Conference in Shusha on "Women in the Islamic World: Traditions and Challenges"

The conference titled "Women in the Islamic World: Traditions and Challenges," organized by the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs, took place on July 18, 2024. It was held as part of the "Action Plan" to designate Shusha as the "Cultural Capital of the Islamic World" for 2024, as approved by a Cabinet of Ministers decree.

The conference began with the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan. A moment of silence was observed to honor the memory of the national leader Heydar Aliyev, as well as fallen soldiers and officers.

Chairwoman of the State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs, Bahar Muradova, who opened the conference, welcomed the participants and stated that Shusha, an impregnable fortress of national spirituality for all Azerbaijanis and the Turkic world, is symbolic not only as a city closely connected with each of us through unbreakable bonds but also as a place of our courage. Highlighting that Shusha is one of Azerbaijan's historical and cultural centers, the chairwoman noted that this sacred city has also made a significant contribution to Islamic culture through its historical monuments, architecture, literature, and crafts.

The chairwoman also mentioned that as part of the "Great Return" program, around 8,000 former internally displaced persons have returned to the cities of Lachin, Fuzuli, Shusha, Khojaly, and four villages. She stated, "They are the residents of this land, heads of state, private and public institutions, members of political parties, specialists, experts, and media representatives. Finally, as mothers, wives, and women, they return as equal participants in the social, political, and cultural life of these territories. They are returning from Shusha, the capital of Islamic culture, to call for peace, justice, and security to the entire world," she concluded her speech.

The conference continued with a panel session on the topic "Women in the Islamic World: Traditions and Modern Challenges," moderated by Gunduz Ismailov, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Religious Institutions.

The event also featured residents from the new residential complex in the Shusha district.