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Renowned Turkish historian Ilber Ortaylı arrived in Nakhchivan

22 September 2025 11:07 (UTC +04:00)

Renowned Turkish historian-scientist, honorary member of the Turkish History Society, writer Ilber Ortaylı is visiting Nakhchivan on September 20-23 at the invitation and organization of Nakhchivan State University, APA's local bureau reports.

As part of the visit, Professor Ilber Ortaylı, Nakhchivan State University Rector Elbrus Isayev, the management board and employees of the higher education institution visited historical monuments.

On the first day of the visit, the famous scientist Ilber Ortaylı was introduced to the miraculous healing center of Nakhchivan, the "Duzdag Treatment Center". During the tour of the center, the uniqueness of the underground treatment center created in the salt mines, the walls covered with layers of salt, and the conditions made a rich impression on the scientist. In addition, the handicrafts made by Nakhchivan artisans from rock salt attracted his attention.
The valuable scientist, who was at the 18th century “Khan Palace” State Historical and Architectural Museum located in the “Ajami Seyrangahi” Cultural and Recreation Complex in Nakhchivan city, admired the original architectural style of the palace. He was particularly interested in the personal belongings of the Nakhchivan khans, as well as other exhibits. While looking at the historical photos, Professor Ilber Ortaylı got acquainted with the photos of the Kangarli tribe. The valuable scientist emphasized that the Kangarli are a well-known tribe in the history of Nakhchivan and said that he recognized Fikrat bey Kangarli among the historical photos. He noted that “I wish I had more time and could study all the historical archive materials in Nakhchivan.”

In addition to the historical monuments in Nakhchivan city, Professor Ilber Ortayli, who was also a guest in Julfa district, visited the medieval tomb of Fazlullah Naimi, a Sufi scholar, poet, and philosopher who founded the Huruf sect, located near the village of Khanegah. He also visited the 15th-century Amirkhan tomb built on the eastern slope of Alinja Castle. The village's amazing beauty and preserved historical monuments attracted his attention.
Later, the professor, who toured the village of Kotam, the gateway to the Zangezur corridor in the Ordubad district, said that the area is historically very important and a special strategic place. He also noted that these lands have produced personalities throughout history.
During the tour, the professor toured Sarshaher Square, one of the ancient neighborhoods of Ordubad city, and got acquainted with the mosque of the same name, the fountain, and the houses and other buildings that contain the history of that square. Ilber Ortayli said that he had long wanted to be in Ordubad. The historian-scientist: “Today, sitting under an old plane tree and standing surrounded by houses reflecting historical heritage, of course, gives a person nostalgic feelings. It is necessary to be here and deeply understand the customs and traditions of this place and the architectural structure,” he said. Also, while in Sarshaher Square, the professor had an interesting conversation with the city residents and guests there and took commemorative photos.
At the end of the day, the prominent scientist, who tasted culinary samples of Ordubad cuisine, stated that Nakhchivan, which has preserved Azerbaijani traditions and cultural development as it was in ancient times, will continue to develop with its cultural heritage.
It should be noted that on the second day of Ilbar Ortayli's visit to the autonomous republic, the professor will hold a number of meetings and make speeches.