The deplorable condition of historical monuments in Azerbaijan

The Geghard Scientific-Analytical Foundation has published an investigative article about the deplorable condition of historical monuments in Azerbaijan, debunking Azeri accusations of vandalism allegedly perpetrated by Armenians.

Below is the article published by the analytical center.

“Azerbaijan, which has never excelled in preserving its historical and cultural heritage, continues to accuse the Armenian side of vandalizing Muslim cultural monuments in the territory of Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh]. It is important to note that these monuments, belonging to Islamic culture, have no connection with "Azerbaijani culture." Moreover, numerous historical monuments and cultural sites, including Muslim sanctuaries and mosques, in Azerbaijan today have been turned into garbage dumps or animal barns. Cultural values from the Mongol period and the Shirvanshahs are now facing the threat of destruction.

“For example, the Shah Sultan Hussein Mosque, dating back to the Safavid period and located in the village of Novkhani in Azerbaijan, has been turned into a garbage dump. Iranian news outlets have strongly criticized Azerbaijan's treatment of this Shiite mosque, which is part of Iran's cultural heritage. Azerbaijani historian Zaur Aliyev has also raised concerns about the mosque’s dire condition. According to him, there is not even a sign indicating that the monument is protected by the state—only a locally made sign reading “Shah Sultan Hossein Mosque.” “The interior of the religious monument has been turned into a garbage dump, where even the carcasses of dead animals are thrown,” Aliyev noted.

“The well-known eastern bathhouse (hammam) dating back to the 17th-18th centuries, located in the Mashtagha settlement of Baku’s Sabunchu district has been completely turned into a garbage dump. This cultural heritage site is also known as the "Sand bathhouse." Similar bathhouses exist in almost all villages of Absheron, the overwhelming majority of which are in a semi-ruined and dilapidated condition.

“The historical Haji Majid bathhouse, located in the Jorat settlement of Sumgait, is in the same deplorable condition. Known among locals as the Old bathhouse, it dates back to the 15th-16th centuries and belongs to the Shirvanshahs' era. According to residents, the main reason for the historical monument turning into a garbage dump is the indifferent attitude of the responsible authorities. It should be noted that the Haji Majid bathhouse was last renovated in 1985 and remained operational until 1988. Today, this historical monument faces the threat of complete destruction.

“Another ancient monument has been turned into a garbage dump by Azerbaijanis in the city of Aghsu. Archaeologist Fariz Khalilli, who conducted excavations at the site, told that after the completion of archaeological work, part of the monument was destroyed due to road construction in the area. Additionally, the local Azerbaijani population has made the site a dumping ground. According to the archaeologist, the garbage scattered around the area is a clear manifestation of disrespect toward historical monuments.

“In addition to the destruction of historical and cultural monuments, sanctuaries and pilgrimage sites in Azerbaijan have also been subjected to vandalism. For instance, as early as 2016, unidentified individuals set fire to two pilgrimage sites in the village of Yalama, located on the border between Russia and Azerbaijan. The same fate befell the Khanoba and later the Molla Ahmad sanctuaries at the hands of Azerbaijanis.

“Vandalism against cultural monuments remains an integral part of Azerbaijan’s policy. It is important to note that cultural monuments from different historical periods, which have no connection to Azerbaijanis, are being destroyed. Baku pursues the same deliberate policy not only in the occupied territories of Artsakh—erasing the Armenian presence and demolishing Christian churches—but also within Azerbaijan itself. The evidence is the semi-ruined church in the Zakatala district, which, despite being under state protection, has been subjected to vandalism.

“Thus, the Azerbaijani side has effectively declared war on civilization by destroying cultural heritage belonging to various historical periods and peoples. Even Azerbaijanis themselves acknowledge this reality, as evidenced by their own posts on social media. One such post states: “Vandalism in Azerbaijan—there is no need to blame Armenians, as we are destroying our own historical monuments.”