The Karabakh region, a territory with a rich history and cultural heritage, has been a victim of destruction and vandalism at the hands of Armenian forces. For decades, the region’s historical monuments, museums, libraries, and places of worship have been destroyed, plundered, or misappropriated. The once-thriving cultural landscape of Karabakh has been reduced to ruins, with mosques being used as cattle pens and stables, and ancient manuscripts and artifacts being smuggled to Armenia.
The destruction of Azerbaijan’s material and cultural heritage by Armenia is not only an act of vandalism against Azerbaijan but also against human values. The international community has been slow to respond to these atrocities, but the evidence is clear. The historical mosque in Aghdam, which dates back to the 19th century, was desecrated and repurposed as a pig stall. The Khudaveng monastery in Kalbajar district and the Shahbulag fortress in Aghdam district have been looted, and their valuable exhibits have been smuggled to Armenia.
The use of Christian temples as battle positions and the destruction of cemeteries and tombs are further evidence of Armenia’s disregard for cultural and religious heritage. The liberated territories of Azerbaijan have been turned into a textbook example of urbicide, culturicide, and ecocide.
However, Azerbaijan is taking steps to rebuild and restore its cultural heritage. Thousands of foreign diplomats, journalists, and politicians have visited the liberated territories and witnessed the barbarism committed by Armenia. Azerbaijan is currently implementing large-scale restoration and reconstruction work in Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions at its own expense. As part of the Great Return program, thousands of former IDPs have already returned to their native lands, and many more are expected to follow.
As President Ilham Aliyev said, “We will turn this region, we will turn Karabakh into a paradise. We will forever live in these lands. No one can ever move us from these lands. Karabakh is ours! Karabakh is Azerbaijan.” Azerbaijan will continue to work towards rebuilding its cultural heritage and holding Armenia accountable for its actions.
