At the end of June, the NARGIS team embarked on an unforgettable journey to Shusha – a city rich in cultural heritage and deep emotional resonance. For each team member, it was a first-time experience, which made every impression feel especially vivid and sincere. Our home during this inspiring trip was the Yasəmən Hotel – a place where traditional charm meets contemporary comfort, creating the perfect setting to reflect, create, and connect. As part of the trip, Defender organised an exclusive test drive experience, allowing us to explore the mountainous landscapes of Karabakh behind the wheel of one of the most iconic off-road vehicles. Many of the striking visuals were taken with the HONOR 400 Pro, whose precision and clarity proved essential in preserving the spirit of Shusha through photography and video.
"Each of us carries our own Shusha in the heart, we dreamed of for years. And now, finally, we are here. After a long journey, we were welcomed by Yasəmən Hotel, a place that felt like home. Every detail reflects refined taste and deep respect for heritage. The building has been carefully restored to preserve the spirit of medieval Shusha, and from the window, one can see the historic Mehmandarovs’ estate complex and the city’s charming streets. To the south of the city lies the legendary Jidir Duzu – a historic plateau that has long been used for festivals, competitions, and cultural gatherings. During the Karabakh Khanate period, it hosted traditional equestrian games such as chovqan, archery contests, wrestling, and other folk sports. Especially during the Novruz holiday, Jidir Duzu would come alive with grand celebrations. But Jidir Duzu is more than just a sporting ground. It is a place of poetry and mugham, a space where music and words have long intertwined. In 2021, after years of silence, Jidir Duzu came alive once again: this time with the music of the Khari Bulbul Festival, returning to its true calling as a place of spirit, sound, and peace."
Mujgan Gafarzadeh
Director
We passed the checkpoint and continued on our way. Bright greenery all around, azure sky above and bright sun. But then suddenly, a ruined house appeared, jolting the heart. And you understand that the war had raged here. But how everything has changed! The roads were of exceptional quality, the bridges impressive, the residential complexes striking. You could feel the enormous work being made to revive the region. All around us, nature unfolded in breathtaking beauty. There wasn’t a singlemoment along the way when the surrounding landscapes didn’t inspire admiration. But perhaps the most unforgettable thing is the air – so pure, delicious, and intoxicating. I was literally delighted with it. I wanted to keep breathing it in, deeply and endlessly – the air of freedom itself. Listening to the guide’s fascinating tales, you begin to understand the profound influence Shusha has had on Azerbaijani culture. I truly hope to return to this magical land many more times. And I sincerely wish for every Azerbaijani to experience the wonder of Karabakh at least once in their life – to see it, to feel it, and to carry it in their heart.
Vladislav Makarov
Senior Designer & PPM
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Shusha struck me from the first minutes – stately, refined, with a rich culture and incredibly beautiful landscapes. I had heard much about its beauty, but I wasn’t prepared for such splendour. Despite being fought over for centuries, Shusha has retained its colour in every corner, though the sadness in its eyes still remains. I was very impressed by the Mehmandarovs’ estate complex with its architecture and history, and the Ganja Gate, with its favourable location, from where a beautiful view opened up. Shusha is a place you should definitely visit. And Shusha, I will definitely return…
Gulnara Ismailova
Advertising Manager
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Shusha stayed with me. Not just as a place on the map, but as a feeling. The quiet echo of history, the weight of silence, the way the mountains stood there proud, wounded, but alive. The view from Jidir Duzu took my breath away. There was something about that open space – it made me stop and just take it all in. It’s strange how beauty can ache. We walked through the streets of Shusha, each corner filled with stories. Our guide spoke of voices and minds born here: poets, singers, thinkers, and suddenly the silence felt full, as if their presence was still there. But my favourite part? The people. Warm, grounded, full of pride. They gave the city its real heartbeat. We came as a team, but I left with something deeply personal. A reminder that some places don’t just exist, they remember.
Valeria Vasileva
Health & Beauty Section Editor
Shusha is a city best felt with your soul. Once you connect with it, you never forget it. The breathtaking landscapes that unfold before your eyes are not just beautiful green hills and strict majestic mountains – they carry the breath of history. Shusha does not reveal its strength right away; it is restrained. But it is worth staying for at least a day, walking, stopping at a dilapidated building where someone once played the tar or read poetry – and you begin to understand: this city has its own special character. Jidir Duzu is a place where you want to spend time alone with yourself, reflect on what truly matters, and rediscover the most precious gift of all – life.
Parviz Gasimzade
Photographer
Visiting Shusha was honestly one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment I arrived, I felt this strange mix of emotions – a kind of calm melancholy, like stepping into another time. Quiet, yet full of stories. Every little street seemed to have its own personality. It is hard to explain, but you could almost feel the history in the air. What truly impressed me were the stories of the people who used to live there. The stories about Khurshidbanu Natavan, her cultural influence and charitable work inspired me so much. I am grateful that after so many years, there is finally a chance to see Shusha in peace, with my own eyes. No matter how much time passes, the city will always carry its history, both within itself and within us.
Sayyara Mammadova
Photo Editor
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