Shusha, June 21, AZERTAC Representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to Azerbaijan toured the city of Shusha as part of their visit to the East Zangezur and Karabakh regions. The delegation was accompanied by Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration.Aydın Karimov, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Shusha, briefed the guests on the city’s history, the period of occupation, and ongoing reconstruction efforts. He noted that during nearly 30 years of occupation, Shusha’s historic buildings, mosques, and monuments were subjected to Armenian vandalism. Following Shusha’s liberation, the Azerbaijani government launched large-scale restoration and reconstruction projects. In addition to rebuilding the city’s infrastructure, efforts are underway to restore Shusha’s historical identity, including its cultural and historical landmarks. The return of Shusha’s residents, who lived as displaced persons for 32 years, has also been realized.The delegation’s visit to Shusha began at the House Museum of Uzeyir Hajibeyli, the birthplace and childhood home of the world-famous Azerbaijani composer. Established in 1959, the museum operated until the occupation of Shusha by Armenian armed forces on May 8, 1992. After the city’s liberation, the museum - like many other historical sites - was restored. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation carried out the restoration, creating a new exposition in the museum building. Exhibits rescued from the original house museum are now displayed there.The delegation then visited the “Shirin Su” bathhouse, a unique architectural monument built in 1880. The bathhouse was named after its fresh water supply system, established under the reign of Natavan in 1873. It remained in use until Shusha’s occupation on May 8, 1992. Built in an oriental architectural style, the bathhouse featured an underground channel system that created a heated floor effect. The building was severely damaged during the occupation. Restoration work began in 2022 and continued through 2024 following Shusha’s liberation.While touring the Merdinli neighborhood, the diplomats were informed that Shusha historically had 17 neighborhoods, each with its own mosque, spring, and bathhouse.The delegation also viewed ongoing construction on Garabagh Street and inspected the conditions created in the city’s first residential complex.In addition, the representatives visited Bulbul’s House Museum, the Mehmandarov estate complex, and the Jidir Duzu Plain. 10:46 Representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited to Azerbaijan have arrived in the city of Shusha as part of their visit to the East Zangezur and Karabakh regions of the country.According to AZERTAC’s regional correspondent, the diplomats will tour Shusha, known as the pearl of Karabakh and a symbol of Azerbaijan’s history and culture. They will also observe the ongoing restoration and construction efforts in the city.The delegation is accompanied by Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration.On June 20, representatives of the diplomatic corps also visited the city of Lachin.