Artsakh Cultural Heritage Ombudsman Hovik Avanesov is raising the alarm over Azerbaijan’s policies toward Armenian historical and cultural heritage in the temporarily occupied territory of Artsakh.

According to him, the destruction, damage, alteration, and distortion of the identity of Armenian churches, monasteries, khachkars, cemeteries, monuments, and historic settlements are continuing, threatening the preservation of Artsakh’s Armenian cultural heritage.

Avanesov emphasizes that the issue concerns not only individual monuments but also the preservation of Armenian historical memory and cultural identity. He calls on international organizations to strengthen monitoring, document violations, ensure access for international experts, and take practical measures to prevent new and irreversible losses.

In his assessment, statements and expressions of concern alone are insufficient. Effective mechanisms are needed to preserve Artsakh’s cultural heritage and prevent the distortion of its historical identity.