In this study, the author addresses the policy of systematic destruction and appropriation of the historical Armenian cultural heritage of Artsakh as a consequence of the wars unleashed by Baku between 2020–2025, ethnic cleansing, and racial discrimination, as well as the international mechanisms for the protection of cultural heritage.

The monograph examines the international system for the protection of cultural property during armed conflicts, cases of the unlawful targeting of Artsakh’s Armenian cultural heritage by Baku during and after the 44-day war from the perspective of international principles, and the methods used for its destruction and appropriation. It presents international regulations, legal and humanitarian mechanisms for the protection of cultural values — including international conventions, declarations, resolutions, statutes, and customary norms — in defense of Artsakh’s Armenian cultural heritage subjected to vandalism by Baku.

The study of academic articles, books, documents of UNESCO, the UN, ICOMOS, the Council of Europe, resolutions of the European Parliament, the Rome Statute, and relevant theoretical and legal materials has made it possible to identify ways to protect Artsakh’s cultural heritage within the framework of preserving universal values, applying international humanitarian law regardless of political circumstances, and respecting cultural rights.

The publication is intended for specialists engaged in cultural heritage preservation, state institutions, academic organizations, students, and a broad circle of readers concerned with the protection and preservation of the cultural heritage of the Armenians of Artsakh.

The monograph has been published by the publishing house of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.