Uncontrolled wildfires have swept through the eastern regions of Azerbaijani-occupied Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), endangering over 100 Armenian cultural and historical monuments. The fires, which broke out last week, have rapidly spread due to high winds and difficult terrain, putting centuries-old sites such as the Tigranakert Historical and Cultural Reserve and the Amaras Monastery Complex at serious risk.
Amaras Monastery, founded in the fifth century by Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet, is considered one of the most important Christian landmarks in the region. It has long been regarded as a cornerstone of Armenian religious and cultural identity in Artsakh.
The Artsakh Ministry of Culture, now operating in exile from Armenia, warned that the blazes have engulfed areas near the village of Talish and extended to Nor Shen, Nakhichevanik, and Seydishen—all home to churches, ancient orchards, and monuments of profound Armenian cultural and historical value. According to reports circulating on social media, the historic mulberry orchards of Nor Shen have already been damaged by the flames.
NASA’s LANCE/FIRMS satellite monitoring system has detected extensive fire activity in these regions, and the Ministry has released corresponding fire spread maps to highlight the endangered zones.
Authorities of Artsakh and cultural experts are raising alarms over Azerbaijan’s responsibilities under international law and cultural heritage conventions, which require the protection and preservation of cultural assets in territories under its control. “Azerbaijan must take immediate and effective action to extinguish the fires and prevent further destruction,” the Ministry stated. It also called on international organizations and expert institutions to intervene, assess the situation, and assist in restoration efforts.
