The monument to the great Armenian artist Hovhannes Aivazovsky was destroyed by Azerbaijan in 2021 with the participation of Russian peacekeepers in 2021. The author of the monument was famous Russian sculptor Salavat Shcherbakov. It should be noted that this policy is another manifestation of the policy of the systematic destruction of monuments by Azerbaijan in Stepanakert.
The destruction of Aivazovsky's monument has also caused concern in Russia. In this context, Mikhail Shvydkoy, a special envoy of International Cultural Cooperation of the Russian Federation, said that the demolition of the world-famous painter Ivan Aivazovsky (Hovhannes Ayvazyan) was a deep regret in Nagorno Karabakh. "These destructive actions contradict the spirit of allied relations between our countries and peoples, the spirit of partnership and good-nature," Shvyidkoy said.
According to the Special Representative of the Russian President, the dismantling of the monuments of cultural figures is not an argument and cannot be in history or politics. He also expressed concern over the recent sphere of culture politicized. "Naturally, culture cannot be out of politics, the reality of interstate relations, but at the same time, as I think culture must remain the link between the nations that should not be given. Politics lives in the present, and cultural relations are eternal, and this should be understood, "Shvydkoy said.https://www.rbc.ru/politics/20/08/2025/68A555FC9106B3.
Our reaction
The destruction of Hovhannes Aivazovsky's monument "On the protection of cultural values during the armed conflicts" in 1954 Article 4 of the Convention եւ Additional, 1999 The adopted second protocol is violated. It also violates the decisions of 2021 anti-judgment in the Hague International Justice Court of Justice, which has to prevent and punish vandalism and defilement, but not limited to churches and cultures, monuments, attractions, cemeteries and artifacts.https://www.icj-cij.org/public/files/case-Related/180/180-20211207-pre-01-00-en.pdf
The destruction of the monument also violates the 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st rules of international humanitarian law. It is important to emphasize that the International Court of Justice has confirmed that the provisions of cultural values have the status of international customs (INFRA JURISPRUDENCE), ie are a universal and irreversible rule and are mandatory for all states.
Source:Monument Watch:
