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68 monuments completely destroyed in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, says cultural heritage head

Sabina Hajiyeva, Head of the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage

13 November 2025 12:51 (UTC +04:00)

Sabina Hajiyeva, Head of the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, spoke to APA about the condition of historical monuments in the territories recently liberated from occupation.

Hajiyeva expressed deep regret over the extensive destruction during the nearly 30-year occupation of Azerbaijani lands. She reported that 68 monuments in the liberated territories were completely destroyed, 114 monuments suffered varying degrees of damage, and others were partially harmed.

Speaking about the monitoring of these monuments, Hajiyeva highlighted the crucial role of Azerbaijan’s armed forces in liberating the territories. “For nearly 30 years, our monuments were in captivity. Despite all the difficulties, under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander Ilham Aliyev, our army restored control over our lands. May Allah have mercy on our martyrs! The territorial integrity of our country was ensured, and our historical monuments returned to their rightful owners,” she said.

Hajiyeva added that shortly after the end of the war, with the special attention and care of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, restoration efforts began for historical monuments alongside other infrastructure projects.