Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan - Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department Hikmat Hajiyev shared a video from the Gandzasar and Khudavang churches, which they visited together with representatives of the diplomatic corps.
Modern.az reports that the Assistant to the President stated in the video that the Gandzasar and Khudavang churches are an integral part of the Christian heritage of ancient Caucasian Albania.
"The Gandzasar church was built in the 13th century by Hasan Jalal, the ruler of Caucasian Albania, and is one of the important examples of the Christian heritage of Caucasian Albania formed over centuries. During the years of occupation, these historical monuments were subjected to various foreign interventions under the name of "restoration", as a result of which their architectural authenticity and original character were damaged. Every historical, cultural and religious monument located on the territory of Azerbaijan, regardless of its origin and religious affiliation, is an integral part of our country's rich cultural heritage. The state of Azerbaijan is committed to the protection, preservation and restoration of these monuments," Hikmat Hajiyev emphasized.
The Assistant to the President stated that Azerbaijan's experience in protecting its multicultural and multi-confessional heritage is recognized internationally.
"We are ready to share this experience with other countries, including our neighbors," Hikmat Hajiyev said.
He also called on media organizations spreading fake news and false narratives about this issue to visit the historical monuments on site and see the reality with their own eyes.
"Seeing is believing," Hikmat Hajiyev noted.
