Shusha, July 15, 2026 – The Europe Today: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini on Monday visited the bullet-riddled busts of three of Azerbaijan’s most celebrated cultural figures—Khurshidbanu Natavan, Bulbul, and Uzeyir Hajibeyli—during the Slovak leader’s official visit to Azerbaijan.
The two presidents viewed the historic monuments in the city of Shusha, where the damaged bronze busts are displayed as a reminder of the destruction inflicted on Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage during years of conflict.
The busts of renowned poet Khurshidbanu Natavan, legendary opera singer Bulbul, and acclaimed composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli, widely regarded as the founder of modern Azerbaijani classical music, hold significant cultural and historical importance for the nation.
The visit formed part of President Pellegrini’s programme in Azerbaijan and underscored the importance of preserving cultural heritage and historical memory while strengthening bilateral ties between Azerbaijan and Slovakia.
President Pellegrini is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, during which the two countries have held high-level discussions aimed at expanding cooperation in areas including education, infrastructure, and regional development.
