{"id":2161438,"date":"2026-09-24T07:55:09","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T04:55:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2161438"},"modified":"2026-09-24T07:55:09","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T04:55:09","slug":"udi-christians-worship-at-azerbaijans-karabakh-monasteries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2161438","title":{"rendered":"Udi Christians worship at Azerbaijan&#8217;s Karabakh monasteries"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/09\/36\/1200x675_cmsv2_813ce62e-6ec6-5288-94ba-ef5652c78b9a-9920936.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2928420-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2928420\" data-cid=\"9926829\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928420-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/68\/29\/189x106_cmsv2_198f9351-d79a-5246-abdb-7262d75148d7-9926829.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a forum hosted by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Rutte says Putin is in a &#8216;bad place&#8217; as he reassures NATO allies\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928433-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1\" data-nid=\"2928433\" data-cid=\"9926891\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928433-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/68\/91\/189x106_cmsv2_fcda36db-ba28-542f-89d5-94c10626ea96-9926891.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US president Donald Trump hailed the \u201ctruly great friendship\u201d he has developed with Xi Jinping\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    USA<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump and Xi vow cooperation amid &#8216;healthy competition&#8217;\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928340-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2928340\" data-cid=\"9926346\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928340-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/63\/46\/189x106_cmsv2_4f709865-5fa5-5ee5-9755-0b622b9d32ae-9926346.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Head of Uzbekistan&apos;s Presidential Administration, Saida Mirziyoyeva, delivers her speech during UN General Assembly in New York\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    USA<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Uzbekistan calls for more effective UN at General Assembly\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2918598-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2918598\" data-cid=\"9879187\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2918598-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/87\/91\/87\/189x106_cmsv2_714ed41c-f7af-52a3-ae19-67a4ce91b416-9879187.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\u00a9\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business Series<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    This country\u2019s new framework for technology and investment\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__quote\">In partnership with <strong>Azpromo<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928420-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2928420\" data-cid=\"9926829\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928420-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/68\/29\/189x106_cmsv2_198f9351-d79a-5246-abdb-7262d75148d7-9926829.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a forum hosted by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Rutte says Putin is in a &#8216;bad place&#8217; as he reassures NATO allies\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928433-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2\" data-nid=\"2928433\" data-cid=\"9926891\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928433-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/68\/91\/189x106_cmsv2_fcda36db-ba28-542f-89d5-94c10626ea96-9926891.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US president Donald Trump hailed the \u201ctruly great friendship\u201d he has developed with Xi Jinping\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    USA<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump and Xi vow cooperation amid &#8216;healthy competition&#8217;\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928340-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2928340\" data-cid=\"9926346\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928340-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/63\/46\/189x106_cmsv2_4f709865-5fa5-5ee5-9755-0b622b9d32ae-9926346.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Head of Uzbekistan&apos;s Presidential Administration, Saida Mirziyoyeva, delivers her speech during UN General Assembly in New York\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    USA<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Uzbekistan calls for more effective UN at General Assembly\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2918598-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2918598\" data-cid=\"9879187\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2918598-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/87\/91\/87\/189x106_cmsv2_714ed41c-f7af-52a3-ae19-67a4ce91b416-9879187.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\u00a9\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Business Series<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    This country\u2019s new framework for technology and investment\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__quote\">In partnership with <strong>Azpromo<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          News<\/p>\n<p>                          World<\/p>\n<p>                          Azerbaijan<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Udi Christians worship at Azerbaijan&#8217;s Karabakh monasteries<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-controller=\"video-player\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"js-playercontrols u-height-full u-position-absolute u-width-full is-autoplaying\" data-translations=\"{&quot;error&quot;:&quot;This video could not be played.&quot;,&quot;geoblocked&quot;:&quot;Sorry, this content is not available in your country&quot;,&quot;slow&quot;:&quot;This is taking longer than usual&quot;}\">\n<div class=\"js-loadtrigger js-loadtrigger__button c-loadtrigger__button\" role=\"status\"><span class=\"js-loadtrigger__label c-loadtrigger__label u-visually-hidden\">Loading the video<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/09\/36\/1536x864_cmsv2_813ce62e-6ec6-5288-94ba-ef5652c78b9a-9920936.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"The 13th-century Gandzasar Monastery near Vangli village, in Gandzasar, 21 September 2026\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              The 13th-century Gandzasar Monastery near Vangli village, in Gandzasar, 21 September 2026<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Euronews<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Euronews\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspSaida Rustamova&amp;nbsp&amp;&amp;nbspNargiz Mammadzada\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1790236509\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-09-24 09:55:09 +02:00\">24\/09\/2026 &#8211; 9:55 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-share-comment-popup\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup js-c-article-share-comment-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"share-comment-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"twitter\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"flipboard\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Flipboard<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"flipboard\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"send\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Send<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"send\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"reddit\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Reddit<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"reddit\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"linkedin\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Linkedin<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"linkedin\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"messenger\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Messenger<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"messenger\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed_container u-display-none\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed__tooltip\"><br \/>\n                            Copy\/paste the article video embed link below:<br \/>\n                        <\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed u-display-flex\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-copy-to-clipboard.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Copy to clipboard\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-share-comment-copy\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup__content__embed--success-copied u-display-none js-c-article-share-comment-video-embed-success-link-copied\"><br \/>\n                                Copied<br \/>\n                            <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        A religious service at the historic Gandzasar monastery has offered a rare insight into Karabakh\u2019s Christian heritage, as historic religious disputes linger while Azerbaijan and Armenia work toward lasting peace.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>With peace returning to the region, Azerbaijan\u2019s Udi Christians continue their centuries-old practice of pilgrimage and prayer at Karabakh\u2019s historic Christian sites, as Azerbaijan showcases the preservation of religious sites whose historical identity remains contested. <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>For local communities and officials, these sites mean more than religious practice, as they project the safeguarding of Christian identity in the region.<\/p>\n<p>As part of a government programme to explore the region\u2019s Christian heritage and religious traditions, Euronews and other media outlets met a congregation of Udi Christians for their religious service at the ancient monastery of Gandzasar, near Vangli village in Azerbaijan\u2019s Aghdara district, and talked to representatives involved in the preservation and maintenance of the site. <\/p>\n<p>Prince Hasan-Jalal Dawla built the monastery\u2019s main church between 1216 and 1238. Azerbaijan identifies it with the Caucasian Albanian Christian tradition, while Armenia identifies it with the Armenian Apostolic one, as competing interpretations continue to challenge the historic peace process between the two countries.<\/p>\n<p>The Udi people are an indigenous, predominantly Christian ethnic group in Azerbaijan, primarily based in the village of Nij.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/09\/36\/808x454_cmsv2_351ce4cb-c27f-584b-8a87-19bf88fd626e-9920936.jpg\" alt=\"Community leaders and clergy stand during service in black clerical clothing wearing distinctive cross necklaces, Gandzasar, 21 September 2026\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">Community leaders and clergy stand during service in black clerical clothing wearing distinctive cross necklaces, Gandzasar, 21 September 2026<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>For the pilgrims, returning to Gandzasar represents restoring a deep historical link.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Today, thanks to the acquisition of independence, we are in the monastery built by our holy fathers. We are proud of our history,&#8221; said Danakari Rafiq Arami, Deputy Chairman of the Alban-Udi Christian Community, emphasising the emotional weight of holding a service in the native Udi language. <\/p>\n<p>Azerbaijan\u2019s Udi community make pilgrimages to historic Christian sites associated with their heritage, including other monasteries in the Karabakh region, such as Khudavang, A\u011fo\u011flan and Amaras, which Azerbaijan identifies as historic Christian sites in Karabakh in its preservation programme.<\/p>\n<p>Khudavang is located in the Kalbajar district, while A\u011fo\u011flan Monastery is in the Lachin district and Amaras Monastery is in the Khojavend district.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/09\/36\/808x454_cmsv2_eeba282c-593c-5293-b6b8-80909382796f-9920936.jpg\" alt=\"The congregation and clergy gathered at the church, with church officials in green, gold, and black vestments, in Gandzasar, 21 September 2026\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">The congregation and clergy gathered at the church, with church officials in green, gold, and black vestments, in Gandzasar, 21 September 2026<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Christianity has a long history on the territory of present-day Azerbaijan, which prides itself on the peaceful coexistence of Muslims, Christians and Jews. UNESCO\u2019s documentation on the Historic Centre of Sheki states that Christianity was introduced in the region as early as the 1st century CE. <\/p>\n<p>One of the principal sites associated with this history is the church at Kish, near Sheki. The wider Udi Christian legacy is also represented in Nij, in the Gabala district, where the Udi community continues to practise Christianity. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n<div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n<div class=\"widget__contents\">\n<figure class=\"widget__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/09\/36\/808x454_cmsv2_fe82c38c-ee5c-5ae0-a952-e95d2893994c-9920936.jpg\" alt=\"A person holds a religious icon depicting the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child alongside other saintly figures, in Gandzasar, 21 September 2026\"><figcaption class=\"widget__caption\"><span class=\"widget__captionWrap\"><span class=\"widget__captionText\">A person holds a religious icon depicting the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child alongside other saintly figures, in Gandzasar, 21 September 2026<\/span><span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews Baku Bureau, September 2026<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The media visit comes shortly after a diplomatic delegation visited Gandzasar and Khudavang monasteries on 12 September.<\/p>\n<p>Representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan were briefed on the history and architecture of the sites, as well as Azerbaijan\u2019s claims about alterations to the monuments, which ignited a row with Armenia over the sites\u2019 heritage and identity. <\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id data-event=\"widget_related\">\n<div class=\"c-widget-related__title\"><b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b><\/div>\n<ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\" id=\"abe-article-related-1\">\n<li class=\"c-widget-related__item\">Azerbaijan insists it will preserve Christian heritage as part of its history<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Magdalena Grono, who took part in the diplomatic visit, said there were still &#8220;deeply divergent views and narratives&#8221; concerning the origins of some sites. <\/p>\n<p>Grono stressed the importance of addressing unresolved historical disputes as part of the broader reconciliation process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Two years after COP29, Azerbaijan turns climate commitments into investment<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Azerbaijan offers F1 fans visas on arrival for Baku Grand Prix<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Armenia and Azerbaijan agree landmark internet deal as peace process continues<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Tradition<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Culture<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Travel<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  History<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Religion<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Azerbaijan<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tp-vuukle\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__header\"><span class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__title\">Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2928304-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928304\" data-cid=\"9926187\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928304-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/61\/87\/320x180_cmsv2_224f1d10-96b4-578a-95ba-00fcc42e6e29-9926187.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The US has invited Putin to the G20.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU will condemn war at G20 summit &#8216;irrespective&#8217; of Putin&#8217;s attendance<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2928433-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928433\" data-cid=\"9926891\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928433-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/68\/91\/320x180_cmsv2_fcda36db-ba28-542f-89d5-94c10626ea96-9926891.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US president Donald Trump hailed the \u201ctruly great friendship\u201d he has developed with Xi Jinping\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump and Xi vow cooperation amid &#8216;healthy competition&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2928420-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928420\" data-cid=\"9926829\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928420-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/68\/29\/320x180_cmsv2_198f9351-d79a-5246-abdb-7262d75148d7-9926829.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a forum hosted by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Rutte says Putin is in a &#8216;bad place&#8217; as he reassures NATO allies<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2928238-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928238\" data-cid=\"9925853\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928238-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/57\/42\/320x180_cmsv2_66d0415f-f94e-5418-87be-411b60a678a3-9925742.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Image of a possible Russian drone attack launched from the Mediterranean against countries such as Spain, Italy and France.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    CIA warns of Russian drone threat to southern Europe<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2928341-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928341\" data-cid=\"9926360\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928341-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/63\/60\/320x180_cmsv2_5667e93e-bf74-5c57-afc5-d152508cc1fb-9926360.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A woman walks in front of a house destroyed in a Russian strike on a residential neighbourhood in Kyiv, 24 September, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    At least eight killed in wave of Russian strikes across Ukraine<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2928056-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928056\" data-cid=\"9925190\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain: Protests after 87-year-old woman evicted from home by force<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2928238-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928238\" data-cid=\"9925853\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    CIA warns of Russian drone threat to southern Europe<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2928053-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928053\" data-cid=\"9924882\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;No one&#8217;s happy&#8217;: Europe wrestles with fallout from Usmanov saga<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2927980-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2927980\" data-cid=\"9924515\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Taylor Swift announces new single \u2018Patient Zero\u2019 &#8211; and faces backlash for cover art<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2927863-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2927863\" data-cid=\"9924049\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    El Ni\u00f1o transforms Atacama desert as thousands of hectares burst into bloom<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928304-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928304\" data-cid=\"9926187\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928304-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/61\/87\/320x180_cmsv2_224f1d10-96b4-578a-95ba-00fcc42e6e29-9926187.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The US has invited Putin to the G20.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU will condemn war at G20 summit &#8216;irrespective&#8217; of Putin&#8217;s attendance<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928433-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928433\" data-cid=\"9926891\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928433-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/68\/91\/320x180_cmsv2_fcda36db-ba28-542f-89d5-94c10626ea96-9926891.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US president Donald Trump hailed the \u201ctruly great friendship\u201d he has developed with Xi Jinping\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Trump and Xi vow cooperation amid &#8216;healthy competition&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928420-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928420\" data-cid=\"9926829\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928420-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/68\/29\/320x180_cmsv2_198f9351-d79a-5246-abdb-7262d75148d7-9926829.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks during a forum hosted by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Rutte says Putin is in a &#8216;bad place&#8217; as he reassures NATO allies<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928238-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928238\" data-cid=\"9925853\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928238-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/57\/42\/320x180_cmsv2_66d0415f-f94e-5418-87be-411b60a678a3-9925742.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Image of a possible Russian drone attack launched from the Mediterranean against countries such as Spain, Italy and France.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    CIA warns of Russian drone threat to southern Europe<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928341-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928341\" data-cid=\"9926360\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2928341-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/63\/60\/320x180_cmsv2_5667e93e-bf74-5c57-afc5-d152508cc1fb-9926360.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A woman walks in front of a house destroyed in a Russian strike on a residential neighbourhood in Kyiv, 24 September, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    At least eight killed in wave of Russian strikes across Ukraine<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928056-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928056\" data-cid=\"9925190\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Spain: Protests after 87-year-old woman evicted from home by force<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928238-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928238\" data-cid=\"9925853\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    CIA warns of Russian drone threat to southern Europe<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2928053-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2928053\" data-cid=\"9924882\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    &#8216;No one&#8217;s happy&#8217;: Europe wrestles with fallout from Usmanov saga<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2927980-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2927980\" data-cid=\"9924515\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Taylor Swift announces new single \u2018Patient Zero\u2019 &#8211; and faces backlash for cover art<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2927863-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2927863\" data-cid=\"9924049\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    El Ni\u00f1o transforms Atacama desert as thousands of hectares burst into bloom<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">With peace returning to the region, Azerbaijan\u2019s Udi Christians continue their centuries-old practice of pilgrimage and prayer at Karabakh\u2019s historic Christian sites, as Azerbaijan showcases the preservation of religious sites whose historical identity remains contested.\u00a0For local communities and officials, these sites mean more than religious practice, as they project the safeguarding of Christian identity in the region.As part of a government programme to explore the region\u2019s Christian heritage and religious traditions, Euronews and other media outlets met a congregation of Udi Christians for their religious service at the ancient monastery of Gandzasar, near Vangli village in Azerbaijan\u2019s Aghdara district, and talked to representatives involved in the preservation and maintenance of the site.\u00a0\u00a0Prince Hasan-Jalal Dawla built the monastery\u2019s main church between 1216 and 1238. Azerbaijan identifies it with the Caucasian Albanian Christian tradition, while Armenia identifies it with the Armenian Apostolic one, as competing interpretations continue to challenge the historic peace process between the two countries.The Udi people are an indigenous, predominantly Christian ethnic group in Azerbaijan, primarily based in the village of Nij.For the pilgrims, returning to Gandzasar represents restoring a deep historical link.&#8221;Today, thanks to the acquisition of independence, we are in the monastery built by our holy fathers. We are proud of our history,&#8221; said Danakari Rafiq Arami, Deputy Chairman of the Alban-Udi Christian Community, emphasising the emotional weight of holding a service in the native Udi language.\u00a0Azerbaijan\u2019s Udi community make pilgrimages to historic Christian sites associated with their heritage, including other monasteries in the Karabakh region, such as Khudavang, A\u011fo\u011flan and Amaras, which Azerbaijan identifies as historic Christian sites in Karabakh in its preservation programme.Khudavang is located in the Kalbajar district, while A\u011fo\u011flan Monastery is in the Lachin district and Amaras Monastery is in the Khojavend district.Christianity has a long history on the territory of present-day Azerbaijan, which prides itself on the peaceful coexistence of Muslims, Christians and Jews. UNESCO\u2019s documentation on the Historic Centre of Sheki states that Christianity was introduced in the region as early as the 1st century CE.\u00a0One of the principal sites associated with this history is the church at Kish, near Sheki. The wider Udi Christian legacy is also represented in Nij, in the Gabala district, where the Udi community continues to practise Christianity.\u00a0The media visit comes shortly after a diplomatic delegation visited Gandzasar and Khudavang monasteries on 12 September.Representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan were briefed on the history and architecture of the sites, as well as Azerbaijan\u2019s claims about alterations to the monuments, which ignited a row with Armenia over the sites\u2019 heritage and identity.\u00a0\u00a0EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Magdalena Grono, who took part in the diplomatic visit, said there were still &#8220;deeply divergent views and narratives&#8221; concerning the origins of some sites.Grono stressed the importance of addressing unresolved historical disputes as part of the broader reconciliation process.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/09\/24\/udi-christians-worship-at-azerbaijans-karabakh-monasteries&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/09\/36\/1200x675_cmsv2_813ce62e-6ec6-5288-94ba-ef5652c78b9a-9920936.jpg&#8221;] Europe News Rutte says Putin is in a &#8216;bad place&#8217; as he reassures NATO allies USA Trump and Xi vow cooperation amid &#8216;healthy competition&#8217; USA Uzbekistan calls for more effective UN at General Assembly Business Series This country\u2019s new framework for technology and investment In partnership with Azpromo Europe News Rutte says [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2161438","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2161438","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2161438"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2161438\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2161438"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2161438"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2161438"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}