St. Gregory the Illuminator's Church, Baku

The Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, an Armenian Apostolic church, is located in the heart of Baku. The church's construction commenced in 1863 and concluded in 1869, funded by local entrepreneur Javad Melikov. In addition to the church, a bell tower, was constructed two decades later. This 19th-century architectural monument has played a significant role in the Armenian community of Baku.

Historically, the church was a central place of worship for Baku's Armenian population. However, tensions from the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, marked by Armenia's occupation of about 20% of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territories, led to the church's closure. In the early 1990s, the church suffered a devastating fire, allegedly due to Armenian provocation, resulting in significant damage and loss of its contents. Despite these events, the church's structure has been preserved and is under state protection.

Azerbaijan restored the church and included it in the List of Historical and Cultural Monuments of Local Importance in 2001. This restoration is part of a broader commitment by Azerbaijan to uphold multicultural values and preserve cultural and religious heritage. The building currently houses a significant collection of rare Armenian literature, including over 5,000 ancient books. Notable among these are a unique 1773 Bible and an 1899 edition of the Gospel.

The preservation efforts for the Church of Saint Gregory the Illuminator reflect the Azerbaijani government's broader policy of multiculturalism, advocated by President Ilham Aliyev. This policy emphasizes tolerance and respect for diverse religions and cultures, aiming to maintain Azerbaijan's longstanding tradition of multiculturalism. The church serves as a testament to Azerbaijan's dedication to preserving the cultural and religious identities of all its residents, including the Armenian minority.