III International Agsu Symposium of Historical Places and Monuments dedicated to honourary memory of Prof. Dr. Kamil Ibrahimov co-organized by "Medieval Agsu City" State Historical-Cultural Reserve under State Service of Cultural Heritage Conservation, Development and Rehabilitation of Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, MIRAS Social Organization in Support of Studying  of Cultural Heritage, Caucasus Heritage Research Institute, YOCOCU Association of Italy and Agsu Training Center on 15 October, 2021 started its work.

Mahir Gahramanov, head of Sector for work with Reserves of State Service of Cultural Heritage Conservation, Development and Rehabilitation under the Ministry of Culture of Republic of Azerbaijan, deputy head of Agsu region Executive Power on social-political and humanitarian issues, Sevil Mirzaliyeva, chief of Agsu archaeological expedition, Prof. Dr.Gafar Jabiyev, chairman of Public Subjects Department of Azerbaijan Polytechnic University, Shikar Gasimov,  employees of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, State Historical-Architectural Reserve “Icheri sheher”, Agsu Haydar Aliyev Center, “Ateshgah Temple” State Historical-Cultural Reserve, “Yanardag” State Historical, Cultural and Natural Reserve and other scientific-research institutions participated at the symposium opening. The participants visited first memorial monument of nationwide leader, Haydar Aliyev and Martyrs’ Avenue in Agsu city.

First, state anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was sounded in the opening ceremony. Honourary memory of our martyrs and Prof. Dr. Kamil Ibrahimov was commemorated in a minute silence. Director of Medieval Agsu City State Historical-Cultural Reserve, Dr. Fariz Khalilli opened the event and shared brief information on the symposium. He underscored the Reserve’s intention to integrate into scientific and educational institutions of Agsu and to participate closely in its educational activities. Guvenj Mirzakhanov, director of Agsu region Training Centre welcomed the participants, dealt with the establishment history and basic goals of the centre. He stated the role of Agsu Reserve particularly in the recognition of Agsu in local and international world. The symposium attendees watched the film dedicated to life and activity of deceased historian scientist Prof. Dr. Kamil Ibrahimov. The late scholar’s spouse, Ilhama Ibrahimova made a speech at the symposium and expressed her gratitude to the symposium organizers.

Deputy head of Agsu region Executive Power on social-political and humanitarian issues, Sevil Mirzaliyeva noted the being of the study of rich historical places and monuments of Agsu a significant event of last years and assumption of its place with the establishment of Medieval Agsu City State Historical-Cultural Reserve by President Ilham Aliyev. She added that numerous intellectuals of Agsu work there today, monuments like medieval Agsu City, Shikhmazid khanegah, Sheikh Dursun Tomb are preserved, as well as their study from archaeological, epigraphic, ethnographic aspect and documentation. She also stated the work implemented for Agsu’s inclusion into UNESCO Silk Roads list commendable and importance of the historical city from the viewpoint of world heritage.  

Head of Sector for Work with Reserves of State Service of Cultural Heritage Conservation, Development and Rehabilitation under the Ministry of Culture of Republic of Azerbaijan, Mahir Gahramanov expressed his wish on wider aspect of  researches of Agsu Reserve, continuance of the work in the line of creation of other servicing fields in order to involve tourists and visitors. He stated arrangement of interesting events in Agsu like republican conference“Brick Architecture”,  international conference “Eurasian Archaeology”, international conference “Youth in Conservation of Cultural Heritage” , practical courses on conservation, also conservation training of Italian restorers in Sheikh Dursun Tomb. Such scientific events have great role in the provision of  tourist visits on local and international level.  

Chief of Agsu Archaeological Expedition, Gafar Jabiyev shared before his memories about Kamil ibrahimov. Then he spoke about the excavation work conducted by Agsu Archaeological Expedition. Prof. Gafar Jabiyev gave information on the study of Karabagh history by Azerbaijani scientists and response references against Armenian falsifications.  

The project “Revival of Historical Silk Way” socialized and brougt into the notice of relevant organizations by MIRAS Social Organization in Support of Studying of Cultural Heritage was discussed. Ortabulag road between Shamakhi and Agsu in ancient and medieval ages is that historical Silk road. This road assumes great importance from archaeological, ethnographic and agro tourism aspects. The historical road which has Gazan ditch, Pir Bakhtiyar Tomb, Javanshir dwelling, Sheikh Dursun Tomb, Kelekhana Tombs and Nargizava necropolis around is 15 km short and safe away from Agsu passes.

Shikar Gasimov, professor of Azerbaijan Polytechnic University appreciated the activity of Medieval Agsu City State Historical-Cultural Reserve highly and mentioned the importance of historical Silk Way. Book were presented to the library of Agsu Training Center and Medieval Agsu City State Historical-Cultural Reserve.  

The symsposium will continue live broadcast in Youtube channel of MIRAS Social Organization and Facebook, Twitter accounts of Agsu Reserve in three days as four sections. Scientists from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Macedonia, Italy and Albania participate with presentation and posters at the symposium.