“MIRAS” Social Organization in Support of Studying of Cultural Heritage arranged a seminar within the framework of project “development and propagation of archaeological tourism in Azerbaijan” at Faculty of Cultural Studies of Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Art on 24 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 our historical and archaeological monuments, provide their protection and grow interest to the science of archaeology. 

    The seminar was opened by dean of Faculty of Cultural Studies, PhD, senior lecturer Abdin Alizade. He stated these events are valuable in the framework of Tourism Year.

    Deputy Chairman of MIRAS Social Organization, Arzu Soltan sharing detailed information about the Organization and its activity spoke about realization of projects in any domain in the line of study of cultural heritage by the organization.  In her speech he talked about archaeological explorations conducted in Agsu by Agsu Archaeological Expedition of NASA Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography with initiative and financial support of “MIRAS” Social Organization in Support of Studying of Cultural Heritage; other work implemented around Agsu tourism complex including seminars, published books, information tours, web-sites. She also touched upon MIRAS Journal, as well as other projects of the Organization, the role of the Organization in familiarization of 28 European artists with Azerbaijan; “Agsu Wonder” Exhibition held in Amasya City, Turkey; conference on Amasya: Shirvanlilar from Azerbaijan”; presentation of books “Movlana Ismayil Sirajaddin Shirvani and Caucasian Followers“  and etc.

    Later on member of Board of Directors of MIRAS Social Organization, coordinator of project “Development and propagation of archaeological tourism in Azerbaijan”, Rashad Ibrahim made a speech. Giving wide information the work done within the scope of the project and its purposes, he said the seminar organized in Faculty of Cultural Studies of Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Art is the second event from this series. This kind of seminar was initially held in Azerbaijan Tourism Institute which caused positive resonance. The project coordinator also stated that a web-site archaeotourism.az set up along with seminars within the project; “Azerbaijani germs” booklet published in Azerbaijani and English languages; “Azerbaijan Land of Monuments” film was shot with the purpose of propagation of a new domain in Azerbaijan, archaeological tourism.

    At the seminar chairman of MIRAS Social Organization, PhD, Fariz Khalilli made a slide presentation on the theme “We must love and make loved archaeological heritage for its protection and propagation”. It was noted that there are unique archaeological monuments in several areas of Azerbaijan and their preservation and propagation are urgent therein. F. Khalilli also said 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. The attendees also learnt that nearly 40 archaeological explorations are conducted presently under leadership of Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography; foreign experts are interested in Azerbaijani archaeology and directly participate in these explorations in Azerbaijan. It was noted that the interest of scholars of various countries of the world is entirely connected with study of the world history.

The film “Azerbaijan Land of Monuments” shot within project “development and propagation of archaeological tourism in Azerbaijan” was presented at the seminar as well. Head of AktivMedia Company, produced this film, Teymur Najafzadeh called on the students to benefit maximum from the information they received at this seminar. He noted the need for cultural studies experts taught in Azerbaijan only in this University, grows and the youth must estimate such seminars as a chance on the way of establishment of making career.

   Chief of Department of Museum Studies of the University, Sadagat Aliyeva considered estimable the activity of MIRAS Social Organization and stated especially the project “Development and propagation of archaeological tourism in Azerbaijan” will be useful for the students of this educational institution in her speech. 

    Representatives of MIRAS Social Organization answered the questions of students on Agsu Expedition, archaeological tourism, tour routes and so on. The students suggested various offers on arrangement of visits to Agsu, including other sites of archaeological explorations. Some students became the members of MIRAS there to join the project closely.

In the end the dean of the faculty, Abdin Aliade stressed he wishes such seminar to be arranged for students of other faculties of the University as well.