Azerbaijani Bulldozers Desecrate Historic Armenian Burial Ground in Shushi, CHW Reports

According to Caucasus Heritage Watch (CHW) research program, Azerbaijani occupying bulldozers have reportedly plowed through an ancient burial ground in Shushi, raising concerns over the preservation of Armenian cultural heritage in the region.

Between October 5 and November 3, heavy machinery carved a road through the historic Yerevan Gate cemetery in Shushi. This sacred site holds significant historical value, adorned with at least 78 tombstones inscribed with Armenian script dating back to the period between 1802 and 1913.

The CHW research program, known for its dedication to safeguarding cultural landmarks, highlighted the destruction of this hallowed ground. "Dense forest obscures the cemetery. We used maps and publications of Shushi to trace its borders. It’s unclear how many tombstones were damaged, but research shows that burials covered the area," the CHW stated in a solemn announcement.

The tombstones, marking the final resting places of men, women, the young, and the old, not only serve as physical memorials but also tell tales of familial connections, professions, religious beliefs, societal statuses, and more. They stand as a testament to history and silently plea for the peace of the departed.

This alarming incident marks the fifth desecration of an Armenian cemetery since Azerbaijani occupation in November 2020. Previous incidents included the destruction of Mets Tagher and Sghnakh, along with damage to cemeteries in North Shushi and near Vazgenashen. The research program condemned these acts, attributing them to ongoing developmental projects that threaten the ancestral heritage of Shushi's Armenian inhabitants.

In response to such distressing reports, CHW has resorted to satellite imagery to monitor the situation. The program has tasked satellites to capture images from the skies above Artsakh, aiming to document and assess the extent of damage inflicted upon these cultural sites.

The desecration of the Yerevan Gate cemetery in Shushi stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of cultural heritage in regions affected by ongoing occupation and destruction. The CHW continues to advocate for the protection and preservation of such invaluable sites, urging global attention and action to safeguard these symbols of history and identity.