27.06.2025


On June 12-13, Suren Manukyan, Head of the V. Dadryan Department of Comparative Genocide Studies at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, took part in the international conference organized by the Laboratory of Philosophy and Theory of History at Yerevan State University, titled “State-Commissioned Historiography and Historiographical Authority.”

Manukyan presented a report entitled “Constructing Azerbaijani History: Narrative Shifts and the Role of State-Commissioned Historiography.” His presentation examined how state-sponsored historiography in Azerbaijan has become a strategic tool to manipulate public memory and promote anti-Armenian policies. Special focus was given to contemporary Azerbaijani textbooks, which are filled with narratives that incite hatred against Armenians.

Numerous examples illustrated how Armenians are systematically portrayed in textbooks as “treacherous,” “deceptive,” and “barbaric enemies,” and how regional history is distorted by depicting Armenians as aggressors and Azerbaijanis as defenseless, peaceful victims. The report also analyzed attempts to appropriate Armenian cultural and religious heritage, particularly the misrepresentation of Armenian churches and khachkars (cross-stones) as Albanian or Azerbaijani monuments.

In conclusion, Manukyan stressed that these historiographical narratives do not foster peaceful coexistence or mutual understanding. Instead, their main purpose is to create, through the education system, a society intolerant of Armenians and prepared for war rather than peace. Azerbaijani school textbooks do not aim to produce citizens capable of compromise but rather criminals ready to commit atrocities against Armenians.