unique Shushathe beating heart of Karabakh
Shusha is one of the most beautiful corners of Azerbaijan, blessed with nature that boasts stunning landscape scattered with gushing springs. It is believed that Shusha (which translates to ‘glass’ in Azerbaijani) got its name because of its magnificent, clear air, which is reminiscent of glass.
In 2023, Shusha was chosen as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic world. For many centuries, it has been the centre of Azerbaijani culture, music and literature. This city has given the world legendary composers and poets, such as Uzeyir Hajibeyli and Molla Panah Vagif. Khurshidbanu Natavan, one of Azerbaijan’s first poetesses and a prominent figure in the country's literary heritage, also played an important role in Shusha's cultural life. The story of the first water pipeline in the city, installed in 1873 and named ‘Khan Gizi’ (The Khan's Daughter), is intimately associated with her.
Shusha is also famous for Karabakh horses, which were first bred here by Panah Ali Khan, the founder of the Karabakh Khanate. The famous Russian artist Vasily Vereshchagin once wrote in his memoirs that ‘The best horses I have ever seen in my life were in Shusha.’ Today, this breed is considered one of the most valuable in the world.
Another notable fact is that Shusha is home to the Kharibulbul, an endemic plant about which many legends and stories of incredible beauty and grandeur have been told. This distinctive flower from the orchid family resembles the form of a nightingale, hence its name: ‘khar’ translates to ‘thorn,’ and ‘bulbul’ means nightingale.
So, Shusha combines rich history, cultural heritage and rare natural attractions. This city continues to attract the attention of history and culture enthusiasts from around the world, maintaining its special and significant status over centuries.
