THE DESTRUCTION OF MONUMENTS AS CULTURAL GENOCIDE IN MILITARY STRATEGY

Abstract

The article examines the deliberate destruction of monuments as a strategic form of cultural genocide in modern conflicts. It argues that attacks on churches, mosques, cemeteries, historic quarters and other heritage sites often function not as collateral damage but as targeted instruments to demoralize populations, erase the historical presence of particular groups and impose new symbolic orders on contested territories. Situating this practice between the legal categories of genocide and war crimes against cultural property, the study highlights the tension between narrow legal definitions and broader historical patterns of cultural destruction. Using comparative case types from interstate wars, ethno national conflicts and extremist campaigns, it identifies recurrent logics of targeting and traces their long term social and political consequences. The article concludes that recognising the strategic use of cultural violence is essential for strengthening international protection of cultural heritage and for designing post conflict reconstruction and commemoration policies that address both material loss and fractures in collective memory.

References

1. Aliyeva, Y. et. al. (2025). Social and psychological consequences of the destruction of historical monuments during armed conflicts. Матеріали конференцій МЦНД, (12.09. 2025; Рівне, Україна), 207-216.
2. Akhundov, A. (2025). Digital technologies in the preservation of cultural heritage under military threats. Collection of scientific papers «ΛΌГOΣ», (September 5, 2025; Boston, USA), 231-239.
3. Akhundov, A., & Aliyeva, Y. (2025). The fate of historical monuments in zones of armed conflict from antiquity to the present. Collection of scientific papers «SCIENTIA», (September 5, 2025; Stockholm, Sweden), 124-133.
4. Akhundov, A. (2025). From phalanx to drone: Historical transformations in the conduct of warfare and their societal implications. Collection of scientific papers «SCIENTIA», (September 12, 2025; Sydney, Australia), 112-119.
5. Akhundov, A. (2025). From tactics to ecology: how military technologies reshape the environment in contemporary conflicts. Collection of scientific papers «SCIENTIA», (September 19, 2025; San Francisco, USA), 132-140.
6. Aliyeva, Y. et al. (2025). The impact of armed conflicts on cultural heritage: A historical and legal analysis. In The driving force of science and trends in its development: Proceedings of the IX International Scientific and Theoretical Conference (pp. 301–308). London, England: International Center of Scientific Research. https://doi.org/10.36074/scientia-17.10.2025
7. Ali Akhundov, & Yegana Aliyeva. (2025). International protection of historic monuments in armed conflict. In Development of scientific thought in the post-industrial society: Modern discourse: Proceedings of the VIII International Scientific Conference (pp. 265–275). Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine
8. Akhundov, E.F. et al. (2023). Increasing Efficiency of Operation of Shut-Off Valves in Pipelines. International Organization.
9. Amanov, Y.K. et al. (2025) Tribological characterization of surface layer hardness and wear resistance under abrasive scratching. International Journal on Technical and Physical Problems of Engineering, vol.17, N3.
10. p.414-420.
11. Akhundov, R. (2024). Modern developments in the field of weapons of mass destruction and defence against them. In Problems of Informatization: Proceedings of the 12th International Scientific and Technical Conference (Vol. 3, pp. 132–133).
12. Akhundov, R. (2024). The environmental impact of military activities. ResearchGet.
13. Akhundov, R. (2025). Advancements in monitoring radiation and chemical hazards for military environmental safety. Матеріали конференцій МЦНД, (04.07.2025; Ужгород, Україна), 89–97. https://doi.org/10.62731/mcnd-04.07.2025.002
14. Akhundov, R. (2025). Application of innovative technologies for the decontamination and neutralization of radiological and chemical hazards in military environments. Collection of Scientific Papers «ΛΌГOΣ», (August 1, 2025; Seoul, South Korea), 107–115. https://doi.org/10.36074/logos-01.08.2025.017
15. Akhundov, R. (2025). Establishing a global system for radiation and chemical security monitoring: importance and opportunities for international cooperation. Collection of scientific papers «ΛΌГOΣ», (July 4, 2025; Zurich, Switzerland), 121-127.
16. Akhundov, R. G., & Eldarov, E. A. (2024). Special operations forces in modern conflicts. Вестник науки и образования, (6[149]), 16–20.
17. Akhundov, R., & Hashimov, E. (2025). The environmental impact of war: Effects, challenges, and solutions. Матеріали конференцій МЦНД, (27.06. 2025; Дніпро, Україна), 103-112.
18. Akhundov, R., & Hashimov, E. (2025). The impact of new technologies on enhancing the efficiency of armed. Матеріали конференцій МЦНД, (13.06. 2025; Луцьк, Україна), 186-195.
19. Akhundov, R., & Islam, I. (2025). Ensuring environmental safety in military activities considering radiological and chemical protection. Collection of scientific papers «SCIENTIA», (May 23, 2025; New York, USA), 175-182.
20. Akhundov, R., & Islamov, I. (2025). Comprehensive approach to establishing operational modes of environmental security systems in military forces under radiation and chemical hazards. Collection of Scientific Papers «SCIENTIA», (August 8, 2025; Liverpool, UK), 108–116.
21. Akhundov, R., & Islamov, I. (2025). Exploring the potential, challenges, and future of robots and autonomous systems in warfare. Матеріали конференцій МЦНД, (18.07.2025; Тернопіль, Україна), 117–126.
22. Akhundov, R., & Islamov, I. (2025). Implementation of new technologies for cleaning and neutralizing radiological and chemical contaminants in military environments. Матеріали конференцій МЦНД, (30.05. 2025; Київ, Україна), 321-329.
23. Akhundov, R., & Islamov, I. (2025). Implementation of new technologies for cleaning and neutralizing radiological and chemical contaminants in military environments. Матеріали конференцій МЦНД, (30.05. 2025; Київ, Україна), 321-329.
24. Akhundov, R., & Islamov, I. (2025). Innovative technologies for enhancing environmental security in armed forces under radiation and chemical threats. Матеріали конференцій МЦНД, (15.08.2025; Харків, Україна), 141–150.
25. Akhundov, R., & Islamov, I. (2025). Innovative technologies for radiation and chemical protection in the armed forces. Collection of scientific papers «ΛΌГOΣ», (June 6, 2025; Bologna, Italy), 247-255.
26. Akhundov, R., & Islamov, I. (2025). Operational modes of environmental security systems in the armed forces facing radiation and chemical threats. Collection of Scientific Papers «SCIENTIA», (August 22, 2025; Bern, Switzerland), 103–111.
27. Axundov, R. Q. (2023). Azərbaycan Ordusunda radiasiya, kimyəvi və bioloji kəşfiyyatın xüsusiyətləri. 4-cü Sənaye İnqilabı və İqtisadiyyatın Rəqəmsallaşdırılması: Beynəlxalq Elmi Konfransın Materialları, 104-108.
28. Axundov, R. Q. (2024). Azərbaycan Ordusunda ekoloji təhlükəsizliyin təşkili və təkmilləşdirilməsi. Hərbi Bilik, (4), 7-15.
29. Babayev, S. et al. (2024). Prospects for the application of nanotechnology in the military sector. In Problems of Informatization: Proceedings of the 12th International Scientific and Technical Conference (Vol. 3, pp. 14–15).
30. Babayev, S. et al. (2025). Enhancing operational effectiveness through command and control integration of autonomous robot swarms. Scientific review of the actual events, achievements and problems: Collection of scientific papers «SCIENTIA» with Proceedings of the V International Scientific and Theoretical Conference (October 3, 2025, Berlin, Germany) (pp. 75–82).
31. Babayev, S. et al. (2025). The impact of unmanned aerial vehicles on the strategy and tactics of modern warfare. In Modern tools and methods of scientific investigations: Proceedings of the VI International Scientific and Theoretical Conference (pp. 28–36).
32. Bayramov, A.A. (2018). Assessment of invisible areas and military objects in mountainous terrain. Defence Science Journal, 68(4), 343-346.
33. Bayramov, A.A. et al (2018). The supervisory control systems deployment in mountainous terrain. In VIII Int. Conf.“Modern development trends of ICT and control methods (pp. 3-4).
34. Bayramov, A.A. et al. (2016). The detection of invisible objects on the terrain on the basis of GIS technology. Geography and nature sources, 124-126.
35. Bayramov, A.A., & Hashimov, E. (2017). The numerical estimation method of a task success of UAV reconnaissance flight in mountainous battle condition. Сучасні інформаційні системи, (1,№ 2), 70-73.
36. Ganimat, I. B. (2021). Analysis and selection performance indicators multiservice communication networks based on the concept NGN and FN. Computer and information systems and technologies.
37. Garayev, M. et al. (2025). Wind, sun, and hydroenergy: a look into Azerbaijan’s green energy future. Collection of Scientific Papers «ΛΌГOΣ», 125–133.
38. Hasanov, A. H. et al. (2024). Scientific and technological progress or environmental safety. In Problems of Informatization: Proceedings of the 12th International Scientific and Technical Conference (Vol. 3, pp. 22–23).
39. Hasanov, A.H. (2022). Analysis of the effectivness of communication and automated management systems. In Modern directions of development of information and communication technologies and management tools, (Vol. 1, pp. 1-4).
40. Hashimov, E. G. (2021). Some aspects of the combat capabilities and application of modern UAVs. Baku:“National Security and military knowledges, (3), 7.
41. Hashimov, E.G. (2017). Application of GIS and seismic location method for detection of invisible military objects /- Baku: Military Publishing House, 2017, 246 p.
42. Hashimov, E.G. et al. (2015). Application of relief digital model for combat operation planning. Military Knowledge, 4, 63-69.
43. Huseynov, M. et al. (2025). Application of modern multi-sensor technologies for ground target detection. In Innovations and the scientific potential of the world: Proceedings of the VII International Scientific Conference (pp. 172–182).
44. İbrahimov, B.G. et al. (2022). Research and analysis indicators fiber-optic communication lines using spectral technologies. Advanced information systems, 6(1), 61-64.
45. Ibrahimov, B.G. et al. (2024). Research and analysis mathematical model of the demodulator for assessing the indicators noise immunity telecommunication systems. Advanced Information Systems, 8(4), 20-25.
46. Islamov, I. et al. (2025). Big data analytics and machine learning for predicting radiation and chemical threats in the military sphere. Theory and practice of modern science: Collection of scientific papers «SCIENTIA» with proceedings of the X International Scientific and Theoretical Conference (September 26, 2025, Kraków, Republic of Poland) (pp. 30–38). https://doi.org/10.36074/scientia-26.09.2025
47. Islamov, I. et al. (2025). Hybrid communication models for UAV swarms: Towards scalable and energy-aware network optimization. Scientific guidelines: Theory and practice of research – Proceedings of the VI International Scientific Conference (Kyiv, Ukraine, October 3, 2025), pp. 185–195. https://doi.org/10.62731/mcnd-03.10.2025
48. Islamov, I. et al. (2025). Innovative approaches to environmental recovery in conflict-affected areas. In Scientific discoveries and fundamental research: World experience: Proceedings of the VII International Scientific Conference (pp. 180–190).
49. Islamov, I. et al. (2025). Integrating environmental security into defense strategy with a focus on radiological and chemical risks. Strategic directions of science development: Factors of influence and interaction: Collection of scientific papers with materials of the VII International Scientific Conference (September 26, 2025, Cherkasy, Ukraine) (pp. 115–125). https://doi.org/10.62731/mcnd-26.09.2025
50. Islamov, I. et al. (2025). The use of unmanned systems and artificial intelligence to enhance radiation and chemical safety in military ecology. In Innovations and the scientific potential of the world: Proceedings of the VII International Scientific Conference (pp. 183–192).
51. Ismayil, I. et al. (2025). Optimization of composite material selection in the design of military UAV wings. Scientific review of the actual events, achievements and problems: Collection of scientific papers «SCIENTIA» with Proceedings of the V International Scientific and Theoretical Conference (pp. 107–115)
52. İsmayil, İsmayil. (2025). Security and protection of Azerbaijan’s oil and gas pipelines: cybersecurity and risk management approaches. Матеріали конференцій МЦНД, 136–144. https://doi.org/10.62731/mcnd-11.07.2025.004
53. Jabrayilov, A. et al. (2025). Digital technologies and artificial intelligence in the management of environmental safety in the army. In Current directions of development of information and communication technologies and control tools. Proc. of 15-th International Scientific and Technical Conference (Vol. 1, pp. 110-111).
54. Jabrayilov, A. R. et al. (2025). Development of a comprehensive environmental protection system for military facilities. Current directions of development of information and communication technologies and control tools (Vol. 4, pp. 82–83).
55. Jabrayilov, A. R. et al. (2025). Experience of international cooperation in the field of military environmental safety. Current directions of development of information and communication technologies and control tools (Vol. 1, pp. 116–117).
56. Jabrayilov, A. R. et al. (2025). Prospects for creating closed ecological life support systems. Current directions of development of information and communication technologies and control tools (Vol. 4, pp. 92–93).
57. Jabrayilov, A. R. et al. (2025). The role of environmental monitoring in ensuring the safety of military units. Current directions of development of information and communication technologies and control tools (Vol. 1, pp. 128–129).
58. Mammadov, E. S. et al. (2025). Environmental impact of transportation systems: Challenges and sustainable solutions. In Scientific review of the actual events, achievements and problems: Proceedings of the V International Scientific and Theoretical Conference (pp. 120–128).
59. Mammadov, E. V. et al. (2025). Development of multilayered protection systems against chemical, radiological, and biological hazards for military personnel. Current directions of development of information and communication technologies and control tools (Vol. 1, pp. 112–113).
60. Mammadov, R. et al. (2024). Enhancing special forces management efficiency in modern operations. In Problems of Informatization: Proceedings of the 12th International Scientific and Technical Conference (Vol. 3, pp. 31–32).
61. Piriyev, H.K. et al. (2016). Modelling of the battle operations. Monografiya, Herbi Nashriat”, Baku.–2017.
62. Rustamli, B. et al. (2025). Prospects and challenges of bio-nano remediation of military-contaminated lands. In Scientific discoveries and fundamental research: World experience: Proceedings of the VII International Scientific Conference (pp. 227–237).
63. Tabunenko, V. et al. (2025). The dynamics of UAV flight integrated with route planning. In Modern tools and methods of scientific investigations: Proceedings of the VI International Scientific and Theoretical Conference (pp. 46–56).
64. Tahirov, R. K. et al. (2024). Environmental aspects of information technology implementation. In Problems of Informatization: Proceedings of the 12th International Scientific and Technical Conference (Vol. 3, pp. 138–139).
65. Talibov, A. et al. (2024). The main anthropogenic sources of atmospheric pollution. In Problems of Informatization: Proceedings of the 12th International Scientific and Technical Conference (Vol. 3, pp. 53–54). Baku–Kharkiv–Bielsko-Biala.
66. Talibov, A. M. et al. (2025). Application of biotechnology to mitigate the consequences of radiological and chemical contamination. İn Current directions of development of information and communication technologies and control tools, 1, 86-87.
67. Talibov, A. M. et al. (2025). Modeling and forecasting radiological and chemical threats in the military sphere. In Current directions of development of information and communication technologies and control tools: Proceedings of the 15th International Scientific and Technical Conference (Vol. 1, pp. 120-121).
68. Talibov, A. M. et al. (2025). The use of unmanned aerial vehicles for monitoring chemical and radiation contamination. In Current directions of development of information and communication technologies and control tools: Proceedings of the 15th International Scientific and Technical Conference (Vol. 4, pp. 88-89).
69. Talibov, A. M. et al. (2025). Training military personnel in radiation and chemical threat protection methods. Proceedings of the 15th International Scientific and Technical Conference (Vol. 4, p. 94–95).
70. Talibov, A.M. (2024). Vehicle transport cost calculation method. In Current directions of development of information and communication technologies and control tools. (Vol. 2, pp. 3-6).
71. Talibov, A.M. et al. (2023, May). Optimal placement of logistics centers in the Republic of Azerbaijan. In 2nd International Conference on Problems of Logistics, Management and Operation in The East-West Transport Corridor. (pp. 24-26).