«This holiday represents one of the most significant and symbolic milestones in the modern history of the Armenian people»: Hovik Avanesov

DEAR COMPATRIOTS,
ESTEEMED COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS,
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire Armenian people on the occasion of the Triple Holiday: the May Victories, the Liberation of Shushi, and the formation of the Artsakh Republic’s Defense Army.
This holiday represents one of the most significant and symbolic milestones in the modern history of the Armenian people, encapsulating the ideals of national struggle, triumph, statehood, the pursuit of liberty, and patriotic devotion. The Triple Holiday stands as a testament to our people’s indomitable will, the enduring aspiration to restore historical justice, and the defense of the fundamental right to live with dignity and freedom in one’s own homeland.
The May victories held exceptional significance, transcending military and political achievements to encompass profound psychological and civilizational dimensions. They reaffirmed that the Armenian people, irrespective of the trials and existential threats they face, possess the capacity for collective mobilization to safeguard their existence and national identity, emerging as a force capable of forging victory. These triumphs became pivotal turning points in the national awakening, the consolidation of unity, and the reinforcement of sovereign consciousness.
At the ideological and historical core of the Triple Holiday lies the liberation of Shushi—one of the most glorious chapters in Armenia’s modern history. Shushi holds exceptional importance not only for Artsakh but for the global Armenian community. It serves as a preeminent center of Armenian spiritual, cultural, educational, and civilizational heritage, whose role in the formation and preservation of Armenian national identity is immeasurable.
For centuries, Shushi has been a primary hearth of Armenian cultural and intellectual life. It has bestowed upon the Armenian people numerous prominent intellectuals, artists, public figures, and spiritual leaders, evolving into a critical center for the development of national culture, literature, music, and education. Through its intrinsically Armenian essence, its rich historical-cultural legacy, and its spiritual values, Shushi has perpetually stood as a symbol of our pan-national identity.
Simultaneously, Shushi possessed unparalleled strategic importance. Its geographical position played a key role over centuries in ensuring the security of Artsakh, regional stability, and the integrity of the defensive architecture. Consequently, the liberation of Shushi in 1992 was not merely a military victory; it was a symbolic event marking the restoration of historical justice, the rebirth of national dignity, and a moment of universal national inspiration.
Today, however, we must observe with profound sorrow that the dictatorial regime in Baku continues its anti-Armenian and genocidal policy, targeting not only the fundamental rights of the Armenian people but also the Armenian historical and cultural heritage of Artsakh. As in other settlements of Artsakh, consistent programs aimed at the eradication of Armenian cultural identity and the falsification of history are being implemented in Shushi.
The Azerbaijani authorities are deliberately destroying, desecrating, and distorting Armenian churches, historical-architectural monuments, cemeteries, and cultural values in an attempt to erase all traces of the Armenian historical presence. This policy constitutes a flagrant violation of international law, universal human values, and the fundamental principles of the civilized world. This is a cultural genocide that demands an immediate and targeted response.
This policy enacted against the cultural heritage of Artsakh must be met with a clear and principled assessment by the international community, specialized institutions, and cultural organizations. It is no longer permissible to remain confined to formal statements or the position of a passive observer while the Armenian cultural heritage of millennia is systematically destroyed.
In this regard, I consider it imperative to present a clear demand to both the authorities of the Republic of Armenia and the international community: to cease the inaction and silence, and to undertake tangible, vigorous, and effective steps toward preventing the cultural genocide being perpetrated by Azerbaijan.
The authorities of the Republic of Armenia are obligated to consistently raise the issue of the protection of Artsakh’s cultural heritage on all international platforms, to initiate proactive legal, political, and diplomatic processes, and to ensure the coordination of national and international efforts aimed at the preservation of Armenian cultural values.
Simultaneously, international structures-particularly organizations dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage-are duty-bound not only to condemn Azerbaijan’s genocidal cultural policy but also to apply rigorous monitoring and preventive mechanisms to ensure the protection of Armenian cultural and spiritual heritage in the occupied territories of Artsakh. The silence and inaction of the international community only serve to embolden further crimes.
Nevertheless, no dictatorial regime is capable of eradicating a people’s historical memory, cultural identity, and the consciousness of belonging to their homeland. Shushi was, is, and shall remain an Armenian city. Its spiritual and cultural essence is inextricably linked with the centuries-old history of the Armenian people.
We remain convinced that historical justice will be restored. We are certain that Shushi will be re-liberated and will once again become a symbol of the Armenian people’s victory, national rebirth, and unity. The Armenian sanctuaries, cultural hubs, and historical monuments will be restored, and Shushi will reclaim its rightful place at the heart of pan-Armenian spiritual and cultural life.
I find it particularly important to emphasize that in the future, Shushi must be transformed into the pan-Armenian cultural capital, serving as a national center for Armenian culture, science, education, the arts, and spiritual life. Shushi is destined to rediscover its historical mission and once again become the symbol of the Armenian people’s creative and national spirit.
The message of the Triple Holiday today, more than ever, mandates us to preserve national unity, strengthen statehood, protect our historical-cultural heritage, and persist in the struggle for historical justice, national rights, and the preservation of Armenian identity.
With profound gratitude and humility, we remember all our heroes and martyrs who defended the homeland, Artsakh, and the dignity of the Armenian people at the cost of their lives. Their heroism and devotion will eternally remain in our national memory and will continue to inspire future generations with faith, strength, and responsibility toward the homeland.
Hovik Avanesov,
Cultural Heritage Ombudsman of Artsakh,
Vice President of the Azgayin (National) Cultural-Historical NGO