We Have Left a Great Cultural Heritage in Artsakh. How to Save It?

The ongoing conflict in Artsakh over the decades, along with wars and post-war realities, has significantly affected spiritual and cultural monuments, architectural landmarks, and places of worship that represent cultural values. MediaHub spoke with Armine Hayrapetyan, the director of the State Service for the Preservation of Historical Environment of Artsakh, about urgent issues regarding Armenian cultural heritage in territories now controlled by Azerbaijan.

In the interview, she pointed out that the ongoing targeting of cultural heritage is a crucial component that cannot fully describe Artsakh.

Armenian cultural and religious heritage in the occupied territories of Artsakh is under the direct focus of Azerbaijani state policy. Armine Hayrapetyan warns: “We have left a great cultural heritage in Artsakh, a wealth of undeniable historical value that carries our historical memory and assures our existence in Artsakh. Ancient historical family cemeteries, which are clear records of chronology, spiritual and secular notable centers, including the monasteries of Dadivank, Gandzasar, Amaras, and the St. Hakob Monastery in Tsumakaghoy, the Kachaznchetsots Church, the fortress of Tigranakert, and many other fortresses and castles. Thus, over 6,000 registered monuments are under threat of ethnocide,” she listed.

In the regions that came under enemy control after the 44-day war, Azerbaijan has presented spiritual and cultural values to the world as of Albanian origin. Khachkar monuments were destroyed, and churches and chapels were either vandalized or completely demolished.

Armine Hayrapetyan cited the most striking example: “The Church of St. Astvatsatsin in Mekhakavan has been completely destroyed. Meanwhile, under the guise of restoration at the churches of Ghazanchetsots and St. John in Shushi, they have removed internal and external cross-stone carvings and inscriptions.”

Armine Hayrapetyan struggled to answer how and by what means Artsakh's cultural genocide should be prevented: “We are dealing with a country that is an enemy of civilization. We must work in a united and coordinated manner, just as Azerbaijan does.”

It is evident that by utilizing the results of war and gaining control over all of Artsakh, Baku aims to finally complete the policy of appropriation and destruction of Armenian historical presence that has begun since Soviet times.