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Press-release, 22 February 2006 |
Press-release Recently Armenian side is accusing Azerbaijan of so called destruction of tombstones of armenian cemetery in Julfa region of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is important to note that considering its diverse cultural and religious heritage, Azerbaijan is determined to strengthen the political characteristics of its society and announced ancient Albanian cemeteries in Julfa region as the archaeological monuments. The Republic of Azerbaijan considers protection of all its historical and architectural monuments a priority. It is a fact that there were never any armenian cemeteries or religious and non-religious monuments in Julfa and the whole Nakchivan Autonomous Republic. Most of the armenian inhabitants of Nakchivan Autonomous Republic, considering the geographical closeness, preferred to be buried in the cemeteries which were located in the territories of neighbouring Armenia, places of compact residence of armenians. Aforementioned accusation made by Armenia against Azerbaijan is groundless and pursue its aim to draw away the international community's attention from shocking crimes which have been committed by armenian military forces on the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Economic structure in these regions is being purposefully destroyed. As a result of such a policy total d amage caused to objects of cultural heritage cost 7 billion USD, including 180 destroyed mosques in Armenia, more than 500 cemeteries, museums, 969 libraries, 850 musical schools and etc. Here are the facts about the destruction of mosques, places of worship and different ancient monuments on the Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenia and also the information about the Azerbaijani cemeteries located in Armenia and which also had been destroyed by Armenians: Kelbajar : cemeteries located in the region, mosques in the Otagli and Bashlibel villages and p ilgrimage place in the Soyudlu village were completely destroyed; Lachyn : region’s cemetery, great number of cemeteries built in the Middle Ages located in Abdalar, Khallanli, Zabukh, Malibey, Kosalar, Soltanlar, Zeyva, Bozlu, Ahmadli, Garagol, Gulabird, Jijimli and Malkhalaf villages, mosques in Garishiglig, Garagol and other villages, tombs and temples built in the Middle Ages, great number of Alban ancient temples and monuments built in the Middle Ages were destroyed;
Gubadli : region’s cemetery, cemetery built in the 14 th century, mosques in Mollali, Mirlar and Marmar villages, tombs built in the 14, 17 and 18 th centuries were destroyed; Zangilan : region’s cemetery, tomb built during the 1304-1305 period in Mammadbayli village, mosques in Malatkeshin, Girig Mushlan and Hajialilar villages were completely destroyed; Fizuli : tombstones of the cemetery located in the centre of the region were demolished; Agdam : cemeteries in the region, Qutlu Musa oglu tomb which was built in 1314, palace and tomb of Panah Khan, Khanoglu tomb, great number of tombs and temples built in the Middle Ages located in Papravand, Kangarli and Magavuz villages were completely destroyed; Shusha : city cemetery was completely destroyed; tombstones were demolished and taken to Armenia by cars with Yerevan number plates. Tombstone on the grave of Ibrahim Khan and marbles of the mosque located near Shusha bathhouse were removed. Govharaga and Ashagi Govharaga mosques were destroyed.
Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic : cemetery and dwelling houses located in Karki village of Sadarak region were completely destroyed. The name of the village was changed to “Tiqranakert”. All Muslim mosques located in the Republic of Armenia were purposefully destroyed. Among great number of mosques such as Shah Ismayil and Khudabanda mosques built in the 16 th century, Shah Abbas mosque built in the 17 th century, Goy Meschid (Blue Mosque) built in the 18 th century, Ulu Jam, Tapabashi, Asad Aga, Chatirli, Korpu bulagi, Gala, Haji Novruzali bay, Sardar, Haji Nasrullah, only Goy Meschid (Blue Mosque) remained in proper conditions: after its restoration the mosque was put into operation as a museum and named “Van” temple.
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