The preservation of religious historical and architectural monuments is an important component of protecting Azerbaijan’s architectural heritage, Rector of the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction Gulchohra Mammadova said.
Mammadova made the remarks at the Baku-hosted conference titled “Preservation of Historical and Religious Monuments: Challenges and Prospects,” co-organized by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations, Caliber.Az reports.
She noted that religious architectural monuments are particularly vulnerable during armed conflicts.
“We witnessed this during the occupation of Azerbaijan’s territories, when the architectural heritage located there faced the threat of complete destruction. Today, restoring and preserving religious architectural monuments is our duty, particularly in the liberated territories,” Mammadova said.
She also highlighted the role of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, led by First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, in the restoration and preservation of religious monuments.
Mammadova further pointed out that repair work carried out by local communities can sometimes alter the original appearance of historical and architectural monuments.
“Therefore, restoration work should be carried out in coordination with, and with the active involvement of, qualified architects. Azerbaijan has a very rich architectural heritage, and efforts to protect and preserve it must be strengthened,” she stressed.
By Vafa Guliyeva
