Photos: Azerbaijanis Commit Another Act of Vandalism in Hadrut

Azerbaijan continues its policy of destroying cultural heritage and Armenian traces in the occupied territories of the Republic of Artsakh, reports the website war.karabakhrecords.info.

The source indicates that since the end of 2020, instances of cultural genocide carried out by Azerbaijan in the occupied regions of Artsakh have included the White Cross Church in the village of Vank in the Hadrut region. Footage shared on social media platforms shows that Azerbaijanis have removed the cross from the church's dome. Furthermore, under the pretext of renovating the temple, the Azerbaijani side has also demolished the church's roof along with the cross.

These actions demonstrate that Azerbaijan is attempting to completely erase the traces of Armenian culture in the region, presenting yet another Armenian church as a “Jewish” site.

Back in early November 2021, Azerbaijan organized a visit for representatives of the country's Udi community to the aforementioned church. During their visit, the church was presented as a “Albanian-Jewish cultural monument,” which has no basis in reality.

Considering the history of the church's establishment, it is important to note that the exact year of its founding is unknown. The oldest inscription regarding the church dates back to the 14th century (1333). This inscription has been preserved inside the church, under the northern arch's khachkar (cross-stone). It states: “I, Sirakh (Siravk), erected this cross-stone for my father, Khutlapi, in 1333.”

Another inscription mentions: “Built in 1735. This is the year of Khan Tahmasp (-kuli). The bell tower was constructed in memory of Bishop Avanes, son of Surapi.” Most likely, this refers to the year the church's bell tower was reconstructed.