ICOM Azerbaijan National Committee celebrated its 25 th anniversary

Annual plenary conference was held within the framework of “ICOM Azerbaijan National Committee-25” at the Administration of State Historical-Architectural Reserve “Icherisheher” on December 15.

Ms. Shirin Melikova, the chairman of International Council of Museums (ICOM), the director of the Carpet Museum and doctor of philosophy in Arts spoke at the event and informed the participants about the 25 years activity of the committee. Shirin Melikova emphasized that, the first national committee in the post-soviet space was established in Azerbaijan and also stressed that, the organization that had 10 real members in 1992-1996, at present has 106 individual and one institutional member.

She mentioned that, they represent 43 museums, which 30 museums in Baku, 13 museums in the regions and also 14 other organizations. “As a public organization ICOM Azerbaijan National Committee unites Azerbaijan museums, scientists, artists, art workers, people directly associated with the museum work and also members of ICOM organization”- said chairman of the committee. She said that, the main tasks of the National Committee are to strengthen cooperation in museum work and cultural field, as well as to study the progressive experience of foreign museums.

One of the priorities of the National Committee is the safeguarding of cultural values in armed conflicts and their protection from illegal trade, the protection of cultural heritage and the development of museum management in the country.

Shirin Melikova emphasized that, first of all, ICOM is the society of professionals who work in the museum field contributing to museum, also associates by giving advices, supports and obtaining opportunities from joint cooperation. “In international arena we must promote our country, museum activity, its collection, Azerbaijan’s culture and art and form positive image of our country. We need to attract international experts to our country, hold annual conferences in Baku and in the regions of the country and to be elected to the staff of international committees. Today, museums shall take an active part in public life of their countries”, - said Shirin Melikova.

Shirin Melikova also mentioned that the Carpet Museum has carried out relevant activities in terms of protecting Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage, its recognition and promotion abroad and ICOM Azerbaijan National Committee conducts active work in this direction. Sevda Mammadaliyeva, the deputy minister of The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan wished successes in the work of conference and in future activity of the National Committee. The deputy minister spoke about the works done in the field of the organization of museum in our country and stressed the importance of the roles of museums in the development of tourism.

Javid Kazimov, the director of history museum of the “Icherisheher” State Historical- Architectural Administration said that, approximately 10 museums operate in “Icherisheher” and also stressed the necessity of opening of new museums in the future. Congratulatory letters from ICOM President Suay Aksoy and Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov were read out at the conference. Then the updated website of ICOM Azerbaijan National Committee was presented. Active members of the Committee were awarded with diplomas. The conference continued its work after the plenary meeting. The most active members of ICOM Azerbaijan National Committee made presentations. The issues such as the renewed charter of the National Committee, determination of working group to prepare for the participation of the Azerbaijani delegation in the General Conference of ICOM, which will be held in Kyoto, Japan in 2019, also giving a grant on “The Best Museum Project of the Year” and “The Most Active Member of Committee” nominations by ICOM Azerbaijan National Committee were discussed during conference.