The Shusha Dimension of Azerbaijani Diplomacy
In today’s world, the key to success lies in mastering time. The 44-day Patriotic War and the anti-terror measures that lasted less than 24 hours are vivid examples of this principle.
This agility has spread across many areas in Azerbaijan, and diplomacy is no exception. Most strikingly, this very speed has ensured that Shusha — liberated from occupation — is now recognized not only as a cultural capital but also as an emerging hub of diplomacy.
Diplomacy demands knowledge, education, agility, secular outlook, and the ability to adapt. It is evident that Azerbaijan is setting this diplomatic table anew in Shusha, with a modern order firmly in place.
Shusha embodies Azerbaijan’s strength in diplomacy. The meetings held here not only elevate our country beyond the region but also strengthen its position at the global political table.
It is highly likely that, in time, all this will enter history as “Shusha diplomacy.” For Shusha has become the new address of Azerbaijan’s political influence and diplomacy. This sends an open message to the world: Shusha is the future diplomatic center of Azerbaijan, the region, and indeed, the world.
The rise of Shusha as a diplomatic capital continues Azerbaijan’s long-standing respect for tradition. For centuries, the city has been the cradle of national identity, culture, music, and spirituality. Today, that cradle also serves as a foundation for diplomacy. The gatherings here convey a dual message: preserving national identity while embracing global integration. Azerbaijan remains true to its roots while keeping pace with the demands of a new era. In Shusha, diplomacy is built upon national spirit and international protocol.
This confirms that Azerbaijan is developing its political culture on the basis of its heritage.
The highest interstate protocol standards are observed in Shusha. National anthems are played, guards of honor are lined up, and red-carpet ceremonies have already become traditions in the city.
The showcasing of Karabakh horses and the inclusion of cultural elements add a unique dimension to Azerbaijan’s diplomacy. These ceremonies go beyond formal ritual — they represent a genuine synthesis of culture and diplomacy. The protocol shaped in Shusha is a new diplomatic model that Azerbaijan offers to the world. Here, art and politics, liberation and reconstruction converge to create a truly distinctive experience.
Within a short period, Shusha has developed the capacity to host major international events. The city’s modernized infrastructure, enhanced logistics, and strengthened security all serve this goal.
The meetings held here demonstrate that Shusha is fully prepared for diplomacy, both technically and politically. The visits of world leaders stand as the clearest proof.
Azerbaijan is resolute and consistent in its commitment to transform Shusha into a center embraced by the international community. This determination reflects not only diplomatic ambition but also the country’s broader strategic vision.
Today, Shusha is recognized as a reliable venue for global gatherings. The number of world leaders visiting the city continues to grow. Remarkably, even the capitals of neighboring countries have not hosted as many official guests as Shusha welcomed in 2025.
The visits of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are vivid examples. Additionally, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have also visited Shusha. Leaders who came to Khankendi extended their visits to Shusha as well.
The presence of these leaders demonstrates that Shusha is now globally acknowledged, both by the leaders themselves and their partners. These visits are recorded as special pages in Azerbaijan’s diplomatic history. Shusha is firmly consolidating its place on the diplomatic map.
Shusha is also becoming a spiritual and political common platform for the Turkic world. The summit of the heads of state of the Organization of Turkic States held here is a clear illustration. Shusha has emerged as a venue where the shared future of Turkic peoples is discussed.
This city not only deepens spiritual bonds but also strengthens political cooperation among Turkic nations. Shusha is increasingly seen as the common diplomatic language of the Turkic world. The decisions made here go far beyond Azerbaijan — they matter for the entire Turkic world. For this reason, Shusha is often referred to as the symbolic capital of Turkic unity.
Diplomatic engagement in Shusha is not confined to heads of state. Representatives of the diplomatic corps have visited the city on numerous occasions.
Azerbaijan’s ambassadors abroad, along with representatives of international organizations, regularly take part in meetings in Shusha. Through the efforts of the State Committee on Work with the Diaspora, Shusha is showcased to the world almost every month.
All this demonstrates that Shusha has risen to an important position on the global diplomatic map. Each major event held here is proof of Azerbaijan’s openness to the world, while every meeting turns into a platform for addressing regional and international issues.
Shusha, therefore, is also a city of dialogue.
The International Media Forums organized in Shusha deserve special mention. Media and diplomacy now walk hand in hand.
Moreover, Azerbaijan’s victory was built upon a unique formula: the soldier, the media, and diplomacy. In this context, the International Media Forums play an invaluable role in turning the liberated city into a dynamic diplomatic hub.
Citations from international media further confirm this. They show that Shusha is now regarded as a center of politics, diplomacy, and global media dialogue.
The Media Forum held in Shusha — through its participants and speeches — moves the city beyond being a symbol of reconstruction, establishing it as an active diplomatic arena.
And most importantly, all meetings in Shusha serve the cause of humanity and peace.
Having endured 30 years of occupation and war, Shusha now calls on the world to embrace peace.
Yes, Shusha is the world’s Peace Center.
Elnur Amirov
