Baku hosts 1st International Youth Forum of Cultural Heritage and Tourism

Baku, February 2, AzerTAc 1st International Youth Forum of Cultural Heritage and Tourism kicked off on February 1. Representatives from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, Iran, Georgia, Norway, Tajikistan, Italy, Spain, Egypt and other countries participate at the event organized by MIRAS Social Organization in Support of Studying of Cultural Heritage, under slogan “Explore, Protect and Promote!”. The Forum aims at maintaining collaboration perspectives in the direction of protection and study of cultural heritage, tourism and new fields of tourism by gathering youth among the countries, achieving wide application of exchange of new ideas and successful practices. Young scientists and experts from different countries discuss global, interdisciplinary and national issues, as well as the problems and prospects on cultural heritage and tourism. Chairman of the MIRAS Social Organization, doctor of Philosophy on history Fariz Khalilli said that the target of the forum is to deliver the essence of Azerbaijani Youth Day to the whole world, founded by national leader Heydar Aliyev and widely celebrated every year on February 2. Mr. Khalilli also spoke of the importance of the Decree on approval of "Youth Development Strategy of Azerbaijan in 2015-2025s" signed by President Ilham Aliyev. Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Gafar Jabiyev, Professor Gino Mirocle Crisci, University of Calabria in Italy, Andrea Macchia, President of the YOCOCU Association, employee of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism Maleyka Huseynova, Arzu Soltan, deputy chairperson of the MIRAS Social Organization, Irakli Ephremidze, founder of the International Tourism Association “Georgia for Friends”, as well as professors Shikar Gasimov, Kubra Aliyeva, head of "Cabaqar" LLC Zeynab Gasimova, director of Vocational Rehabilitation Centre for young people with limited health Rahila Hasratova attend the event. Charity exhibition "We are always with you" was held within the forum. Following the event, current tends on the protection and promotion of the cultural heritage of Siberia, Azerbaijan’s folklore in 1900-1930s, Tajikistan's historical and cultural heritage, Georgia's cultural heritage resources, cultural relics in Norwegian nature, preventive methods on protection of cultural heritage resources of the Topkapi Palace Museum and other issues were also discussed at the event. The materials of the forum were published in collection. In order to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation among the countries participating at the event and explore other actual problems, it was decided to hold the 2nd International Youth Forum of Cultural Heritage and Tourism in 2016.