Renovation of Shushi Mosque

As Azeri neighbors systematically destroy Armenian monuments, Mountainous Karabagh Republic strives to preserve historic mosque

SHUSHI (Armenianow.com/Armenpress)–Restoration work on a 19th century mosque in the city of Shushi, in Mountainous Karabagh Republic, will begin soon, according to the head of the republic’s Armenian Church.

The Diocese of Karabagh’s Armenian Church, which presently maintains the grounds around the mosque, pledged that specialists from Iran would be invited to renovate the mosque, built in 1883, which is considered a historical monument and is under government protection.

The move comes, ironically, at time when ancient Armenian monuments and relics in the territory of Azerbaijan are systematically destroyed.

But most longtime residents of Shushi find the renovation project worthwhile, saying that the true function of the mosque has been overlooked; Harus Hakobyan, a 72-year old Shushi resident says that, during Soviet times, mosques as well as churches were banned by Communists.

“This mosque was used as a state marriage registrar’s office. Many Karabagh residents registered here for their marriage,” she says. “I believe since Shushi was liberated and returned back to Armenians we should be tolerant to the memory of those people who built it.”