Azerbaijanis Have Destroyed the Cross-Shape Window and Relief of Ghazanchetsots: Alert

Monument Watch alerts that certain Azerbaijani Telegram channels spread photos on April 15 showing the "restoration" of the Ghazanchetsots Holy Savior Church in Shushi, indicating that works have resumed and involve the repair of the roof and damaged walls.

However, the photographs reveal that the Azerbaijani side has destroyed the cross-shaped window on one of the gabled facades and the relief above it. The Ghazanchetsots Church features a similar cross-shaped window and relief on each facade. The relief on the western facade represented the theme of "Crucified Christ" with an appropriate inscription.

During the 44-day war, the southern facade of the church, including the cross-shaped window, was damaged by Azerbaijani shelling. This is clearly evident from photographs taken in October 2020.

Thus, the direct destruction and alteration of the church's details are apparent, as evidenced by the very beginning of the church's so-called restoration efforts. For more information on the illegal restoration theme of the church, see "Illegal Restorations of the Holy Ghazanchetsots Church in Shushi."