Why a World Capital of Culture Could Counter Instrumentalization
Stefano Monti argues for a World Capital of Culture to counter the instrumentalization of cultural titles like ICESCO's designation of Shusha as Islamic World Capital of Culture. The Azerbaijani city, recently recaptured in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, has also been named Azerbaijani Capital of Culture (2021) and Turkic Capital of Culture (2023). Monti critiques how such titles can be used politically, citing the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict where Shusha was a military target in 2020 and is now part of Azerbaijan's territorial gains, leading to an exodus of 120,000 ethnic Armenians. He suggests a global capital could refocus culture as a unifying force rather than a divisive tool.
Key facts
- Shusha was named Islamic World Capital of Culture by ICESCO in 2023 for 2024.
- The city was previously named Azerbaijani Capital of Culture (2021) and Turkic Capital of Culture (2023).
- Shusha was conquered/liberated by Azerbaijan on November 9, 2020.
- The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been intermittent for 30 years.
- Azerbaijan's military offensive in September 2023 led to the surrender of Armenian representatives.
- Approximately 120,000 ethnic Armenians are leaving Nagorno-Karabakh fearing reprisals.
- The Lachin Corridor was blocked for over 9 months, isolating the region.
- Monti proposes a World Capital of Culture to restore culture as a unifying element.
Entities
Artists
- Stefano Monti
- Giorgio Comai
- Emanuel Pietrobon
Institutions
- ICESCO
- Artribune
- Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso
- Il Giornale
- Monti&Taft
Locations
- Shusha
- Azerbaijan
- Nagorno Karabakh
- Armenia
- Lachin Corridor
- Caucasus
- Turan
- Russia
- Persia
- Turkey