International organizations' alarms could help safeguard at least part of Armenian cultural heritage from destruction – Geghard Foundation

Thanks to the initiative of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), since 1982, April 18 has been celebrated as the International Day for Monuments and Sites. This year, it is held under the theme: “Heritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts: Preparedness and Learning from 60 years of ICOMOS Actions.” ICOMOS notes that April 18 serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the protection and preservation of world heritage that is under threat.

"This year’s theme fully reflects the fate of Armenian religious and cultural heritage in Artsakh. Following the occupation and depopulation of Artsakh, Azerbaijan has “declared war” on Armenian cultural heritage—some of it being rebranded as Caucasian Albanian, while other parts are completely destroyed. This policy by Azerbaijan is deliberate and systematic,'' Geghard Foundation said in a statement, adding that ICOMOS is well aware of Azerbaijan’s policy of destroying Armenian heritage.

 Years ago, the organization documented in its reports the destruction of the khachkars (cross-stones) in Julfa by Azerbaijani authorities. In November 2020, ICOMOS, along with a number of other organizations, issued a statement “calling for the protection of cultural heritage in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.”

"Currently, consistent monitoring and raising of alarms by ICOMOS and other international organisations dealing with cultural heritage can help prevent at least part of the Armenian heritage from being destroyed,'' reads the statement.

The Gegard Foundation, recognizing the importance of ICOMOS's efforts, calls for persistent attention to this issue, insists on the necessity of sending observers to Artsakh, and encourages collaboration with other organizations in order to safeguard the region’s rich cultural heritage from annihilation.

In addition to destroying Armenian monuments, Azerbaijan exploits the International Day for Monuments and Sites and continuously issues unfounded accusations against Armenia.

The Geghard Foundation condemns the cultural vandalism carried out by the Azerbaijani authorities and the distortion of history.