I. Aliyev: Christian Monuments Cultural Heritage of Azerbaijan

Baku /25.11.20 / Turan: Christian monuments are the cultural heritage of Azerbaijan, they are the heritage of Caucasian Albania, President Ilham Aliyev said today in a televised address to the people on the occasion of the liberation of the Kelbajar region from the Armenian occupation.

Christian monuments are under the protection of the Azerbaijani state. "Kalbajar is our ancient land. It is one of the largest regions of the country. The historical monuments of Kalbajar are mosques, and churches are our historical heritage," Aliyev said.

"The whole world should know that the churches located in Kalbajar belong to the ancient state of Caucasian Albania. There are many historical documents confirming this. However, Armenian historians and falsifiers have Armenianized Albanian churches, added their lies and appropriated them," Aliyev said.

He recalled that the Albanian Church was independent. However, in the 1830s, the Russian Empire abolished the Albanian church, transferring all of its property to the Armenian Gregorian church, "and the Armenian priests, their patrons began to appropriate these churches." Their primary task was to erase and consign to oblivion the history of Caucasian Albania.

“But we didn't allow it. Azerbaijan has a fairly large scientific base, works on this topic. These works should be communicated not only to the scientific community, but also to the entire world community.

Historical monuments and churches belonging to Caucasian Albania are our historical and cultural heritage and we protect them. Including the Udi community in Gabala, ”Aliyev said. (Udins are a nationality, direct heirs of Caucasian Albania - ed.).

Recently, renovation work was completed in the Udi church in the village of Nij. “We protect these churches as our cultural heritage. So let no one worry. These churches will continue to be protected by the state. The policy pursued by Azerbaijan related to multiculturalism and interreligious relations is welcomed by the whole world and world leaders. Let some Western circles who want to express concern look at our destroyed mosques, at the mosques in Aghdam, Shusha, Zangilan, Jabrayil, Fizuli and others. These mosques were either destroyed or desecrated, and pigs were kept there. Why is this not a concern? Why has no one but us raised this issue for 30 years?

Why has no one expressed concern about this? Why did no one want to send an international delegation on this issue? The people of Azerbaijan want to hear the answer to these questions. Let those who want to interfere in our affairs, or accuse us of something, first look in the mirror," Aliyev stressed.

He said that the Kalbajar region and like other occupied territories was savagely destroyed, and its natural resources were mercilessly exploited.

All damage caused will be calculated with the participation of international experts, and lawsuits will be filed. All cities and villages will be restored, infrastructure projects will be implemented, the necessary measures will be taken to provide water and electricity, and roads will be built. –06D-