Azerbaijani authorities demolished the cathedral of the Armenian Church in Nagorno-Karabakh

Human rights organizations have reported the destruction of religious sites in Nagorno-Karabakh, which has come under the full control of Azerbaijan. According to satellite data, in the city of Khankendi (Armenian name — Stepanakert), the Cathedral of the Protection of the Virgin Mary and the Church of St. Hakob were completely destroyed.

According to Caucasus Heritage Watch, the demolition of the churches was recorded between early March and early April 2026. Researchers emphasize that the cathedral, laid in 2006 and officially consecrated in 2019, was a significant spiritual center of the region. Human rights activists regard these actions as a purposeful destruction of the cultural and religious heritage of the Armenian people.

In addition to the main cathedral, the destruction of St. Hakob Church, which was built in 2007, was reported in April. Statements by monitoring groups note that such a policy jeopardizes the identity of the people and compares it to the tragic events of the last century.

The official authorities of Azerbaijan have not yet commented on the current reports of human rights defenders. Nevertheless, earlier Baku stated that any buildings erected during the period of existence of the unrecognized republic are considered as illegal constructions. The situation remains tense against the background of the final transfer of the territory under the jurisdiction of Azerbaijan in 2023.