"MIRAS” Social Organization in Support of Studying of Cultural Heritage held a seminar at Azerbaijan Tourism Institute within the framework of project “Development and propagation of archaeological tourism in Azerbaijan” on 5 October, 2011.

"MIRAS” Social Organization in Support of Studying of Cultural Heritage held a seminar at Azerbaijan Tourism Institute within the framework of project “Development and propagation of archaeological tourism in Azerbaijan” on 5 October, 2011.

The donor of the project is Council of State Support to NGOs under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The purpose of project “Development and propagation of archaeological tourism in Azerbaijan” and the seminars held within the scope of the project in 2011, Tourism Year in Azerbaijan is propagating archaeological tourism in Azerbaijan; to attain the development of this domain; to increase attention to historical and archaeological monuments and interest to the science of archaeology and to provide the protection of monuments.

At the seminar Deputy Chairman of MIRAS Social Organization, Arzu Soltan informed the attendees about the Organization and its activity saying that project “Development and propagation of archaeological tourism in Azerbaijan” is one of the projects realized by the Organization. The project coordinator, Rashad Ibrahim spoke about difference of a new domain-archaeological tourism from the traditional one, as well as done and to be done work within the project. 

 Later on chairman of MIRAS Social Organization, PhD, Fariz Khalilli delivered a slide presentation on the theme “We must love and make loved archaeological heritage for its protection and propagation”. The speaker talked about unique archeological monuments in several areas of Azerbaijan and underscored urgency of their protection and propagation. F. Khalilli also stated that in 2010-2011 Agsu Archaeological Expedition of NASA Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography carried out large-scale archaeological explorations in medieval Agsu town with initiative and financial support of “MIRAS” Social Organization in Support of Studying of Cultural Heritage. As a consequence of the excavations many construction remnants and rich artifacts belonged to 18th century were revealed. There are also numerous numismatics materials, unique art patterns, as well as other materials proving trade and cultural relations of Agsu town with a number of countries and cities of the world amongst the finds.

Chief of Agsu Archaeological Expedition, Doctor of Historical Sciences, and Professor Gafar Jabiyev gave information to the participants on successes gained in the field of investigation of archaeological monuments in Azerbaijan in independence years.  He noted nearly 40 archaeological explorations are carried out in Azerbaijan under leadership of NASA Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography at present; foreign specialists’ interest in Azerbaijani archaeology and their joining directly these excavations. According to him, the interest of scholars from various countries of the world in this domain is connected entirely with study of the world history.  

Web-site “www.archaeotourism.az”, worked up within the framework of project “Development and propagation of archaeological tourism in Azerbaijan” also presented during the seminar. The seminar proceeded with discussions around the topic. Head of Social Sciences Department of Azerbaijan Tourism Institute, Ibrahim Aliyev stating the seminar touched upon wholesome subject and thanked to the organizers and the donor.

Teacher staff and students of Azerbaijan Tourism Institute, scholars and mass media representatives participated at the event.