The 1st International Conference on Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Tourism (ICCHST – Nakhchivan 2026) dedicated to the 900th anniversary of Architect Acami Nakhchivan took place at NSU within the framework of the "Year of Urban Planning and Architecture"
The conference is jointly organized by Nakhchivan State University and Mingachevir State University, Azerbaijan University of Tourism and Management, of Hungary István Széchenyi University, of Uzbekistan Tashkent State Economy University, Turkey Black Sea Technical University, Akdeniz University, Gümüşhane University, Ankara Haji Bayram Veli University, Pamukkale University, Bayburt University and Adiyaman University was held in partnership.
Before the conference National Leader Heydar Aliyev's magnificently erected monument in Nakhchivan was visited, flowers were placed in front of the monument. Then conference participants together with NSU staff He visited the Heydar Aliyev Museums. Visitors viewed Heydar Aliyev's photographs taken in different periods, personal belongings, documents reflecting his diplomatic meetings and souvenirs in the museum.
Later on View of the architectural exhibition organized at the Faculty of Architecture and Engineering of NSU has been. During the exhibition, Rector of Mingachevir State University Anar Eminov presented NSU Rector Elbrus Isayev with badges made of carpet ornaments belonging to 5 regions of Azerbaijan.
In turn, publications related to the faculty collective Memar Ajamii Presented to MSU delegationb.
Later, guests at the Pedagogical Faculty demonstration got acquainted with the handicrafts exhibition, Inclusive Education Center, they visited the culinary, carpet making and national dress rooms. Campus tour of NSU Faculty of Artswhich is also organized continued with a view of the art exhibition.
of NDU kCongress mThe conference held in the middle of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the soul for the Motherlandofpass frommis martyrsare wecommemoration of his dear memory with a minute of silence with has started. Then the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played.
Rector of Nakhchivan State University, Elbrus Isayev, who opened the event with his opening speech, said in his speech that the main goal of the 1st International Conference on Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Tourism is to discuss modern scientific research conducted in the field of cultural heritage protection and sustainable tourism development, to promote the exchange of scientific ideas and to strengthen international cooperation in this direction.
The rector emphasized that today the works in the field of urban planning and architecture, especially in the territories freed from occupation, entered a new stage within the framework of the "Great Return" program. "Smart City" and "Smart Village" at the initiative of the President of the country projects are implemented and serve to form a modern urban planning model. These projects are an important example not only for Azerbaijan, but also for the Turkish world and international experience in general.
Mingachevir State University Rector Anar Eminov in his speech, he emphasized the importance of universities acting as scientific centers that form practical and industry-oriented solutions in addition to theoretical knowledge based on innovative approaches. The rector noted that it is of particular importance to expand research related to tourism and service industry, promote industry-oriented projects, and direct dissertations prepared at the master's level to application-oriented directions such as regional tourism development and digitization of cultural heritage.
Gümüşhane University Rector Oktay Yıldız emphasized in his speech that the work done by universities in the field of tourism is of great importance in terms of social contribution. He appreciated the experience of NSU in this field.
Deputy of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, chairman of the Nakhchivan Artists Union Ulviyya Hamzayeva talked about the work carried out in the direction of protection of cultural heritage, restoration of historical monuments, development of tourism potential in our country, and the state's care in this area.
Rector of Akdeniz University, Professor Özlenen Özkan and Rector of Pamukkale University, Professor Mahmud Güngör, speaking in video format highly valued the international importance of the conference.
Elsavar Asadov, vice-rector for science and innovation issues of NSU, noted that 156 reports of 212 employees from 40 science-educational institutions of our country and the world will be heard in 17 sections in 6 directions at the section meetings of the conference, and at the same time, 10 students' reports will be heard in the student section.
In the continuation of the official part, mutual gifts and plaques were presented, and letters of thanks were presented to a number of employees of the university.
The event continued with a concert program called "Sound of Music" reflecting our national and cultural values, and the participants were presented with the rich traditions of Azerbaijani ashiq art.
Badem Aliyeva, Gulay Tahirli
Media and public relations chair of NSU
