LEGAL AND SCIENTIFIC PROTECTION OF THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF KARABAKH: THE CONCEPTUAL ROLE OF THE NIZAMI MUSEUM
Rahila Sadigova

Karabakh has consistently attracted attention with its diverse artistic expressions in areas such as folklore, architecture, music, and carpet weaving. As a result of occupation policy of Armenia, for nearly 30 years numerous historical monuments, museums, mosques, mausoleums, as well as household and cultural artifacts across the Karabakh region were destroyed, looted, or appropriated. This rich cultural heritage, considered a common value of humanity, must be restored and preserved in accordance with both national legislation and the requirements of international law.

This article examines the legal frameworks relevant to this issue and analyzes the steps taken to protect cultural heritage of Karabakh within this context. It also addresses the preservation and promotion of cultural artifacts specific to the Karabakh region within the scientific and cultural activities of the National Museum of Azerbaijani Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi.

The Nizami Museum plays a vital role in representing cultural legacy of Karabakh, ensuring its legal protection, and presenting it to the public. At the same time, the Museum is significantly involved in the international recognition and promotion of the rich heritage that reflects cultural environment of Karabakh. The exhibits on display embody the profound values of culture in Karabakh. Thus, the Nizami Museum not only showcases valuable works of art but also defends the cultural rights of the people and conveys these values to future generations. In this regard, the Museum’s activity also represents an important social and ideological mission aimed at the restoration of historical justice.

Keywords: promotion of cultural heritage, Nizami Museum, Karabakh, museum activities, legal protection
DOI: