Damage to Shusha’s nature and historical monuments by tourists causes concern
Some individuals visiting Shusha have been carving their names into historical rocks, an act viewed as a sign of disrespect toward cultural heritage and the memory of martyrs.
Fira Jalilova2 min read
In recent days, the act of tourists carving their names into historical rocks in Shusha has led to widespread discussion and public protest. Experts and members of the public view this behavior as a sign of disrespect not only toward nature but also toward Azerbaijan's historical memory and the memory of the martyrs.
The rocks of Shusha are not merely natural objects; they are considered historical witnesses that carry the history of the Karabakh Khanate, the pain of the occupation period, and the joy of liberation achieved in November 2020. These are lands that were liberated by the great sacrifice of Azerbaijani soldiers.
Experts emphasize that having the status of a tourist does not grant individuals the right to behave as they please in historical sites. On the contrary, visitors bear an additional responsibility to protect the historical and cultural significance of the places they visit and to avoid harming nature. It is unacceptable for those visiting Shusha to treat the city as a personal memory album.
It is noted that the concept of patriotism is measured not only by symbols but also by a caring attitude toward historical monuments and nature. Shusha's rocks need the preservation of historical memory, not the signatures of tourists. While it may be possible to clean the names written on the rocks, the main issue is changing the irresponsible approach of tourists.
The history and heroic chronicle of Shusha city are more important than any individual's name. Experts state that the stones of Shusha are meant for memory, not for writing, and treating this memory with respect is the duty of every citizen.
