The destruction of the monument dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide has not only a cultural, but also a clear political and ideological character. Hovik Avanesov

The documentation of Caucasus Heritage Watch (CHW) records another weighty proof of the policy aimed at the consistent destruction of the Armenian historical and cultural heritage. The complete removal of the monument dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in the Stepanakert memorial complex cannot be interpreted as an isolated incident. it clearly fits into the wider process of systematic elimination of cultural heritage and erasure of historical memory.

The white marble bell tower, which included a reliquary with human remains brought from Der Zor, had a special symbolic significance. In the Armenian collective memory, Der Zor is not only a geographical place name, but also a symbol embodying the tragic climax of the genocide, the place where hundreds of thousands of Armenians were subjected to mass massacres, forced deportations and death marches.

The destruction of such a monument means not only the loss of material value, but also a direct blow to the historical memory, the memory of the victims and the identity of their descendants.
Satellite data from Airbus and Planet Labs clearly state that the monument and the entire surrounding memorial complex were destroyed between July 14, 2025 and April 25, 2026.

This chronology of data does not testify to accidental damage, but to a deliberate and staged operation, the purpose of which was to completely “cleanse” the area of ​​any trace of the Armenian presence.

This action should be considered in the context of international law and protection of cultural heritage. Deliberate destruction of cultural values ​​contradicts a number of international conventions, including documents adopted under the auspices of UNESCO. However, this case shows that such actions continue, often with impunity, which encourages their repetition.

Moreover, the destruction of the monument has not only a cultural, but also a clear political and ideological nature. It aims to reshape the historical narrative of the area, erasing the evidence of the Armenian presence and creating an “empty” historical area.

This is a classic example of the manifestation of cultural genocide, when not only people are destroyed, but also their memory, culture and material evidence of existence.

Thus, the destruction of the Bell Tower dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in Stepanakert should be evaluated not as a single act, but as an integral part of a continuous and systematic policy, the goal of which is the elimination of the Armenian historical and cultural heritage and the distortion of historical memory. This reality requires not only scientific documentation, but also a clear and practical response from the international community.

Artsakh cultural heritage ombudsman, vice president of “Azkayin” historical and cultural NGO Hovik Avanesov