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The way Azerbaijan is trying to erase Armenian history
Stages, methods and examples of the destruction of Christian monuments
On November 10, 2020, the Second Artsakh War ended. Azerbaijan seized two-thirds of the lands that Armenian forces had controlled for almost thirty years.
The conflict in Artsakh cannot be called a religious war in the literal sense. But churches, cemeteries and other sacred monuments are important as global cultural treasures and as evidence of the long-standing presence of the people in the territory. Today, there is a direct threat of intentional eradication of Armenian cultural heritage by the state of Azerbaijan, aiming to distort historical facts and subject the indigenous population to violence once again.
The conflict in Artsakh cannot be called a religious war in the literal sense. But churches, cemeteries and other sacred monuments are important as global cultural treasures and as evidence of the long-standing presence of the people in the territory. Today, there is a direct threat of intentional eradication of Armenian cultural heritage by the state of Azerbaijan, aiming to distort historical facts and subject the indigenous population to violence once again.
Stages
Armenophobic sentiments in Azerbaijan grew throughout the nineteenth century, which repeatedly led to massacres and pogroms, which were accompanied by the destruction of monuments. One of the most brutal examples already in the 20th century is the Shushi massacre in 1920. As a result of this massacre, according to different estimates up to 30 thousand Armenians were killed and all remaining Armenians were expelled from the city. Part of the city, where it lived, was almost completely burned.
In this material we will consider three conditional stages:
In Soviet times, the destruction of Armenian Christian monuments formally fit the party's general line: religion is the opium for the people. Mosques and Russian Orthodox churches were also destroyed, so when another Armenian church disappeared from the scene, it seemed logical. This policy was actively pursued by the Central Committee of the Party only in the first decades of the Soviet Union, and then the aggression towards religion began to fade away.
And yet in the 1960s the Council of Ministers of Azerbaijan decided to demolish all the dilapidated buildings in the Armenian quarters of Shushi, including the ruins of the churches of Aguletsots, Megretsots and Kusanats.
In this material we will consider three conditional stages:
- Soviet time;
- 1990s-2000s;
- After 2020.
In Soviet times, the destruction of Armenian Christian monuments formally fit the party's general line: religion is the opium for the people. Mosques and Russian Orthodox churches were also destroyed, so when another Armenian church disappeared from the scene, it seemed logical. This policy was actively pursued by the Central Committee of the Party only in the first decades of the Soviet Union, and then the aggression towards religion began to fade away.
And yet in the 1960s the Council of Ministers of Azerbaijan decided to demolish all the dilapidated buildings in the Armenian quarters of Shushi, including the ruins of the churches of Aguletsots, Megretsots and Kusanats.
This is what the Surb Astvatsatsin church in Baku looked like
The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. Already in 1992 the small church of Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) in the center of Baku was demolished. Only the lower tier of the bell tower is preserved.
During the First Artsakh war (1992-1994) cultural monuments were shelled. After the war many of them were restored in independent Artsakh.
Nakhijevan, a former Armenian territory, remained within Azerbaijan. The destruction of hundreds of monuments continued and reached its peak in the 2000s when the cemetery in Julfa and the early medieval town of Agulis were destroyed. According to U.S. scholars, 98 per cent of Armenian cultural heritage was destroyed between 1997 and 2011 in Nakhichevan.
During the First Artsakh war (1992-1994) cultural monuments were shelled. After the war many of them were restored in independent Artsakh.
Nakhijevan, a former Armenian territory, remained within Azerbaijan. The destruction of hundreds of monuments continued and reached its peak in the 2000s when the cemetery in Julfa and the early medieval town of Agulis were destroyed. According to U.S. scholars, 98 per cent of Armenian cultural heritage was destroyed between 1997 and 2011 in Nakhichevan.
A cemetery of cross-stones and soldiers destroying it
After 2020, the Azerbaijani authorities started "restoring" the Christian churches in Artsakh, which they themselves had destroyed. We will describe how it is done in some detail below.
Ghazanchetsots in Shushi (left photo — the "restoration" process)
Azerbaijan does not yet allow international expert commissions from UNESCO to assess the level of destruction on its territory. However, owing to the development of technology, more and more evidence is appearing: satellite images, photos and videos from social networks, confirming the facts of crimes against culture.
"Damage to the cultural property of each nation constitutes damage to the cultural heritage of all mankind, since each nation contributes to the culture of the world."
Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict
Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict
Ways
What can be done to the temple? Fire a shell, destroy the dome, demolish it. But the complete physical destruction of the monument is fraught with international scandals. That is why the Azerbaijani side uses other ways to erase traces of Armenian culture from the controlled territories.
Albanization, for instance. What does Albania have to do with it? The modern country on the Balkan Peninsula is irrelevant. Caucasian Albania is a state that existed in the territory of present-day Azerbaijan in the first millennium AD. The present inhabitants of Azerbaijan are partly descendants of the inhabitants of this ancient state.
Albanization, for instance. What does Albania have to do with it? The modern country on the Balkan Peninsula is irrelevant. Caucasian Albania is a state that existed in the territory of present-day Azerbaijan in the first millennium AD. The present inhabitants of Azerbaijan are partly descendants of the inhabitants of this ancient state.
Caucasian Albania was a union of 26 tribes. Their languages were related to present-day Dagestani. The small people of the Udines are a direct descendant of the Albanians.
Christianity came to their country through Armenia as early as the 4th century. At the same time, during the division of Armenia between Rome and Persia, Caucasian Albania received the territories, which also included present-day Artsakh.
Christianity came to their country through Armenia as early as the 4th century. At the same time, during the division of Armenia between Rome and Persia, Caucasian Albania received the territories, which also included present-day Artsakh.
After being conquered by Arabs in 705, Caucasian Albania ceased to exist. However, the Albanian Christian Church existed till the XIX century when it was liquidated by the Russian Empire. However, as non-Azerbaijani scholars believe, the Armenian language and traditions dominated this church from the first centuries of its existence.
Since Soviet times, Azerbaijani historians have begun to exaggerate the role and influence of Caucasian Albania in the history of the region. The rhetoric evolved, and today it is adopted at the official level: all the Christian monuments in the territory of Azerbaijan, which Armenians consider their own, are in fact Albanian.
President Ilham Aliyev states firmly:
"Armenian historians and falsifiers have Armenianized the Albanian churches, added their lies there and assigned them".
"Armenian historians and falsifiers have Armenianized the Albanian churches, added their lies there and assigned them".
Azerbaijani scientists and architects insist that all Armenian inscriptions and details were put on Albanian churches later and suggest that they be removed. Armenia fears that only bare walls will be left of the monuments.
Caucasian Albania map
Another way of non-physical destruction of Armenian culture is also unexpected: let's call it "conversion to Orthodoxy". Elnur Allahverdiyev, a deputy of the National Assembly of the Republic of Azerbaijan, claims that the Kanach Jam Church was Orthodox, as it once had a round dome. According to experts, this theory is far from reality.
Maxim Atoyants, honored architect of Russia, comments:
"The shape of the dome itself doesn't mean anything. It is not a criterion, there is simply a habit that Armenian churches have a conical or pyramidal dome, and that of Greek, and then Serbian, Bulgarian and Russian churches, in those cases where they have a dome - it is usually spherical or close to that shape."
"The shape of the dome itself doesn't mean anything. It is not a criterion, there is simply a habit that Armenian churches have a conical or pyramidal dome, and that of Greek, and then Serbian, Bulgarian and Russian churches, in those cases where they have a dome - it is usually spherical or close to that shape."
Another way to erase the Armenian identity of monuments is to turn a Christian temple into a mosque, as was done with the Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Istanbul.
Surb Hambardzum Church in Berdzor (Lachin)
Such suggestions began to appear regarding the Surb Hambardzum Church in Berdzor, also now controlled by Azerbaijani forces. On March 5, 2021, the Public Association "Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments in the Occupied Territories of Azerbaijan" put forward the idea of using the church as a mosque, "making minor cosmetic changes to the exterior of the church". Renderings with 3D models of the alleged mosque appeared on the network. The project was given publicity, but was never implemented.
The list of destroyed and finally destroyed monuments goes on into the hundreds. Here we will tell you about a few of the most typical cases.
The list of destroyed and finally destroyed monuments goes on into the hundreds. Here we will tell you about a few of the most typical cases.
Baku
Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator
Construction began in 1863. Since its consecration by Catholicos of All Armenians Gevorg IV, the church has played an important role in the life of the Armenians of Baku.
Armenian charitable and educational centers were concentrated around it. A women's school was organized at the church. The Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator was burned down in 1990 after an anti-Armenian pogrom in January. The fire caused serious damage. Also, the cross was removed from the dome.
In 2002, the library of the Presidential Apparatus Administration of Azerbaijan was founded on the basis of the church.
Armenian charitable and educational centers were concentrated around it. A women's school was organized at the church. The Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator was burned down in 1990 after an anti-Armenian pogrom in January. The fire caused serious damage. Also, the cross was removed from the dome.
In 2002, the library of the Presidential Apparatus Administration of Azerbaijan was founded on the basis of the church.
Nakhichevan
The Church of the Holy Trinity (Surb Yerrodutiun)
The church was built in the 7th century and was an example of early medieval style. The Armenians of Nakhichevan deeply venerated it.
In 705 Arabs invaded the region and burned Armenian princes in the church.
According to some records, their remains were discovered during restoration work at the end of the 19th century.
In 1975, the church was demolished during construction work in Nakhichevan.
In 705 Arabs invaded the region and burned Armenian princes in the church.
According to some records, their remains were discovered during restoration work at the end of the 19th century.
In 1975, the church was demolished during construction work in Nakhichevan.
Cemetery in Julfa
Julfa was a rich city on the Arax River on the ancient trade route.
In 1604, Shah Abbas relocated all its inhabitants deep into Persia to avoid a rebellion. The city was burnt down. A small settlement, ruins and a huge cemetery full of khachkars — stone steles with a carved image of a cross — remained of it. They are venerated by the Armenians as sacred objects.
In 1976 there were about 3 thousand cross-stones in the cemetery. The age of some cross-stones was more than 1000 years. The inscriptions on cross-stones and walls of churches were the greatest source of information about medieval Julfa.
Julfa was a rich city on the Arax River on the ancient trade route.
In 1604, Shah Abbas relocated all its inhabitants deep into Persia to avoid a rebellion. The city was burnt down. A small settlement, ruins and a huge cemetery full of khachkars — stone steles with a carved image of a cross — remained of it. They are venerated by the Armenians as sacred objects.
In 1976 there were about 3 thousand cross-stones in the cemetery. The age of some cross-stones was more than 1000 years. The inscriptions on cross-stones and walls of churches were the greatest source of information about medieval Julfa.
Witnesses from the Iranian bank of the Arax recorded the first destruction in 1998. The fragments of tombstones were loaded into wagons and sent by rail.
In November 2002, the demolitions resumed. However, after 1998 and 2002 there were still 2000 cross-stones.
The final destruction took place from December 10 to 14, 2005. Soldiers broke cross stones with sledgehammers and threw them into the Arax.
Despite video and satellite evidence, the Azerbaijani authorities deny the destruction of the khachkars. According to some media reports, there is now a shooting range on the site of the cemetery.
In November 2002, the demolitions resumed. However, after 1998 and 2002 there were still 2000 cross-stones.
The final destruction took place from December 10 to 14, 2005. Soldiers broke cross stones with sledgehammers and threw them into the Arax.
Despite video and satellite evidence, the Azerbaijani authorities deny the destruction of the khachkars. According to some media reports, there is now a shooting range on the site of the cemetery.
The Ancient City of Agulis
Agulis was built in ancient times. After the adoption of Christianity in Armenia, this city became a spiritual center where monasteries and churches were built. After the invasion of the Afghans in the 18th century Agulis was heavily deserted.
In 1919 it was destroyed and the Armenian part of its inhabitants was massacred by Turkish troops.
All churches and Armenian cemeteries were destroyed by order of the Azerbaijani leadership of Nakhichevan in 2006.
Agulis was built in ancient times. After the adoption of Christianity in Armenia, this city became a spiritual center where monasteries and churches were built. After the invasion of the Afghans in the 18th century Agulis was heavily deserted.
In 1919 it was destroyed and the Armenian part of its inhabitants was massacred by Turkish troops.
All churches and Armenian cemeteries were destroyed by order of the Azerbaijani leadership of Nakhichevan in 2006.
Nakhichevan
In 2022, the Caucasus Heritage Watch platform published the report "Silent Erasure: A Satellite Investigation of the Destruction of Armenian Cultural Heritage in Nakhchivan". It was prepared by Lori Khatchadourian, Adam T. Smith, Husik Ghulyan and Ian Lindsay.
The document indicates that Azerbaijan completely destroyed at least 108 Armenian monasteries, churches and cemeteries in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. This happened between 1997 and 2011. Satellite images, Soviet inventories and archival data are proof of this.
The document indicates that Azerbaijan completely destroyed at least 108 Armenian monasteries, churches and cemeteries in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. This happened between 1997 and 2011. Satellite images, Soviet inventories and archival data are proof of this.
Lori Khatchadourian, associate professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Cornell University, emphasizes:
"The program of silent erasure that we documented in Nakhchivan took place many years ago, but the outcome of the 2020 war over Nagorno-Karabakh gives it new urgency. As a result of that war, hundreds of Armenian monasteries, churches, and cemeteries were ceded to Azerbaijan, the very state that perpetrated systematic cultural erasure in Nakhchivan".
"The program of silent erasure that we documented in Nakhchivan took place many years ago, but the outcome of the 2020 war over Nagorno-Karabakh gives it new urgency. As a result of that war, hundreds of Armenian monasteries, churches, and cemeteries were ceded to Azerbaijan, the very state that perpetrated systematic cultural erasure in Nakhchivan".
Khachkar Cemetery in Julfa before its complete destruction
Khasan Zeynalov, permanent representative of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in Baku, was interviewed by the BBC in December 2005.
He stated:
"Armenians have never lived in Nakhichevan, which has been the land of Azerbaijanis since time immemorial, and that is why no Armenian cemeteries and monuments are there or have never been there".
"Armenians have never lived in Nakhichevan, which has been the land of Azerbaijanis since time immemorial, and that is why no Armenian cemeteries and monuments are there or have never been there".
This is Azerbaijan's official position on Nakhichevan.
Artsakh
We talked about the city of Shushi at the very beginning: after the massacre in 1920, almost all Armenian churches were destroyed. In the 60s the ruins of most of the churches were demolished. However, 2 famous Armenian churches in Shushi have remained.
Ghazanchetsots (Cathedral of St. Christ the Redeemer)
The complex consists of a church and a bell tower. The bell tower was built
in 1858. The construction of the temple went on from 1868 to 1887.
During the Shushi massacre the cathedral was damaged and lost its dome.
In 1930 it was finally closed, used as a barn, and then a garage. Bas-reliefs and engravings were erased. During the First Karabakh war it served as an Azerbaijani storage facility for Grad missiles. Then it was reconstructed by the Armenian side.
On October 8, 2020, the Cathedral of Ghazanchetsots was shelled twice in one day. Families with children were hiding inside. No one was killed.
The complex consists of a church and a bell tower. The bell tower was built
in 1858. The construction of the temple went on from 1868 to 1887.
During the Shushi massacre the cathedral was damaged and lost its dome.
In 1930 it was finally closed, used as a barn, and then a garage. Bas-reliefs and engravings were erased. During the First Karabakh war it served as an Azerbaijani storage facility for Grad missiles. Then it was reconstructed by the Armenian side.
On October 8, 2020, the Cathedral of Ghazanchetsots was shelled twice in one day. Families with children were hiding inside. No one was killed.
The interior of the cathedral after shelling
Azerbaijani military sprayed graffiti on the walls of the cathedral. Azerbaijani representatives said they could be easily washed off, and Togrul Juvarly, a member of the Azerbaijani National Public Committee on European Integration, compared the graffiti to the 1945 Reichstag inscriptions.
In the course of the works, which Azerbaijan is positioning as restoration, the pointed dome was removed. The cathedral is going to be restored with a round dome, as the pointed one, according to the managers of the works, is a "foreign element".
In the course of the works, which Azerbaijan is positioning as restoration, the pointed dome was removed. The cathedral is going to be restored with a round dome, as the pointed one, according to the managers of the works, is a "foreign element".
Surb Hovhannes Mkrtich (Saint Hovhannes Mkrtich Church)
The church is commonly called Kanach Jam (Green Church) because its dome used to be green. The church has a cruciform shape and is distinguished by its unique interior decoration.
According to Shagen Mkrtchyan's book "Historical and Architectural Monuments of Nagorno-Karabakh," Kanach Jam was turned into a pavilion for storing mineral water during the Soviet era. A cistern with it was located on the altar. The leaking water damaged the wall and foundation of the church.
After Shushi came under Azeri control, the dome and bell tower of the church were destroyed.
The church is commonly called Kanach Jam (Green Church) because its dome used to be green. The church has a cruciform shape and is distinguished by its unique interior decoration.
According to Shagen Mkrtchyan's book "Historical and Architectural Monuments of Nagorno-Karabakh," Kanach Jam was turned into a pavilion for storing mineral water during the Soviet era. A cistern with it was located on the altar. The leaking water damaged the wall and foundation of the church.
After Shushi came under Azeri control, the dome and bell tower of the church were destroyed.
Dadivank
It was first mentioned in the 9th century. The monastery was an important cultural center where manuscripts were copied and consecrated. With the establishment of Soviet regime the monastery became depopulated.
In 1994 Dadivank was consecrated again. At the end of 2020 the Azerbaijani authorities talked about an initiative to officially rename the temple Khudaveng and hand it over to the Udins. Eventually the Armenians were allowed to stay in the monastery. Often they share it with the Albanian-Udin Christian community, which conducts services there.
It was first mentioned in the 9th century. The monastery was an important cultural center where manuscripts were copied and consecrated. With the establishment of Soviet regime the monastery became depopulated.
In 1994 Dadivank was consecrated again. At the end of 2020 the Azerbaijani authorities talked about an initiative to officially rename the temple Khudaveng and hand it over to the Udins. Eventually the Armenians were allowed to stay in the monastery. Often they share it with the Albanian-Udin Christian community, which conducts services there.
Surb Zoravor Astvatsatsin Church
The church was built in 2017 in the village of Mekhakavan. First, during the Second Artsakh War, the cross was removed from the dome. Then, already in 2021, the Azerbaijani authorities demolished the church.
The church was built in 2017 in the village of Mekhakavan. First, during the Second Artsakh War, the cross was removed from the dome. Then, already in 2021, the Azerbaijani authorities demolished the church.
Representatives of Artsakh and the General Prosecutor's Office of Armenia are taking measures to draw the attention of the UN, UNESCO and other international organizations engaged in the protection and preservation of cultural values to these facts.
Scholars from Russia, Armenia and other countries urge the world community to pay attention to the monuments under threat. French cultural figures are drafting appeals to the UN. The European Parliament and U.S. senators strongly condemn the desecration and destruction of Armenian Christian monuments.
At the same time, Azerbaijan is denying the intentional damage to Armenian cultural monuments.
Scholars from Russia, Armenia and other countries urge the world community to pay attention to the monuments under threat. French cultural figures are drafting appeals to the UN. The European Parliament and U.S. senators strongly condemn the desecration and destruction of Armenian Christian monuments.
At the same time, Azerbaijan is denying the intentional damage to Armenian cultural monuments.
Ilham Aliyev's words accurately convey Baku's official stance:
"We are not sure what happened. There are suspicions that it was the work of Armenians, who want to blame us. If it was done by the Azerbaijani military formations, there was a mistake here. There are no historical or religious targets among our targets".
"We are not sure what happened. There are suspicions that it was the work of Armenians, who want to blame us. If it was done by the Azerbaijani military formations, there was a mistake here. There are no historical or religious targets among our targets".
A Brief History of Artsakh
The first records of the region, key events, preconditions and causes of the conflict with Azerbaijan
Humanitarian disaster in the South Caucasus
What is the Lachin corridor, who blocked it and what is the threat to Artsakh?
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