital 2025
Lachin, The Gulf Observer: The official opening ceremony marking the designation of Lachin as the Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) for 2025 was held today in the city of Lachin, located in Azerbaijan’s Eastern Zangezur region.
Organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan in collaboration with the Special Representative Office of the President in the Lachin district, the event brought together high-ranking officials, prominent scientists and cultural figures, international experts, as well as representatives from local and international media.
In his keynote address, Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan Adil Karimli emphasized the significance of the decision adopted by the CIS Humanitarian Cooperation Council on October 8, 2024, which granted Lachin the prestigious title. He noted that the designation holds considerable social and cultural value, symbolizing international solidarity with Azerbaijan’s efforts to revitalize its liberated territories.
“This recognition is not only a tribute to Lachin’s historical and cultural heritage, but also a powerful incentive for its cultural revival and integration into the global cultural landscape,” Minister Karimli stated. He further highlighted that, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, extensive restoration and reconstruction efforts have been underway since the liberation of Azerbaijan’s territories in 2020. “The restoration concept for the liberated areas encompasses not only the rebuilding of physical infrastructure and monuments but also the rejuvenation of cultural life,” he added.
Deputy Secretary General of the CIS, Nurlan Seytimov, lauded the importance of the initiative, emphasizing that Lachin’s recognition as the Cultural Capital of the CIS is a landmark event not just for Azerbaijan but for the entire region.
Echoing these sentiments, Polad Bulbuloglu, Chair of the Committee on Culture of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Chair of the CIS Council for Humanitarian Cooperation, expressed joy at the honor bestowed upon Lachin, describing it as a celebration for all member states of the Commonwealth.
Mikhail Shvydkoy, Special Representative of the Russian President on International Cultural Cooperation, noted the strong participation of esteemed cultural figures at the ceremony as a testament to Lachin’s emerging status as a cultural hub in Azerbaijan. He also presented the official certificate designating Lachin as the Cultural Capital of the CIS to Masim Mammadov, the Special Representative of the President in the Lachin district.
During the event, Masim Mammadov provided a sobering account of the destruction inflicted during the years of occupation, citing the demolition of 217 cultural institutions, 101 educational facilities, 142 medical establishments, and 462 commercial properties, as well as widespread damage to communication and industrial infrastructure. “A total of 54 globally significant and 200 locally significant historical monuments were severely damaged or destroyed, representing an irreplaceable loss to our cultural heritage,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with the screening of a poignant video that documented the extent of destruction in Lachin during its occupation and highlighted the comprehensive efforts currently underway to restore and rebuild the region.
The designation of Lachin as the Cultural Capital of the CIS for 2025 is expected to foster increased cultural exchange, international cooperation, and the promotion of Azerbaijan’s rich heritage on a broader scale.
