Ruben Vardanyan’s Legacy: Preserving Historical, Cultural, and Spiritual Heritage

Ruben Vardanyan has long been dedicated to the preservation of historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage. His efforts have extended beyond Armenia and Artsakh, reaching historic sites in different parts of the world. Vardanyan understood the deep significance of maintaining historical landmarks, not just for Armenians, but for all cultures. His initiatives restored and protected sites that tell the story of civilizations, faith, and identity.

One of the key aspects of Vardanyan’s work has been the restoration of historic and religious monuments. Through his leadership and support, several significant landmarks have been carefully reconstructed, preserving their beauty and historical importance. Among them are the St. George Cathedral in Tbilisi, Georgia, a 13th-century church that holds great spiritual and architectural value; the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Singapore, built in the 19th century; and the renowned Monastery of Saint Thaddeus in Iran, dating back to the 6th–9th centuries.

Few people are aware of Vardanyan’s role in safeguarding these sites, yet his contributions have left a lasting impact on communities that cherish their heritage. His work was not limited to Armenian history alone—he showed great respect for the cultural and religious heritage of others as well.

In 2019, Vardanyan’s commitment to cultural preservation extended to the restoration of the Upper Mosque of Lady Gohar, a significant Iranian cultural heritage monument located in Shushi. This initiative demonstrated his belief in mutual respect for all cultures and religions. At the reopening of the mosque, he emphasized the importance of preserving global cultural heritage, saying:

“We have cultural assets in Jerusalem, Singapore, Georgia, Iran, and other places. It is important to us that they are preserved. If we want other countries to respect and preserve our culture, we must also respect others’ culture here.”

By fostering this approach, Vardanyan brought together like-minded individuals who shared his vision, channeling collective resources into projects that served communities worldwide.

Despite his efforts in cultural preservation, Ruben Vardanyan is currently facing an unjust imprisonment in Azerbaijan. He has been illegally detained, and international human rights attorney Jared Genser, who represents him, has been vocal about the violations of human rights taking place.

In an exclusive interview with The Armenian Report, Genser emphasized the ongoing persecution of Armenian Christian political prisoners. He pointed out that the incoming Trump administration is likely to take a strong stance against Azerbaijan’s treatment of these prisoners, particularly Vardanyan and other former leaders of Artsakh. According to Genser, key figures in the Trump administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, have expressed deep concern about the plight of persecuted Christians worldwide.

Genser harshly criticized Azerbaijan’s judicial process, referring to it as a “kangaroo court” and condemning President Ilham Aliyev’s actions as part of a broader campaign to suppress Armenian identity. He described the imprisonment of Vardanyan and others as an extension of the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh, warning that these political show trials are designed to serve the Azerbaijani regime rather than uphold justice.

Genser urged Armenian officials to strengthen their alignment with Washington’s foreign policy priorities, particularly regarding religious persecution. He stressed that this would enhance Armenia’s relationship with the United States and increase international pressure on Azerbaijan. He also called upon Christian-majority nations to stand against the ethnic cleansing of Armenians in Artsakh, highlighting the global community’s moral responsibility to act.

Furthermore, Genser pointed out the irony of continued global inaction, despite past commitments of “never again” following the Armenian Genocide and other historical atrocities. He warned that silence in the face of such persecution sets a dangerous precedent, allowing further violations of human rights to continue unchallenged.

Beyond diplomatic efforts, Genser called for the Armenian diaspora to unite in advocacy, prayer, and political activism. He emphasized the importance of keeping the issue on the global agenda, ensuring that the voices of Armenian Christian prisoners are heard. He urged Armenians worldwide to raise awareness and put pressure on international organizations and governments to take meaningful action.

Ruben Vardanyan’s legacy in preserving historical and cultural landmarks remains a testament to his commitment to heritage and identity. At the same time, his wrongful imprisonment shows the ongoing struggle for justice and human rights. His story is not just about the past—it is also about the future of Armenian heritage, religious freedom, and global solidarity in the face of oppression.

As Armenians continue to fight for their history and their people, Vardanyan’s vision serves as a reminder that preserving cultural heritage is not just an act of remembering—it is an act of resistance and resilience.