President Ilham Aliyev attends inauguration of Imarat Complex in Aghdam following its restoration [PHOTOS]

On September 19, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev participated in the inauguration of the Imarat Complex in the city of Aghdam following its restoration, Azernews reports.

Culture Minister Adil Kerimli provided the head of state with details about the restoration work.

The Imaret Complex, which includes the palace of Panahali Khan, the founder of the Karabakh Khanate, was severely damaged and looted by Armenian vandals. The 18th-century architectural monument was a lavish residence, distinct from other khan palaces in Azerbaijan. Like other historical, cultural, and religious sites in the occupied territories, the Imaret Complex suffered significant vandalism.

The complex also contains the gravestones of Panahali Khan, Ibrahim Khalil Khan, his son Mehdi Gulu Khan (the last ruler of Karabakh), and Mehdi Gulu Khan's daughter, the prominent poet and artist Khurshidbanu Natavan. Other notable figures of the Karabakh khans’ family were buried in the complex’s cemetery. Following the occupation of Aghdam, the cemetery was targeted by Armenian vandalism, and the gravestone of Ibrahim Khalil Khan and the memorial monument of Khurshidbanu Natavan were destroyed.

Under President Ilham Aliyev’s directive, restoration and archaeological work began in 2023 with the involvement of local and international experts. The 3.3-hectare complex now features ceremonial buildings, mausoleums, a historical cemetery, a horse-riding complex for showcasing Karabakh horses, and a visitor center.

The Karabakh horse park will host auctions of Azerbaijan’s famed Karabakh horses and various training and show programs featuring these horses.

President Ilham Aliyev also viewed the Karabakh horses. Ongoing archaeological research in the 6,000-square-meter historical cemetery area has uncovered new historical facts.

The Imaret Complex is now open to visitors, who can explore the park, visitor center, museum, and café. President Ilham Aliyev planted a tree within the complex grounds, and a commemorative photo was taken at the conclusion of the visit.