Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev has shared a video from the Gandzasar and Khudavang monasteries.

Axar.az reports that in a post on his X account, Hajiyev said that he had visited the Gandzasar and Khudavang churches together with representatives of the diplomatic corps, describing them as an integral part of the ancient Christian heritage of Caucasian Albania.

He noted that Gandzasar was established in the 13th century by Hasan-Jalal Dawla, the ruler of Caucasian Albania, and is an important testament to the centuries-old Christian heritage of Caucasian Albania.

“During the years of occupation, these monuments were subjected to external interventions under the guise of makeshift ‘restoration’, compromising their architectural authenticity and original character,” Hajiyev said.

He stressed that every historical, cultural and religious monument on the territory of Azerbaijan, regardless of its origin or religious affiliation, is an integral part of the country’s rich cultural heritage.

“The Azerbaijani state is committed to their protection, preservation and restoration,” he added.

Hajiyev also said Azerbaijan’s experience in safeguarding its multicultural and multireligious heritage has earned international recognition, adding that the country is ready to share this experience with other countries, including its neighbors.

He further invited media outlets that spread “fake news and misleading narratives” on the issue to visit the sites and see the reality on the ground for themselves.

“Seeing is believing,” Hajiyev said.