Publications of Navigation Systems Related to Artsakh Mostly Have a Propaganda Nature, Says Nairi Hokhikyan

Recently, I have been receiving unsettling inquiries from Artsakh regarding whether geolocation services, particularly Google Maps, are changing the names of settlements in Artsakh, the streets of Stepanakert, or the names of institutions to options favorable to Azerbaijan. This was stated by journalist Nairi Hokhikyan on his Facebook page.

In this context, some people in Artsakh are pondering whether, if Google is doing such things, it may indeed be over, and are we no longer the owners of Artsakh?

Dear citizens of Artsakh, Google, Yandex, or any other navigation system is merely a business service, and anyone can make changes therein. For instance, in 2011, I was able to arrange for several names in Azerbaijan’s Yevlakh region to be changed to Armenian, despite the fact that Yevlakh has not belonged to Armenia since at least 1920.

Do not take the publications of navigation systems as the ultimate truth or as the result of a political decision or agreement. They primarily have a propaganda nature, and the changes appearing there may also be backed by financial resources.

If many in Armenia desire it, perhaps the same navigation systems could be arranged to designate Baku as part of Armenia.

Therefore, do not take anti-Armenian markings on Google, Yandex, or similar platforms seriously; it is better to report them and demand corrections. This is more effective than panicking and hastily gathering your belongings to clear your head.

Artsakh is Armenian, will always be Armenian, and is a part of the Armenian statehood inhabited by Armenians.