During a report broadcast on March 20, 2024, on the Azerbaijani Baku TV channel, the sports and cultural complex under construction atop the Haykavan district of Stepanakert, prior to the 44-day war of 2020, was depicted as "the secret military complex of Armenians near Stepanakert." According to the journalist, the area purportedly contained hiding places carved into the rock, concealed chambers, and warehouses, and possessed strategic vantage points for monitoring Stepanakert, Shushi, and even Ivanyan. The journalist presented certain documents as "evidence," referring to them as special documents, and showcased several license plates of vehicles found in the vicinity, which were visibly civilian in nature (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=003po9QvQzI).
In reality, this section of Stepanakert was witnessing the construction of a substantial sports and cultural memorial complex, intended to honor the memory of all those who lost their lives in the national struggle (Fig. 1-4). Financed by Simon Petrosyan, construction had commenced as early as 2007. The complex was designed to incorporate a museum, with plans for it to occupy the first floor. A significant feature of this museum was its rock-hewn section, where the walls were to be adorned with sculptures and images depicting Armenian history. The museum aimed to portray various aspects of Armenian heritage, including the liberation struggle of the Armenian people, the history of the region, and the liberation struggle of Artsakh (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7Dh2pwkQno). Additionally, the complex was set to include a spacious hall for hosting a variety of events, including conferences. Plans also included the establishment of a hotel and a restaurant within the premises. It was envisioned that this comprehensive complex would not only serve as a memorial and cultural center but also play a pivotal role in promoting tourism and fostering the development of Stepanakert as a tourist destination (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gseUUKciHfw).
As of 2019, construction work on the complex was still underway, and unfortunately, it remained unfinished due to the outbreak of the 44-day war.
Therefore, the assertions made by the Azerbaijani side regarding the military significance of this complex are unfounded and lacking in merit.
