Avanesov: One of Artsakh`s symbols,  "We Are Our Mountains" monument,   under threat of destruction

ArmInfo. One of Artsakh's symbols, the "We Are Our Mountains" monument, is under real and immediate threat of deliberate destruction. Hovik Avanesov,  Ombudsman of the Cultural Heritage of Artsakh and Vice President of  the Azgayin Historical and Cultural NGO,  wrote  on his Facebook  page.

According to him, two days ago, the Artsakh Cultural Heritage  Ombudsman's office and the Geghard Scientific and Analytical  Foundation again sounded the alarm about the planned act of  destruction. "This alarm is not just another concern, but a serious  warning, backed by facts, indicating the continuation of the policy  of consistent and targeted destruction of Armenian cultural heritage  by the Azerbaijani authorities.  Blogger Kamram Razmavar, who has  become a personal servant of the propaganda machine of the  dictatorial regime in Baku, has published another photograph, which  once again confirms that the Azerbaijani authorities have not  abandoned their intention to destroy one of the most important  symbols of Artsakh's identity. The publication of the photograph can  hardly be considered a coincidence: it rather fits within the  framework of a policy of psychological and informational pressure  carried out at the state level, the goal of which is not only the  physical destruction of the monument but also the erasure of the  memory of the Armenian historical and cultural identity of Artsakh,"  Avanesov added.

He added that the  "We Are Our Mountains" monument has long ceased to  be simply an architectural or sculptural treasure. According to him,  it embodies the historical presence of the Armenians of Artsakh, the  continuity of their identity, and their millennial connection to  their native land. "This is precisely why it has become one of the  Baku regime's targets. For the Azerbaijani authorities, the existence  of such symbols is irrefutable proof of Artsakh's Armenian identity,  and their destruction serves a policy of 'falsification of history  and cultural genocide.' Azerbaijan's actions have long gone beyond  mere vandalism and have acquired the character of systematic cultural  genocide. The consistent destruction of Armenian churches, khachkars,  monuments, and historical sites is part of a comprehensive strategy  aimed at eradicating the Armenian trace in Artsakh and the region.  The threat to the 'We Are Our Mountains' monument is a logical  continuation of this policy," Avanesov concluded.

The 'We Are Our Mountains' monument was erected in Artsakh in 1967.  The monument was designed by sculptor Sargis Baghdasaryan and  architect Yuri Hakobyan. The monument, located on a hilltop at the  entrance to Stepanakert, is constructed of red tuff and symbolizes  the connection between the Artsakh land and  its people. It depicts  an elderly Artsakh couple in traditional attire, standing shoulder to  shoulder, with a proud and steadfast posture and a serious and  unwavering expression.