Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Khinalig village, having ancient history and located at height of 2300 meters above sea level, possesses an original geographical position and unique architectural shape. There is a temple of Fire worshippers, tomb of Khidir Nebi, Sheikh Shalbuz and Abu Muslim mosgues relating to the Middle Ages, caves and numerous uninvestigated archaeological monuments. Keshikchidagh caves complex located in Aghstafa district is also cultural-historical territory possessing a unique relief, nature and rich with numerous archaeological monuments. The caves which were a place of worship and a refuge of our ancient ancestors, have remained up to this day. For protection of these historical and cultural monuments, I decree: 1. Historical territory of Khinalig village of Guba District is declared “Khinalig” state historical, architecture and ethnographic reserve. 2. Cave complex surrounded part of Keshikchidagh chain and situated in Aghstafa District is declared “Keshikchidagh” state historical and cultural reserve of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 3. “Khinalig” state historical, architecture and ethnographic reserve and “Keshikchidagh” state historical and cultural reserve of the Republic of Azerbaijan is given to subordination of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 4. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism to prepare within three months relevant draft regulations, structure and staff schedule of historical, architecture and ethnographic reserve Khinalig, historical and cultural reserve Keshikchidagh and submit to the Cabinet Ministers. 5. The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Azerbaijan to provide expenses required for functioning of  “Khinalig” state historical, architecture and ethnographic reserve and “Keshikchidagh” state historical and cultural reserve of the Republic of Azerbaijan due to respective funds meant in 2008 state budget for Culture and Tourism Ministry of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 6. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism together with Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, The State Committee of Land and Cartography of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Guba District Executive Power and Aghstafa District Executive Power to prepare proposals on the borders of “Khinalig” state historical, architecture and ethnographic reserve and “Keshikchidagh” state historical and cultural reserve, reflecting guarding zones  within three months and submit to the Cabinet of Ministers. 7. Guba District Executive Power and Aghstafa District Executive Power 7.1. To implement immediate measures for providing of “Khinalig” state historical, architecture and ethnographic reserve and “Keshikchidagh” state historical and cultural reserve with administrative buildings. 7.2. Together with corresponding bodies to assume immediate measures according to the legislation for suppression of illegal building and the economic works which are inadequate of mentioned reserves. 8. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan is to provide financial assets and to solve all issues deriving from the present Order. 9. The Decree comes into force on the day of signing.

 

Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. City of Baku, 19 December 2007