Satellite images show the systematic destruction of the Genocide Centennial bell tower in Stepanakert
Azerbaijan continues is systematic destruction of Armenian sites in occupied Artsakh. The most recent reported case of demolition is a bell tower erected on the Armenian Genocide centennial in occupied Stepanakert, Hovik Avanesov, Artsakh’s Cultural Heritage Commissioner reported.
The destruction was recorded by the Caucasus Heritage Watch, which has consistently reported on Azerbaijan’s policy to destroy traces of Armenian sites since the 2020 Artsakh War.
The bell tower, constructed out of white marble, included relics and remains from Der Zor, which is synonymous with the death marches experience by the victims of the Genocide.
Satellite data from Airbus and Planet Labs clearly demonstrate that the monument and the entire surrounding memorial complex were destroyed between July 14, 2025 and April 25, 2026. This chronology suggests a deliberate and phased operation, aimed at completely “cleansing” the area of any trace of the Armenian presence.
This latest destruction comes a week after Azerbaijan confirmed that it deliberately destroyed the Holy Mother of God Cathedral and the St. Jacob Church both in occupied Stepanakert. The Caucasus Muslim Association said in its announcement that the demolition was in line with Azerbaijan’s policies of destroying buildings that were built during what the group called “Armenian occupation.”
The European Parliament, in a resolution passed last week, condemned Azerbaijan for the destruction of cultural, religious and heritage sites in occupied Artsakh.
“This operation must be viewed in the context of international law and the protection of cultural heritage. The deliberate destruction of cultural property contradicts a number of international conventions, including those adopted under the auspices of UNESCO. However, this case shows that such actions continue, often with impunity, which encourages such acts to continue,” Avanesov said.
“Furthermore, the destruction of the monument is not only cultural, but also clearly political and ideological in nature. It aims to reshape the historical narrative of the territory, erasing evidence of the Armenian presence and creating an ‘empty’ historical space. 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,” he added.
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