The Azerbaijani people, with their ancient history of statehood and culture, have repeatedly faced hardship, deportations, and genocides over the past two centuries. Following the resettlement of Armenians onto the ancestral lands of Azerbaijan—through massacres and the unlawful displacement of Azerbaijanis in 1905–1907, 1918–1921, 1948–1953, and 1987–1991—hundreds of thousands of our compatriots were forced to leave their native regions and seek refuge in Azerbaijan. The forcible relocation of Azerbaijanis living in Armenia from mountainous areas to regions with a hotter climate, the confiscation of property they had accumulated over many years, the seizure, destruction, and appropriation of their material cultural heritage—these are historical facts now documented by reliable evidence.
This is stated in President Ilham Aliyev’s message to the participants of the international conference “Cultural Heritage and the Right of Return” held in Baku.
“Armenia has periodically destroyed the rich material and intangible cultural heritage of Azerbaijanis who lived in Western Azerbaijan—their sacred sites and cemeteries—with the aim of erasing all traces of the Azerbaijani people from its territory. It is extremely important to take the necessary steps to ensure an international legal assessment of the crimes against humanity committed by Armenians against Azerbaijanis, and to gain the support of the international community in this matter.
Today, it is essential to intensify efforts to ensure the return of Azerbaijanis who were forcibly expelled from Armenia, within the framework of the right of return enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Refugee Convention, and other important international instruments, as well as to begin a process of restoring and protecting cultural heritage with the participation of the international community, including specialized UN structures. The right of return is one of the fundamental principles of human rights. Ensuring this right means not only the physical return to one’s homeland, but also the restoration of spiritual integrity, cultural heritage, and the historical memory of society.
The restoration and protection of Azerbaijani cultural heritage in Armenia, as a rightful demand of the Azerbaijani people, is essential for upholding universal human values, closing the chapter of hostility, and achieving mutual understanding between peoples.
The restrained and constructive approach of the Western Azerbaijan Community—which brings together people directly affected by deportations and massacres—its openness to reconciliation and dialogue, its work carried out in accordance with international law, and its respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states deserve high praise.
The meeting between Azerbaijan and Armenia on 8 August 2025 in Washington, mediated by the United States of America, the signing of the Joint Declaration, and the initialing of the draft peace agreement give hope and confidence in ensuring the future coexistence of the two peoples,” the message states.
