The 100th anniversary of the death of Ashig Alasgar has been included in UNESCO’s programme of events for 2026–2027.

The cultural heritage of our people is not limited to tangible cultural monuments; there are also unique monuments and elements of our intangible cultural heritage. Unfortunately, in Western Azerbaijan, rich examples of heritage specific to our people—such as the art of ashig and other elements of intangible cultural heritage—have been deliberately destroyed, appropriated, and our people have been deprived of their rights to them. Therefore, it is important to promote this heritage internationally.

According to AZERTAC, these remarks were made by Seymur Fataliyev, Secretary-General of the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for UNESCO, at the conference titled “Ancient Texts and Classical Sources Expose Armenian Falsifications and Fabrications, or Ethno-Hay Deceptions and Intrigues Regarding Azerbaijani Territories.”

“I would like to note that Azerbaijan currently has its fifth intangible cultural heritage element inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. At present, there are 24 elements registered on these lists, which proves that our country possesses a rich heritage.

I would also like to share more good news regarding the promotion of our cultural heritage. Thanks to the initiative and support of the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for UNESCO, as well as a corresponding decision by the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, the 100th anniversary of the death of the prominent ashig, Ashig Alasgar, has been included in UNESCO’s programme of commemorative events for 2026–2027. This proposal was discussed and approved during the 221st session of UNESCO’s Executive Board held in April 2025, marking another achievement for us.

I am confident that, alongside our state institutions, representatives of the Western Azerbaijan Community will also take part in the process of commemorating the 100th anniversary of Ashig Alasgar’s death at the UNESCO level in 2026, making valuable contributions to the promotion of our people’s rich culture to the international community,” Seymur Fataliyev stated.