The 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee, was held in Baku, Azerbaijan from 30 June to 10 July 2019.
The session followed the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijani Minister of Culture, H.E. Mr. Abulfaz Garayev, was previously appointed as the new Chair of the Committee, together with representatives from other countries.
On 06 July 2019, the World Heritage Committee also inscribed seven cultural sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The sites are: Budj Bim Cultural Landscape (Australia), Dilmun Burial Mounds (Bahrain), Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City (China), Jaipur City, Rajasthan (India), Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto (Indonesia), Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group: Mounded Tombs of Ancient Japan (Japan) and the Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhouang – Plain of Jars (Lao People’s Democratic Republic).
Azerbaijan previously had two sites registered in the UNESCO’s World Heritage List: the Old City, also referred as the Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah’s Palace and the Maiden Tower, and the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape.
On 08 July 2019 Azerbaijan`s historic centre of Sheki with the Khan’s Palace has been also added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, with great satisfaction from all operators and authorities that attended the meeting.
The City of Sheki is an historic site, mostly rebuilt in the 18th century, located at the foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and the Gurjana River, that divides the town in two parts where the ancient part is built on the mountain.
The ancient Azeri architecture can be seen in the old city centre where it is possible to admire houses with high gabled roofs. The complex comprising the Khan Palace and some merchant houses is a real wonder of art and creativity, reflecting the wealth and power of the region, acquired from the silk cocoons trades.
The facade of the Khan Palace is covered by a multicoloured mosaic glass set in a wooden lattice, called shebeke. It is astounding to discover that the facade is constructed without nails or glue.
The City of Sheki was a famous and important thoroughfare on the Silk Road.
Azerbaijan is a country with a great historic heritage and rooted traditions, that you can visit throughout the year.
As the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee ended, you can now enjoy a new UNESCO’s cultural site that is already registering a stunning tourist presence in recent years.
If you or your company are already doing business with Sinalco and Azerbaijan, you will at some point enjoy the warm hospitality of the Azeri people and some valuable cultural experiences, while being presented with always new opportunities and possibilities.