South Caucasus: Cultural heritage and diplomatic tensions rise

Tensions regarding cultural heritage and geopolitical influence are rising in the South Caucasus. In Azerbaijan, approximately 150 foreign diplomats and international representatives were taken on a tour of the Gandzasar and Dadivank monasteries. During the visit, Hikmet Hajiyev, an aide to the Azerbaijani President, presented these sites as part of the Christian heritage of ‘ancient Caucasian Albania,’ attributing their foundations to an ‘Albanian prince.’ Critics and Armenian observers have characterized this as a political performance intended to reattribute Armenian cultural sites to an Albanian identity.

In Armenia, Magdalena Grono, the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus, visited the Matenadaran to view ancient Armenian manuscripts. Her visit follows a recent trip to Artsakh. Discussions between Grono and Armenian officials focused on Armenia-EU relations and the effectiveness of EU mandates in institutionalizing peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Concurrently, diplomatic relations between Armenia and Russia are facing strain. Discussions have emerged regarding the financial terms of the Russian military base in Gyumri, with Armenian officials suggesting that any increase in Russian gas prices could lead to a review of the financial conditions and services related to the base. Additionally, the use of economic levers, such as trade restrictions on Armenian agricultural products, has been noted as a factor in the deteriorating bilateral relationship.