A Century Ago, the Armenian Settlement of Agulis Became a Ruin: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The press spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia has issued a statement on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian massacres in Agulis.

The statement particularly notes: “Today we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide in Agulis. One century ago, from December 24 to 25, 1919, peaceful Armenian residents were subjected to a mass slaughter, turning this ancient Armenian settlement in Nakhichevan into ruins. It is remarkable that the government of the First Republic of Armenia, in response to these massacres, appealed to the international community and, specifically, to the countries of the Entente, calling for the prevention of violence occurring in its territory and ensuring the safety of Armenians in the region.

Unfortunately, the crimes committed against Armenians in Nakhichevan were not limited to the history of the 20th century but also manifested in modern times, as Azerbaijani authorities systematically and massively destroyed Armenian cultural heritage, ultimately depopulating Nakhichevan. Thousands of Christian monuments, including churches, monasteries, and khachkars (cross-stones), in Jugha, Agulis, and elsewhere have been completely destroyed.

The destruction of thousands of khachkars considered masterpieces of medieval Christian art by Azerbaijani army servicemen, documented by video recordings, will remain in world history as an unparalleled manifestation of cultural barbarism. Today, a hundred years after these tragic events, Armenia is more determined than ever to protect and ensure the right of the Armenian people to exist and develop peacefully in their historic homeland, including Artsakh.”