Armenian Cultural and Religious Heritage

68. The Historical Importance of Armenian Monuments

Nagorno-Karabakh contains numerous Armenian churches, monasteries, cemeteries, inscriptions, and historical settlements.

These monuments preserve evidence of centuries of Armenian religious and cultural life.

Their importance extends beyond architecture.

They contain historical information about local communities, political institutions, religious traditions, craftsmanship, language, and artistic development.

The war and subsequent territorial changes raised urgent concerns about their preservation.

69. Dadivank Monastery

Dadivank is a medieval Armenian monastery in the Kelbajar district.

The monastery complex includes churches, chapels, inscriptions, and medieval architectural features.

One of its principal churches was constructed in the thirteenth century.

Following the 2020 ceasefire and the transfer of Kelbajar to Azerbaijani control, the monastery became the focus of international concern.

Russian peacekeepers initially provided security around the site.

Armenian clergy sought to maintain religious access and protect the monastery's heritage.

Disputes concerning the monument's historical identity and administration highlighted the broader conflict over cultural memory.

70. Gandzasar Monastery

Gandzasar is among the most important Armenian medieval monasteries of Artsakh.

Its principal church, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, dates to the thirteenth century.

The monastery is associated with the historical Armenian principality of Khachen and the religious life of the region.

Its architecture includes elaborate stone carving and inscriptions.

The 2020 war increased concern about the security of Gandzasar and other religious sites in territories affected by the conflict.

71. Ghazanchetsots Cathedral and Shushi's Religious Heritage

Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, constructed in the nineteenth century, became one of the most visible symbols of the conflict's impact on Armenian heritage.

Its damage during the war drew international attention.

The change of control over Shushi also affected Armenian churches, cemeteries, schools, and other cultural sites.

Armenian organizations expressed concern about alterations to religious buildings and the possible erasure of Armenian inscriptions and architectural features.

Azerbaijan disputed some of these accusations and advanced its own interpretations of the historical origins of certain monuments.

The protection of cultural property requires preservation of authentic historical evidence rather than its alteration to support competing political narratives.

72. Cemeteries, Cross-Stones, and Historical Inscriptions

Armenian khachkars, or carved stone crosses, are important examples of Armenian religious art.

Many contain inscriptions identifying donors, religious figures, construction dates, or commemorated individuals.

Cemeteries and memorial stones provide information about local populations and historical continuity.

Their destruction can result in the permanent loss of irreplaceable evidence.

Armenian concerns were intensified by the earlier destruction of the medieval Armenian cemetery at Julfa in Nakhchivan, documented through photographic and other evidence.

That precedent contributed to fears about the future of Armenian monuments in territories transferred to Azerbaijani control.

73. International Cultural Heritage Law

The protection of cultural heritage during armed conflict is governed by several international legal instruments, including the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

Other relevant obligations arise under international humanitarian law and human rights law.

These rules prohibit unlawful destruction, pillage, and certain forms of military use or attack involving cultural property.

The International Court of Justice has also considered cultural heritage issues in proceedings between Armenia and Azerbaijan under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

The preservation of Armenian and Azerbaijani heritage remains essential to any durable reconciliation.