Shushi – the second largest city of Artsakh – has a unique history. It has been burnt down several times and rebuilt from the ruins. The first mention of the city dates bank to 1428. At that time, it was a small village. In four centuries, Shushi grew into a fortress city with a population of over 25000 people. It proudly titled the cultural center of the region – first, as part of Persia, and then – the Russian Empire.
Taking of Shushi on May 9, 1992, was a turning point in the course of the Karabakh War and since then, this day is celebrated as the Victory Day.
A number of interesting materials, documenting all the events, are kept in the History Museum of the city.
Shushi is still a cultural center, or rather the cultural capital of Artsakh.
The famous 19th-century Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, the fortress ruins, an old mosque are among the city’s attractions. Besides, there is a carpet museum, with a collection of more than 200 ancient and contemporary items, functioning in Shushi. There is also a Museum of Fine Arts.
