Azerbaijan Presents the "Zorats Stones Settlement" Sanctuary as a Monument Located in "Ancient Azerbaijan"

Azerbaijan continues to propagate the false term "Western Azerbaijan" through state channels. This was reported by the "Geghard" scientific-analytical foundation, emphasizing that this time the target is Azerbaijani and other ethnic youth living outside of Azerbaijan.

On August 6, during the "Fifth Summer Camp of Diaspora Youth" held in Berdzor, attended by approximately 115 youths from 60 countries around the world, a meeting of the leadership of the "Community of Western Azerbaijan" organization took place with the campers. This was another event organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the State Committee for Work with the Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, members of the "Western Azerbaijan Community" organization addressed Azerbaijan's blatant claims over the territory of the Republic of Armenia and the false thesis of "Western Azerbaijan." The event showcased the documentary film "A Close Look at Western Azerbaijan" and a slideshow of photographs where historical and architectural monuments of the Republic of Armenia and natural landscapes were presented as "ancient Azerbaijani."

Furthermore, it was highlighted that among other monuments, the "Zorats Stones Settlement" cultural heritage sanctuary located in the Sisian region is also being presented as a monument within the territory of "ancient Azerbaijan."

Azerbaijan's policy of falsifying and appropriating the region's heritage is aimed at legitimizing Azerbaijan's claims over the Republic of Armenia and the region at large. Azerbaijani state propaganda is not limited only to the appropriation of Armenian heritage; it also encompasses the cultural heritage of Iran's Atropatene province. The appropriation and distortion of Armenian cultural heritage by Azerbaijan, coupled with its hegemonic policies, pose a threat to the Armenian people and the Republic of Armenia.

The authorities of Azerbaijan particularly target representatives of the younger generation, presenting them with anti-Armenian, distorted perceptions of the region's history and culture, organizing events where "brainwashing" directed by the Aliyev regime occurs. Thus, the organization of such events and the inclusion of youth in them shows that the Azerbaijani state has set the objective of ensuring the generational transmission of anti-Armenian policies.