Fire near Tigranakert, Amaras threatens Artsakh heritage

Fires in the occupied territories of Artsakh are creating a serious threat to the region’s historical and cultural heritage, according to the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Artsakh.

Over the past week, wildfires along the eastern border of Artsakh have endangered nearly 100 historical and cultural monuments. The blaze has reached areas near the Tigranakert Historical and Cultural Reserve and the Amaras Monastery Complex, as well as significant landmarks near Talish and other communities.

According to data circulating on social media, the fires have already damaged the historic mulberry orchards of Nor Shen.

Flames have also spread toward the Nakhijevanik and Seydishen communities, placing churches and other culturally valuable structures in immediate danger.

The Republic of Azerbaijan, which exercises de facto control over the occupied territories of Artsakh, is obligated under international law and conventions on cultural heritage protection to:

ensure the preservation of cultural and natural heritage in areas under its control;
take urgent measures to extinguish the fires and restore damaged sites.
The statement urges international institutions and expert organizations to evaluate the situation within their mandates and take meaningful steps to safeguard Artsakh’s cultural heritage.

On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale assault on Artsakh, subjecting the region to intense shelling. One day later, on September 20, the Artsakh authorities accepted a ceasefire proposal from the Russian peacekeeping mission, agreeing to Baku’s terms, including disarmament and the dissolution of the Republic of Artsakh. Forced displacement began on September 24, with over 100,000 Armenians fleeing to Armenia. As of now, only about 20 Armenians remain in Artsakh. On September 28, President Samvel Shahramanyan signed a decree to dissolve the Republic, effective January 1, 2024.