On February 24, 2026, a scientific-practical conference dedicated to the history and tourism potential of the northwestern region of the country was held in Zagatala, jointly organized by the Department of History and Epigraphy of Sheki Regional Scientific Center of ANAS and Zagatala branch of the Azerbaijan State University of Economics.

Opening the event, director of Zagatala branch of Azerbaijan State University of Economics, Doctor of Philosophy in Economics, docent Rafig Gasimov welcomed the guests and, speaking about the importance of the conference, said that in accordance with the relevant Decree of the President of the country, 2026 has been declared the "Year of Urban Planning and Architecture" and the reforms implemented in this direction in our country, the issues of protection and restoration of historical and architectural monuments are also in the focus of attention of the scientific community.

Rafig Gasimov emphasized that such scientific and practical events contribute to strengthening cooperation between scientists and specialists, identifying new research directions, and wished success to the work of the conference.

Then, the head of the Department of History and Epigraphy of Sheki RSC, PhD Rahim Hasanov, made a speech and said that in the conditions of globalization, the preservation and promotion of the historical and cultural heritage of regions is not only a scientific issue, but also has strategic importance in terms of preserving national identity and spiritual values. The scientist emphasized that the northwestern region of Azerbaijan is distinguished by its rich historical past, architectural monuments, ethnographic diversity and multicultural environment, and it is extremely important to systematically study this potential.

He said that the main task of scientists and researchers is to make scientifically substantiated contributions to this process and put forward conceptual approaches to the preservation of historical heritage.

At the end of his speech, the scientist expressed his confidence that the reports presented within the framework of the conference will contribute to a deeper study of the region's historical and tourism potential, as well as the formation of new scientific initiatives consistent with the priority directions of state policy.

Within the framework of the conference, senior research worker of the department of History and Epigraphy of Sheki RSC, PhD Akif Mammadli made a report on the topic "History, historical monuments of the Balaken-Zagatala region" and provided information about the rich history, ancient settlements and architectural monuments of the region. He noted that Balaken-Zagatala region has a multi-layered cultural heritage, and the material and cultural samples discovered as a result of archaeological research conducted in the area prove that the region has been an intensive settlement for millennia.

The scientist also touched upon the importance of the region's historical heritage in terms of tourism potential, drawing attention to the fact that these monuments, with proper presentation and a scientifically substantiated approach, can serve both the preservation of cultural heritage and the socio-economic development of the region. Akif Mammadli emphasized the importance of applying the results of scientific research in practice and noted the importance of expanding work to promote the historical heritage of the region at the international level. At the conference, Dr. Aladdin Sultanov, a senior researcher at the department of History and Epigraphy of Sheki RSC, presented a comprehensive report on the topic “The Arabic language and Arabic-language epigraphic monuments in the northwestern region of Azerbaijan”.

He stated that the northwestern region of Azerbaijan was one of the important centers of Islamic culture and scientific environment in the Middle Ages, that the Arabic language was used as a scientific, religious and administrative language for a long time, and that all these processes led to the formation of a rich epigraphic heritage in the region.

The speaker noted that the inscriptions engraved in Arabic script on mosques, tombs, cemeteries and other architectural monuments located in Balakan-Zagatala and Sheki territories are an important source in terms of studying the religious and cultural history of these territories.

The speaker also noted that the paleographic and linguistic characteristics of Arabic inscriptions allow us to determine the writing styles and aesthetic traditions used in the region in different periods, and noted the importance of systematic research, transliteration and translation of these monuments, as well as the creation of an electronic database.

Elchin Valiyev, a researcher at the department of History and Epigraphy of Sheki RSC, drew attention to the tourism opportunities of the northwestern region of the country in his speech titled “The Place and Role of Sheki-Zagatala Region in the Tourism Sector of Azerbaijan”.

He said that the northwestern region is attractive to tourists with its natural and landscape features and rich historical heritage, and that Sheki, Zagatala, Gakh, Balakan and Oghuz districts included in the region offer wide opportunities for both domestic and foreign tourists.

The speaker also drew attention to the high level of operation of modern hotels, recreation centers and entertainment establishments in the region, where comfortable conditions are created for tourists.

Elchin Valiyev said that the effective promotion of the natural, historical and cultural potential of the northwestern region will make a significant contribution to the development of the tourism sector of Azerbaijan, the sustainable economic progress of the regions and the increase in the country's ability to attract international tourists.

Then, the head teacher of Zagatala branch of the ASEU, PhD Gudrat Kirtimov delivered a report on the topic “Prospects for sustainable tourism development in the northwestern region of Azerbaijan (in a socio-cultural context)”. In his speech, the speaker drew attention to the importance of implementing a sustainable tourism model, involving local communities in the process, and protecting cultural heritage.

The reports were received with interest by the participants and extensive discussions were held. The conference was assessed as an important step towards the scientific study of the history and tourism potential of the region.

At the end, books published by Sheki RSC were donated to the library of Zagatala branch of ASEU (UNEC).