Wildfires in Nagorno-Karabakh Threaten Ancient Armenian Monastery and Other Historical Sites

Citing information circulating on social media, they recorded that “the historic mulberry orchards of the Nor Shen [Yenikand] community have already been damaged by fire.”

They noted that Azerbaijan “is obliged, in accordance with international law and conventions on the protection of cultural heritage to ensure the preservation of cultural and natural heritage in the territories under its control, to take urgent measures to extinguish fires and restore the damage caused.”

The statement also said the responsibility of international organizations and specialized institutions, “within the scope of their mandate, should provide an appropriate assessment of the current situation and take practical actions to preserve the cultural heritage of Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh].”

The fire broke out on July 23, with the Azerbaijani pro-government outlet APA citing the Azerbaijani Ministry of Emergency Situations saying that they received information about a fire “in an open area in a mountainous area” in the Fuzuli district.

Following which they “immediately” deployed a helicopter and “forces of the State Fire Protection Service.”

The next day they reported that fires continued “in the territories of the Aghdam and Aghdara [Martakert] districts.” According to them, the fire was “fully brought under control” the day before, but as a result of ‘strong winds during the night” the flames intensified.