St. Astvatsatsin Church (Darkand)

St. Astvatsatsin Church in Darkand is a ruined Armenian Apostolic church located in the village of Darkand, currently within the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. Historically, Darkand was part of the Syunik province of Greater Armenia.

The church, dedicated to the Holy Mother of God (Astvatsatsin), is believed to have been constructed sometime between the 12th and 13th centuries. Its architectural style is characteristic of Armenian medieval church design, though specific details are often difficult to ascertain due to its ruined state.

Historical accounts and surviving fragments suggest that the church was once a significant religious and cultural center for the Armenian population of the region. Information regarding its internal structure, specific architectural features, and historical significance relies heavily on pre-destruction documentation, as little remains standing.

The church's present state is a matter of concern, with reports indicating substantial damage and potential demolition over time. Its cultural heritage value is disputed, given the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the wider issue of Armenian cultural heritage preservation in Azerbaijan. Accurate details concerning the church's history and current status are often difficult to obtain due to limited access and conflicting information.