Azerbaijan prevented inclusion of Alban crosses into UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list as examples of Armenian art

“One of the issues discussed at the session of the UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Kenya was the inclusion of cross stones offered by Armenia into the list of intangible heritage,” Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfas Garayev, who returned from Kenya, said.

Minister noted that the Azerbaijani side was concerned that the Alban crosses on the historical monuments in Azerbaijan could be included into the list as examples of Armenian art.

“Our people know very well that the crosses on the historical monuments in Azerbaijan belong to the Alban people. We were concerned that these examples might be included into the list under the name of Armenia. Therefore, UNESCO general secretariat, members of the commission approached this issue with sensitivity taking into account the serious objections of Baku scientific society, educational institutions, Azerbaijani Diaspora, state bodies. As a result of the two-day serious discussions, the relevant examples were included into the list under other name – as a kind of art belonging to Armenians. The possibilities on inclusion of Alban cross stones into the list were completely eliminated. No one can have claim for Alban cross stones any more,” he said.

According to the Minister, the Armenian side did not object to it, agreed to the proposals.

“The Armenian side understood that politics can not be linked to the activity of this commission and agreed to remove the articles that may concern other issues related to Azerbaijan. After that the commission gave positive opinion on this proposal. I think we should promote Alban-era monuments more seriously,” he said.


/APA/