Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan restores cultural heritage in liberated Shusha.

SHOTLIST SHUSHA, AZERBAIJAN (JUNE 19, 2026) 1. CLOSE-UP OF KHARIBULBUL STATUE, DEPICTING AN ENDEMIC FLOWER OF AZERBAIJAN, OUTSIDE SHUSHA FORTRESS 2. VARIOUS OF SHUSHA FORTRESS 3. VISITORS WALKING INTO FORTRESS 4. VARIOUS OF RESTORED BUILDINGS AND MOSQUES IN CITY 5. VARIOUS OF INTERIOR OF RESTORED HISTORICAL MOSQUE 6. VARIOUS OF RESTORED BUILDINGS AND MOSQUES 7. VARIOUS OF VISITORS INSIDE RESTORED HISTORICAL MOSQUE 8. VARIOUS OF RESTORED BUILDINGS AND MOSQUES IN CITY 9. WORKERS LAYING COBBLESTONES ON STREET IN CITY CENTRE 10. VARIOUS OF RESTORED BUILDINGS AND MOSQUES IN CITY 11. (SOUNDBITE) (Azerbaijani) AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT'S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE, AYDIN KARIMOV, SAYING: “It can now be said that over the past five to six years, within the framework of the work carried out here, both in Karabakh and across Azerbaijan in general, especially in Karabakh, a number of restoration companies, restorers and specialists with high-level craftsmanship and professional skills have emerged, meeting international standards and global requirements.” SHUSHA, AZERBAIJAN - JUNE 19: Restoration work on historic and religious monuments damaged during years of occupation continues in Shusha, Azerbaijan's cultural capital, as authorities pursue an extensive heritage preservation program. Since the city's liberation in 2020, dozens of historical sites have been restored in coordination with Azerbaijani state institutions, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Shusha State Reserve Administration. Among the restored landmarks are several historic mosques, including the Yukhari Govhar Agha, Ashaghi Govhar Agha, Saatli, Mamayi and Chol Gala mosques, which have been reopened following extensive renovation work. According to official records, Shusha is home to 196 registered historical and cultural monuments, many of which suffered severe damage or were destroyed. Azerbaijani officials say around 30 monuments have been restored over the past five years. Authorities also plan to begin conservation and structural reinforcement work this year on 15 heavily damaged historical buildings, focusing on preserving existing remains and preventing further deterioration. Aydin Karimov, the Azerbaijani president's special representative in Shusha, said restoration projects are carried out following detailed scientific research and archival studies to ensure historical accuracy and compliance with international standards.