By AZE.US
The Armenian side is attempting to portray the historical heritage of Caucasian Albania as exclusively Armenian, according to Farid Shafiyev, chairman of the Center of Analysis of International Relations.
Shafiyev made the remarks at an event examining the role of Caucasian Albania in the history of Azerbaijani statehood, Report news agency said.
According to Shafiyev, the states that existed at different periods on the territory of present-day Azerbaijan contributed to the formation of the country’s national identity. Their history, he said, must be studied comprehensively and systematically.
“Work is being carried out in this direction, and books are being translated. However, experience shows that any gaps in this field can be exploited,” Shafiyev said.
He also addressed accusations voiced in Armenia that Azerbaijan is allegedly seeking to “Albanize” Christian churches in Karabakh. Shafiyev rejected those allegations.
He said Azerbaijan is home to historical religious sites associated with different peoples and faith communities and that the state pays attention to preserving these monuments.
“Armenians are trying to deny the history of Caucasian Albania and completely Armenianize it,” Shafiyev said.
“Their objective is to claim that a so-called ‘Greater Armenia’ existed here. The history of Caucasian Albania undermines that concept to a certain extent, and they therefore do not want to accept it.”
Dispute Over Karabakh’s Churches
Shafiyev also commented on the reaction in Armenia to a recent visit by foreign diplomats to Karabakh. He said critical statements had come from members of the Armenian diaspora as well as some Armenian officials and public figures.
According to Shafiyev, the controversy is not primarily about the history of Caucasian Albania itself but about attempts to use cultural and religious heritage for present-day political purposes.
“Caucasian Albania occupies an important place in Azerbaijani statehood and national identity,” he said.
Shafiyev linked the Armenian side’s heightened attention to Caucasian Albanian churches to the concept of “Greater Armenia” and what he described as previous territorial claims against Azerbaijan.
At the same time, he noted that the armed conflict had ended and that Azerbaijan and Armenia had moved toward a peace agenda. Historical and cultural questions, he argued, should not be used to create new lines of confrontation.
“Caucasian Albania is a historical issue. We must not allow it to be politicized,” Shafiyev said.
AZE.US