Exactly five years ago — on October 8, 2020, the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan deliberately bombed the Holy Savior Ghazanchetsots Cathedral of Shushi.
This act of barbarism, targeting not only a sacred site but also the spiritual and cultural identity of the Armenian people, became a stark manifestation of cultural genocide.
The attack on this church, which holds profound spiritual significance for Armenians, was strongly condemned by numerous international organizations, including the European Commission. Yet such condemnations have not been sufficient to prevent the ongoing destruction of Artsakh’s cultural heritage under occupation.
The icon depicted in this photo miraculously survived the bombing and is now preserved in Yerevan, standing as a symbol of both faith and resilience.
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We reaffirm that:
The right of the people of Artsakh to return to their homeland and to their spiritual and cultural heritage is inalienable.
The international community bears direct responsibility to take effective measures for the protection of Artsakh’s cultural heritage, to prevent its appropriation, and to support the cause of just return.
Artsakh ministry of culture