The MUSLIM Institute, in collaboration with the Embassy of Azerbaijan, successfully hosted a seminar titled “Shusha – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2024: A Testament to the Muslim World’s Rich Heritage.” The event took place at the National Library of Pakistan, drawing diplomats, intellectuals, and cultural enthusiasts to celebrate the rich heritage of the Islamic world.

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Prominent speakers included Former President of Azad Jammu & Kashmir Ambassador Masood Khan; Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed Ali, Chairman of the MUSLIM Institute; Khazar Farhadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan; Alisher Tokhtaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan; Major General Raza Muhammad (Retd), President of IPRI; Former Additional Secretary for Foreign Affairs Ambassador R. Ishtiaq H. Andrabi; and Prof Engr Zamir Ahmed Awan.

The seminar celebrated Shusha’s designation as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2024 by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). This title recognizes Shusha’s profound cultural, historical, and spiritual significance as a hub of artistic, intellectual, and architectural excellence.

Speakers reflected on the liberation of Shusha on November 8, 2020, during Azerbaijan’s 44-day Patriotic War. Once a thriving cultural and socio-political center, Shusha endured significant damage under decades of Armenian occupation. In January 2021, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev declared Shusha the cultural capital of Azerbaijan. Its restoration symbolizes a broader restoration of historical justice and cultural identity.

Highlighting the city’s cultural revival, speakers commended Azerbaijan’s efforts in restoring Shusha’s historical appearance and promoting its artistic and religious heritage. They emphasized its enduring legacy as a beacon of cultural excellence, inspiring architects, intellectuals, poets, musicians, and scholars for centuries.

The seminar underscored Shusha’s role in preserving Islamic heritage and promoting cultural exchange among Muslim countries. Speakers addressed the broader challenges to Islamic cultural identity worldwide, referencing the systematic repression of heritage in India, the destruction of sacred sites in Palestine, and the devastating impact of conflicts across the Middle East.

Shusha’s revival serves as a symbol of resilience for the Islamic world, offering a model for preserving and celebrating shared heritage. Participants highlighted its potential to inspire future generations and foster peace, stability, and cooperation in the region.

In a call for unity, speakers urged the Muslim world to protect its cultural identity in the face of mounting challenges. Azerbaijan’s triumph in restoring Shusha offers hope and inspiration, underscoring the importance of preserving the rich, diverse heritage of the Islamic world.

The seminar concluded with a commitment to cultural exchange, underscoring the need for global solidarity in preserving Islamic heritage. The event celebrated Shusha not just as a city, but as a symbol of the enduring legacy of the Muslim world’s artistic and cultural achievements.

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