The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan considers the stance of the Georgian Patriarchate regarding the Kurmukh Orthodox church to contain territorial claims. Baku stated that the latest remarks by the Georgian Orthodox Church contradict the spirit of friendship, partnership, and good-neighborly relations between the two countries.
The Foreign Ministry also called the use of alternative names for geographical and historical toponyms within Azerbaijan unacceptable (in Baku, the church is referred to as Kürmük).
“Azerbaijan has always respected the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. The same attitude from the Georgian side toward the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan constitutes one of the most critical foundations of the strategic partnership between our countries. That is precisely why the Georgian Patriarchate’s stance, which contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan, is incomprehensible.”
The Foreign Ministry added that religious organizations should avoid approaches capable of damaging the relations of friendship and good-neighborliness between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Georgia.
“In this regard, the Georgian Patriarchate is advised not to repeat the well-known approaches of the Armenian Church or follow its example. All historical, cultural, and religious monuments located on the territory of Azerbaijan are an integral part of the national heritage of the Azerbaijani people and state,” the agency stated.
Earlier, the Georgian Patriarchate issued a statement regarding repair and restoration work at the Church of St. George, also known as the Kurmukhi Church. It is located in the Kurmukh Gorge near the city of Qakh (Kakhi in Georgian) in the historical region of Hereti/Saingilo in northwestern Azerbaijan. The Georgian Orthodox Church expressed concern that the restoration of a cultural heritage site of the Georgian people was being carried out without coordination with the Georgian side:
“Although the Kurmukhi Church is currently located on the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, it is a crucial monument of the historical and spiritual heritage of our country and church. This fact has provoked a sharp reaction and justified outrage in our society, which negatively affects good-neighborly relations and the process of strengthening cooperation between the two neighboring states and peoples,” the Patriarchate’s statement read.
