Following the tripartite statement of November 9, 2020, the ancient site of Tigranakert in Artsakh came under Azerbaijani control. In January 2022, the Azerbaijani authorities introduced a specialized tourist package, featuring visits to various destinations, including the Shahbulagh fortress purportedly constructed by Panah during the mid-18th century on the grounds of Tigranakert in Artsakh. These visits were accompanied by filming and the promotion of Panah’s perceived “political foresight” through propaganda efforts. Besides Shushi, the Shahbulagh fortress is depicted as a significant symbol of Azerbaijani identity, presence, and historical legacy in the Karabakh region. The central narrative revolves around Panah Khan, the founder of the Karabakh Khanate, establishing this fortress as his inaugural residence and seat. Within this framework, the Karabakh Khanate is portrayed as a manifestation of Azerbaijani statehood. Similar videos and programs consistently highlight the notion that Armenians conducted unauthorized excavations in the area, attempting to distort the history and cultural heritage of the region by Armenianizing it.
Recently, our attention was directed to a video produced by the AZTV Media TV channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHgECjLldRA. Distinguishing itself from previous videos, this particular video stands out as the first to extensively document the city of Tigranakert, focusing on the Early Christian square dating back to the 5th-6th centuries. This area was unveiled and thoroughly examined by the Tigranakert archaeological expedition during extensive excavations. (For details refer to (3) Politics, Ideology and Landscape: Early Christian Tigranakert in Artsakh | Hamlet L. Petrosyan – Academia.edu). The part we are interested in starts at the 11th minute. It’s worth noting that in the past, the Azerbaijani media provided scant coverage of the ancient site, offering limited information. However, in this instance, the ancient site is prominently featured for over ten minutes. Nevertheless, the Azerbaijani speakers in the video scarcely elaborate on the true nature and historical context of the structures unearthed by the Tigranakert expedition. Instead, they portray these ruins as constructions attributed to Panah, suggesting that Armenians have adeptly repurposed them for tourism. Additionally, the reliquary-tomb beneath the stage of the early Christian church is depicted as a dungeon or prison, rather than as its actual purpose. While the commentary doesn’t introduce any groundbreaking insights, the significance lies in the detailed visual portrayal of a section of the ancient site.
Based on the video, it appears that the structures unearthed by the Tigranakert expedition remain intact and have not undergone demolition or alteration. However, since 2020, the Early Christian Square of Tigranakert has been left abandoned and overrun by dense vegetation and weeds. These plants proliferate across the walls and floors of the excavated buildings, posing a threat to their preservation. Regrettably, there is no available video footage depicting the ancient quarter. Nevertheless, the walls uncovered during the citadel excavations remain standing and unharmed, albeit also affected by vegetation in various sections.