The organization Caucasus Heritage Watch has released satellite images revealing that Azerbaijan has destroyed the 19th-century Tandzatap Church in Artsakh’s Kovsakan region. Satellite data indicates that the church, which was intact as of October 5, 2023, was completely demolished by April 30, 2024.
The organization emphasized that this act is part of a systematic effort to erase the Armenian cultural heritage of Artsakh. They underlined that such actions target not only historical monuments but also aim to strip an entire people of their cultural and spiritual identity.
In their statement, Caucasus Heritage Watch noted: “As global leaders gather in Baku for the COP29 summit to make decisions for the future, they must also call on Azerbaijan to protect the past. The cultural heritage of displaced Armenians from Artsakh is a universal value that must be preserved.”
The destruction of the Tandzatap Church is yet another example of Azerbaijan’s repeated violations of cultural heritage, which have been widely condemned by the international community. These actions threaten not only the history and culture of the region but also undermine efforts to establish peace.
This incident underscores the urgent need for the international community to take concrete steps to prevent the continued destruction of historical and cultural landmarks in Artsakh. The loss of the Tandzatap Church serves as a reminder of the critical importance of protecting humanity’s shared heritage.
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