CIS dignitaries gather in Lachin for cultural capital opening ceremony

The city of Lachin officially launched its year-long role as the "Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) – 2025" with a formal opening ceremony held on June 3.

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Culture, Adil Kerimli, addressed attendees at the event, highlighting the symbolic significance of the host city, Caliber.Az reports, citing domestic media.

“‘Lachin’ means ‘falcon’ in Azerbaijani,” Kerimli noted. “This city, like a falcon, is nestled among high mountains and has become one of the most valuable gems of the region. Here, unique nature intertwines with ancient and rich culture. Lachin was one of the cultural centres of Azerbaijan, inspiring famous ashugs, poets, artists and musicians.”

The minister emphasised Lachin’s cultural depth and its contribution to Azerbaijan’s historical and artistic legacy. “The city is known for its numerous historical, architectural and cultural monuments related to the ancient history of Azerbaijan,” he said. “The ancient traditions of Azerbaijani carpet weaving have been further enriched by the Lachin carpets ‘Gasimushaghi’. The event logo also features traditional patterns characteristic of Lachin carpets. Lachin's cultural heritage is not limited to poetry, music and visual arts. The city's local cuisine can also be called a work of art, where the unity of different tastes and aromas supports centuries-old traditions and culinary secrets.”

Several dignitaries also delivered remarks, including Nurlan Seitimov, Deputy Secretary General of the CIS; Polad Bulbuloglu, Co-Chair of the CIS Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation; Masim Mammadov, Special Representative of the Azerbaijani President in Lachin District; and Mikhail Shvydkoy, the Russian President’s Special Representative for International Cultural Cooperation. Each speaker underlined the importance of the event for regional cultural ties.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Shvydkoy presented Masim Mammadov with the official certificate declaring Lachin the CIS Cultural Capital for 2025.

Around 100 guests and officials from six CIS member states were in attendance for the occasion.

Lachin’s designation as Cultural Capital of the CIS was first announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin during the CIS Heads of State Council meeting in Moscow in October 2024.

Lachin District, covering 1,800 square kilometres, is one of the largest in Azerbaijan. It was occupied by Armenian forces on May 18, 1992, serving as a critical link between Armenia and the then-occupied Karabakh region.

The decades-long conflict over Karabakh reignited on September 27, 2020, when Armenian troops stationed in the occupied territories began shelling Azerbaijani positions and civilian areas. Azerbaijan responded with a full-scale counteroffensive. During the campaign, Azerbaijani forces liberated over 300 settlements, including major cities such as Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Zangilan, Gubadli, and the culturally significant city of Shusha.

The conflict came to an end with a trilateral ceasefire agreement signed on November 10, 2020, by Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia. Under the agreement, Armenia committed to returning the occupied districts of Aghdam, Kalbajar, and Lachin — territories long recognised internationally as part of Azerbaijan. Lachin was the final district to be returned, marking a critical moment in the restoration of Azerbaijani territorial integrity.

By Tamilla Hasanova