Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of a local history museum in Khachmaz

As part of a visit to Khachmaz District, President Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of a local history museum.

The head of state cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the museum.

While touring the museum, the President was about its importance in terms of studying and communicating the ancient history and cultural heritage of Azerbaijan to future generations. The museum has a large number of interesting exhibits describing the history of the country and Khachmaz District in particular. The new museum has been built in Heydar Aliyev Avenue in Khachmaz, on the premises of the Museum of Personalities. The building, which has two branches and seven divisions, was constructed in 1930. Its service life expired and it was in poor condition. The construction of the new building began in early 2013. The building, constructed in an original design, is equipped with all necessary communications and facilities.

In the lobby of the building there is a statue of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev. There are photo stands describing the visits of nationwide leader and President Ilham Aliyev to Khachmaz in different years. On the first floor of the museum there is a section on the history of Azerbaijan’s independence. The history of Azerbaijani statehood is shown in periods. This section contains interesting artifacts related to the history of our independence. Ample historical information is provided by the exhibits relating to the period of World War II.

It was noted that during World War II, a total of 8,739 people went to the frontline from Khachmaz. Of them, 2,800 people were killed, including 124 in the battle for the defense of Moscow. The museum demonstrates badges and medals belonging to the people involved in the battles, as well as a machine gun used in combat in 1945. This section also contains exhibits relating to the martyrs of 20 January and the Karabakh war.

It was noted that 226 people of Khachmaz were killed as a result of the Armenian military aggression against Azerbaijan. One of them was awarded the title of National Hero.

A section on numismatics is of particular interest to visitors as it has a collection of money from different periods.

On the second floor of the museum there is a historical and ethnographic section which displays exhibits describing the life of the people of Khachmaz in different periods.

It was mentioned that 28 ancient burial mounds have been discovered on the territory of the district. It is assumed that the mounds belonging to ancient Turks are 4,000 years old.

The museum has also a section dedicated to the woodlands of Khachmaz, covering an area of 28,000 hectares. Miniature models of forging and pottery shops reflect the lifestyle and occupations of the people of ancient times.

It was noted that a porcelain jug dating back to the 1st millennium BC was found during excavations in the village of Lajat of Khachmaz District. It is assumed that the jug was used for the storage of food. The culture section displays various pieces of art, particularly carpets and decorations.