No 116
27 February 2003
27 February 2003
We have received the letter in which You express Your concern over some information published in mass media and relating to the destruction of an allegedly Armenian cemetery, located in Azerbaijan's Autonomous Republic of Nakhichevan. After a detailed inquiry into the matter, however, we found out that actually, there are no grounds for concern. All that is nothing but another example of disinformation aimed at inciting further tensity and deterioration in the relations of the two states.
It is common knowledge that throughout over a thousand years, the entire territory of Northern Azerbaijan formed part of the kingdom of Caucasian Albania. Our ancestors, i.e. the Caucasian Albanians, adopted Christianity as early as the 4th century, and that is well-manifested in their material and spiritual culture. All the regions of Azerbaijan, including Nakhichevan, have preserved a great number of historical and architectural monuments dating back to that period. The Azerbaijani people are ardent guardians of their cultural heritage, and all the historical and cultural monuments, without any exception, are under the protection of the Azerbaijani state, which takes all the steps necessary for their preservation.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, we would like to let You know that historical and cultural monuments are demolished and defiled in the Azerbaijanian territories occupied by Armenian armed forces. According to the facts we have at our disposal, more than 500 architectural monuments, about a 100 archaeological monuments, as well as a great number of mosques, tombs, mausoleums, etc. have been wholly or partly destroyed in the occupied areas. Shusha's Museum of History, Kelbajar's Museum of Regional Studies, boasting unique historical exhibits, and Zangelan District's Museum of Stone Monuments have been plundered and reduced to ruins.
The authorities of our republic have recently declared about their willingness to enter into collaboration with UNESCO for the study of the condition of the historical and cultural monuments, situated in Azerbaijan and Armenia. In addition, we express our readiness to do everything within our power to contribute to the settlement of many problems. Hopefully, despite all attempts to divert our attention from what is our priority, we, the spiritual leaders of the two nations, will be consistent and patient in continuing our collaboration to achieve stable peace and good-neighbourly relations.
May the Lord help us in all our God-pleasing undertakings!
With best regards,
Sheik-Ul-Islam
Allahshukyur-Pasha-Zade
Chairman of Caucasian Muslims Board
Sheik-Ul-Islam
Allahshukyur-Pasha-Zade
Chairman of Caucasian Muslims Board