UNESCO expert slams Armenian vandalism in Azerbaijan’s Shusha

Chairman of the National Commission of Malta for UNESCO, well-known expert in world heritage Raymond Bondin has written that most of the beautiful architecture built by Azerbaijanis in Shusha city since the mid-18th century was destroyed during the occupation of these lands.

Shusha is the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, this is a huge region, bigger than Luxembourg, and it has been occupied by Armenia for more than 30 years, Trend reports referring to Bondin’s article for Times of Malta.

The chairman added that as a result of the occupation, most of the buildings in the city were destroyed, however, Azerbaijan is determined to restore its city.

“The city is famous for the best Azerbaijani musicians, actors, poets and artists. It has also been recognised as the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, despite its remoteness from Baku and difficult mountainous terrain. Shusha is located at an altitude of 1,600 metres above sea level,” the article says.

The author emphasises that after Shusha was liberated from the Armenian occupation in 2020, it turned out that in the once big city with a population of over 20,000 people, all buildings were destroyed.

He noted that during the two years since the liberation from the occupation, new roads, several hotels and other facilities have been built here and work is underway to restore the remaining sights.

The fortress walls and the main administrative building on the central square have been restored.

Bondin also emphasises that Azerbaijan is working to restore both mosques and churches as opposed to the Armenians who destroyed mosques.

The article says that the restoration of the destroyed heritage and residential buildings will take enough time, however, Azerbaijan is determined to revive the city.