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Askeran (Armenian: Ասկերան or Mayraberd, Մայրաբերդ; Azerbaijani: Əsgəran) is a town in the Khojaly District of Azerbaijan, in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Until 2023 it was controlled by the breakaway Republic of Artsakh, as the centre of its Askeran Province. The town had an ethnic Armenian-majority population[2] until the exodus of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh following the 2023 Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh.[3] It is located on the left bank of the Karkar River (Qarqarçay), approximately 11 kilometres (7 mi) northeast of the regional capital, Stepanakert.[4]

Key Information

Etymology

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Medieval Armenian sources attest to a settlement in the locale called Mayraberd (Armenian: Մայրաբերդ, lit. 'mother fortress'). The modern name Askeran (Armenian: Ասկերան, lit. 'military encampment') refers to the settlement's historic use from the beginning of the 18th century as an arsenal for various military powers.[5]

History

[edit]
View of the Askeran Fortress

Askeran originally belonged to the historic territory of Dizak before becoming part of the Armenian Melikdom of Varanda in the first half of the 16th century. The Askeran fortress protected the eastern frontier of Varanda from the semi-autonomous Karabakh Khanate,[6][7] which was under the suzerainty of Iran.[8][9] The Askeran Fortress was built upon the foundations of the medieval Armenian village and fortress known as Mayraberd.[5] In 1752, the melik (prince) of Varanda, Shahnazar II, made an alliance with the Karabakh khan Panah Ali Khan,[10][11] who expanded the fortress to its current state.[12] In July 1795, the Askeran fortress was captured by the forces of the Qajar shah (king) Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar (r. 1789–1797), who attempted to restore Iranian rule in the southeastern Caucasus.[13]

During the Russo-Persian War of 1804–1813, the Russian encampment was near the fortress.[14] In 1810, peace talks between Russia and Iran were conducted at the fortress.[4] Restoration works on the fortress began in 2018.[15] The fortress is situated in the southern part of the town.

In the Russian Empire, Askeran was part of the Shusha Uyezd in the Elisabethpol Governorate. During the Soviet period, the city was the administrative center of the Askeran District, which was a part of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast in the Azerbaijan SSR.

1988 Armenian protest in Askeran during the Karabakh movement

Askeran was the site of one of the starting points of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in 1988, the Askeran clash. On 22 February 1988, a crowd of angry Azerbaijanis marched from Agdam in the direction of Stepanakert and clashed with police and local Armenians in Askeran, ending in the death of two Azerbaijanis and injuries on both sides.[16] The town was known as an Armenian stronghold during the war.[17] In 1991, it became the center of the Askeran Province of the Republic of Artsakh following the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. Askeran came under Azerbaijani control on 24 September 2023, after the 2023 Azerbaijani offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh and the flight of the Armenian population.[18]

Historical heritage sites

[edit]

Historical heritage sites in and around Askeran include the 18th-century Askeran Fortress, the cave-shrine of Hatsut (Armenian: Հացուտ), and the church of Surb Astvatsatsin (Armenian: Սուրբ Աստվածածին, lit. 'Holy Mother of God') built in 2002.[19]

Economy and culture

[edit]

The population is engaged in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry as well as in different state institutions and other private enterprises. The city is home to factories producing wine, brandy and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as architectural enterprises, secondary and musical schools, a house of culture, a municipal building, a kindergarten, and a hospital. The community of Askeran includes the village of Kyatuk.[19]

Demographics

[edit]

In the census of 1933, 222 people divided into 48 households were recorded in the village, all of whom were Armenians.[20] Until 2023, Askeran was mostly populated by ethnic Armenians.[21] with around 700 inhabitants in 1970,[22] 1,967 inhabitants in 2005[23] and 2,300 inhabitants in 2015.[1]

Climate

[edit]

Askeran has a temperate and mild Humid subtropical climate (Cfa) according to the Köppen climate classification.[24]

Climate data for Askeran
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 4.9
(40.8) 		5.9
(42.6) 		10
(50) 		14.3
(57.7) 		19
(66) 		23.7
(74.7) 		27
(81) 		27.3
(81.1) 		21.9
(71.4) 		16.4
(61.5) 		10.5
(50.9) 		6.6
(43.9) 		15.6
(60.1)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −6.5
(20.3) 		−5.1
(22.8) 		−1
(30) 		3.9
(39.0) 		9.3
(48.7) 		13.4
(56.1) 		16.3
(61.3) 		16.5
(61.7) 		12.7
(54.9) 		7.5
(45.5) 		0.5
(32.9) 		−4.9
(23.2) 		5.2
(41.4)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 37
(1.5) 		53
(2.1) 		93
(3.7) 		107
(4.2) 		121
(4.8) 		79
(3.1) 		32
(1.3) 		35
(1.4) 		80
(3.1) 		81
(3.2) 		55
(2.2) 		37
(1.5) 		810
(32.1)
Source: https://en.climate-data.org/asia/azerbaijan/askeran/askeran-21908/
[edit]
  • Askeran Fortress
    Askeran Fortress
  • Street in Askeran
    Street in Askeran
  • Walls of the Askeran Fortress
    Walls of the Askeran Fortress
  • Street
    Street
  • St. Astvatsatsin Church (Church of the Holy Mother of God) in Askeran, opened in 2002
    St. Astvatsatsin Church (Church of the Holy Mother of God) in Askeran, opened in 2002
  • Scenery
    Scenery
  • Askeran City Stadium
    Askeran City Stadium
  • District court in Askeran
    District court in Askeran
  • View of Askeran from road leading up to Kyatuk
    View of Askeran from road leading up to Kyatuk

References

[edit]

Sources

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Askeran

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Askeran (Azerbaijani: Əsgəran) is a town in the Khojaly District of , situated in the mountainous region approximately 14 kilometers northeast of Khankendi (formerly ). The town, with a pre-2023 population estimated at around 1,600 residents primarily of ethnic Armenian descent, served as the administrative center of Askeran Province in the unrecognized from 1994 until 2023. Askeran is historically significant for the Askeran Fortress, also known as Mayraberd, constructed in the mid-18th century under the rule of Panah Ali Khan of the to defend strategic mountain passes. The fortress exemplifies regional defensive architecture and played roles in subsequent conflicts, including as a outpost during the Nagorno-Karabakh wars. In September 2023, conducted a to reassert control over , including Askeran, resulting in the rapid capitulation of Artsakh forces, the flight of nearly all ethnic due to security concerns, and the formal dissolution of the on January 1, 2024. Since then, has initiated restoration projects at the fortress and broader resettlement efforts in the area.

Geography

Location and administrative divisions

Askeran (Azerbaijani: Əsgəran) is a town situated in the Khojaly District of , part of the , at geographic coordinates 39°56′N 46°50′E. The settlement lies in a mountainous area of the Karabakh range, along the primary route between and Khankendi (formerly ). Under current Azerbaijani administration, Askeran functions as one of the key settlements in Khojaly District, which encompasses the district center of Khojaly, the settlement of Askeran, and 50 villages. Khojaly District borders Aghdara, , , Agdam, and Khojavend districts. Following Azerbaijan's restoration of control over in September 2023, former administrative divisions such as the Askeran District from the were disbanded and integrated into Khojaly District. The Azerbaijani government updated its administrative-territorial classifications in 2024 to reflect these changes across relevant districts, including Khojaly.

Physical features and terrain

The Askeran District spans approximately 1,196 square kilometers in the central portion of , encompassing a varied dominated by mountainous ridges, river valleys, and foothills of the range. Elevations within the district range from around 500 meters in the lower valleys to over 2,750 meters in the western Gharabagh mountains, contributing to a rugged interspersed with fertile basins suitable for . The Karkar River forms a central hydrological feature, flowing through the district and supporting adjacent settlements, with additional rivers such as Patara and Kolatak draining the surrounding highlands. The town's core lies on the river's left bank at about 520 meters above , where the terrain transitions from narrow gorges to broader plateaus amid encircling hills. This , shaped by tectonic uplift and , reflects the broader geological characteristics of the plateau, with dense forests on lower slopes giving way to alpine meadows at higher altitudes.

Etymology

Origins and interpretations

The toponym Askeran derives from the Persian-influenced term asker (meaning soldier or military personnel, borrowed from Arabic), combined with the locative suffix -an, denoting a "place of soldiers" or military barracks. This etymology corresponds to the site's role as a fortified outpost established in the mid-18th century by Panah Ali Khan of Karabakh amid regional power struggles under Persian suzerainty, when such encampments were common for housing troops. Medieval Armenian records refer to the underlying fortress structure as Mayraberd (մայրաբերդ), literally "mother fortress" from mayr (mother, implying principal or central) and berd (fortress), underscoring its longstanding defensive significance in the Varanda melikdom prior to the 18th-century expansions. Some Armenian interpretations propose an indigenous origin from as (noble or divine) and karan (stone), yielding "divine stone," potentially linking to local or sacred sites; however, this lacks philological support given the name's documented emergence during eras of Turkic-Persian linguistic dominance in the , rendering it a likely .

History

Ancient and medieval periods

The territory of present-day Askeran formed part of the ancient province of Artsakh within the Kingdom of Armenia, with archaeological evidence indicating human activity from the onward in the broader region. A key ancient site is Tigranakert, situated in the Askeran district approximately 20 kilometers northeast of the town, founded by Armenian King Tigranes II the Great (r. 95–55 BC) as a Hellenistic urban center spanning about 50 hectares along the Khachenaget River valley. Excavations have uncovered basilicas, early Christian churches from the 5th–7th centuries AD, residential quarters, pottery, and fortifications, confirming continuous occupation through under Armenian and subsequent Caucasian Albanian influences. During the early medieval period, following the partition of in 387 AD, the area transitioned into while retaining Armenian cultural elements, as attested by ecclesiastical structures and inscriptions. Artsakh's medieval history involved Armenian princedoms such as Khachen, established around the , which exerted control over local territories including precursors to Askeran settlements. In the high and , the site of modern Askeran hosted the Armenian village of Mayraberd, strategically positioned along trade and defense routes, with remnants including khachkars (cross-stones) from the 10th–17th centuries and tombs evidencing enduring Armenian Christian presence amid regional turmoil from Seljuk, Mongol, and Persian incursions. The location's defensive significance predated later fortifications, serving as a barracks-like outpost ("Askeran" deriving from Persian for "soldier place") by the late medieval era, though major stone structures emerged in the .

Russian Empire and early Soviet era

In 1805, the Karabakh Khanate, which included the territory of Askeran, entered into a treaty of subordination with the Russian Empire, formalized by the Treaty of Gulistan in 1813 following the Russo-Persian War (1804–1813). Askeran, centered around its 18th-century fortress built under Karabakh Khanate rule, became part of the Shusha uezd within the Elizavetpol Governorate, serving as a strategic outpost where Russian troops were encamped during regional conflicts. Administrative integration into the involved census and land reforms, with the area predominantly inhabited by under the former melikdom system alongside Muslim Azerbaijani populations; Russian authorities maintained the khanate's structure initially before reorganizing it into governorates for centralized control. Following the Bolshevik Revolution and the of in April 1920, Askeran was incorporated into the . The (NKAO) was established on July 7, 1923, within Azerbaijan SSR, including the Askeran area as part of its territory to accommodate the ethnic Armenian majority while subordinating it administratively to . In the and , early Soviet policies emphasized collectivization, industrialization, and suppression of nationalist elements, with Askeran's historical Khachen designation retained until the mid-1930s when regional naming shifted toward alignment. District-level administration in NKAO, including Askeran as a key settlement, solidified during this period amid broader korenizatsiya () efforts that promoted local languages but prioritized Soviet unity over ethnic .

Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts originated with ethnic tensions escalating into violence in Askeran in early 1988, marking the onset of the broader dispute. On February 12, 1988, protests erupted in Askeran against the regional committee's policies, drawing hundreds of demonstrators by the following day. These events coincided with demands for unification of the with , prompting counter-mobilization by groups. On February 20, 1988, an march from toward clashed with Armenian villagers and police in Askeran, resulting in the first fatalities of the modern conflict, with two Azerbaijanis killed. During the (1991–1994), Askeran fell under Armenian control as forces from the self-declared Nagorno-Karabakh Republic captured territories around , including the Askeran district. The Askeran Fortress, originally constructed in the , served as a military headquarters for Armenian defenders during the fighting. Azerbaijani offensives in the region displaced populations, with residents from Askeran and nearby rayons fleeing amid claims on both sides; documented massacres and forced displacements affecting Azerbaijani civilians in adjacent areas like Khojali in 1992. By the 1994 ceasefire, Askeran remained administered by the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, with its pre-war Azerbaijani population largely expelled. In the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War of September–November , Askeran stayed under Armenian-held control, as Azerbaijani advances focused on southern and northern flanks, recapturing territories like Fuzuli and but not penetrating central areas around Askeran. Local residents, including returnees, participated in defense efforts amid Azerbaijan's use of drones and artillery, which inflicted heavy casualties on Armenian positions. Azerbaijan's September 19–20, 2023, offensive rapidly overran remaining Armenian defenses, capturing Askeran and the entire region within 24 hours, prompting the dissolution of the Artsakh Republic. Azerbaijani forces targeted sites and , leading to 223 reported deaths in Artsakh, including civilians, before a . Over 100,000 ethnic , including Askeran's population, fled to , citing fears of reprisals based on prior intercommunal . Post-offensive, reintegrated Askeran as part of its Khojaly District, with reports of mine clearance and reconstruction amid international concerns over humanitarian access.

Post-2023 reintegration

Following Azerbaijan's military offensive launched on September 19, 2023, which it described as an "anti-terrorist operation" to eliminate remaining Armenian armed groups in , the region including Askeran fell under full Azerbaijani control by September 20. The offensive culminated in the surrender of Artsakh defense forces and the dissolution of the self-declared on September 28, 2023, restoring Azerbaijan's sovereignty over territories occupied since the early 1990s. The vast majority of Askeran's ethnic Armenian residents, estimated at around 17,000 prior to the offensive based on 2020 census figures from the Artsakh administration, fled to in the immediate aftermath, contributing to the exodus of over 100,000 Armenians from overall. maintained that the departure was voluntary and offered reintegration opportunities, including and rights protection, to those who remained, though fewer than 1,000 Armenians accepted and stayed in the broader region by late 2023. Post-control measures in Askeran focused on administrative reintegration into Azerbaijan's Khojaly District framework, demining operations to clear over three decades of conflict remnants, and removal of symbols associated with the prior separatist administration. In early 2025, satellite imagery indicated the demolition of Armenian memorials, including the Tank Monument and Mayraberd Memorial Complex near Askeran, which had commemorated Artsakh's defense efforts. Azerbaijan has prioritized broader reconstruction in liberated areas, allocating billions for infrastructure, but specific resettlement of internally displaced Azerbaijanis to Askeran remains limited amid challenges in the "Great Return" program, with overall returns to Karabakh lagging behind targets despite $10.3 billion invested since 2021.

Political status and controversies

Sovereignty dispute

The of Askeran is claimed by as an integral part of its internationally recognized territory within the , based on administrative boundaries inherited from the , where the —including Askeran—was subordinated to despite its ethnic Armenian majority. authorities assert that Soviet-era designations and post-independence borders confirm undivided control, rejecting any secessionist claims as violations of . In contrast, the self-proclaimed ( Republic) administered Askeran as the capital of its Askeran Province from 1992 until 2023, grounding its sovereignty assertion in the principle of for the region's predominant ethnic Armenian population, which constituted over 90% of local residents prior to the 2023 exodus, and invoking historical Armenian settlement predating modern borders. Artsakh's 1991 declaration, supported logistically by though not formally recognized by , framed Askeran as inseparable from Armenian cultural and demographic realities, dismissing Azerbaijani claims as incompatible with ethnic autonomy rights under international norms like the UN Charter's clause. International consensus overwhelmingly supports Azerbaijan's , with no state recognizing Artsakh's and Resolutions 822, 853, 874, and 884 (all 1993) explicitly reaffirming Azerbaijan's over —including Askeran—and demanding withdrawal from occupied areas without endorsing separatist . This position aligns with broader recognition of post-Soviet borders, as evidenced by the and other bodies reiterating Azerbaijan's claims post-2023. Armenia's affirmed in 2023 that falls under Azerbaijani , marking a shift from prior ambiguity, though some Armenian factions persist in challenging this via remedial arguments unsubstantiated by state practice. Azerbaijan's 2023 restored control over Askeran, prompting Artsakh's dissolution on January 1, 2024, and the flight of nearly all remaining , which Azerbaijan frames as anti-terrorist enforcement of constitutional order rather than conquest, while critics allege —claims unverified by independent on-site probes but rooted in demographic shifts from 100,000+ pre-offensive to under 1,000 post-exodus. The dispute's resolution hinges on enforcement of principles favoring inherited borders over ethnic reconfiguration, rendering Artsakh's governance from 1994–2023 an unrecognized occupation under .

International law and recognition

Under , Askeran, located within the region, is considered part of the sovereign territory of . This status stems from resolutions adopted in 1993, which explicitly reaffirm Azerbaijan's sovereignty and , including over and its surrounding districts. For instance, Resolution 874 demands the withdrawal of occupying forces from Azerbaijani territories and underscores the inviolability of international borders in the region, without endorsing any separatist entities. These resolutions, along with subsequent affirmations, reject claims of independence for the region and prioritize the restoration of Azerbaijan's control. The self-declared Republic (later ), which administered Askeran from 1994 until 2023, lacked recognition as a sovereign entity under . No member state, including , extended formal to it, rendering its governance over Askeran but legally invalid in terms of statehood. Legal analyses of the conflict emphasize that secessionist claims, grounded in Soviet-era rather than full republican status, do not meet criteria for remedial or external absent broad international endorsement. Azerbaijan's 2023 military operations to reassert control over the area, culminating in the dissolution of Artsakh structures, aligned with these resolutions by ending unauthorized occupation without invoking Chapter VII enforcement. Post-2023, international bodies have not challenged Azerbaijan's administrative reintegration of Askeran into its Khojaly District, viewing it as a resolution consistent with principles. While some reports highlight humanitarian concerns during the transition, they do not dispute the underlying legal framework affirming 's title. This consensus underscores that effective control by , following the Armenian exodus, reinforces rather than alters the pre-existing status.

2023 military offensive and Armenian exodus

On September 19, 2023, initiated a large-scale military offensive, termed an "anti-terrorist operation," against Armenian separatist forces in , including the Askeran district, which had remained under de facto Artsakh control following the 2020 ceasefire. forces advanced rapidly, targeting military positions and , with reports of and drone strikes in the ; the operation concluded within approximately 24 hours after Artsakh authorities agreed to disarm and dissolve their military structures on September 20. reported 192 killed, while Artsakh claimed over 200 deaths, including civilians, though independent verification of district-specific casualties in Askeran remains limited. Azerbaijani officials asserted the offensive aimed to neutralize illegal armed groups and restore constitutional order, offering ethnic Azerbaijani citizenship and rights under integration agreements mediated by Russian peacekeepers. However, following the surrender, widespread panic ensued among the Armenian population in Askeran and surrounding areas, exacerbated by a nine-month prior blockade of the and statements from Azerbaijani leaders emphasizing without guarantees of cultural . This triggered a mass exodus, with residents fleeing primarily via the Lachin route toward ; by September 30, Armenian authorities reported over 100,000 refugees from , representing about 80-90% of the pre-offensive ethnic Armenian population, including those from Askeran district where local accounts describe abrupt departures amid fears of reprisals. The flight involved congested humanitarian convoys, with at least 69 deaths attributed to accidents, exhaustion, or mine incidents during transit, though Azerbaijan denied direct responsibility and facilitated some evacuations. Post-exodus, Askeran came under full Azerbaijani administrative control, with reports of mine-clearing operations and preparations for resettlement, while the departing cited distrust in Azerbaijani assurances as a primary causal factor, rooted in historical animosities and the offensive's swift execution. International observers, including the UN, noted the exodus as a humanitarian crisis but stopped short of classifying it as forced displacement, emphasizing the need for safe return options that have not materialized for most.

Economy

Primary sectors and resources

Agriculture in the Askeran area, incorporated into Azerbaijan's Khojaly District following the 2023 reintegration, centers on crop cultivation and livestock rearing, with key activities including grain production, viticulture, vegetable growing, tobacco farming, cotton cultivation, sericulture, fruit orchards, horticulture, and animal husbandry. These sectors leverage the region's fertile soils in the Karabakh lowlands and foothills, historically supporting mixed farming systems adapted to the temperate climate. Forestry represents another primary resource, with dense broadleaf and mixed forests covering parts of the surrounding highlands, providing timber and ecosystem services such as and watershed protection via mountain rivers like the Khachinchay. These forests, part of Azerbaijan's broader resources totaling over 1 million hectares nationally, have faced degradation from past conflicts but hold restoration potential under state programs. Mineral resources in the wider region include nonferrous ores, but specific extraction in Askeran remains limited compared to adjacent areas, with emphasis post-liberation shifting toward agricultural revival and sustainable rather than intensive .

Infrastructure and development post-2023

Following regain of control over Askeran in September 2023, rehabilitation efforts have focused on utilities, transportation, and historical sites as part of the broader restoration of territories in the Khojaly District. In February 2025, the State Agency for Azerbaijan Highways initiated construction of the Askeran highway to enhance connectivity in the region. Concurrently, Azerishiq reported accelerated development of 35 kV power lines and substations in Askeran and nearby areas, including connections to the Khojaly substation equipped with digital technologies by May 2025. Transportation improvements include plans for the Agdam-Khankendi , which will feature an Askeran station alongside developments in Khojaly and Khankendi terminals, aimed at boosting passenger mobility. supply was extended to the Aghdam-Askeran-Khankendi to support operational needs, including delivery points. These projects align with Azerbaijan's "Great Return" program, which has facilitated resettlement in Khojaly District villages, though Askeran town itself remains in early preparatory stages for repopulation as of October 2025, with over 55,000 IDPs returned to liberated areas overall. Restoration of cultural infrastructure progressed with President reviewing the conceptual design for the Askeran Fortress Complex on February 18, 2025, emphasizing preservation and integration into development. Telecommunication enhancements, such as solar-powered radio stations, have been tested in Askeran to improve coverage in demined zones. Despite these initiatives, progress reflects ongoing challenges like mine clearance and of prior inhabitants, with Azerbaijani state sources highlighting advancements while independent verification remains limited due to restricted access.

Demographics

The population of Askeran, a small town serving as the administrative center of Askeran Province in the self-declared , remained modest during the late Soviet period but increased following the (1988–1994), during which Azerbaijani residents departed and ethnic Armenians resettled amid the territorial shifts. According to the Republic's official 2005 census, conducted by its National Statistical Service, the town's population stood at 1,967 residents, reflecting post-war recovery and consolidation under Armenian control. By the 2015 census, the figure had risen to 2,300, indicating gradual growth driven by natural increase and some within Artsakh, though constrained by economic challenges and proximity to the frontline with . These statistics, derived from Artsakh authorities during their administration, primarily capture the ethnic Armenian majority that emerged after the conflict, with no comparable Azerbaijani data available post-1989 due to the displacement of that community. Overall, the trend showed stability rather than rapid expansion, consistent with broader demographic patterns in Artsakh where emigration to offset some gains.

Ethnic composition and changes after 2023

Prior to 2023, Askeran was predominantly inhabited by ethnic , consistent with the demographics of the surrounding region under the control of the self-declared , where formed over 95% of the population. This composition resulted from the displacement of Azerbaijani residents during the (1988–1994), followed by settlement of ethnic from and the diaspora. Azerbaijani forces assumed control of Askeran on September 24, 2023, following a military offensive launched on September 19–20 that overran Armenian defenses in Nagorno-Karabakh. The ethnic Armenian residents, numbering in the low thousands based on pre-offensive estimates for the town, participated in the mass exodus of approximately 100,617 Armenians from the region to Armenia, driven by the collapse of local authorities and reported fears of reprisals. By late September 2023, fewer than 1,000 ethnic Armenians remained across Nagorno-Karabakh, with Askeran similarly depopulated of its prior inhabitants. Azerbaijan maintains that the departures were voluntary, while Armenian officials and organizations such as Freedom House have characterized the rapid flight as ethnic cleansing amid a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by a preceding blockade. Post-2023, the ethnic makeup of Askeran has inverted, with the now primarily Azerbaijani as the promotes resettlement of over 500,000 internally displaced from the 1990s conflict, including returnees to liberated areas. Precise figures for Askeran remain limited, but regional trends indicate gradual repopulation by , alongside administrative and military personnel, restoring pre-war ethnic patterns where held majorities in broader districts prior to 1994 expulsions. Isolated Armenian returns have been negligible, with fewer than 8,000 overall in recaptured territories as of mid-2024, mostly in adjacent zones.

Culture and heritage

Architectural and historical sites

The Askeran Fortress, historically referred to as Mayraberd by Armenian sources, stands as the principal architectural and historical monument in Askeran. Erected between 1788 and 1789 under the direction of Panah Ali Khan of the , it represents a key example of 18th-century regional defensive architecture characterized by robust stone construction. Straddling the Qarqar River, the fortress comprises two primary sections: a left-bank complex exceeding 140 meters in length, with walls narrowing from 73 meters at the base to 15 meters at the top, and a right-bank portion featuring additional fortifications and at least eight towers overall. These elements were engineered for defense, including and placement. The site gained strategic importance during the Russo-Persian War of 1804–1813, hosting a Russian military encampment and serving as a venue for peace negotiations between Russian and Persian forces in 1810. Azerbaijani authorities have initiated restoration efforts post-2023 to preserve and integrate the structure into , addressing prior damages noted in architectural assessments. Surrounding Askeran, additional historical features include 17th-century bridges dating to 1640, as well as tombs and cross-stones (khachkars) reflecting pre-18th-century cultural layers in the area. These artifacts, documented in regional surveys, highlight layered settlement history amid the disputed territory's complex heritage claims.

Cultural practices and recent alterations

Prior to the 2023 Azerbaijani offensive, cultural practices in Askeran reflected the town's ethnic Armenian majority, centered on Armenian Apostolic Christianity as the primary religious framework, with community life revolving around church-centered rituals, feast days, and folk traditions shared across Artsakh. Local churches, such as the St. Astvatsatsin Church opened in 2002, hosted services, baptisms, weddings, and commemorations tied to the , including major holidays like and Assumption Day, often accompanied by traditional Armenian music, , and communal meals featuring regional dishes. Broader Artsakh , such as harvest-related gatherings and preservation of oral , also influenced daily life, though Askeran-specific festivals were not prominently documented beyond these religious anchors. The September 2023 military offensive by , which led to the rapid exodus of approximately 100,000 ethnic from —including nearly all of Askeran's pre-war population of around 7,000—fundamentally disrupted these practices, effectively halting Armenian religious and folk observances in the town. Azerbaijani authorities subsequently asserted control, initiating resettlement of Azerbaijani citizens and infrastructure rehabilitation, which has shifted cultural emphasis toward state-promoted Azerbaijani traditions, including music performances and preparations for Novruz celebrations, as part of broader efforts to integrate the region into 's national cultural narrative. Reports indicate ongoing risks to Armenian religious sites in Askeran district, with documented demolitions of nearby monuments and churches, such as the Astvatsatsin Church in Madatashen village, signaling a policy of heritage erasure that further erodes pre-2023 cultural continuity.

Climate

Climate classification and data

Askeran has a hot-summer (Köppen Dfa), marked by distinct seasonal variations with warm to hot summers and cold winters, influenced by its of approximately 520 meters and position in the foothills. This classification aligns with regional patterns in the , where temperature extremes and moderate precipitation define the weather regime, differing from the more arid lowlands to the east. Annual average temperatures in the Askeran area hover around 11 °C (52 °F), with July averages reaching 22 °C (72 °F) and January dipping to -1 °C (30 °F), reflecting continental influences moderated by nearby mountains. Winters often feature lows near freezing, as seen in December averages of 9 °C (49 °F) highs and 0 °C (32 °F) lows, while spring transitions bring milder conditions, such as April highs of 19 °C (65 °F) and lows of 5 °C (42 °F). Summer precipitation is lower, but overall annual rainfall totals approximately 400–600 mm, concentrated in spring and autumn months, supporting in valleys despite occasional droughts. Snowfall occurs in winter, typically accumulating 20–50 cm in higher nearby areas, though Askeran's lower elevation reduces extremes compared to .

References

  1. https://mapcarta.com/12642578
  2. https://evendo.com/locations/azerbaijan/greater-caucasus/landmark/askeran-fortress
  3. https://et.utc.city/3205065
  4. https://monumentwatch.org/en/monument/the-fortress-of-askeran/
  5. https://onewaytour.com/sights-of-armenia/mayraberd-fortress-askeran
  6. https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12265
  7. https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/10/17/driven-fear-nagorno-karabakh
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  9. https://idp.gov.az/en/news/2252
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