Irish historian condemned crimes of Armenian separatists in Shusha EXCLUSIVE

Obliteration of historical memories in Shusha by Armenian separatists is unacceptable - Patrick Walsh

Interviews 15:01 07.05.2020

Azerbaijani people have multitude of historical and cultural areas in Nagorno-Karabakh, which is officially recognized territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Shusha is one of the regions in Karabakh.  The city of Shusha, where most population were Azerbaijani nationals until war. When the occupation of Karabakh by Armenians took place, the ancient monuments and prominent cultural and art centres along with its beautiful nature left behind under the Armenian control. It was founded in the eighteenth century by Karabakh Khanate, and subsequently it became main political and economic centre of the Karabakh region.

In addition, the number of well-known Azerbaijani musicians, composers, artists and scholars born and grew up in Shusha. In Soviet period, Shusha was the city that played most significant role in demonstrating rich culture of Azerbaijan all over the world.

Unfortunately, Shusha was occupied by Armenian armed forces during Karabakh war right 28 years ago.  As a result of the occupation, 195 Azerbaijani citizens were killed, 165 were injured, 552 infants lost their parents, and more than 20,000 people were displaced. All historical and cultural sites in Shusha, such as the palaces of Karabakh Khanate, mosques, temples, tombs, theaters, museums, schools and libraries were completely obliterated by Armenian aggressors.

Irish historian Patrick Walsh shared his views with EDNews.net regarding Armenian aggression against heritage of Azerbaijani people in Karabakh.

Dr Patrick Walsh is a one of the few western historians who shared his criticism on Armenian claims of territories and the issue of genocide in the history.

He is an author of numerous books, a political analyst and a teacher of history and politics in his home land of Ireland.

- 28 years ago, on 8 May 1992, Armenian armed forces occupied Shusha, the historical city of Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh. As a result of occupation, the whole city became victim of Armenian vandalism. All Azerbaijan heritage in Shusha, such as monuments, mosques, cultural centers, theaters, museums, schools and libraries, were destroyed and looted by Armenian troops. How would you assess this vandalism by Armenian military forces?   

- There is no good reason to destroy buildings and cultural artefacts when territory is occupied. The Ottoman Turks captured Constantinople in 1453 and the Hagia Sofia still stands there, well preserved, as do other Christian churches in Pera. The Armenian Church still stands in the center of Baku even though there are few Armenians live in the city. Only societies which have irrational fear about other cultures engage in such actions. Of course, the other message that is sent out is that Armenians do not want to see people with other cultures than themselves in their society. They want a homogenous population with no tolerance of any diversity in humankind. That is the mark of a sick society that really is going nowhere.                       

- The destruction of historical heritage of Azerbaijani people in the occupied territories by Armenians is a central part of cultural genocide. However, Armenians have also resorted to falsifying historical monuments of Azerbaijan. What can you say about Armenian falsification in Karabakh?

- Well, again, this is about the wiping out of historic memory and must be condemned. Karabakh for most of its history was a shared space enriched by different cultures. Perhaps some would disagree with me on this but I would hope that when Karabakh returns to the state of Azerbaijan the Armenian cultural monuments remain with the Armenians who live there. Some monuments can be unacceptable to people if they emphasize power relations over societies, like the colonial monuments found in many parts of the world, or those relating to Soviet domination. But cultural monuments should always be preserved, and it is a sign of a mature and tolerant society if they are.

- How should we reach information to the attention of the world regarding hideous works of Armenian separatists against our culture in Karabakh?

- It is imperative to produce publications showing the former landscape and detailing the destruction done. Pictures are important in framing memory and also bringing to the world’s attention cultural vandalism. The world has seen ISIS doing this sort of thing and the fact that the Armenians are engaged in the same activities will hardly endear them to civilized people. Pictures will be very important come the time when these buildings can be reconstructed or restored to their former glory.

 

By Yunus Abdullayev

IEPF issued a statement regarding Azerbaijani children at the UN Human Rights Council

News line

Members of the Public Council under ANAMA have visited the region
16:52 08.05.2025
The "Roots of Peace" organization will host the "Peace Walk"
16:49 08.05.2025
"Since 1948 SL Heads of State have ‘relayed’ on the Ethnic conflict"
15:32 08.05.2025
A conference on the topic "Heydar Aliyev-Independence and Glorious Victory" was held in Lachin
12:44 08.05.2025
Azerbaijan showcases tourism opportunities in Israel
12:39 08.05.2025
''Azerbaijan House'' opened in Lebanon
12:33 08.05.2025
Vietnam prioritizes strategic and political cooperation with Azerbaijan
12:27 08.05.2025
Opening of new Baku City Prosecutor's Office building held
12:23 08.05.2025
Azerbaijani and Morocco may organize mutual cultural days
12:15 08.05.2025
Sahiba Gafarova: Heydar Aliyev's personality is symbol of wisdom for every Azerbaijani
12:09 08.05.2025
Milli Majlis to adopt statement on Heydar Aliyev's 102nd birth anniversary
12:03 08.05.2025
Azerbaijan Confederation of Trade Unions organized an event
11:58 08.05.2025
The 102nd anniversary of the birth of National Leader Heydar Aliyev was celebrated in Berlin
11:52 08.05.2025
Azerbaijan's First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended session at Antalya Diplomacy Forum
11:43 08.05.2025
Azerbaijan, Vietnam explore prospects for educational cooperation
11:37 08.05.2025
Petrovietnam aims to expand cooperation with Azerbaijan
11:32 08.05.2025
The heads of state of Azerbaijan and Vietnam made statements to the press
11:29 08.05.2025
Kamran Aliyev:' 'Heydar Aliyev had unparalleled role as founder of Azerbaijani statehood''
11:24 08.05.2025
Azerbaijani and Vietnamese discuss strategic partnership
11:21 08.05.2025
Azerbaijan ready for further coordination and cooperation with Syria
11:16 08.05.2025
Scientists have discovered a possible candidate for the ninth planet in the solar system
11:12 08.05.2025
Business Council to be established between Azerbaijan and Vietnam
11:08 08.05.2025
May 8 is World Thalassemia Day
11:03 08.05.2025
Special session of Milli Majlis dedicated to year of Constitution and sovereignty
10:59 08.05.2025
General Secretary of the Central Committee Of Vietnam visited the Alley of Martyrs
10:51 08.05.2025
General Secretary of the Central Committee of Vietnam visits the Old City
10:47 08.05.2025
Azerbaijan's position with China as a reliable partner is strengthening
10:43 08.05.2025
The Aztelekom flag was raised at the Heydar Aliyev Summit
10:39 08.05.2025
President: There are great prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and Vietnam in the defense industry
10:34 08.05.2025
Azerbaijani and Iraqi FMs explore regional issues
10:25 08.05.2025
Joint Statement opens new chapter in the history of Vietnam-Azerbaijan relations
10:12 08.05.2025
Leaders of Azerbaijan and Vietnam viewed exhibition of Vietnamese paintings
10:09 08.05.2025
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister meets with Iraqi PM
10:02 08.05.2025
Rebuilding hope amid the landmines Thembisa Fakude writting...
13:45 07.05.2025
How TikTok and Instagram Became New Tools of Diplomacy?
12:44 07.05.2025
Students of one of Turkey's leading universities were informed about the legacy of the great Nizami Ganjavi
12:26 07.05.2025
Azerbaijani energy minister holds several meetings in Türkiye
12:21 07.05.2025
Azerbaijan-Iran bilateral cooperation agenda discussed in Baku
12:18 07.05.2025
Azerbaijan shows progress in banking regulatory reforms
12:17 07.05.2025
About 20 Azerbaijani citizens returned from Germany yesterday
12:13 07.05.2025
Hamısı