Shusha – ECO Tourism Capital 2026
Perched majestically atop the mountains of Karabakh, Shusha stands as one of the most treasured cultural and historical cities of Azerbaijan. Founded in 1750 by Panah Ali Khan as the capital of the Karabakh Khanate, the city has long been admired for its strategic location, architectural heritage, and vibrant cultural life. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and breathtaking landscapes, Shusha has served for centuries as a crossroads of trade, arts, and ideas, earning a distinguished place in the history of the South Caucasus.
Widely celebrated as the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, Shusha has nurtured generations of poets, musicians, artists, and intellectuals whose contributions have shaped the nation’s cultural identity. The city is renowned as a cradle of Azerbaijani music and literature, particularly for its rich Mugham tradition and its unique literary gatherings known as majlis. Historic landmarks such as the Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque, the Vagif Mausoleum, and elegant stone mansions reflect the city’s enduring architectural and artistic legacy.
Throughout the nineteenth century, Shusha flourished as a prosperous center of commerce, craftsmanship, and silk production, attracting merchants and travelers from across the region. Its cosmopolitan atmosphere and hospitable spirit inspired prominent visitors, including the celebrated French writer Alexandre Dumas. Blessed with a mild mountain climate, picturesque scenery, and a rich cultural landscape, Shusha became a favored retreat for many of Azerbaijan’s leading literary and musical figures.
Recognizing its outstanding cultural significance and growing role in regional tourism, the fifth ECO Ministerial Meeting on Tourism, held in Ardabil, Islamic Republic of Iran, on 5 October 2023 selected Shusha as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2026. This title highlights Shusha’s unique heritage, its contribution to intercultural dialogue, and its potential to serve as a leading tourism destination within the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) region.
As ECO Tourism Capital 2026, Shusha welcomes visitors to discover its remarkable history, living traditions, and timeless beauty:
https://youtu.be/_xCKzBJBt3Q?si=cZDmBf_93z_1bOq9
The official inauguaration ceremony for the Shusha as the ECO Tourism Capital 2026 was held on 29 April 2026 along with the 7th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Tourism and the ECO Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Asad M. Khan formally presented the certificate to the Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the opening of the meeting. The celebratory events also included a concert of Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestrate on 27 April 2026 and a Gastronomy Fest on 28 April 2026 along with the 9th Meeting of the High Level Experts Group on Tourism.
For more information about Shusha click here:
https://azerbaijan.travel/trip-to-shusha
Destination-Shusha Video: