This prestigious recognition was announced at the 12th Conference of Ministers of Culture of the Islamic World in Doha, Qatar. During the conference, Minister of Culture Adil Karimli passionately presented Shusha's candidacy, emphasizing its profound cultural significance and historical importance as the cradle of our culture.

Shusha holds a unique place in the historical, cultural, social, and political life of Azerbaijan and stands as a symbol of Islamic civilization. In 2022, Azerbaijan celebrated the "Year of Shusha" with a series of vibrant cultural events, including music festivals, poetry days, and numerous local and international cultural gatherings. Notably, the International Organization of Turkish Culture (TURKSOY) honored Shusha as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World for 2023.