Azerbaijan has destroyed the Tandzatap Church
According to research conducted by the Caucasus Heritage Watch, it has been revealed that Azerbaijan has destroyed the church in the village of Tandzatap, located in the Kashatagh region of Artsakh. The church was built in the 19th century. It was found to have been destroyed between October 2023 and April 2024, as evidenced by satellite images.
Today, over 500 Armenian historical monasteries, churches, and cemeteries are under threat of erasure by Azerbaijan. Focusing on the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, we work to reveal cultural erasure and abuses of heritage, – states the organization on its website.
A cemetery near the church had already been destroyed by Azerbaijanis between 1989 and 1993. In addition, the church itself, the surrounding khachkars (cross-stones), and Armenian-inscribed monuments were also damaged.
The village of Tandzatap was one of the historic Armenian villages situated along the lower reaches of the Hakari River, forming part of the historic Kovsakan province.
In December 2021, the International Court of Justice issued a provisional ruling obligating Azerbaijan to “prevent and punish acts of vandalism and desecration affecting Armenian cultural heritage.” Baku was required to investigate and hold accountable all individuals responsible for causing damage or failing to prevent it.