Azerbaijan Demolishes Artsakh Government Building in Stepanakert: Erasure of Armenian Identity Continues

In a continued effort to erase the historical and political identity of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Azerbaijan has demolished the government building of the Artsakh Republic. Reports from various Telegram channels confirm that the structure, which once housed Artsakh’s leadership, has been completely torn down.

This development follows a series of actions by Azerbaijani authorities to remove symbols and landmarks associated with the Armenian presence in Artsakh. A few months ago, Azerbaijani officials were seen dismantling the Artsakh coat of arms from the same government building. Now, the entire structure has been reduced to rubble.

The demolition of the government headquarters is part of a larger pattern. Earlier, Azerbaijani forces also destroyed the Artsakh National Assembly (parliament) building, a key institution that once represented the Republic’s political aspirations. In addition to official buildings, reports indicate that many residential areas and historical landmarks linked to Artsakh’s Armenian heritage have also been demolished or significantly altered.

Since Azerbaijan’s full-scale occupation of Artsakh in September 2023, the region has undergone rapid and sweeping changes. The Azerbaijani government has sought to reshape the area in alignment with its own historical narrative while systematically removing traces of Armenian governance and cultural identity. Thousands of Armenian residents, forced to flee during the military offensive, remain displaced, unable to return to their homeland.

The destruction of key governmental and cultural sites raises concerns about the erasure of Artsakh’s historical identity. Many experts warn that such actions serve as a form of cultural cleansing, aimed at rewriting history and eliminating the Armenian presence in the region. International organizations and human rights advocates have called for greater scrutiny of Azerbaijan’s actions, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical sites and respecting the rights of displaced people.

Despite these concerns, Azerbaijan continues to consolidate its control over the region, making it increasingly difficult for Armenians to reclaim their homes or maintain their historical and cultural legacy. The destruction of the Artsakh government building serves as yet another reminder of the ongoing struggle for recognition and justice in the indigenous Armenian region.