The Representative Office of the Nakhchivan Republic of Azerbaijan held the final presentation of the first volume of the book "Heritage of Western Azerbaijan" in Nakhchivan.

On July 28, 2025, the final presentation ceremony of the first volume of the book "Heritage of Western Azerbaijan" was held in the city of Nakhchivan under the organization of the representation of the West Azerbaijan Community in Nakhchivan MR.      

Rector of Nakhchivan State University, representative of West Azerbaijan Community in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Elbrus Isayev, who opened the event with his opening speech, spoke about the irreplaceable role of the publication in preserving historical memory and making a substantial contribution to academic research. He said that the gradual destruction of the existing heritage of Western Azerbaijanis, who were forcibly expelled from their ancient Azerbaijani lands as a result of the genocide and deportation policy committed by Armenians who tried to create a mono-ethnic state, has already failed. In accordance with the tasks defined by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev during his meeting with a group of intellectuals from Western Azerbaijan in December 2022, the concept of returning to Western Azerbaijan was adopted in our country, in this direction implementation of specific measures has started. The publication of the book "Heritage of Western Azerbaijan" being a component of this concept is of great importance as a fundamental research work that proves our history with facts, documents, and cultural examples. In volume I of the book, which is supposed to consist of five reports, there are more than 700 Azerbaijani cemeteries that existed in the territory of Western Azerbaijan until 1991, and now only their ruins remain. The previous and present situation of 201 is discussed. The book also used military-topographic maps, satellite images, and monitored cemeteries in the area with modern methodological analyses. The publication of the book, which is a research collection of the heritage of West Azerbaijan, which is one of the most serious national ideological directions, in three languages ​​increases its international importance even more. Elbrus Isayev noted that in 2023 and 2024, the "Return to Western Azerbaijan" festival-congress was held in Nakhchivan with the participation of the University as one of the main organizers. Under the organization of the higher education institution, folklore samples, culinary, musical and folk songs, exhibitions, literary and artistic compositions of Western Azerbaijan were presented. There were book presentations within the framework of the festival-congress, and even today, the "Return to Western Azerbaijan" concept is kept in mind at regular book presentations at the higher education institution. Also, at NAkhchivan State University, elective subjects with West Azerbaijan content are taught, so the book "Heritage of Western Azerbaijan" plays a serious basic role in the teaching of those subjects. will play. From time to time, NSU organizes meetings of students with intellectuals of West Azerbaijan origin, various documentaries are presented. Also, the First Forum of West Azerbaijani Genes was established at the University, a meeting of young people with the chairman of the community and well-known intellectuals is organized. Elbrus Isayev stressed that the people of Azerbaijan, who won the 44-day Patriotic War under the leadership of the Victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, whose territorial integrity and sovereignty were fully ensured, unequivocally believe that Western Azerbaijanis will also return to their historical homeland in a peaceful, safe and dignified manner. > 

Huseyn Safarov, Deputy Minister of Justice of Nakhchivan MR, who is temporarily performing the duties of the minister, spoke about the essence and purpose of the publication. It was noted that the publication, which is an important source for the transmission of the realities of Azerbaijan to future generations, not only illuminates our history, but also reveals the foundations of international legal responsibility. He added that Armenian separatists will answer for the policy of vandalism they committed against Azerbaijanis.  

Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) Gunay Rzayeva noted that the presented book once again proves with facts the policy of ethnic cleansing against Western Azerbaijanis, serious and systematic violation of human rights principles, international legal norms and conventions. It was stated that ensuring the right of return should be at the center of international efforts to restore justice, achieve peace and reconciliation. Gunay Rzayeva emphasized the importance of continuing joint efforts to uncover historical truths and convey them to the international community. compensation for the material and moral damage caused by the executioners is a historical necessity. These publications serve not only to restore historical justice, but also to preserve the rich heritage of Western Azerbaijan based on real facts in the memory of future generations, and such research works should be widely presented to the international community. He added that the return to Western Azerbaijan and the restoration of our cultural heritage in the historical lands of Azerbaijan will definitely be realized.>Let us note that earlier the first volume of the book "The Heritage of Western Azerbaijan" was initially presented in the city of Nakhchivan, and later the presentation of the book to the general public was held in Ordubad, Kangarli, Babek, Sadarak, Sharur, Shahbuz and Julfa districts. The participation of citizens of West Azerbaijan origin was ensured in the presentation ceremonies held in the regions. Elbrus Isayev called on our compatriots from West Azerbaijan to work together with researchers, to be active in the publication of materials and memories in their personal archives. He invited close cooperation with the West Azerbaijan Research Center established at NSU.