Restoration of Cultural Heritage and Strategies for Creating a Diplomatic Image in Azerbaijan's Post-Conflict Territories

Abstract

Following the 2020 Patriotic War, a large-scale reconstruction and rehabilitation process has been launched in Azerbaijan’s territories liberated from occupation. One of the main directions of this process is the restoration and international promotion of cultural heritage sites that were either destroyed or severely damaged. This article analyzes the measures undertaken in this area, the challenges encountered, and the strategies employed by Azerbaijan to build a diplomatic image based on cultural heritage. Relying on both local and international legal instruments, ongoing projects, and diplomatic initiatives, the research highlights the strategic importance of cultural heritage during the post-conflict phase. The article also examines opportunities for cooperation with UNESCO, initiatives in cultural diplomacy through international media and the diaspora, and the geopolitical utilization of restored monuments in Karabakh. The findings indicate that cultural heritage serves not only for the restoration of national identity but also as an effective tool for conveying messages to the international community