World’s largest body of scientists confirms destruction of Armenian khachkars in NakhijevanDecember 9, 2010 - 16:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The world’s largest body of scientists, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, just released satellite image comparison and analysis confirming the complete destruction of the ancient Djulfa cemetery, located in an historic Armenian exclave currently occupied by Azerbaijan, Asbarez reported. ”A high-resolution satellite image of a medieval Armenian cemetery in Azerbaijan taken in September 2003 shows hundreds of khachkars, intricate 15th and 16th century burial monuments. In a satellite image from May 2009, however, the khachkars are missing, suggesting that they were either destroyed or removed. A comparison of the images by analysts from the AAAS Geospatial Technologies and Human Rights Project found evidence of significant destruction and changes in the grade of the cemetery’s terrain. The image from September 2003 shows rocky and uneven terrain, as well as shadows cast by the khachkars, while the May 2009 image shows a much flatter landscape and the khachkars’ absence,” the AAAS conclusion reads. Five years ago this month, more than 100 uniformed Azerbaijanis were caught on tape destroying the burial monuments of the medieval Djulfa cemetery, founded in the Armenian province of Nakhichevan during the 9th century and thriving as late as the early 1600s. The soldiers were smashing Armenian monuments with sledgehammers, using a crane to remove some of the largest monuments from the ground, breaking the stones into small pieces, and dumping them into the River Araxes by a large truck. Overall, an estimated 3,000 khachkars, or intricately carved burial monuments, the craftsmanship of which is a UNESCO Intangible Heritage Tradition, were erased from the face of the earth. Azerbaijan’s President called the destruction report an “absolute lie,” and has maintained that official denial ever since. Top stories Ara Aivazian said Azerbaijan continues the traditions of Turkey after seizing territories and forced Armenians out. The creative crew of the Public TV had chosen 13-year-old Malena as a participant of this year's contest. She called on others to also suspend their accounts over the companies’ failure to tackle hate speech. Penderecki was known for his film scores, including for William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist”, Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”. Partner news | EU, EAEU are incompatible, Russia tells Armenia The arrival of extra-regional players in Armenia “will have consequences,” Russian Deputy PM Alexei Overchuk has said. Armenia top European Youth Team Chess Championships after Round 4 The Armenian national team top the standings at the European Youth Team Chess Championships 2024 on the Greek island of Rhodes. ICRC reps visit Armenians held in Azerbaijan The staff of the International Committee of the Red Cross have visited Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians currently being held in Azerbaijan. U.S. says continue to support Armenia-Azerbaijan engagement The United States continues work to try to resolve the dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Matthew Miller says. |