Aghvank Architecture in Scientific Literature

In recent decades, articles on Aghvank architecture have been published in scientific literature, showcasing notable differences from materials published before the 1970s. These newer publications present conflicting results and conclusions, reflecting diverse scientific approaches. As a result, the Azerbaijani scientific community portrays the entire Christian culture of Artsakh, particularly its architecture, as a component of the Aghvan heritage. This paper comprehensively reviews existing scientific materials on Aghvank architecture, spanning publications from both the Soviet and post-Soviet eras, as well as compares the articles authored by Azerbaijani scholars with those that have been written in foreign languages and published in periodicals. After conducting research, it is evident that Azerbaijani historians have increasingly attempted to claim the Christian culture and architecture of Artsakh as their own over the past 40 years. This has led to a loss of objectivity and scientific approach towards existing materials and methods. The study aimed to show the dynamics of the "scientific study" of Azerbaijani architecture, the editing of the "new history" of the medieval culture and architecture of Aghvank in the Caucasus in recent decades, to highlight the main contradictions evident in the results of research by Azerbaijani and foreign scientists. Today, in the context of the occupation of the entire territory of Artsakh and its architectural heritage, such a discovery is becoming increasingly important.