Armenia is focused on two main approaches: preserving Armenian cultural heritage and promoting non-Armenian cultures. However, there have been instances where Azerbaijanis living in Armenia destroyed churches in the 1960s and used the materials to build schools and residential buildings. Now, Azerbaijan is attempting to present these monuments, which are clearly marked and impossible to destroy, as non-Armenian. The restoration efforts include bringing back the authority of the Orthodox Church in Aghvank, which encompasses regions like Artsakh, Utiq, and parts of Gegharkunik and Syunik. This church had Armenian priests who communicated in Armenian and served as a political tool for Armenian rulers. Despite the existence of several religious buildings, they are not showcased in cultural posts, entertainment events, or handicrafts, as Azerbaijan aims to eradicate any acknowledgment or appreciation of these important non-Armenian heritage sites.

Hamlet Petrosyan, the head of the Monument Watch program at NEWS.am, emphasizes the significance of the US State Department’s announcement on freedom of religion. He believes that the statement’s focus on not only the monuments in Nagorno-Karabakh but also the recognition of the violation of political rights and freedoms is crucial. Petrosyan highlights that these monuments have belonged to Armenians for centuries, featuring Caucasian Albanian scripts, and now symbolize the Christian community’s mindset. Armenians used to document their communities in Azerbaijan and construct monuments there, which held great religious importance for the Armenian community. However, there is minimal international attention towards the media and church activities, especially following the events in September.

Petrosyan expresses disappointment that the cultural heritage in Azerbaijan has not received as much attention from powerful entities like the United States, which could have served as a visible sign of the Western standards that Armenia defends while Azerbaijan violates them. He believes that influential figures in the world no longer possess the authority to address Azerbaijan and its disregard for this important culture. In response, Petrosyan urges action rather than passivity, stating that it is crucial for Armenians to take a proactive approach. He emphasizes the need for tangible results and says, “We should not just sit back and watch; the response should come from us.”