From January 26–30, 2026, scientific research continued at the “Imarat” Historical and Architectural Museum Complex in the city of Aghdam. A group of researchers, led by Dr. Parviz Gasimov, PhD in History, Associate Professor, and Leading Researcher at the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), conducted a scientific field mission at the site.

The research team also included leading scholars from the A.A. Bakikhanov Institute of History and Ethnology:

Dr. Guntekin Najafli, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor;

Dr. Shamil Rahmanzade, PhD in History, Associate Professor;

Dr. Mehri Khanbabayeva, PhD in Mathematics, Associate Professor.

The research was carried out within the framework of the grant project “Aghdam Imarat Complex (Historical-Archaeological-Epigraphic Study)” (Grant No. AEF-MQM-QA-3-2025-3(56)-03/02/5-M-02), which was awarded under the “Karabakh is Azerbaijan! – 3” grant competition announced by the Azerbaijan Science Foundation.

The research team was welcomed by Ulvi Gadirov, Acting Director of the “Imarat” Historical and Architectural Museum Complex and Director of the Aghdam District History and Local Lore Museum. During discussions, the researchers noted that the ongoing studies encompass several directions.

The first research direction involves the continued study of epitaphs on gravestones and chest stones in the historical cemetery within the Imarat Complex that were subjected to vandalism by Armenian occupiers. For this purpose, estampages (impressions) of the epigraphic inscriptions must be produced. In this regard, project leader Dr. Parviz Gasimov delivered a lecture entitled “The Practice of Studying Epitaphs and Epigraphic Inscriptions.”

The second research direction focuses on examining archival materials related to the Complex preserved in Azerbaijani state archives from the 20th century. A significant portion of documents concerning the region dating from the 18th–19th centuries and the early 20th century are stored in the archives of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Georgia. Identifying and studying these documents remains one of the primary tasks of the research team.

Within the framework of the scientific mission, the researchers produced estampages of the epitaphs found on the damaged gravestones and chest stones at the Imarat Complex. Ulvi Gadirov and the museum staff provided active support in this work. Following the practical research, discussions were held, and it was agreed that scientific cooperation between the researchers and museum staff—who have now gained both theoretical and practical experience in producing estampages—will continue.

It should be recalled that during the occupation period, the Imarat Complex of the Karabakh Khans was subjected to vandalism and cultural genocide (culturocide) by Armenian occupiers. In 2023–2024, archaeological research was conducted at the site by staff of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS, during which acts of vandalism were documented and the locations of burial monuments were identified.

As a result of joint efforts by state and private organizations, the consequences of vandalism committed by Armenian occupiers have been eliminated, and a modern museum complex meeting international standards has been constructed on the site.

Pursuant to Decree No. 494 dated February 20, 2025, signed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the “Imarat” Historical and Architectural Museum Complex was officially established under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture within the territory of the monument complex.