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Azerbaijan Destroys Armenian Cemeteries in Artsakh Villages

Azerbaijan Destroys Armenian Cemeteries in Artsakh Villages

Christian Armenian cemeteries in several villages of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) have been destroyed by Azerbaijani authorities, according to the Foundation for the Study of Armenian Architecture. The affected villages—Avetaranots, Jraghatsner, Zardanashen, Madatashen, and Sargsashen—were home to Armenian communities before they were forced to flee following Azerbaijan's takeover of the region. The destruction of these cemeteries has sparked outrage among Armenians worldwide, who see it as part of an ongoing effort to erase their cultural and historical presence in the historic Armenian region.


Recent satellite images, released in early March 2024, reveal that most of the tombstones in these cemeteries have vanished. While the exact extent of the damage is unclear from the images, experts believe that systematic destruction has taken place over the past year. This follows a pattern seen in other Armenian heritage sites in territories now under Azerbaijani occupation. The removal of tombstones and desecration of burial grounds raise serious concerns about the protection of cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan Destroys Armenian Cemeteries in Artsakh Villages

For centuries, Armenians have lived in these villages, burying their loved ones in cemeteries that stood as symbols of their deep-rooted history in the region. The deliberate targeting of these sites is viewed by many as an attempt to erase traces of Armenian civilization from Nagorno-Karabakh.


This is not the first instance of cultural destruction in the area. Similar reports have emerged about Armenian churches, monasteries, and khachkars (cross-stones) being defaced or demolished under Azerbaijani rule. International human rights organizations have previously warned that Azerbaijan’s actions pose a threat to Armenian cultural heritage.

Azerbaijan Destroys Armenian Cemeteries in Artsakh Villages

The destruction of cemeteries is a violation of international laws that protect cultural and religious heritage. Human rights organizations and Armenian advocacy groups have condemned these actions, urging the international community to hold Azerbaijan accountable. Despite these calls, there has been little concrete action from global bodies such as UNESCO, which is responsible for the protection of cultural heritage worldwide.


For the Armenians who were forced to flee their ancestral homes, the destruction of their cemeteries is deeply painful. Many had hoped to one day return and visit the graves of their ancestors. Now, with tombstones disappearing and burial sites being destroyed, a part of their history is being erased before their eyes.

Azerbaijan Destroys Armenian Cemeteries in Artsakh Villages

Armenians around the world are calling for stronger international pressure on Azerbaijan to protect these sacred sites. Until then, the destruction of Armenian cemeteries serves as yet another painful reminder of the deep losses suffered by the Armenian people in the wake of Azerbaijan’s occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh.

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