On the occasion of February 21 – International Tourist Guide Day, a scientific-practical training session titled “Protection of National Tangible Cultural Heritage and Guiding Practice” was organized. The event was jointly organized by the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) and the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts (ASUCA).

The main objectives of the event were to highlight the importance of the professional activities of tourist guides, promote the scientific interpretation of cultural heritage, and bring contemporary guiding approaches into public discussion. The organization of the training was carried out within the framework of the “Volunteer Program” implemented by the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS, aiming to support youth development and practical experience. The event was realized with the active participation of the Institute’s newly established Archaeological Society.

The opening ceremony, held at the Museum-Exhibition Hall of the Institute located in Icherisheher (Old City), began with a one-minute silence in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, followed by the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In his role as moderator, Orkhan Zamanov, Head of the Department for the Organization of Scientific Exposition, provided information about the purpose and relevance of the event, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding tangible cultural heritage, presenting it on scientific grounds, and conveying it accurately to society.

In their opening remarks, Dr. Ellada Bakirova, Scientific Secretary of the Institute (PhD in History, Associate Professor), and Professor Latifa Summerer of the Department of Museology and Tourism at ASUCA highlighted the significant role of tourist guides in promoting national identity and shaping the country’s international image.

Ali Abuzarov, Senior Lecturer at ASUCA’s Department of Museology and Tourism, addressed the importance of ethical principles and moral values in tourism guiding, noting that guides act as mediators between ancient history and contemporary society and must fully comprehend their professional responsibility.

As part of the program, Dr. Parviz Gasimov, Leading Researcher at the Institute (PhD in History, Associate Professor), delivered a lecture titled “From Archaeological Excavation to Archaeotourism and Museum Archaeology.” He provided comprehensive scholarly insights into the significance of archaeological research, the tourism potential of archaeological heritage, and mechanisms of presentation within museum environments. It was emphasized that the proper interpretation of archaeological materials enhances the qualitative content of tourism routes, strengthens their educational function, and contributes to presenting Azerbaijan’s rich historical and cultural heritage to an international audience.

Subsequently, tourism and cultural heritage expert Shahin Shahbazov delivered a presentation entitled “Modern Guiding Practice and Communication Skills,” discussing professional ethics, effective audience communication, and guiding principles aligned with international standards.

On February 22, the event continued at the Institute’s Museum-Exhibition Hall, where four additional speakers presented on various topics. The scientific-practical program proved particularly significant in enhancing the methodological training of guides, volunteers, and trainee students, as well as promoting modern approaches in museum studies and archaeology. Volunteers of the Institute from various universities and trainee students from Azerbaijan University actively participated in the event.

Orkhan Zamanov, historian-archaeologist and Head of the Department for the Organization of Scientific Exposition, delivered a presentation entitled “Teaching Archaeological Heritage in Museums – Scientific-Methodological Approaches and Perspectives.” He discussed the role of museums in education, the scientific-didactic potential of archaeological exhibits, and the “museum as an educational laboratory” model. It was noted that the systematic integration of archaeological materials into the learning process fosters empirical thinking and analytical skills among students.

Dr. Valeh Alakbarov, Head of the Department of International Relations at the Institute (PhD in History), presented on “Proper Identification of Tangible Cultural Heritage in Museums,” addressing issues of scientific interpretation, presentation language, and terminological accuracy. He emphasized that accurate identification and contextual presentation of cultural artifacts are key determinants of professional guiding quality.

Aslan Gasimov, Director of the Archaeology Teaching and Research Center at Baku State University, delivered a lecture titled “The Living Voice of History: The Professional Museum Guide,” underlining the importance of presenting historical information in a vivid and persuasive manner. He noted that a guide is not merely a transmitter of information but also a bearer of historical memory and a professional communicator capable of establishing cultural dialogue with audiences.

Museologist Haji Hajiyev presented on “What Is the ‘Success Module’ of a Guide?”, sharing perspectives on the professional development model of modern guides, communication competencies, ethical conduct, and methods of interactive audience engagement.

Throughout the training sessions, active discussions were held, practical questions were addressed, and exchanges of views took place regarding the scientific-methodological foundations of contemporary tourism guiding. The event once again demonstrated that tourism guiding constitutes a strategically important field in the preservation of national tangible cultural heritage and its accurate presentation to society.