Nakhchivan: Renowned Turkish historian-scientist and honorary member of the Turkish History Society, Ilber Ortayli, is on a visit to Nakhchivan from September 20-23, invited and organized by Nakhchivan State University. As part of his visit, Professor Ortayli, along with Nakhchivan State University Rector Elbrus Isayev and other university officials, explored various historical monuments in the region.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, on the first day, Ortayli toured the “Duzdag Treatment Center,” a unique healing facility created in the salt mines of Nakhchivan. The underground center’s walls, layered with salt, and the artisans’ handicrafts made from rock salt left a significant impression on the historian. Additionally, he visited the 18th-century ‘Khan Palace’ State Historical and Architectural Museum within the ‘Ajami Seyrangahi’ Cultural and Recreation Complex, where the architecture and historical exhibits, including items belonging to the Nakhchivan khans and photos of the Kangarli tribe, caught his attention.
In the Julfa district, Ortayli explored the medieval tomb of Fazlullah Naimi, a Sufi scholar, and the 15th-century Amirkhan tomb near Alinja Castle. He appreciated the village’s beauty and its preserved monuments. In the Ordubad district, he visited the village of Kotam, noting its historical significance and strategic location. At Sarshaher Square in Ordubad city, he observed the historical mosque, fountain, and buildings, expressing a long-held desire to visit. He engaged in conversations with locals and captured memorable moments through photographs.
The day concluded with Ortayli sampling Ordubad cuisine, expressing optimism about Nakhchivan’s future cultural development. On the second day of his visit, he is scheduled to hold meetings and deliver speeches.