The restoration of mosques that have been neglected for years in Western Azerbaijan – on the territory of present-day Armenia – is one of the most anticipated steps amidst the improvement of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This step can be regarded as an important signal for the protection of Azerbaijan's historical and cultural heritage, as well as a positive influence on the peace process in the region.
In a statement to Modern.az regarding the issue, **MP Jeyhun Mammadov** noted that there are over 300 mosques in Armenia, as well as nearly 500,000 graves of Western Azerbaijanis and dozens of our cultural monuments:
“Azerbaijan's demand also includes the restoration of these cultural monuments. Their protection and restoration must be carried out on the territory of present-day Armenia, where Azerbaijan's historical and cultural monuments are located. These issues have been raised repeatedly in negotiations with Armenia. Armenians should also strive to fulfill these demands, and it appears they will.”
Speaking about the benefits of restoring the mosques, the MP emphasized that this would make significant contributions to the restoration of relations and the environment of trust between the two countries, and to the establishment of peace.
“Azerbaijan has been raising this issue for a long time and expressing its position on various platforms. Armenia must absolutely do this, because these monuments have long awaited our attention and care. This will have great significance in terms of history, reality, and the restoration of relations,” C. Mammadov stated.
MP Fazil Mustafa also stated that such a step is expected:
“Such steps are expected, because Azerbaijan has always carried out the restoration of the Armenian church in Baku even before the peace process began, and the repair of Christian monuments in the Karabakh region after its liberation. This has constituted a fundamental, inseparable part of Azerbaijan's multicultural policy. We do not expect a different approach from the other side on this matter. If Armenia wants to continue the peace process with Azerbaijan, the mosques must also be restored.”
“We must approach each other's national values with respect and not allow any disturbing forces to remain on this platform. We must also accustom societies to this. Although Armenia has been somewhat delayed in taking this step, the outcome will be positive in any case,” Fazil Mustafa noted in conclusion.
