Professional Discussions Ongoing Regarding the Installation of a 'Strange' Key-Shaped Monument in Stepanakert

The key-shaped monument installed in the vicinity of the 'We Are Our Mountains' memorial in Stepanakert has sparked intense discussions in Artsakh. Citizens have raised concerns about what it symbolizes and how it came to be placed in the area.

Artsakh journalist Bella Lalayan wrote on her Facebook page: 'It has raised questions for almost everyone... many are writing to me; I will clarify on Monday. If you ask me, this is nonsense, and placing such a dubious, non-Armenian element in front of a symbol of Artsakh—something far removed from Armenian architecture—should be banned at the state level.'

Recently, a peculiar monument in the shape of a nine-pointed star was installed in Stepanakert, which is a symbol of the Bahá'í faith (the center is located in Haifa, Israel) and the Hamsa amulet (Muslims also refer to this symbol as 'Fatima's Hand,' while Jews call it 'Miriam's Hand'). I tried to get answers from local residents, but no one seems to understand the meaning of this monument. I urge our compatriots living in Artsakh to contact the Stepanakert Municipality to find out the name of the monument's author and the purpose of its installation in Artsakh,' wrote former expert of the 'Orbeli' Center, Andranik Hovhannisyan.

The Stepanakert Municipality has also addressed the issue, stating that discussions are ongoing in public and scientific circles regarding the appropriateness of placing the monument in that location. 'Dear compatriots, in response to the various discussions on social media regarding the key-shaped monument installed at the 'We Are Our Mountains' memorial, we inform you that discussions are taking place in public and scientific circles regarding the necessity of placing this monument in that area. We await the professional conclusion for a final decision to be made.'