Baku: Azerbaijan's Alban-Udi Christian Community has issued a strong condemnation of Armenia's reaction to the recent visit by members of the diplomatic corps to the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. This visit included significant historical and cultural sites such as the Ganjasar and Khudavang monasteries, which are part of the Caucasian Albanian heritage.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Robert Mobili, the Chairman of the Alban-Udi Christian Community, released a statement denouncing the revanchist sentiments within Armenian society and political circles. The statement highlighted Armenia's efforts to present Azerbaijani historical monuments as Armenian heritage, which the Alban-Udi Community sees as a denial and falsification of historical facts. Mobili emphasized that such actions pose a threat to the ongoing peace process in the region, undermining Azerbaijan's legitimate rights.
The statement further declared that the historical and cultural heritage of Caucasian Albania is an integral part of Azerbaijani statehood. It criticized Armenia's policy of denying this heritage, labeling it as a manifestation of racism and a falsification of history. The Albanian Church, the first apostolic church in the Caucasus, has left a significant religious and cultural imprint not just in Azerbaijan but across the entire Caucasus. The statement warned that any attempts to alter this history would fail because historical facts are unassailable.
Mobili's statement also recounted the history of the Caucasian Albanian Apostolic Church, which faced suppression under the Tsarist Synod in 1836, leading to attempts by the Armenian Gregorian Church to claim its heritage. These moves included Gregorianization of historical Albanian temples and falsification of archival materials. The Alban-Udi Christian Community asserted that such appropriation of Caucasian Albanian heritage has become part of Armenia's state policy over the past century, leading to the loss of original Albanian temples' appearances in present-day Armenia and formerly occupied Azerbaijani lands.
The statement underscored the importance of studying and preserving historical truth, warning against the creation of a false history that undermines peaceful coexistence. It reiterated the Alban-Udi Community's commitment to preserving their heritage and fighting against Armenian falsifications. The community expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani government for its efforts in restoring and protecting historical and religious monuments, including those of the Albanian heritage, which are viewed as vital for rectifying historical injustices and fostering an environment of tolerance.
The Alban-Udi Christian Community reaffirmed that with the liberation of Azerbaijani territories, historical justice has been restored, creating new realities in the region. It called on Armenia to acknowledge these realities and cease actions that hinder the peace process. The statement concluded by expressing the community's intent to continue visiting Garabagh to honor their ancestors and perform religious rites.