Pundit condemns desecration of Azerbaijani poetess’s monument in France

Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of the Center for Analysis of International Relations, has said that the desecration of Azerbaijani poetess Natavan’s monument in France sparked outrage and condemnation from international quarters.

He highlighted this egregious act during his remarks at the international scientific conference "Embracing Diversity: Tackling Islamophobia in 2024," held in Baku, APA reports.

The Natavan monument, located in France, suffered vandalism as it was not only defaced with paint but also subjected to significant damage to some of its parts. This act of vandalism has drawn widespread condemnation for France’s disregard for cultural heritage and historical significance.

The incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges posed by acts of vandalism and discrimination, particularly in the context of rising Islamophobia worldwide. Shafiyev's remarks echoed the sentiments of many who view such actions as not only an attack on cultural heritage but also as indicative of broader societal issues requiring urgent attention.

As discussions at the conference delve into strategies for combating Islamophobia and promoting diversity, the desecration of the Natavan monument serves as a poignant example of the challenges faced in safeguarding cultural identity and heritage in an increasingly polarized world.

The condemnation of this act by Shafiyev and others underscores the imperative for collective action to address intolerance and protect cultural diversity. Efforts to combat Islamophobia must encompass not only addressing overt acts of discrimination but also safeguarding cultural symbols that contribute to the richness of our shared heritage.

The vandalized monument of the renowned Azerbaijani poetess Khurshidbanu Natavan, situated in Evian-les-Bains, France, has been relocated to the Cultural Center at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Paris. The move follows a series of delays and diplomatic efforts by Azerbaijani authorities in response to the desecration of the monument.

The monument, which was dismantled on March 4 and subsequently delivered to the Cultural Center on March 6, is slated to be installed in the garden of the Azerbaijani Embassy's Cultural Center. This decision marks the culmination of efforts to safeguard the integrity of the monument following the reprehensible act of vandalism.

The vandalism of the Natavan monument has garnered widespread attention in Azerbaijani media, with outlets such as Caliber.Az extensively covering the incident. The monument, a gift from Azerbaijan to the city of Evian-les-Bains as part of a twinning agreement with Ismayilli town, holds significant cultural and historical importance.

In light of the vandalism, Azerbaijani authorities have pointed to political motivations behind the actions, citing France's perceived bias towards Armenia and opposition to Azerbaijan. This sentiment underscores the broader geopolitical tensions influencing cultural affairs and diplomatic relations in the region.

Efforts to relocate the monument began in January 2024 when the Azerbaijani Embassy in France formally requested the Evian Mayor's Office to address the act of vandalism. Despite delays in receiving a response from local authorities and the French Foreign Ministry, Azerbaijani diplomatic channels persisted in advocating for the monument's removal from Evian-les-Bains.

As confirmed by Caliber.Az, the Natavan monument has now been successfully transferred to Paris, where it will find a new home within the premises of the Azerbaijani Cultural Center. The relocation of the monument underscores Azerbaijan's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and combating acts of vandalism and political interference.