President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Inaugurate Dashalti Village Mosque in Shusha
Shusha, The Gulf Observer: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the official inauguration ceremony of the newly constructed Dashalti village mosque in the Shusha district on Friday, marking another milestone in the ongoing restoration efforts across the territories liberated from occupation.
During the event, the Special Representative of the President in the Shusha district, Aydin Karimov, and Director of PMD Projects, Nariman Topchibashev, briefed the Head of State and the First Lady on the work completed at the site.
The foundation stone of the Dashalti mosque was originally laid by President Aliyev and First Lady Aliyeva in November 2021. Built in a traditional national architectural style, the mosque stands in the heart of the village and features two minarets — each 22.5 meters tall — inspired by the Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque. The two-story building can accommodate over 150 worshippers simultaneously, with its overall design and decorative elements reflecting the Karabakh school of architecture.
The construction of the mosque is part of a broader initiative mandated by President Ilham Aliyev for the restoration and reconstruction of religious and cultural heritage sites in the territories restored to Azerbaijani control. These efforts symbolize Azerbaijan’s commitment to preserving its national identity, spiritual values, and historical legacy.
Following the mosque inauguration, President Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva were also informed about the “Reconstruction Project of Dashalti Village,” a comprehensive development initiative designed to revive village life while integrating local architectural traditions, environmental sustainability, and modern tourism facilities.
The project, which spans approximately 65 hectares, envisions a vibrant community featuring an 80-room, five-story hotel, family cottages, and various commercial and public amenities — including an information center, exhibition space, and creative workshops. Designed to promote eco-friendly tourism, the plan incorporates a recreational zone developed with minimal ecological interference, providing visitors with an immersive experience in the natural landscape.
This holistic restoration approach underscores Azerbaijan’s strategic vision to transform liberated territories into thriving cultural, historical, and tourism centers, deeply rooted in heritage and guided by sustainable development principles.
