Culture of Artsakh includes artifacts of tangible and intangible culture that has been historically associated with Artsakh in the Southern Caucasus, controlled by Azerbaijan. These include monuments of religious and civil architecture, memorial and defense structures, and various forms of art.
Gandzasar Monastery (1216–1238)
Armenian-inscribed text, Gandzasar Monastery (1216–1238)
Relief sculptures on the dome of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist of the Gandzasar Monastery (1216–1238)
Tzitzernavank Monastery (4th century) after restoration
Artsakh (historical province)
Artsakh was the tenth province (nahang) of the Kingdom of Armenia from c. 189 BC until 387 AD, when it was made part of Caucasian Albania, a subject principality of the Sasanian Empire, following the Peace of Acilisene. From the 7th to 9th centuries, it fell under Arab control. In 821, it formed the Armenian principality of Khachen and around the year 1000 was proclaimed the Kingdom of Artsakh, one of the last medieval eastern Armenian kingdoms and principalities to maintain its autonomy following the Turkic invasions of the 11th to 14th centuries.
The lands of Syunik (left) and Artsakh (right) until the early 9th century
Fragment of a fresco with Armenian inscribed text in Dadivank Monastery, shows a masterpiece of medieval culture of Artsakh.