Satellite imagery suggests Stepanakert’s main church destroyed by Azerbaijan

Holy Mother of God Cathedral in Stepanakert Allegedly Destroyed by Azerbaijan

Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh – Analysis of satellite imagery suggests that the Holy Mother of God Cathedral in Stepanakert, the largest Armenian church in the region, has been destroyed by Azerbaijani forces. The church, located in central Stepanakert and consecrated in 2019, served as a vital shelter during the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War and subsequent escalations. Imagery taken by the European Sentinel-2 satellite as of April 2nd showed “the white paving stones surrounding the Mother Cathedral, but not the church itself,” according to Hetq, an Armenian investigative outlet that first reported the demolition.

Prior imagery from March 3rd showed the church standing. The church, constructed in 2006, had been used as a refuge for Armenians during periods of conflict. Following Azerbaijan’s full control of the region in September 2023, other cultural sites have also been affected, including Surb Hakob church.

Azerbaijani authorities have not commented on the reported demolition. However, APA, a pro-government media outlet, published a statement accusing Armenia of vandalism against religious monuments in Nagorno-Karabakh. Criticism of the reported destruction has come from Armenia, with Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians and critics blaming Armenian authorities for failing to protect the region’s cultural heritage.

The Artsakh Union urged Yerevan to reconsider its inaction. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has expressed concern about the destruction of historical monuments located within Armenia’s territory, while simultaneously urging an end to “mirrored” accusations of genocide. Since Azerbaijan’s takeover, significant changes have occurred in Stepanakert and surrounding areas, including the destruction of residential quarters and other cultural sites.

The Caucasus Heritage Watch has also reported the destruction of the St Hovhannes Mkrtich church in Shusha. The Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict and related relations remain a key focus of regional and international attention. Keywords: stepanakert, church, satellite

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