Artsakh Human Rights Defender on Construction Works at Shushi's Holy Ghazanchetsots Church

The Human Rights Defender of Artsakh, Gegham Stepanyan, addressed the construction works being carried out by Azerbaijan at the Holy Ghazanchetsots Church in Shushi through a Facebook post. The post states:

“Azerbaijan cannot restore the cultural values of a people it has systematically spread hatred against at the state level for years. Under the guise of so-called 'restoration works,' Azerbaijanis are distorting one of the most significant spiritual and cultural values of the Armenians—the Holy Ghazanchetsots Church in Shushi.

In numerous instances, we have seen how Azerbaijan treats Armenian cultural values, and it is already clear what is truly happening under the name of 'restoration works'; the goal is to eliminate any trace of the Armenian presence.

For years, Azerbaijan has conducted a state policy aimed at Albanizing Armenian Christian culture in Artsakh or attributing it to other nations. This has been repeatedly criticized by historians and cultural scholars for a simple reason: these attempts are unfounded, both from the perspective of historical chronology and the architectural characteristics.

If Azerbaijan truly cares about the preservation of cultural values and is 'restoring' them, a significant question arises: why has it not yet allowed an independent UNESCO expert group to visit the region?

We sound the alarm about the vandalism of Armenian culture by Azerbaijan every day, informing the relevant international bodies about the actions taking place. However, the issue does not go beyond criticism or calls; clear actions are needed. The allowance and impunity are the main reasons for Azerbaijan's outrageous behavior.”