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    Activate for Artsakh

    Learn the truth, share the truth

    Testimonials In the News Heritage Sites Donate

    One of the most critical yet frustrating aspects of the conflict over Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabagh) for Armenians is establishing credibility in the face of Azerbaijan's spurious historical claims. These reckless deceptions put the onus on neutral parties--geopolitical stakeholders and international media-- to untangle the web of falsehoods and vet the veracity of such dubious accounts. 

    That is why AGBU has gone to great lengths to document key facts and references for anyone looking to present a cohesive summary to counter Azerbaijan's propaganda campaigns at home and PR machines worldwide. 

    Please use this information responsibly.

    Join our mailing list to get AGBU Activate emails regarding Artsakh and global communications from AGBU.

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    Car_police

    March 5, 2023

    Three Armenian policemen killed in a subversive attack by Azerbaijani forces in Artsakh. (Le Figaro)

    ICJ2

    Feb 22, 2023

    The ICJ indicates a provisional measure to ensure unimpeded movement along the Lachin Corridor.

    Mission

    Feb 20, 2023

    EU is launching a civilian mission to contribute to stability in border areas. (IPS)

    Amnesty

    Feb 9, 2023

    Amnesty International calls to lift the blockade without any further delay and end the unfolding humanitarian crisis. (Libération)

    EP

    Feb 9, 2023

    European Parliament adopts a report Calling on Azerbaijan to withdraw the occupied territories of Armenia and unblock Artsakh.

    Red Cross

    Feb 2, 2023

    Red Cross facilitates transfer of six patients from Artsakh to Armenia for treatment. (Los Angeles Times)

    ICJ

    Jan 31, 2023

    Armenia accuses Azerbaijan of ethnic cleansing at International Court of Justice hearing and calls for measures to end blockade. (Le Figaro)

    EU mission

    Jan 23, 2023

    European Union approves another 2-years monitoring mission to Armenia-Azerbaijan border. (RFI)

    Store

    Jan 21, 2023

    Due to the blockade, food stores are empty in Artsakh. Essential supplies, including medicine are running out. (France 24)

    Gas

    Dec 13, 2022

    Azerbaijan cut off the gas supply to Artsakh in an effort to strangle its population during winter. (Open Democracy)

    Lachin corridor blocked by Azerbaijani operatives falsely claiming to be eco-activists, initiating a complete blockade to date leaving 120,000 citizens without access to essential supplies.

    Dec 12, 2022

    Lachin corridor completely blocked by Azerbaijani leaving 120,000 citizens without access to essential supplies. (The Economist)

    EU Monitoring

    Oct 10, 2022

    The EU sends a "civilian EU mission" to Armenia-Azerbaijan border. (France24)

    Pelosi

    Sept 17, 2022

    House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Frank Pallone visit Armenia to denounce Azerbaijan's attacks. (New York Times)

    On the night of 12–13 September, Azerbaijan launches an attack on sovereign killing hundreds

    Sept 12, 2022

    On the night of 12–13 September, Azerbaijan launches an attack on sovereign killing hundreds. (The Guardian)

    US researchers confirm 98% of cultural Armenian heritage sites in Nakhichevan destroyed by Azerbaijan.

    Sept 14, 2022

    US researchers confirm 98% of cultural Armenian heritage sites in Nakhichevan destroyed by Azerbaijan. (Hyperallergic)

    the authorities of Artsakh evacuated and handed over Armenian populated villages of Aghavno and Nerkin Sus

    Aug 25, 2022

    Azerbaijan violates ceasefire attacking military positions of Artsakh, resulting in evacuation of Aghavno, Nerkin Sus and Berdzor. (Horizon)

    Moscow accuses Azerbaijan of violating ceasefire as troops move into village of Parukh

    March 26, 2022

    Moscow accuses Azerbaijan of violating ceasefire as troops move into village of Parukh. (France 24)

    Pipeline supplying gas to Artsakh damaged leaving population without heat

    March 2022

    Pipeline supplying gas to Artsakh damaged leaving population without heat. (Time)

    Azerbaijan claims “restoration” of Ghazanchetsots Holy Savior Cathedral in Shushi

    May 3, 2021

    Azerbaijan claims “restoration” of Ghazanchetsots Holy Savior Cathedral in Shushi. (Public Radio of Armenia)

    The peacemaking forces of the Russian Federation deployed along

    March 25, 2021

    Evidence of Armenian Church disappearing after Azeri control. (BBC)

    The peacemaking forces of the Russian Federation deployed along

    Nov 16, 2020

    The peacemaking forces of the Russian Federation deployed along. (Reuters)

    Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia signed a trilateral ceasefire agreement.

    Nov 9, 2020

    Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia signed a trilateral ceasefire agreement. (France Info)

    Fear rises as Azerbaijan advances. Artsakh authorities evacuate Stepanakert

    Nov 7, 2020

    Fear rises as Azerbaijan advances. Artsakh authorities evacuate Stepanakert. (EurasiaNet)

    White phosphorus is used by Azerbaijani armed forces

    Nov 2020

    White phosphorus is used by Azerbaijani armed forces. (France 24)

    Nearly 90,000 refugees arrive in Armenia as a result of the war

    Oct 2020

    Nearly 90,000 refugees arrive in Armenia as a result of the war. (UNHCR Armenia)

    Azerbaijan targets the maternity ward of Stepanakert’s Maternal and Child Health Center

    Oct 28, 2020

    Azerbaijan targets the maternity ward of Stepanakert’s Maternal and Child Health Center. (Greek City Times)

    Azerbaijani soldiers publicly execute two Armenians in Hadrut

    Oct 15, 2020

    Azerbaijani soldiers publicly execute two Armenians in Hadrut. (Bellingcat)

    Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, Shushi, Artsakh

    Oct 8, 2020

    Holy Saviour Cathedral in Shushi (St. Ghazanchetsots) is bombed. (BBC)

    Cluster munitions fired by Azerbaijan into Stepanakert are identified

    Oct 5, 2020

    Cluster munitions fired by Azerbaijan into Stepanakert are identified. (Amnesty International)

    Turkey sends Syrian mercenaries to support Azerbaijan

    Sept 28, 2020

    Turkey sends Syrian mercenaries to support Azerbaijan. (Reuters)

    Azerbaijan launched a large-scale attack on Artsakh

    Sept 27, 2020

    Azerbaijan launches large-scale attack on Artsakh using artillery, rockets and drones and aircraft. (Forbes)

    In the blink of an eye the dreams of a child are changed forever. A run in the park or a warm meal becomes a distant memory. For over two years, the people of Artsakh have lived in uncertainty. First, shaken by aggressive violence in September 2020 and now living under a territorial blockade - both at the hands of Azerbaijan. 

    When war besieges the unrecognized Republic of Artsakh (Karabakh), writer and photographer Lika Zakaryan takes cover in a bunker - and begins to write a diary. Little does she know that her words will become the definitive chronicle of the brutal 44-day war. Watch Lika's incredible testimonial and use the film, Invisible Republic, now available for online streaming, as a tool to teach and share the truth during this current moment of humanitarian crisis in Artsakh.

    Invisible Republic Live Now

    Voices of Truth

    During the 44-day war, AGBU sat down with individuals who fled from Artsakh as well as doctors who were at the frontlines, all of whom wanted to share their stories. Each harrowing testimony reveals the horrors of the surprise attack on their homes and towns and the fear that followed. Excepts from the Voices of Truth series appear below or view the complete playlist here.

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    Submit on-the-ground testimonials from the current blockade to press@agbu.org.

    Azerbaijan and Turkey have consistently devalued and disrespected minority cultures by neglecting, defacing or misappropriating their structures and artistic treasures. Often, they will go so far as to erase all traces of indigenous cultures so as to claim historical rights to lands and redraw historic maps. Armenians have lived on the lands of Artsakh for centuries and resisted erasure time and time again.

    • Amaras Monastery
    • Tigranakert of Artsakh
    • Tsitsernavank Monastery
    • Dadivank monastery
    • Khadavank Monastery
    • Gandzasar monastery
    • Armenian roots of Shushi
    Sources

    Tigranakert of Artsakh: An Armenian ancient city named in honor of the Armenian king Tigranes the Great (r. 95–55 B.C.) or his father Tigranes I (r. ca. 123–95 B.C.). The remains of the city were discovered in the territory of Artsakh in March 2005 and currently serve as a museum.

    A.I. Boltunova /Ancient cities of Georgia and Armenia / Antique city / Academy of Sciences of the Soviet Union, Institute of Archeology - M.: USSR Academy of Sciences Publishing House, 1963, p. 161 
    2. Hewsen, Robert H. (2001). Armenia: A Historical Atlas. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. pp. 58, 73, map 62. ISBN 0-226-33228-4.
    3. Asbarez, daily newspaper (Los Angeles, CA) “Museum at Ancient Ruins of Tigranakert Opens in Nagorno-Karabakh”, June 8, 2010
    4. “Archeologist Raises Alarms Over Azerbaijan’s Shelling of an Ancient City”, hyperallergic.com , October 3, 2020

     

    Amaras Monastery (4th century): An Armenian monastery founded by Gregory the Illuminator.In the 5th century Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet established the first-ever Armenian school there. In 1988 and 1991 the monastery was attacked by Azerbaijani troops.

    1. Pavstos Byuzand. Armenian History (written in 4th-5th centuries).
    2. Movses Kaghankatvatsi. History of Aluank. Book I. Chapter XIV (written in 7th-10th centuries).
    3. Viviano, Frank. “The Rebirth of Armenia”, National Geographic Magazine, March 2004
    4. John Noble, Michael Kohn, Danielle Systermans. Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Lonely Planet; 3 edition (May 1, 2008), p. 307
    5. Notes from Lord Hylton, MA ARICS, resulting from a visit to Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia 13-21 April 1998
    6. David B. Barrett, George Thomas Kurian, Todd M. Johnson / World Christian encyclopedia: a comparative survey of churches and religions in the modern world / Oxford University Press, 2001 - p.92 (876)

     

    Tsitsernavank Monastery: An Armenian monasterywith a three-nave basilica, like most of those in Armenia of 5th-6th centuries.

    1. Paolo Cuneo, “La basilique de Tsitsernavank dans le Karabagh,” Revue des Études Arméniennes 4 (1967), pp. 203—216
    2. Tom Sinclair. Architecture: Armenian Monasteries // Encyclopedia of Monasticism / Associate Editors John W. Barker Gail Geiger Richard Lansing. — Routledge, 2013. — P. 54
    3. Orthodox encyclopedia, ed. by the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Alexius II, article “Armenia”

     

    Dadivank Monastery: An Armenian monastery (9th-13th century) with Armenian script engraved into its walls, in addition to several 13th century frescoes.

    1. Robert G. Ousterhout. A Byzantine settlement in Cappadocia. — Dumbarton Oaks, 2006. — p. 151.”In the Armenian monastery of Dadivank’, however, dated 1211, a four-columned, domed hall is set into a range of rooms chat included the kitchen and refectory.”
    2. Lydia А. Durnovo, Essays on the Fine Arts of Medieval Armenia. Moscow. 1979. [In Russian]

     

    Khadavank Monastery: Armenian inscription by Ter Hovhannes Khachenetsi  who built the church of the Khadavank Monastery in 1204.

    1. The preserved piece is currently on display in Matenadaran Institute of Ancient Manuscripts in Yerevan, Armenia.

     

    Gandzasar Monastery: An Armenian monastery in its style similar to the plans of the Armenian churches of Geghard, Hovhannavank and Harichavank, also built in the 13th century. Azerbaijani historians intentionally omit the fact that Gandzasar is a typical example of Armenian architecture of the 10th-13th centuries, as well as the numerous Armenian inscriptions in the drawing of the facade.

    1. Thierry, Jean. Eglises et Couvents du Karabagh. Antelais, Lebanon, 1991, pp. 161-165
    2. de Waal, Thomas (2013). Black Garden: Armenia and Azerbaijan Through Peace and War (2nd ed.). New York University Press. p. 168.
    3. Schnirelmann, Victor (2003). Войны памяти: мифы, идентичность и политика в Закавказье [Memory wars: myths, identity and politics in Transcaucasia] (in Russian). Moscow: Akademkniga. p. 212. ISBN 5-94628-118-6.

     

    Armenian Roots of Shushi: The oldest artifact found in the village of Shosh was an Armenian Gospel created by the calligrapher Ter-Manuel in 1428.

    1. Boris Baratov. A Journey to Karabakh. Moscow, 1998, pp. 32–33
    2. Bishop Makar Barkhudariants. History of Aghvank. Volume 1, Vagharshapat, 1902, p. 384

    Read articles proving recent desecration of historic sites>>

    Find more critical resources, including a timeline of Armenian presence in Artsakh and heritage site preservation below.

    Monument Inventory

    Monument Inventory

    View a preliminary inventory of more than 5,000 monuments, 100 bibliographic items and legal documents, and a list of dozens of Artsakh museums and galleries. This is a multiyear, collaborative endeavor attempting to catalogue as many monuments as possible and updated regularly.  

    Learn more>>

    Satellite Monitoring

    Satellite Monitoring

    Led by archeologists and Cornell and Purdue Universities, Caucasus Heritage Watch, monitors and documents endangered and damaged cultural heritage using high-resolution satellite imagery aiming to reveal visual evidence of cultural erasure using the latest technologies of earth observation. 

    Learn more>>

    Churches of Artsakh

    Churches of Artsakh

    A stunning virtual tour presented by the Museum of the Bible, explores ancient churches as well as the Christian culture of the people who worship at them. The exhibition also features insights from scholars, cultural conservationists and theologians highlighting the cultural erasure threatening these sites. 

    Learn more>>

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    866
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    1603
    1620
    1788
    1920
    1921
    1930
    1987
    1988
    1990
    2002
    2004
    2013
    2018
    2019

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    The principality of Khachen

    Funerary bas-reliefs at Koshik Hermitage and Gandzasar’s military cemetery.

    821

    The principality of Khachen is one of the last medieval eastern Armenian principalities was formed in Artsakh in 821.

    The principality of Khachen is one of the last medieval eastern Armenian principalities was formed in Artsakh in 821.1

    Source:

    1. Hewsen, Robert H. (2001). Armenia: A Historical Atlas. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. pp. 118–121. ISBN 0-226-33228-4.

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    Image
    Armenian cross-stones in Artsakh

    The oldest known Armenian cross-stone “Eghtsu ktor” dated from 866, Vaghuhas village.3

    866

    Khachkars (cross-stones) are characteristic of Medieval Christian Armenian art. Artsakh is home to a very large number of khachkars.

    Khachkars (cross-stones) are characteristic of Medieval Christian Armenian art.1 2 Artsakh is home to a very large number of khachkars.

    Sources:

    1. The Grove Encyclopedia of Medieval Art and Architecture. — Oxford University Press, 2012. — Vol. 2. — p. 222
    2. Gough M., The Origins of Christian Art, London, 1973
    3. Samvel Karapetyan, Armenia: Illustrated album, Yerevan 2014, p. 435
    4. Jean-Michel Thierry and Patrick Donabedian. Les arts arméniens, Paris, 1987. p. 231
    5. Christian Armenia Encyclopedia, 2002, p. 222 ISBN 5-89700-016-6։
    6. Northern khachkar of Gtichavank is currently exhibited at the old residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians, in Holy Echmiadzin.

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    Image
    Hasan-Jalalyan Royal Dynasty

    Armenian Inscription on the tomb of Hasan-Jalal Dawla in Gandzasar, Artsakh.

    1214

    Hasan-Jalalyan Royal Dynasty in Khachen (Artsakh), built Gandzasar monastery and is buried there.

    Hasan-Jalal Dawla, the founder of the Armenian royal dynasty Hasan-Jalalyans in Khachen (Artsakh), built Gandzasar monastery and is buried there.1

    Source:

    1. H. Evans. Kings and Power Bases: Sources for Royal Portraits in Armenian Cilicia // From Byzantium to Iran: Armenian Studies in Honour of Nina G. Garsoïan / Edited by Jean-Pierre Mahé, Robert W. Thomson. — Peeters, 1997.

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    Image
    Melikdoms of Karabakh

    Remains of the Dizak castle (Artsakh) ruled by Melik Avanian family.

    1603

    Five Armenian Melik (prince) families ruled the five Melikdoms of Karabakh.

    Five Armenian Melik (prince) families ruled the five Melikdoms of Karabakh.2

    Sources:

    1. Christopher J. Walker. The Armenian presence in mountainous Karabakh // Transcaucasian Boundaries / edited by John Wright, Richard Schofield, Suzanne Goldenberg. — Psychology Press, 2004. — P. 93. — ISBN 0203214471.
    2. Britannica: English-language encyclopaedia.

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    Image
    Strabo

    Strabo

    1620

    Strabo In his Geographica, refers to an Armenian region he calls “Orchistene”, which is believed to be the Greek version of the old name of Artsakh

    In his Geographica, Greek historian and geographer Strabo refers to an Armenian region he calls “Orchistene”, which is believed to be the Greek version of the old name of Artsakh.1

    Source:

    1. Strabo. Geographica, Book XI, Chapter 14

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    Image
    Artsakh on a historical map

    The map dates to 1788 (France).

    1788

    Artsakh on a historical map. The map dates to 1788 (France).

    Kingdom of Greater Armenia during 189 BC - 390 AD including Artsakh province.

    Source:

    1. L’Arménie majeure dressée sur les auteurs arméniens et divisée en 16 grandes provinces, Bibliothèque nationale de France

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    Image
    The legal Title

    The map is kept in the National Archives and Records Administration.

    1920

    ‘’Report and Proposals’’, which was proposed and adopted during the first London conference of the Paris Peace Conference considered Nagorno-Karabakh part of the Republic of Armenia.

    The affiliation of any territory to an independent state is defined by the legal title, which is established by an international legal document. The Azerbaijani Republic never held the title over Nagorno-Karabakh or Karabakh at all. The administrative subordination of Nagorno-Karabakh to Baku was based merely on Russian Bolshevik Party resolution of July 5th 1921 fiercely supported by Joseph Stalin.

    The only legal document, which defined the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan is League of Nation’s ‘’Report and Proposals’’,1 which was proposed and adopted during the first London conference of the Paris Peace Conference, as early as February 24, 1920. 
    The report had a map annexed to it.2 According to that document, taking the demographic make-up of the South Caucasus of 1920 into account, not only was Nagorno-Karabakh considered part of the Republic of Armenia, but also a large part of the Karabakh Plains.3

    Sources:

    1. Arbitral Award of the President of the United States of America Woodrow Wilson: Full Report of the Committee upon the Arbitration of the Boundary between Turkey and Armenia, Washington, November 22, 1920, (prepared with an introduction by Ara Papian), Yerevan, 2011, p. 98 - 112
    2. ibid., p. 328
    3. Longstanding International Decision on Armenian-Azerbaijani Borders as a Basis for a Conflict Resolution, By Ara Papian | June 14, 2012 | Foreign Policy Journal

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    Image
    Shushi massacre

    Shushi’s Armenian area after the massacre and destruction by Azerbaijani soldiers.

    1920

    The massacre in March 1920 of Armenians in Shushi shifted its ethnic status from an Armenian-dominated town to an Azeri-dominated one.

    The massacre in March 1920 of Armenians in Shushi, the historic centre of Artsakh, shifted its ethnic status from an Armenian-dominated town to an Azeri-dominated one.2

    Sources:

    1. US National Archives
    2. S. Neil MacFarlane, Oliver Thränert, Balancing hegemony: the OSCE in the CIS, Centre for International Relations, 1997, p. 71 

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    Image
    Agreement between the SSR’s of Armenia and Azerbaijan

    National Archive of Armenia (Fond 1022, list 2, case #197, sheet 2)

    1921

    Agreement between the SSR’s of Armenia and Azerbaijan, declared that Mountainous Karabagh is henceforth an integral part of the Armenian SSR.

    "Based on the declaration of the Revolutionary Committee of the Azerbaijani Socialist Soviet Republic and the agreement between the SSR’s of Armenia and Azerbaijan, it is hereby declared that Mountainous Karabagh is henceforth an integral part of the Armenian SSR."1

    June 12, 1921

    Source:

    1. Michael P. Croissant “The Armenia-Azerbaijan Conflict: Causes and Implications”, p. 19

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    Image
    Stalin’s notorious decision

    Institute of Marxism-Leninism, Central Committee Archives, Fonds 85, Inv. 18, d.58, f.18

    1921

    On July 5, 1921, without any deliberation or vote, Stalin decided that Karabakh would be included in Soviet Azerbaijan.

    On July 4, 1921, the Caucasian Bureau of the Russian Communist Party Central Committee decided during a plenary session that Karabakh would be integrated to Armenia. A day later, on July 5, 1921, without any deliberation or vote, Stalin decided that Karabakh would be included in Soviet Azerbaijan.1

    Sources:

    1. Charlotte Mathilde Louise Hille (2010). State Building and Conflict Resolution in the Caucasus. BRILL. p. 168. ISBN 978-90-04-17901-1.
    2. Institute of Marxism-Leninism, Central Committee Archives, Fonds 85, Inv. 18, d.58, f.18

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    Image
    Attempts of self-determination

    1930 - 1977

    On July 12, 1988, the Regional Soviet in Stepanakert passed an implacable resolution: it voted to rename Nagorno-Karabakh “the Artsakh Armenian Autonomous Region.”

    Attempts to present the question of Nagorno-Karabakh to USSR central government bodies were made in 1930, 1945, 1965, 1967 and 1977, but all of them were firmly suppressed.1

    On July 12, 1988, the Regional Soviet in Stepanakert passed an implacable resolution: it voted to secede unilaterally from Azerbaijan and rename Nagorno-Karabakh “the Artsakh Armenian Autonomous Region.”2

    Sources:

    1. V.A. Ponomarev “On the genocide of the Armenian people in Turkey and Transcaucasia in XIX-ХХ centuries”, General scientific] periodical “Tomsk State University Reporter” № 320 March 2009, p. 120
    2. de Waal, Thomas (2003). Black garden: Armenia and Azerbaijan through peace and war / New York University.  p. 61

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    Image
    Absurd Territorial Claims

    1987

    People of the Nagorno-Karabakh autonomous region (NKAO) collected over 80.000 signatures in support of transferring the NKAO from Azerbaijan SSR to the Armenian SSR.

    November 1987: People of the Nagorno-Karabakh autonomous region (NKAO) collected over 80.000 signatures (almost entire mature population) in support of transferring the NKAO from Azerbaijan SSR to the Armenian SSR. 1

    September 2, 1991: Nagorno-Karabakh, now legally not a part of Azerbaijan, declares itself to be a Republic within USSR.

    November 26, 1991: The Supreme Council of Azerbaijan annuls the autonomous status of Nagorno-Karabakh, but the USSR Constitutional Oversight Committee declared this decision unconstitutional.

    December 10, 1991: Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) holds a referendum on secession from the Soviet Union. The turnout was 82% and almost all (99,98%) voted in favor of secession from USSR.

    Source:

    1. The Karabagh File, Documents and Facts, 1918-1988, First Edition, Cambridge Toronto 1988, by the ZORYAN INSTITUTE, edited by: Gerard J. LIBARIDIAN, pp. 86-88.

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    Image
    Sumgait Pogrom

    1988

    The pogrom of Armenians in Sumgait (Azerbaijan) started on February 27.

    The pogrom of Armenians in Sumgait (Azerbaijan) started on February 27, 1988, a week after the appeal of the Council of People’s Deputies to unify Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia: the victims were targeted based solely on Armenian ethnicity.1 2

    On July 7, the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the violence against Armenians in Azerbaijan.3

    Sources:

    1. De Waal, Thomas (2003). Black Garden: Armenia and Azerbaijan Through Peace and War, New York University Press, pp. 33-34.
    2. Session of Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (in Russian), February 29, 1988. 
    3. RESOLUTION on the situation in Soviet Armenia. Joint resolution replacing Docs. B2-538 and 587 88, 07 July 1988. Source: Official journal of the European Communities, No. C 94/117, o C 235/106, 07 July 1988.

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    Image
    Baku POGROM

    1990

    The January 1990 massacres in Baku (Azerbaijan) led to the extremely brutal deaths of around 90 people

    Artsakh’s plea for independence led to a surge of nationalism in Azerbaijan against its Armenian population. The January 1990 massacres in Baku (Azerbaijan) led to the extremely brutal deaths of around 90 people.1 The action was not entirely (or perhaps not at all) spontaneous, as the attackers had lists of Armenians and their addresses.2

    Sources:

    1. de Waal, Thomas (2003). Black Garden: Armenia and Azerbaijan Through Peace and War. New York: New York University Press. p. 90. 
    2. Robert Kushen (1991). Conflict in the Soviet Union: Black January in Azerbaidzhan, Human Rights Watch/ Helsinki, ISBN 1-56432-027-8, p. 7.

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    Image
    Heydar Aliev

    2002

    Heydar Aliyev: "I was trying to have more Azerbaijanis in Nagorno-Karabakh, and decrease the number of Armenians."

    "I was trying to change the demographics there. […] I was trying to have more 
    Azerbaijanis in Nagorno-Karabakh, and decrease the number of Armenians."1

    Sources:

    1. “Heydar Aliyev: “A state is better with an opposition” (“Гейдар Алиев: “Государство с оппозицией лучше”) (in Russian), “Echo” Azerbaijani social-political newspaper N 138 (383),  June 24, 2002.

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    Armenian historical monuments

    2002

    Azerbaijan’s policy of rewriting history has always been accompanied by the destruction of Armenian historical and cultural monuments.

    Azerbaijan’s policy of rewriting history has always been accompanied by the destruction of Armenian historical and cultural monuments. Among the most flagrant examples is the destruction of monuments of the village of Tsar in the Karvachar region.1

    Sources:

    1. Council of Europe, Parliamentary Assembly Documents 2002 Ordinary Session (First Part), Volume I, “Maintenance of historical and cultural heritage in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic”, p. 35.

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    Image
    Axe murderer as an Azerbaijani hero

    2004

    Azerbaijani army officer Ramil Safarov, in Budapest, broke into Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan’s room at night and axed him to death in his sleep.

    The war in Artsakh deepened the wide-spread Armenophobia in Azerbaijan. In 2004, Azerbaijani army officer Ramil Safarov, attending a NATO-sponsored seminar in Budapest, broke into Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan’s room at night and axed him to death in his sleep.1

    Although sentenced to life imprisonment in Hungary, he was eventually extradited to Azerbaijan, where he was greeted as a hero and pardoned by Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev despite prior contrary assurances.2

    Sources:

    1. Philip Leach. Clarifying the case of Ramil Safarov, Friday, May 29, 2020.
    2. “Hero’s welcome for Azerbaijan axe murderer”, Al Jazeera, 2012/09/02.

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    Senate joint resolution

    2013

    In 1923, the Communist dictatorship of Joseph Stalin, annexed part of the region of Artsakh, and joined it with the region of Soviet Azerbaijan.

    "In 1923, the Communist dictatorship of Joseph Stalin, in violation of the national, territorial, and human rights of the Armenian people, annexed part of the region of Artsakh, which was composed of a 95% Armenian population, and joined it with the region of Soviet Azerbaijan." 1

    Source:

    1. Maryland Senate Joint Resolution 4, March 20, 2013, p. 1, line 14-17

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    Absurd Territorial Claims

    2018

    Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev’s territorial aspirations are not limited to Artsakh. He claimed that large parts of modern-day Armenia’s territory were Azerbaijan’s “historic lands”

    Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev’s territorial aspirations are not limited to Artsakh. In 2018, he claimed that large parts of modern-day Armenia’s territory were Azerbaijan’s “historic lands,” and Azerbaijanis’ return to these territories was their “political and strategic goal”. 1 2

    Sources:

    1. Joshua Kucera. Azerbaijan President Calls for Return to “Historic Lands” in Armenia, Eurasianet, Feb 13, 2018. 
    2. Вадим Шаталин. “Ильхам Алиев хочет “вернуть” Азербайджану Ереван” (Vadim Shatalin, “Ilham Aliyev wants to ‘return’ Yerevan to Azerbaijan”), 
    Deutsche Welle, 09.02.2018

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    The Cultural Genocide in Nakhichevan

    2019

    The historical Armenian region of Nakhichevan, was home to the expansive Armenian graveyard of Julfa with over 10 000 cross-stones. In recent years it has become the site of the greatest cultural genocide of the 21st century

    Less than 100 km west of Artsakh is the historical Armenian region of Nakhichevan,1 now governed by Azerbaijan. At its height, the region was home to the expansive Armenian graveyard of Julfa with over 10 000 cross-stones.2 However, in recent years it has become the site of the greatest cultural genocide of the 21st century, conducted by 
    the Azerbaijani government.3

    Sources:

    1. David Marshall Lang (1970). Armenia: Cradle of Civilization, London: George Allen & Unwin. 
    2. Alexandre de Rhodes, Divers voyages et missions du père Alexandre de Rhodes de la Compagnie de Jésus en la Chine et autres royaumes de l’Orient, avec son retour en Europe par la Perse et l’Arménie (Various voyages and missions of Father Alexander of Rhodes of the Society of Jesus in China and other kingdoms of the East, with his return to Europe through Persia and Armenia) (in French), Paris: Sébastien Cramoisy, 1653, Part 3, 63. 
    3. Dale Berning Sawa. Monumental loss: Azerbaijan and ‘the worst cultural genocide of the 21st century’, The Guardian, Friday, March 1, 2019.

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