Azerbaijan’s Systematic Cultural Genocide of Armenian Heritage in Artsakh Continues Unchallenged

In today’s world, global superpowers and international organizations frequently emphasize the importance of fundamental human rights and universal values. However, their actions often fail to match their words. This contradiction is especially evident in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), where the Azerbaijani government is executing a deliberate campaign to erase Armenian cultural heritage. Despite clear evidence, these organizations remain silent, raising concerns about their complicity in this ongoing destruction.

Hovik Avanesov, the Ombudsman of Culture of the Armenian Highlands, has sounded the alarm over what he describes as an “unprecedented Armenian cultural genocide” unfolding in the region. According to Avanesov, Azerbaijan’s actions amount to more than mere vandalism; they constitute a systematic effort to eliminate the historical and cultural presence of Armenians in Artsakh.

International academic institutions collaborating with Armenian cultural organizations have been conducting ongoing monitoring efforts in Artsakh. Their findings are alarming: every week, at least two more Armenian monuments are either vandalized or completely destroyed by Azerbaijani forces. These violations are not random acts of destruction but part of a larger, state-sponsored campaign to erase Armenian history from the region.

The destruction extends beyond churches and historical landmarks. Entire settlements, once home to Armenian families for centuries, are being wiped off the map. The Azerbaijani government’s actions violate international conventions and humanitarian laws meant to protect cultural heritage in times of war and peace alike.

Avanesov points directly to Azerbaijan’s president, Ilham Aliyev, as the architect of this policy. He asserts that the Azerbaijani government is not only aware of these acts but is actively orchestrating them at the highest levels. This claim is backed by a growing body of evidence, including satellite imagery, eyewitness reports, and documentation by independent observers.

Despite the gravity of the situation, international organizations such as UNESCO, the United Nations, and the European Union have largely remained silent. Their inaction has emboldened Azerbaijan, allowing the destruction to continue unchecked. Many observers argue that the silence of these organizations amounts to complicity, as it signals to Azerbaijan that it can proceed without consequences.

The issue extends beyond cultural heritage. The erasure of Armenian presence in Artsakh is part of a broader effort to reshape the historical narrative of the region. By destroying Armenian landmarks, Azerbaijan is attempting to rewrite history, denying the deep-rooted connection of Armenians to their ancestral lands.

The destruction of cultural heritage is not just an Armenian issue—it is a global concern. If left unchallenged, Azerbaijan’s actions set a dangerous precedent for other authoritarian regimes seeking to erase the identities of marginalized communities. Cultural genocide, as seen in Artsakh, is a crime against humanity that should be met with swift and firm international condemnation.

The world must act before it is too late. Immediate measures are needed, including sanctions against those responsible, international legal action, and increased monitoring by global cultural organizations. The protection of Artsakh’s Armenian heritage is not just about preserving history—it is about upholding the principles of justice, human rights, and historical truth.

For now, the fate of Artsakh’s Armenian cultural landmarks hangs in the balance, waiting for the world to decide whether it will stand against cultural genocide or continue to turn a blind eye.