Konstantin Zatulin, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Federation Council’s Committee on CIS Affairs, condemned the dismantling of a monument to renowned marine artist Ivan (Hovhannes) Aivazovsky in Stepanakert by Azerbaijani authorities, calling it an act of “state vandalism.” He shared his remarks on his Telegram channel.
Zatulin described the act as “barbaric,” emphasizing that Aivazovsky was not only a painter of the Russian Empire but also a genius of global art.
He added that those actively erasing Armenian cultural presence in Artsakh are not limiting themselves to Aivazovsky’s monument. According to him, monuments to Soviet-era generals in the village of Chardakhlu have already been destroyed, religious sites are being demolished, and dozens of khachkars (Armenian cross-stones) have been obliterated.
Zatulin also noted that Azerbaijani authorities have officially been promoting the narrative that the region’s historical and cultural monuments—including 6th–12th century monasteries—are allegedly not Armenian.
“This is savagery, which they try to justify by citing political conflicts with Armenia or Russia. Either the country’s leadership is turning a blind eye or is openly encouraging it,” he stated.
Earlier, Artsakh’s Tourism and Cultural Development Agency confirmed the demolition of the monument, which had been erected in Stepanakert in 2021.
The agency characterized the act as yet another example of the ongoing policy to erase Armenian cultural traces in the region. It stated it would continue documenting such incidents, hoping the international community would respond appropriately.
