Baku: The nearly 30-year occupation of Azerbaijan's territories by Armenia was not limited to the forceful alteration of the military and political status quo, but was also accompanied by a deliberate and ideologically driven policy of cultural destruction. Armenian occupiers not only destroyed material and cultural heritage during this period, but also committed inhumane acts such as the desecration of religious monuments, the erasure of historical memory, and the elimination of traces reflecting national identity. This policy not only contradicts the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law but can also be assessed, in essence, as a pattern of behavior bearing elements of cultural genocide. Following the end of the occupation and the restoration of Azerbaijan's sovereign control over these territories, the reality that had been concealed for many years has fully come to light, with large-scale destruction, acts of vandalism, and the deliberate deformation of historical heritage now confirmed by undeniable evidence.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the acts of vandalism committed by Armenia while occupying 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territories are also revealed by figures. During the occupation period, more than 700 historical monuments, 22 museums, including 100,000 museum exhibits, 927 libraries, 58 archaeological settlement sites, 26 fortresses and fortress walls, as well as other cultural heritage monuments, were appropriated, destroyed, and looted by Armenia.
Among the most significant damages was the destruction of 65 out of 67 mosques, with the remaining two partially destroyed and used for keeping animals. Several ancient and medieval monuments, including the 6th-century Alban Aghoghlan Monastery, the 14th-century Malik Ajdar mausoleum, and other Alban temples, were appropriated and looted. This destruction extended to archaeological sites, mosques, and cemeteries across various districts, signifying a systematic approach to erasing Azerbaijani cultural identity.
Furthermore, the Armenian occupation period saw the alteration of religious and cultural sites' architectural elements, replacing original inscriptions with Armenian symbols, thereby falsifying historical narratives. The destruction and alteration of these monuments are indicative of a broader policy aimed at cultural cleansing and heritage erasure.
The desecration of cemeteries and mosques during this period also highlights a targeted attempt to erase collective memory and identity. The conversion of mosques into barns for animals is viewed as symbolic violence, further emphasizing the ideological underpinnings of these actions.
The cultural cleansing strategy pursued by Armenia during the occupation has broader geopolitical implications, challenging the efficacy of international law and the role of global institutions in protecting cultural heritage. Despite the end of occupation, Armenia remains accountable for the widespread damage inflicted on Azerbaijani monuments, underscoring the need for restoration and historical justice.