Azerbaijan Demolishes Charles Aznavour Monument in Artsakh's Stepanakert

The Azerbaijani administration has demolished the monument dedicated to the legendary French-Armenian singer, Charles Aznavour, in Stepanakert. Erected to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Aznavour's birth in 2022, the monument stood next to the Centre Francophone Paul Éluard.

The Artsakh State Council for Protection of Cultural Heritage reported the demolition, revealing a series of photos comparing the monument's presence in January to its absence after the recent act. This incident follows a disturbing trend, with previous dismantlings of monuments dedicated to notable figures such as writer Hakob Hakobyan, philanthropist Alek Manukyan, and public figure Alexander Myasnikyan.

The destruction has not spared monuments honoring Soviet soldiers Admiral Isakov, Anatoly Zinevich, Kristafor Ivanyan, and others. Even the monument to the Hero of Artsakh, Ashot Ghulyan, located in the park bearing his name in Stepanakert, fell victim to the wave of demolitions.

The Artsakh State Council for Protection of Cultural Heritage expressed deep concern about the vandalism, drawing attention to reports of desecrated graves of those who sacrificed their lives in the Artsakh Liberation War. This disturbing revelation paints a grim picture of disrespect for the memories and sacrifices of individuals who played crucial roles in the region's history.

The destruction of the Charles Aznavour monument is seen as not only an attack on the legacy of a celebrated artist but also as part of a broader pattern of erasing Armenian cultural symbols. As discussions unfold globally, there is a growing demand for actions to safeguard historical monuments and uphold the values of cultural diversity and respect.