The condition of cultural heritage sites in the Garabagh region of Azerbaijan remains a central point of discussion following the decades-long conflict. Despite various diplomatic efforts initiated after the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020, a consensus on conducting an international assessment mission has yet to be reached, according to the Operative Information Center-OMM.
According to data provided by the Azerbaijani side, numerous historical and religious monuments suffered significant damage during the period of occupation. Official statistics indicate that 8 cities, nearly 1,000 villages, 65 mosques, 44 temples, and 473 historical monuments were subjected to severe destruction. Furthermore, reports suggest that thousands of museum artifacts were looted or destroyed.
Baku has consistently reported the destruction of historical sites, including damage to architectural elements and inscriptions. There have been specific concerns raised regarding alterations to monuments associated with Caucasian Albania; however, no independent international investigation has been conducted to verify these claims.
Azerbaijan had previously appealed to UNESCO to send a fact-finding mission to the region even before the conflict escalated. The organization maintained that such a mission could only be realized based on the mutual consent of the parties involved. Following the 2020 war, UNESCO proposed sending a technical mission under the 1954 Hague Convention. While Azerbaijan did not object to the mission in principle, it clearly articulated its position regarding the mission's mandate, proposed route, and the terminology to be employed.
Disagreements regarding the mission's scope, composition, and operational framework prevented a final agreement. Subsequently, the issue shifted from a technical assessment to a political discourse. To date, a mutually agreed-upon mission for a comprehensive and objective international evaluation of the cultural heritage in the Garabagh region has not been implemented.
The 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict is a critical international treaty aimed at safeguarding cultural heritage during hostilities. Azerbaijan's insistence on a transparent and objective assessment reflects the broader international efforts to document the post-conflict landscape and ensure the preservation of historical integrity in the region.
