Published on: 2026-07-20
Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
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Baku, July 20 /Xinhua/ — Stone arches and walls, bearing traces of time and the consequences of armed conflict, coexist in Shusha with modern buildings designed with the historical landscape in mind. This combination of past and present is today one of the defining features of the city, which is opening a new page in its development.
Located in the Karabakh Highlands at an altitude of about 1600 meters above sea level, Shusha was founded in the mid-18th century as the capital of the Karabakh Khanate. Built primarily from local limestone, the city remained one of the most important cultural centers of the Caucasus for centuries. Its architecture, musical traditions, and crafts hold a special place in Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage. Today, Shusha holds the status of the country’s cultural capital.
It was here recently that the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum took place, with representatives from the media, international organizations, and the expert community from dozens of countries participating.
During the forum, a Xinhua correspondent spoke with architects and builders involved in the city’s restoration. According to them, the post-war reconstruction of Shusha follows the principle of combining historical and modern architecture. The main task was not to recreate the old city, but to preserve its historical environment as carefully as possible.
Most of the preserved historical buildings are not rebuilt but reinforced and restored while maintaining the original stone masonry, arched structures, and architectural appearance. New buildings are not separated from historical monuments by fences or other barriers. Instead, urban spaces are connected by walkways and green zones, allowing the historical and modern parts of the city to be perceived as a single whole.
During a walk through Shusha, a Xinhua correspondent noticed that in the restoration of historical districts and cultural monuments, the traditional street layout, local building materials, and architectural elements characteristic of Karabakh are preserved. In the construction of new structures, local stone and elements of traditional architecture are also widely used, combined with modern engineering solutions and energy-saving technologies. This approach helps to avoid a sharp visual contrast between the new buildings and the historical urban environment.
At the same time, the requirements of the city’s master development plan are met. Tourist infrastructure and public buildings harmoniously blend into the existing development, and their height does not disrupt the historical silhouette of Shusha. At the same time, the interior spaces of the buildings meet modern requirements for comfort and public use, allowing for the preservation of the historic appearance alongside the needs of contemporary life.
One example of this approach is the Shusha Hotel complex. Visitors enter it via an elevated glass gallery, beneath which the archaeologists’ excavated traces of the ancient city can be seen.
Many restored historic mansions have been given new life. Today, they house museums, ethnographic exhibits, memorial homes dedicated to prominent cultural figures, as well as cultural centers where concerts of mugham /Azerbaijani traditional music/, folk art exhibitions, and other events regularly take place, introducing visitors to the rich cultural heritage of Karabakh.
One such site is the historic caravanserai of Aga Kahraman Mirsyab oglu, located in the central square and built in the 19th century. After restoration, the building was turned into a museum. During a visit by a Xinhua correspondent, there was a photo exhibition held here dedicated to the former president of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, and Shusha.
However, for Shusha, the coexistence of old and new architecture has significance beyond urban planning or cultural value. For a city that has experienced armed conflict, it has also become a symbol of restoration and a peaceful future.
During the filming at the house of Khurshidbanu Natavan — the daughter of the last Khan of Karabakh and an outstanding Azerbaijani poetess of the 19th century — the correspondent’s attention was drawn to a small sign at the entrance: “Checked. No mines.” This short inscription reminded that not long ago Shusha was in a zone of armed conflict. In many areas of Karabakh, the problem of mine danger still remains one of the main obstacles to the restoration of settlements and the return to peaceful life.
The preserved ruins remind us of the tragic pages of the past, while the newly constructed buildings nearby testify to the residents’ desire to restore life to the city. In this coexistence of destroyed walls and modern structures, not only the process of urban renewal is reflected, but also the hope for lasting peace.
Historical architecture preserves the memory of the past, while modern buildings meet the needs of today. The experience of Shusha shows that the preservation of cultural heritage and the development of urban infrastructure are not mutually exclusive. With a careful and thoughtful approach, they can complement each other, allowing the city to retain its historical identity while simultaneously creating a comfortable environment for future generations to live in.
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