Armenia Tourism Magazine, №22, 2018 by ARMENIA TOURISM Magazine

TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive director Georgy Khachatryan Deputy executive director Yelena Markosyan Editor in Chief Rouben Pashinyan +374 77 39 13 69 editor@armeniatourism.ru Project idea David Khachatryan Director Lilit Hovhannisyan +374 77 09 51 03 info@armeniatourism.ru Layout, design Margarita Babajanyan +374 94 24 00 27 margarita@armeniatourism.ru

Advertising director Anahit Gevorgyan +374 91 05 05 08 anahit@armeniatourism.ru Advertising manager Sargis Mughumyan +374 99 55 54 32 sargis@armeniatourism.ru

Translator Margarit Beglaryan Photo on the cover: Manuk Boyajyan,

model

Photographs: Marianna Meliksetyan, Margarita Arustamyan, Hayk Melkonyan, Vahag Grigoryan, David Nalchajyan, Hakob Karanfilyan, Mesrop Mesropyan, Robert Asatryan, Rouben Pashinyan, Dmitry Logunov, Suren Areents, Stepan Yeghiazaryan, Artem Martirosyan, Marashlyan Photo Atelier, Mezzo Production, courtesy of National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet after A. Spendiaryan, Tourism Department of Yerevan Municipality, Tsirani Restaurant. Editorial Staff: Eugenia Filatova, Svetlana Savitskaya, Susanna Harutyunyan, Nina Balayan, Emma Marashlyan, Yelena Kozhemyakina, Margarita Arustamyan, Anya Ghukasyan, Karine Yeghiazaryan, Armen Chgnavoryan, Ruben Arutchyan, Armen Vatyan, Ashot Gazazyan, Arthur Vardanyan. Layout and prepress:

Printed in:

“AST-Moscow Polygraphic House” OJSC 56 St. 22, Shosse Entuziastov, Moscow, RF Tel.: +495 748 67 20 “Tigran Mets” LLC 2 Arshakunyats Ave., Yerevan, RA Tel.: +374 10 52 70 56 The magazine is published every three months with a total circulation of 18 000 copies (in Russian) and 3000 copies (in English): 8000 copies in Armenia, 10 000 copies in Russia. The magazine is distributed free of charge in Russia and in Armenia: in tour agencies, restaurants, hotels, advertising agencies, embassies, ministries, libraries, companies, on board the trains of SCR. The magazine is available at “Armpress” kiosks (Armenia), in the supermarket chain “SAS” (in Armenia), at bookstores “Armenian book” Exhibition Hall “Armenia” at the VDNH Exhibition Centre), in the “Armenian Book" stores (Exhibition Hall “Armenia” at VDNH and “Armenia” store (in Moscow). The price is open. Mass media certificate of registration ПИ № ФС77-58404 as of June 25, 2014 issued by Federal Service for monitoring compliance with mass communications and cultural heritage protection law of RF. The publisher is not responsible for the content of advertising materials. The publisher doesn't accept any submissions. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the prior written consent of the publisher. If you are interested in distribution of the magazine in your city please contact us at: info@armeniatourism.ru Publisher:

1 Baghramyan Ave., 0019, Yerevan, Armenia Tel./Fax: + 374 60 75 75 90 16c9, 2nd Yuzhnoportovy passage, 115088 Moscow, Russia Tel./Fax: +7 495 788 83 89 info@armeniatourism.ru www.armeniatourism.ru

06 ARMENIA Tourist information

12 DATES

Holidays and dates of Armenia

20 TOURISM “Armenia Tourism – 2018”

22 YEREVAN

A walk around the Botanic Garden, or exploring Armenia on foot in a couple of hours! A bird’s-eye view of “Tesaran”

34 TRADITIONS

Alluria: wine, available for everyone but not everywhere

38 CAPITAL

The secrets of old Yerevan

№22, 2018, SUMMER

44 CULTURE

72 HUMOUR

Happy jubilee, Master!

Summer sketches of Ruben Arutchyan

50 ART

74 FESTIVALS

Aramazd Petrosyan: in constant creative search for beauty The Image of the Saviour on Armenian lavash!

56 ARMENIANS LIVE The knight of Christian world

64 PHOTO ATELIER MARASHLYAN

Calendar of festivals and events for 2018

80 A VIRTUAL TOUR To the Barbecue Festival with Nina Balayan!

96 SIGHTS OF INTEREST

15 Most popular tourist destinations in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh

In the mood for photography: Marashlyan terrace

115 “DELICIOUS” PHRASE BOOK

66 ARTSAKH

Sorrel salad with nuts Green bean salad with nuts

Kachaghakaberd: rise up and fly

116 ARMENIAN CUISINE

Editor’s note and peace outdoors, and those who love swimming. All places in Armenia like Dilijan, Hankavan, Arzni, Jermuk, Lake Sevan, etc., provide for active summer holidays. Anyway! It should be noted, that in summer it is very hot in Armenia, especially in August and especially in Yerevan. During this period, the locals mostly prefer going out of town, to the mountainous places. In Yerevan, however, it’s pleasant in the evening when it turns into a small free-spirited Paris with millions of summer cafes, where music, especially jazz, is heard everywhere, and where wine never stops flowing – but better see it yourselves!

Rouben Pashinyan Editor-in-Chief

Summer is here! Seems suffice to tell our regular readers or those who are going to visit Armenia during summertime, that the long awaited summer has come and put a full stop. Still, we prefer to dwell on it a little. Despite the fact that there is no sea in Armenia, it offers wide opportunities for summer holidays for everyone – those who make business trips, prefer active recreation, like enjoying solitude

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Thus, the perfect way to travel in Armenia in summer is going to town in the morning, enjoying sights that are more than enough in Armenia, hence the name “open-air museum”, and returning to Yerevan late in the evening to indulge in the warm embrace of the evening Yerevan. “There is no bad weather in the nature” is said in one of Ryazanov’s famous poems. Probably the famous director came to this conclusion in Armenia, since he visited it quite often and in all seasons. He would definitely agree that Armenia in summer is beautiful in its own way. Welcome to Armenia and see you soon, friends!

Armenia Area The total area is 29 743 km2, which is one-tenth the size of the historical Armenia. It is located in the South Caucasus, in the northeast of the Armenian Highland. The country is landlocked. It borders Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkey, and Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

Coat of arms On April 19, 1992, the coat of arms of the First Republic of Armenia (1918-1920) was restored. The authors were Alexander Tamanyan, an architect and an academic of Russian Academy of Arts and Hakob Kojoyan, an artist.

Capital city Yerevan

Flag

Safety

The national flag of Armenia consists of three horizontal bands of equal width ‒ red on the top, blue in the middle, and orange on the bottom.

Yerevan can easily be considered as one of the safest cities in the world. You can have a night walk around the city without any fear; not every European city boasts the same thing. If you are in Yerevan for the first time, you should not worry about not having a map or anyone to help you. The city is not too big if suburbs and further out districts are not considered. The city centre is surrounded by an amphitheater of hills, and the streets mainly start from Republic Square and run across the outer circular boulevard. The means of transportation ‒ mini-buses, buses and taxies operate nonstop. But the beauty of Yerevan is such that it is well worth taking a walk to see, and if you get lost, the passers-by will help you find the right direction and even accompany you to the destination.

Language The national language of Armenia is Armenian. However, the majority of the population also speaks Russian. You may occasionally have language barrier in remote countryside. In Yerevan English and French are often the command of the younger generation; the older generation is more conservative in regard to foreign languages. In any case, if a foreigner approaches them they are sure to understand and tell the right direction. Those who speak Russian will not have any language barrier in Armenia.

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Government Until quite recently, Armenia was a republic with a semipresidential form of government. However, it has become a parliamentary republic, after the adoption of amendments to the country’s Constitution at the referendum. This happened on April 9. President Armen Sarkissian (born on June 23, 1953) Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (born on June 1, 1975) Population The number of Armenians throughout the world is about 10 million people, more than 3 million of which live in the Republic of Armenia. The population of Yerevan is more than 1 million.

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Armenia Currency Armenian Dram (AMD). The subsidiary coin is called “luma”, but it is not used any more. One Russian ruble equals about 8 Armenian drams. Coins in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and banknotes in denominations of 1000, 5000, 20 000, 50 000 and 100 000 drams are in circulation.

Currency exchange One may exchange currency in numerous exchange offices around the city. Trade in stores and in other points of sales is done only in dram, the national currency. In case you are out of drams and you need to buy something urgently, you can offer dollars or rubles. You will not have any problems with currency exchange as everywhere in the most of stores and supermarkets there are exchange offices where you can exchange currency without presenting your passport. To avoid additional exchange, you had better take Russian rubles. Almost all hotels, many stores, and restaurants accept credit cards (Visa, Master Card, American Express) often charging a commission fee for banking operation. Working hours of the banks: 9.00‒17.30, Monday to Friday. Foreign exchange offices are open on weekends and holidays, until midnight.

Electricity Voltage ‒ 220 Volt, frequency ‒ 50 Hertz.

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Internet domain

Topography

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The terrain is mountainous; more than 90% of the territory is located at an altitude of more than 1000 m above sea level. The average height above sea level is 1800 m, the highest point is Mount Aragats (4095 m) and the lowest is the gorge of the river Debet (380 m). The greatest distance from the northwest to the southeast is 360 km, and from the west to the east ‒ 200 km. The highest point of the region and the historical symbol of Armenia is Mount Ararat (5165 m), which is in territory of Turkey since 1920s.

Major cities

Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor Climate The climate of Armenia is very diverse. Despite the fact that Armenia is located at the latitude of the subtropics, a subtropical climate is observed only in the southern and northeastern parts of Armenia. In the rest of the regions, the climate is continental – the summer is hot, and the winter is cold. On the flatlands the average temperature in January is -5°C, in July +35°C, in the middle mountains (1000-1500 meters above sea level) -10°C and +20°C, at heights from 1500 to 2000 meters -14°C and +16°C respectively.

Visa In accordance with the intergovernmental agreement on mutual visa-free travel, citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa to visit Armenia. It is only necessary to have the passport of the citizenship of the Russian Federation with you.

Time zone

GMT +4 Religion The predominant religion in Armenia is Christianity ‒ 94%. The majority of the population are followers of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 AD. In 2001, the country celebrated the 1700th anniversary of Christianity in Armenia.

Dialling code

+374

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Armenia Children

Food

Water

When travelling with a child, you will need: ‒ the birth certificate of the child; ‒ the passport of the child (or the child must be inscribed in the passport of the parent); ‒ a power of attorney on behalf of the parent, who is not present.

In every part of the city, you are sure to find a fast food place, a cafe or a restaurant within 100 meters. In the centre, the radius narrows even up to 10 meters. There are various cuisines: Armenian, Arabic, Georgian, European, Chinese, etc. The prices may vary significantly. In most cases, having a good and tasty meal in Yerevan costs less than in Moscow.

You can drink tap water in your hotel room, apartment and in the street out of small fountains (Arm. “tsaytaghbyur”). These are unique stone memorials, usually one meter high, running pure, tasty Armenian water. Just walk right up and have a refreshing drink. You can buy bottled water in any grocery store ‒ all brands are Armenian.

Stores Stores in Armenia offer a wide range of various souvenirs and gifts including the famous Armenian cognac. The favorite place of guests interested in buying Armenian souvenirs is the open-air fair called Vernissage. Souvenir shops like “Dalan”, “Aghaksak”, “Vernissage”, etc., offering a wider range of souvenirs, authorial works, handmade carpets, etc., enjoy more and more popularity.

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Transportation In Yerevan you can stop a taxi in the street but better preference for taxi services. Taxies in Yerevan are available and quite inexpensive. The fare around the city centre can vary from 500 to 1000 drams (from 65 to 130 rubles). Mini-buses operate one after another. The fare is 100 drams (about 13 rubles). Tourists usually mention traffic as the only shortcoming of Yerevan. The city was not initially designed for so many transportation means that is why the streets are often overloaded. However, traffic congestions in Yerevan are far from being as tough as the ones in Moscow.

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Feast of Ejmiatsin Cathedral One of the main feasts of the Armenian Church is the day of Ejmiatsin Cathedral commemorating its foundation after Saint Gregory the Illuminator had a vision about it. According to legend, when Saint Gregory the Illuminator was released from the burial pit of Khor Virap, he had a vision of Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son, who, showered in glorious light, descended from heaven and hit the pagan temple with a golden hammer (destroying it). By this, Jesus Christ showed the place where the church of the holy faith of Armenian people should be. The name “Ejmiatsin” derives from here, meaning “the descent of the only-begotten Son”. Saint Gregory the Illuminator told King Tiridates about his vision. At the King’s behest, the construction of Katoghike Cathedral of Saint Ejmiatsin, dedicated to Virgin Mary, began. On the site where Christ descended, the main altar was built.

JUNE

Commemoration Day of Saints Nooneh and Maneh Saints Nooneh and Maneh were among the 40 Christians, who left Rome because of the persecutions by Emperor Diocletian, came to Armenia, and became the victims of Tiridates III (Trdat III), pagan at that time. Still they did not suffer martyrdom like their fellow-believers. Maneh went to Mount Sepuh and became a hermit. The cave, where she spent all her life praying and seeking divine consolation, was called “Cave of Maneh”. Saint Nooneh left for Georgia, where she continued her righteous life, praying, preaching, and bringing people to faith. On the advice of Nooneh, a delegation was sent to Saint Gregory the Illuminator and King Tiridates requesting to send priests to Georgia for baptizing people and rendering spiritual service. Saint Nooneh then became the apostle of Georgia. National Flag Day of Armenia

Birthday of Sayat-Nova Sayat-Nova (real name–Harutyun Sayadyan) was a great Armenian poet, composer, singer, and master of love lyrics, who performed his works in Armenian, Turkic, and Georgian languages. Sayat-Nova is one of the most renowned troubadours (ashughs) in the world. In honour of the great poet, Vardaton (holiday of roses), a traditional annual holiday is held in May. Admirers of his works come to his tomb in the churchyard of the Armenian Surb Gevorg Church in Tbilisi with bright red roses. It is a holiday of high poetry and wonderful music.

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JUNE

On June 15, 2006, the National Assembly of Armenia passed a law “On the State Flag of the Republic of Armenia”. This day is observed annually as a national holiday. As for the flag, the Supreme Council of the Republic of Armenia adopted it on August 24, 1990. The RA Constitution defines the following colours: “The red colour symbolizes the Armenian Highland and the constant fight of the Armenian people for longevity, the Christian religion, and the independence and freedom of Armenia. The blue colour symbolizes the will of the Armenian people to live peacefully under the blue sky. The orange colour symbolizes the creative talent and diligence of the Armenian people.”

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Feast of Armenian Translators–Saints Sahak and Mesrop Saint Sahak Partev is the son of Nerses the Great Catholicos, the last lineal descendant of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. He was elected Catholicos in 387 AD and served for 52 years. An expert on music, oratory, philosophy, and linguistics, Sahak Partev contributed greatly to the development of the Armenian national culture. He was a strong advocate of the creation of Armenian script and together with Mesrop Mashtots became the inventor of the Armenian script and church bibliography. Saint Mesrop Mashtots was born in 360 AD; already as a child, he studied Greek and Persian languages. At first, he served as a royal scribe, but soon left the secular life and became a priest. While preaching Christianity, Saint Mesrop began to realize the pressing need for Armenian writing and the Armenian translation of the Bible. In Armenia, there already existed Armenian letters, which at one time were used by priests. At King Vramshapuh’s behest, Prince Vahrich brought those letters from Daniel, an Assyrian bishop. However, while teaching Mesrop soon noticed their weak points. He took them to Edessa and, by the grace of God, created the Armenian letters and together with a Greek scribe named Ropanos of Samosata gave them their final form. Soon after the creation of the Armenian alphabet, Saints Sahak and Mesrop proceeded to translate the Bible and did it so perfectly that Holy Scripture in Armenian remained the “King of the Bible translations” over centuries.

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JUNE

Commemoration Day of Saint King Tiridates, Queen Ashkhen and Virgin Khosrovadukht The Armenian king Tiridates of Arsacid dynasty was the first king to adopt Christianity as a state religion (301 AD). Along with his name, history mentions the names of Queen Ashkhen and his sister, Virgin Khosrovadukht. It was due to Khosrovadukht’s dream that Saint Gregory the Illuminator was released from the imprisonment in Khor Virap Monastery and began disseminating Christianity in Armenia. According to Agatangeghos, when Saint Gregory the Illuminator returned from Caesarea, King Tiridates, Queen Ashkhen, and Virgin Khosrovadukht went to greet him and were baptized in the Aratsani. Later, they engaged in the construction of Saint Ejmiatsin. Constitution Day of Armenia

JULY

The holiday of the basic law of the Republic of Armenia, and the day of state symbols – flag, coat of arms, and national anthem. On July 5, 1995, the draft basic law drawn up by the ideologists of the ruling party at that period, the Pan-Armenian National Movement was put to a nationwide referendum and was approved by the people of Armenia. That was the first Constitution of independent Armenia. It was amended twice: in 2005 and in 2015. In fact, in 2005, Armenia moved from presidential to semi-presidential governance. By referendum in 2015, the improved Constitution marked the country’s transition to a parliamentary republic. The whole process of transformation of the political system ended on April 9, 2018, after the second presidential term of the incumbent head of state expired. According to the basic law, after that, the power is vested in the legislative body and the Government.

Vardavar, Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ The Transfiguration is one of the five main feasts of the Armenian Church and one of the most favourite. When Jesus, Peter, James, and John went up Mount Tabor, prophets Moses and Elijah appeared to them. While speaking to them, Jesus was transfigured, and his garments became as white as the light. Church legend has it that Saint Gregory the Illuminator declared the first day of the Armenian calendar as the day of the feast of the Transfiguration. On the very day, a pagan feast was observed, and some of its elements have been preserved in rites of mass celebrations of the Transfiguration. Traditionally, on this day, people pour water over each other, release doves, etc.; the Church, however, has interpreted these traditions from Christian point of view associating them to the Deluge and Noah’s dove.

JULY

Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin

AUGUST

Navasard According to the old calendar, the first month of the year and the New Year were called Navasard. Legend has it that on that day in 2492 BC the ancestor of Armenians, Hayk, crushed the army of the Assyrian tyrant Bel in the battle of Dyutsaznamart. Aratta withstood its independence, and Hayk was proclaimed high priest and king. After that outstanding battle, for over 185 years no one dared to attack the Armenian land. Hayk is the progenitor of Armenians (the name “hay” derives from here). The traditions of celebrating Navasard varied from one place to another, many of them have survived. In 2009, the Armenian Parliament proclaimed August 11 as the Day of National Identity.

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AUGUST

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is the fourth of the five great feasts of the Armenian Church. Legend has it that shortly before the death of the Virgin, all the Apostles, without prior agreement, gathered in Her House. She willed to the Apostle John to celebrate Mass to receive Holy Communion for the last time. John took a board, gave it to the Virgin, and asked Her to depict Her face on it. She took the board, crossed Herself, and put it on Her face, and then She wetted it with Her tears and prayed that God would heal the ailments and illnesses of people with it. At three o’clock a bright Divine light suddenly shone in Her room and the Lord Jesus Christ descended from heaven surrounded by angels and received the soul of His Mother, Mary. The Apostles buried her immaculate body in a cave. Saint Bartholomew, who was absent during the burial, on returning to Jerusalem, wished to see the Mother of God for the last time. At his request, the Apostles opened the entrance to the cave, so that he could pay his respects to the body. When they rolled away the stone, the body was not there. To comfort him, the Apostles gave him the board with the image of the Mother of God. According to Saint Movses Khorenatsi, the first Armenian apostle brought it to Armenia and put it in a place called Darbnots (smithy) in the province of Andzevatsiats. Later, on that site, in honour of the Virgin, a church and a nunnery were founded. On the Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, after celebrating Mass, grapes and the whole harvest are being blessed.

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Feast of Finding of the Holy Girdle of Mary The Feast of Finding the Holy Girdle of Mary is one of the seven feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. Over centuries, as an ideal example of maternity and virtue, She created and shaped the image of Armenian girl, woman, and mother, thereby remaining alive and influencing our lives. During the reign of the Byzantine emperor, Arcadius (395– 408), the girdle of the Blessed Virgin was kept in Jerusalem. Then it was taken to Constantinople and placed in a church. Later the Greeks built a new church dedicated to Virgin Mary and put the Holy Girdle there for worshippers. Catholicos Simeon Yerevantsi (1763–1780) made it a mandatory feast and appointed a date for celebration on Sunday between August 26 and September 1.

AUGUST

Day of Lake Sevan

The day of Lake Sevan became a holiday in 1999 on appeal of the Ministry of Nature Protection. On this day, activities with the participation of both professional ecologists and volunteers are carried out to clean up the lake and its shores. Such initiatives improve the ecology of Sevan, thereby making its historical and natural sights even more attractive for the locals and tourists. Today, Lake Sevan is the main source of fresh water, a favorite resort, and one of the major sights of Armenia. The lake is of strategic importance to the Armenian economy – energy, food, tourism, agriculture, and many other industries. There are beaches, hotels, recreation centres, and other tourist facilities along the shores of the lake. The pure mountain air, the unique water of Lake Sevan, and rich nature create wonderful conditions for rest, rehabilitation, rejuvenation, and recovery.

To take out a subscription to “Armenia Tourism” magazine and guidebook, just fill in this form, photograph it, and mail it to editor@armeniatourism.ru. We will contact you and answer all your questions concerning the subscription and receipt of magazines in your city, as for the form, it will allow you to get a 10% discount. Enjoy the reading and see you soon in Armenia! full name___________________________________________________________ e-mail______________________________________________________________ tel._________________________________________________________________

Tourism

“ARMENIA TOURISM – 2018” September 8, Vivaldi Hall – “Armenia Tourism” fifth annual ceremony!

Over the past five years, “Ar-

menia Tourism” magazine has been organizing an award ceremony for the best in the sphere of tourism. Open voting determines the best in 15 nominations; two more prizes are awarded hors concours: the most dynamically growing company of the year and the general partner of the event for the contribution to tourism development. A few words about the nominations. The list has been en-

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larged this year and is the following: tour operator of the year in inbound tourism, hotel of the year in Armenia, hotel of the year in Artsakh, guest house of the year, museum of the year, restaurant of the year in Armenia, restaurant of the year in Artsakh, tour guide of the year, transport company of the year, tourism project of the year, resort town of the year, project of the year for preserving the national traditions, project of the year in

adventure tourism, eco-project of the year, and start-up of the year. Voting has two stages: at the beginning, candidates are nominated, and then voting determines the winner from the top five. One may choose to send the form via e-mail to respondents – representatives of tourism industry or vote online by visiting the page of the magazine in Facebook and observing the following rules: not to vote for one’s organi-

Armenia

zation, adhere strictly to the established voting deadlines, and remember that only those organizations that participated in both stages of voting can become winners. Among the guests of the ceremony are representatives of tourism sphere, diplomatic missions in Armenia, internaFind us online at: www.armeniatourism.ru

tional organizations, government, business sphere, scientific and cultural circles, and the media. The award ceremony involves a bright show and a festive dinner. Thus September 8, VivĐ°ldi Hall, and may the best one win! 21

YEREVAN BOTANIC GARDEN 1 Acharyan St., Yerevan Tel.: +374 10 62 17 62, +374 10 62 82 11 Working hours: 9am–9pm. The conservatories operate Mon.–Fri. 10am–4pm

A WALK AROUND THE

BOTANIC GARDEN, OR EXPLORING ARMENIA ON FOOT IN A COUPLE OF HOURS! Do you want to be introduced to Armenian flora in a couple of days? Someone would probably deem it impossible, but those who once happened to visit the Yerevan Botanic Garden, one of the oldest parks of the capital, will not be surprised. On coming to Yerevan, you should definitely see this magnificent place, and we will try to convince you.

Yerevan

Juniperus Sabina (the savin juniper) on one of the alleys of the Botanic Garden

Well, to begin with, Armenia

can be regarded as a botanic museum; around 3800 species of vascular plants out of 7000 occurring in the Caucasus and almost all types of flora typical for West Asia exist in a small area (29 965 km2).

Trifolium pratense (red clover)

Viburnum opulus roseum “Boule de Neige”

Juniperus communis (common juniper)

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Armenia boasts an abundance of rich and diverse vegetation; here over scores of kilometers one can find all types of plants – from desert to alpine.

Therefore, the Plant Biodiversity Conservation Centre, founded in 1994, is especially noteworthy; the exposition of the centre displays the main features of country’s flora reproduced in the Botanic Garden in cultural terms. You are welcome to see the “Armenian desert”, have a short walk along the hill, and explore the “Armenian forest”. Thus, walking along a small territory, you can travel the length and breadth of Armenia!

Quick bit of history. Professor A. Maghakyan, one of the organizers of the Yerevan Botanic Garden, initiated a science-based activity intended to create a collection of representatives of indigenous wild plants in the Yerevan Botanic Garden in the 30s of the last century. In 1954, the outstanding Armenian botanists A. Hakhverdov and N. Mirzoyeva founded the exposition site of Flora and Vegetation of Armenia. The collection of the site was increased to 1000 species.

Plant Biodiversity Conservation Centre in the “Circular Conservatory” of the Botanic Garden

Yerevan

Tamarix octandra

Rosa hemisphaerica (sulphur rose)

The garden collection

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This comprises about 1/3 of the floristic stock of Armenia; the most characteristic plant formation models of Armenia are recreated. By the way, the site boasts a collection of widespread or interesting in botanico-geographical terms species, rare and endangered species, endemic plants, economically valuable plants, relatives of cultivated plants, and many other plant species.

Since its foundation, plantations and alleys constitute the basis of the compositional design of the Yerevan Botanic Garden. They include the grove and alleys of Scots pine (Pinus silvestris) and Ponto-Caucasian Scots pine (Pinus hamata), European oak (Quercus robur), Ashleaf maple (Acer negundo), Graceful poplar (Populus gracilis), Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), Caucasian lime tree (Tilia caucasica), and many others.

Weigela florida

Armenia

The Conservatory of tropical and subtropical plants

The Botanic Garden Conservatory founded in 1939 and having an area of only 25 m2 occupies a special place in the exposition. Later a new conservatory is to be built; it will include a winter garden, sections of succulent, tropical, subtropical plants, and indoor floriculture. Currently, the collection includes more than 500 species belonging to 150 genera from 74 families. The collection of tropical and subtropical plants has a significant scientific value. It provides some idea of the floral diversity of the tropics and subtropics, evolution of higher

plants, different types of their adaptation, and of the main useful and economically valuable plants (decorative plants, medicinal plants, fruit plants, technical plants) of the tropical and subtropical areas of the world.

Hydragea macrophylla

The cacti collection Find us online at: www.armeniatourism.ru

Yerevan

Iris hybrid

On the whole, the living collection of the Yerevan Botanic Garden includes about 1070 species of trees and garden plants. According to scientific researches, this figure may reach 2200. 350 kinds of economically valuable and highly decorative arboreal plants, 225 species and 282 varieties of flowers have been introduced into the gardening and afforestation of the republic. An important mission of the Botanic Garden is the creation of a collection of rare and endangered plants.

Leucanthemum vulgare (ox-eye daisy)

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Meanwhile, the garden serves as a scientific and educational basis for many higher educational institutions of the republic. For the residents of the capital, the Yerevan Botanic Garden has become the main place for pastime and leisure. Even so, everyone â&#x20AC;&#x2019; especially the guests of the capital, is welcome here. Thus, if you want to attempt the impossible and square the circle, you are welcome to the Yerevan Botanic Garden!

Punica granatum (pomegranate)

Photos by Marianna Meliksetyan

Melilotus officinalis (yellow melilot)

A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF

“TESARAN”

“Tesaran” means panorama in Armenian. The word also stands for the name of a unique project initiated recently. This project includes a trade fair of Armenian goods, displays of dishes of Armenian cuisine and Armenian national costumes, an interesting concert show program and Armenian dances in the evening. The evening ends around a large fire with gata prepared in tonir and a brew of Armenian mountain herbs.

“The

idea of ‘Tesaran’ was born three years ago, and during these years we strove for realizing it. The choice of the place is not fortuitous; it commands a splendid view of the capital, the air is bracing, naGATE 30

ture is wonderful – there is a spectacular scenery of apricot gardens, and finally, it is a perfect place for realizing all our tasks: presentation of Armenian crafts, ethnography, traditions, etc.,” said Hayk Ghaz-

aryan, founder and project manager. It is noteworthy that “Tesaran” is already widely known both among tourists and among Yerevan dwellers – it guarantees an action-packed and meaty

30/8 G. Hovsepyan St., Nork-Marash, Yerevan +374 93 99 20 20, +374 95 10 10 90 info@tesaran.am, www.tesaran.am

pastime. The prices are affordable here; visitors may get the “All-inclusive” ticket for tasting products from all stands, participating in different master classes on making backgammon, or painting on clay pots, etc. One may opt for buying a ticket to stroll in this magnificent world, choose something close to heart and enjoy the beautiful view of Yerevan and biblical Ararat sitting in a cafe. As Hayk Ghazaryan explained, “All this could be found

scattered over the country and we have just pieced them together. Thus, you are welcome to learn how to bake lavash or play the duduk with no time wasted. Perhaps you will not find the very thing you wanted. Still we offer the best – things most interesting to the guests of the capital. We are pleased that our initiative was welcomed by well-established companies and our master craftsmen. We hold concerts every evening. Armenian folk Find us online at: www.armeniatourism.ru

dance ensemble, performs here; we also plan jazz and variety music evenings. The key point is that the business component of the project is not at the forefront, notwithstanding that the only active season is summer. We prefer a precise and decent representation of our culture, traditions, and if we manage to do it, we will succeed in the rest. We move forwards and are always glad to receive guests!” 31

“YEREVAN WINE DAYS” AGAIN! It is hard to tell what those joyful, but rainy May days were filled with more: the liquid pouring heavily from above or the liquid actively and unceasingly swigged by the residents and visitors of the capital on the “wine” section of Saryan Street that was turned into a pedestrian precinct during wine festival of Yerevan Wine Days. To say the least, there was an awful lot of people, and no one seemed to have intention to leave because of the rain. In fact, the true wine connoisseurs remain unyielding even in heavy rain!

B y the way, the choice of the

taste full-flavoured wine and place was not fortuitous – the spend time with your friends street named after the great are situated here side by side. Those who were not familArmenian artist has recently been called wine street, since iar with the local Armenian the best places, where you can grape varieties had a unique GATE 32

opportunity to study and sample them first-hand. The festival was held in the best traditions of “street fest”: various wines, Armenian cheeses, and dishes from the best restaurants. Af-

Armenia ter tasting, one could also buy the products of local wine and cheese makers. All this was accompanied by high quality music of different genres, dancing, and disco. In a word, two elements – water and wine – gave a ball! Among the guests of honour of “Yerevan Wine Days” were renowned sommeliers, food bloggers, and journalists of international media. This year the festival was held for the second time. According to Mary Badalyan, co-founder of Eventtura Company (organizer of the event), there were some changes: particularly, the visitors had to get a “wine tasting set” comprising of a wineglass with a special logo of “Yerevan Wine Days”, a rag cozy for the glass, and a coupon book with information about all wine producers in two languages (Russian and English) and a tasting coupon with the logo of the company on each page (27 coupons in total).

The fest was a success; it lasted for two days with the constant flow of people and wine. It only remains to thank the organizers, i.e. the State

Find us online at: www.armeniatourism.ru

Tourism Committee of Armenia and Yerevan Municipality, for the wonderful gift and wait with keen anticipation for the new May wine days next year!

ALLURIA:

wine, available for everyone but not everywhere

There are periods of life that may change everything even dramatically. One of those drastic changes is the “dangerous” age 33 where fortune may take a radical turn, sweeping away the past and becoming a new starting point, even for worldly people. The experience of one person, once a bank employee, head of different departments, who decided on a retreat from that hustle and committed himself to viniculture, comes to prove this. This craft, philosophy, developed in his family from generation to generation. In the beginning, it was a hobby for him and his brothers – something they did for family and friends – then, at the “dangerous age”, everything changed instantly! Thus, our guest is Samvel Machanyan, cofounder and main enthusiast of Alluria Winery. GATE GATE34 8

Armenia Our

forefathers were winemakers from Western Armenia (Turkey), the village of Aylur, now called Alaka, at Lake Van. During the genocide, they left their homes and lands and settled in Eastern Armenia, in the town of Ejmiatsin. Here again, notwithstanding the difficulties, they engaged in viniculture. Moreover, it turned into a family tradition. I must mention that my grandfather was an innovator… What is the specificity of your wine recipe? Generally, after the harvest, all natural yeasts are “killed” and then an approved and traditional one is added to obtain a certain wine. Our approach is different: we carefully sort the grape varieties and select those required for our wine. “Flirting” and making wine using wild yeasts is an unsafe process, rather delicate. Therefore, to master the science of our grandfather, we not only followed his instructions, but also received higher education in this area.

Your wine is not available in simple shops, supermarkets, is it? To establish oneself among mass consumption goods, sizeable investments are required; there are serious competitors with high-quality products already. For us business is not an end in itself: we strive for rebirth of traditions ‒ family traditions. This is crucial for us and has become our “calling card”. It is not a day-to-day wine, but rather a product that a consumer will love and esteem, feeling the love and esteem instilled in it. This explains why it is available in those places, in those saloons where there are true connoisseurs. Did you try to find the roots of family winemaking? Have you been in Western Armenia? We definitely did! We found our ancestral village. At first, the locals, Kurds, obstinately denied that there existed vineyards. It was upsetting, Find us online at: www.armeniatourism.ru

Traditions

but then we decided to go for a ruse: when we reached the outskirts of the village, we asked one of the boys to show the old vineyard as if clarifying the direction. The ruse worked, the boys showed the new and old vineyards. Words fail me to convey the feelings we had when we saw our ancestral vine rows… Once abandoned, they, alas, wilting, still conveyed the efforts, love, and work given to them. We took a vine and brought it to Ejmiatsin. Thank God, it took roots, it continues to exist and will produce a good wine! Owing to the unique logo, many call your wine a “horned wine”. The main logo, created by our sister, is a combination of two letters: “M” – the initial letter of our surname Machanyan, painted black, and a red “W” below it standing for wine. There is a figure of argali, mouflon, on the top marking both the might and splendor GATE GATE36 8

of our wine and its untamed nature verging on strength and wildness. Is it true that you have a “wine bank” in your factory? It is more like a “left-luggage office”: you see there are many lovers and connoisseurs of our wine, and most of them live abroad. Hence, we provide the opportunity to have their own stock at us: if required, we can send the wines or treat their guests who visit Armenia. They are stored in individual sections awaiting their owners. Finally, how can the reader who has decided to taste your wine find you? As I have mentioned, one can find our product in superb saloons and restaurants or just arrive at Ejmiatsin, say “Alluria” and get himself/herself a pass to our factory. Everyone is welcome in Armenia, the cradle of winemaking!

2/5 Abovyan St.,

Mosque entrance in the yard

THE SECRETS OF OLD

YEREVAN

Armenia Yerevan is an ancient capital. A city of divergences where the historical buildings and quarters have been severely diminished. One still can come up with a few old quarters in the city centre where the most interesting part is Kond. Notwithstanding that Yerevan boasts such ancient districts as Erebuni and Shengavit, there is no such historical area showing the development of architectural structures, while Kond hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t changed over a century!

Đ&#x161; ond

appeared in the 16th century. The district is situated on a hill in the western part of the city and is one of the oldest. Armenian rich merchants and Persian khans lived here side by side. In fact, the district represents two interwoven cultures, two samples of ancient architecture â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Armenian and Persian. Both Christians and Muslims shared the district, as evidenced by the church of Surb Hovhannes Mkrtich (St. John the Baptist) and the mosque. The church of Hovhannes Mkrtich was built in 1710 with the support of the wealthy merchant Melik Aghamalyan on the site of a medieval church destroyed by a great earthquake. The church has a rectangular layout that includes a chapel and an altar on the east side. In 1973, architect Rafael Israelyan presented the main project for the reconstruction of the church to Catholicos of All Armenians Vazgen I, the project was approved, but unfortunately, the author passed away the same year. Ten years later, his son, architect A. Israelian, turned the idea of his father into a preliminary design that was realized.

Surb Hovhannes Mkrtich Church Find us online at: www.armeniatourism.ru

Capital

The preserved fragment of mosque brickwork

Unfortunately, there is no information about the construction date of the mosque. The only fact known is that it had two domes (big and small) and was of tufa with a Persian style stonework. A small square and a traditional teahouse where everyone gathered after prayers neighboured the mosque. Today it serves as a dwelling house for three families. Garages and warehouses A fragment of the house door of Panah Khan

The project was worked out by Honorary Architect of Armenia Baghdasar Arzumanyan and design engineer Avetik Tokmajyan. In the 1980s, under the direction of engineer Mikayel Hovhannisyan, the church was rebuilt. The dome has external walls covered with tufa. Large-scale works were carried out inside the church and the staircase of the high altar was decorated with paintings. GATE 40

A perspective of Kond from the Hotel Dvin

now occupy the site of the square, but a keen eye may detect some features of the ancient structure. At present, the building of the former mosque houses several families who settled there in 1915 escaping from Western Armenia. Walking along the narrow streets of Kond, one can see small fragments survived from the khanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house and a part of the fountain in the yard.

The House of Panah Khan

Capital

“Mountain Dance” memorial (by Tigran Arzumanyan)

The name of Kond derives from the old Armenian word “kond” meaning “long” or “hill”, indicating the high position of the district. During the Persian rule it was renamed “Tapabash” (the Persian translation for the word “kond”). Kond was one of the oldest and most densely populated areas of our city and meanwhile its historical core. It was the busiest part of Yerevan. The territory of Kond included Dzoragegh, the citadel of Hrazdan, and Dalma from the other side. The borders of Kond reached the quarter of Berd. It was the administrative part of Kond that comprised several subdistricts and the upper and Tsirani quarters. Kond was inhabited mostly by artisans and merchants. The Hotel Dvin built during the Soviet era and currently under repair is located on the site of the above-mentioned Aghamalyan’s house, the wealthiest GATE 42

restaurant, a bar, a wine bar, and rooms quite uncommon and luxurious for that time. It was a modern style building. The yard had a memorial, “Mountain Dance”, carved from copper by Tigran Arzumanyan. This sculpture was marked historical, when a farewell ceremony of the unit that was leaving for Artsakh military conflict zone in 1988 was held next to it. According to the investment program of the Caucasian Communication Group company,

The Hotel Dvin

Kond dweller of the 18th century. Architects Felix Hakobyan, Ashot Aleksanyan and Eduard Safaryan built this hotel complex in 1979. It is noteworthy that the hotel complex was one of the most modern places. The hotel was first opened in 1983. The 14-storey building had a

the reconstruction of the hotel complex Dvin is planned to be completed by 2019. After the reconstruction, the hotel will be rebranded under David Bek name. Photos by Margarita Arustamyan

TIGRAN METS HOTEL

A zone of hospitality and comfort

+374 11 705 705 +374 11 700 705

9 Tigran Mets St., Yerevan, Armenia

info@tigranmets.am www.tigranmets.am

Culture

HAPPY JUBILEE, MASTER! This momentous and revolutionary year of 2018 marks the 90th anniversary of departed outstanding sculptor Ara Harutyunyan. The biography of the artist was always filled with the magic of date and event coincidences: this year is the 2800th anniversary of our capital where on March 28, 1928 the artist was born, and where he created. GATE 44

Armenia

The size of Ara Harutyunyan’s

artistic heritage is invaluable. The Master’s art is characterized by a diversity of genres, compositions, and sinuous images. He, People’s Artist of Armenia, member of Academy of Fine Arts of the USSR and the RF, authored more than 40 monuments, sculptures, and architectural ensembles in various countries of the world – Armenia, Russia, France, and Italy, was the author of indoor sculpture, and masterly unshaded drawings and graphics. Among Harutyunyan’s pieces is the huge monument “Mother Armenia” (1967), which became the national symbol of Armenia and the largest monument of Yerevan. It seems to hover over the capital and makes the integral part of its panorama. In his work, Harutyunyan reflected brightly and artistically the cultural and historical facts of Armenians. Thanks to him, modern Armenia boasts narrative reliefs related to the architecture of the buildings. Among them reliefs of the State Academic Theatre after G. Sundukyan (1966–1976), telling about

“Eagle the Builder”

“Fight with a lion” (facade of the wine factory)

the history of Armenian theatre aged almost 2000 years, the portal of the Erebuni Museum (1968–1969), representing the period of ancient state Urartu, and the decorative sculpture “Lioness” (1958), situated on the way to medieval Geghard Monastery. The legend about the fight of the ancestor of Armenians Vahagn with a dragon was depicted in the composition of “Vahagn the Vishap Fighter” (1965) at the Northern entrance to Yerevan, the idea of revival and creative work was expressed by the construction “Eagle the Builder” (1966), at the Southern entrance to Yerevan.

“Mother Armenia” monument Find us online at: www.armeniatourism.ru

Culture The heroic pages of the Armenian history were particularly important in the work of the artist. Harutyunyan was a great patriot, devoted unswervingly to his homeland and people; he experienced and felt keenly the fate of his heroes, he dreamt of seeing Armenia inde-

pendent and strong. He often mentioned that in his works he sought to strengthen the faith and loyalty of Armenian people, to instill the military spirit of the Winner. The words of Harutyunyan took shape in the huge memorial of “Sardarapat Battle” (1968) and in mon-

“To Workers” (monument demolished in 1997)

Monument to the heroes of Musa Ler

GATE 46

uments to the soldiers of the 89th Armenian Taman Division (1961) in Sevastopol and to the heroes of Musa Ler (1975). In 1978, in Paris, in the commune of Ivry-sur Seine, Harutyunyan, at the request of veterans of the Second World War, sculpted the monument to Missak Manouchian, National Hero of France, one of the leaders of the anti-fascist Resistance Movement, executed violently on the eve of victory. The huge monument “To Workers” (1982) in “Glory to Labour” square had a regrettable lot to be demolished barbarically in 1997… The image of the great composer Komitas, made into a saint by the Armenian Church, always attracted him. It is worth mentioning that

Armenia the monuments to Komitas were the first and the last of Harutyunyan’s monumental works: the composer’s tombstone in the Pantheon of Armenian cultural figures created in 1954 and the monument in the park of the Yerevan State Conservatoire, a real masterpiece created in 1988. The latter leaves the impression that the composer listens to a beautiful melody composed by him; his face is expressive and spirited, his

“Sardarapat Battle” memorial complex

Monument to Komitas

fingers are frozen, his head is slightly turned back… The composer’s rare insight into the spiritual world owed to his being a musician’s son and a brilliant connoisseur of classical music.

Harutyunyan’s work is optimistic with life-affirming meaning. The joy of life took shape in the image of a wonderful Armenian woman named “Dawn” (1963), installed on Yerevan– Sevan Highway. In the distant Find us online at: www.armeniatourism.ru

1975, the photo of the monument appeared on the pages of Vogue UK as one of the best. The indoor sculpture heritage of the Master is extensive and multifaceted. He made the portraits of the most out47

Culture standing figures of Armenian culture: H. Tumanyan, V. Ajemyan, M. Mkrtchyan, L. Zakaryan, S. Sargsyan, etc., heroic and synthesized allegorical images “Collapse of Ani”, “Call”, “Winner”, “Country of Nairi”, and “Hope”. In 1988, the sculptor received the Order of Friendship of Peoples for creating in

Philippines a vibrant and deep image of President Corazon Aquino, the first female leader in the history of Asia. Harutyunyan was a versatile artist. All his works manifest the expertise, the great spiritual strive, the untamed energy, and the originality of thought of the Master.

Facade of Erebuni Museum

“Vahagn the Vishap Fighter”

Monument to Sayat-Nova

GATE 48

In 1964, Harutyunyan received a silver medal bestowed by the Academy of Arts of the USSR for “Sayat-Nova” spring monument (1963) that became highly acclaimed in Yerevan, and in 1970, he received a diploma of the Union of Architects of the USSR for reliefs on the building of the Erebuni Museum (1968-1969). The sculptor taught at the Yerevan State Academy of Fine Arts, 1974-1999. Once A. Harutyunyan said wonderful things about one of his artist friends that could

be well referred to his life too, “He was the praiser of the country of sun and stone, the one who did a lot for our people, born not to use the gifts of life but to create and give all his energy and creative talent to people…” Today the sculptor’s works are exhibited in the largest museums and cultural institutions – the National Gallery of Armenia, the State Tretyakov Gallery, the State Museum of Oriental Art, the International Confederation of Artists Associations, as well as galleries and private collections in Italy, France, Germany, the USA, Russia, Armenia, and other countries. Photos by David Nalchajyan

TUFEN

IAN

H E R I TAGE HOTE L S

48 Hanrapetutyan st., Yerevan, Armenia

ARAMAZD PETROSYAN:

IN CONSTANT CREATIVE

SEARCH FOR BEAUTY

In the ancient Armenian pantheon, Aramazd was the supreme god living in heaven, the creator of heaven and earth, the thunderer, the god of fertility, and the father of gods. In modern Armenia it is the name of a wonderful artist from Yerevan who also lives high above the city, on one of its hills – in the old district Nork creating interesting works that are already known worldwide. Aramazd PETROSYAN, our today’s guest, will talk over how one may become a creator in art, a creator of “heaven and earth” in the cultural space, in a word, how one can arrive at that state.

was born in Yerevan in an artistic and musical family: my father is an artist, a carpet-weaver, and my mother is a pianist. Their parents also belonged to that milieu, and, evidently, all this influenced my formation, worldview, and my choice of the profession. Painting, graphics… Like any other child, I was fond of drawing and the time has proven that I cannot live without it. I went to the School of Fine Arts after H. Kojoyan, graduated from the P. Terlemezyan State College of Fine Arts and then the State Academy of Fine Arts of Armenia. Then I studied for another year in St. Petersburg, studied painting at masters in Paris, Amsterdam… And, that is all. Find us online at: www.armeniatourism.ru

Art

While trying to stand out and justify their choice the children of famous people often arrive at an absolute scandalous behaviour. How did you claim your right to become an artist and what was your relationship with your father in creative terms? We had arguments, we still have them, and that is wonderful – natural. Our case can be called a creative tandem. Despite the great talent, my father is also bestowed with another important ability – he never interferes, guides, and certainly never imposes his vision on me. It is not a simple task to be a father and a creative person and remain objective towards one’s child. This I may state with confidence since I am in the same hypostasis now and try to behave GATE 52

likewise. My father is a very delicate and sensitive person and a brilliant teacher; I owe a lot to him and I have learnt a lot from him. He often mentioned the case of Velazquez who sought to get more vibrant and natural colours and for this, he always had threads coloured with natural dyes hung at the easel. I kept this in mind and carried through my work. How would you characterize your genre stylistics, your creative style? I prefer to convey the opinion of Dutch and German art historians who agree that my work can be considered a modern interpretation of the symbiosis of such directions as the Italian Renaissance, Expressionism and Post-Impressionism, done in a kind of allegoric-philosophic-figurative-compositional style.

Each creator has his own vision of the chosen profession. What is the meaning of being an artist for you? Well, for me artist is not a profession, but a way of life. And this refers to all creative hypostases. One may learn a lot, obtain brilliant professional skills but never become a poet, an artist, an actor… After all, this vocation is from God – it either exists or not. It is like charisma – one can be very erudite, intellectual, but not charismatic. As for art itself, my “recipe” is quite simple: everything should be done with love, honesty and when it is already irresistible. Moreover, one needs to know the aim of his/her work and stay prudent for he/she conveys values and opens horizons to people. For example, my criteria of beauty are nature and feminine beauty. This I praise and cultivate in my work. I always seek new plasticity and new types that are interesting to me. In a word, I am in constant creative search for beauty and I sincerely wish everyone to have that! Photos by David Nalchajyan

THE IMAGE OF THE SAVIOUR ON ARMENIAN LAVASH! Arthur Vardanyan, writer, director, music video director, author of many television projects on Armenian TV, in a word – a very busy person, could hardly ever expect to see God’s revelation, or better say, His Image in the most real Armenian tonir. Seems really unlikely. But, let’s have him reveal it himself.

Well,

everything happened unexpectedly while shooting a documentary film on Armenian tonir (traditional Armenian oven for baking lavash). Thus, when another batch of lavash was being taken out I suddenly discerned the well-known image. I could not believe my eyes. Was it just the overactive or professional imagination every time seeking out something uncommon, unusual? But then again, the fact remained that the world-famous Image of Christ the one depicted on the shroud was looking at me. Our crew checked and rechecked everything several times, until we saw that there was actually no miracle. The tonir was old, with cracked clay walls, which practically produced the result. Not a miracle, but still it is symbolic that the very Image is revealed on Armenian lavash since bread for Armenians is the symbol of the most sacred in the nature. GATE GATE54 8

As a result, it occurred to us to organize an exhibition and show the wonderful phenomenon to people. The exhibition was first held in Yerevan then we were invited to hold it in Russia and other countries as well. To have a perfect organization of the exhibition (to turn the speckled lavash from

tonir into a real exhibit) artist Tigran Ghazaryan and a young and promising designer Yeghishe Baloyan have been engaged in. The exhibition conveys a special holy message. Visitors will see 33 exhibits, which symbolize the age of Christ – each representing a lavash with the Image of Jesus. These exhibits manifest an obvious similarity with the Shroud of Turin. Nonetheless, this is not a linen cloth, but as stated above, a lavash (made of wholesome wheat flour, without any yeast). The image of the Saviour is obtained neither by graphical methods nor by painting but with the use of other technique; the face of Jesus is portrayed through burning (via different stages). The exhibits will make it possible for guests to become familiar with the concepts of the Armenian Apostolic Church. After all, the most central point of the Christian doctrine (Holy Com-

munion) is taking of the “blood” and “flesh” of Christ. Without the Sacrament, no Christian can be saved, because Christ himself said, “I am the living bread which came down out of heaven.” The exhibited pieces will convey the main aim of Holy Communion – i.e. to unite our lives, missions, and us with Christ and to reevaluate the presence of Christ: with divine blessing and God Himself, we may overcome our problems and difficulties. We plan to place candles around the exhibits to present the Image of Christ in the clear light, trying to manifest that without Him it would be dark even in the daytime. It is not fortuitous that Armenian national lavash, inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List, is exhibited. It should be taken into account that Armenians have always revered tonir. Tonir like temples and churches was considered a holy place and was mentioned in making vows. After the wedding, the newlyweds usually moved several times around the tonir, and in the city of Van, the whole wedding ceremony was held around it. The Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church observe Holy Communion as one of the most important religious holidays. Thus, our exhibition will have a festive context. This phenomenon, as a whole, pursues an important goal – taking into account our roots and thus preserving our moral values based on the Armenian national Christianity.

www.armeniatourism.ru

Armenians live

THE KNIGHT OF CHRISTIAN WORLD Since early September, Suren Areents, “ArmNews” TV Channel, and “Armenia Tourism” magazine are to launch a series of authorial programs “Armenians live”, featuring interviews with renowned people who live abroad and have invaluable contribution and commitment to their motherland.

“Owing to historical developments, we have two catholicosates – one in Armenia and the other in Lebanon, still both have a common goal – serving our people,” thus began the exclusive interview of the spiritual pastor of many Armenian dioceses of the diaspora, the patriarch of the Great House of Cilicia born in Lebanon, the passionate champion of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide Catholicos ARAM I, along with the 50th anniversary of his ordination.

Ordained

in 1968, on the 50th jubilee of the First Republic of Armenia, I was named Aram like the leader of the newly formed republic of 1918 and the great ArmeGATE 56

nian Aram Manukyan. During the anointment, the priest sometimes mumbled words and when he told my new name, I misheard it and could not decide whether he said

Ara or Aram. We were still at the altar and I approached him and asked, “The name you gave to me was Ara or Aram?” And he answered, “Aram Manukyan.”

Diaspora The spirit of Aram Manukyan is since alive in me; it serves the motherland and the nation. I always keep in mind and recall his words spoken in the critical moments, “I will not leave Yerevan.” Those words meant more than a city, for him it was the heart of Armenians. They have not lost their symbolic importance until now. I have suffered many hardships. My ministry can be divided into several parts: the first one represents the period of studentship, academic work and teaching, the second one – the field of interchurch relations. The following third part, since 1978, proved most difficult: Bourj Hammoud and the whole Beirut were devastated, and for 17 years until 1995 – the year I was ordained Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, I served the Armenians of Lebanon in wartime conditions, under bombardment. The last one is the period of peace. For over 23 years, I have served the Catholicosate, the church, the nation, and the motherland. The Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias, like Mother See of Holy Ejmiatsin, belongs to all Armenians. Despite the organi-

zational issues that arise between them from time to time, we should be wise enough to distinguish between the primary and secondary ones. Today, the development and strengthening of Armenia is crucial for our church, nation, diaspora, and for me as a Catholicos. The only guarantee and fulcrum of our existence is Armenia with Artsakh. We must make considerable efforts to ensure the development of Armenia, and to achieve this, the Armenian people must have relations with their motherland. The government of Armenia should do their utmost to maintain these relations. We are responsible for this, all of us.

As a Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, I will do everything possible for things essential to Armenia, Artsakh, and our people. I believe in deeds. Words will fade away, while deeds will remain. I do not tell much about the things we do. I just believe that our ministry should be useful to our people, since the Church is a service to people. We are duty bound to serve. Our glory and honour is our ministry. Our dignity is our ministry. Our strength is our ministry. If there is no Christ in the life of a priest, he is not a priest. Thus, today we prepare priests with this conception. All members of the clergy, whether priests or catholicoses, are servants.

P.S. When you lose faith, when you think that God has left you, when you start losing your love for your neighbour and your motherland becomes foreign, just heed the words of this great Armenian. You will then appreciate the kindness of people, the significance of motherland, the importance of love, and the power of God. We had a long conversation with Catholicos Aram after the interview too. We are always looking forward to meeting him and each time part with difficulty. It is thanks to such people that we, Armenians, by neighbouring superpowers, can state with confidence, “Armenians live.” Author and photographer Suren Areents Find us online at: www.armeniatourism.ru

THE FESTIVAL OF KHACHATURIAN BALLET HAS ALREADY BECOME A REALITY The month of June in the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet after A. Spendiaryan was marked by the ballet festival dedicated to the 115th anniversary of the world-famous composer Aram Khachaturian: “Spartacus”, “Gayane”, and “Masquerade” were presented. The initiator and artistic director of the festival was Constantine Orbelian, Honored Artist of Russia, artistic director of the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet. “I deem ballet a great art. It can reflect all the complexity of human life and the wealth of emotions.” Aram Khachaturian

FROM “HAPPINESS” TO “GAYANE”

The story of “Gayane” score goes back to the ballet “Happiness”, composed in 1939 marking the decade of Armenian art in Moscow. This made it possible to maintain the best things that were in the first ballet and to expand and improve symphonically the score. About the creation of his ballet, the composer said: “Weapons, bread, and shag were needed for the front while the spiritual food was needed for both the front and the home front. Musicians, artists, we all were aware of that and spared no effort for it. I wrote the score ‘Gayane’, consisting of more than 700 pages, in six months in a small cold hotel room with only a piano, a stool, a table, and a bed in it.”

KHACHATURIAN “SPARTACUS”

“I begin the work with the sense of utmost creative excitement,” wrote A. Khachaturian on July 9, 1950 on the first page of “Spartacus” ballet score. GATE 58

THE RETURN OF “MASQUERADE”

Then the last page reads “The work on ‘Spartacus’ lasted for three and a half years. I wrote mainly in summer. In fact, I composed it in eight months and finished on February 22, 1954. The music was written in Staraya Ruza, at the Composers’ House.”

In 1941, Aram Khachaturian wrote a music in the tradition of Russian classical music for the production of M. Lermontov’s “Masquerade” and in 1954 for the production of the drama “Lermontov” by B. Lavrenyov. In 1982, composer Edgar Hovhannisyan edited the music to these two dramas and created the ballet “Masquerade” that was staged at the Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Yerevan and was a great success. “I was completely engulfed by this drama, I wrote the music with bated breath. No words can convey how it came into existence,” those were Aram Khachaturian’s impressions as he worked on “Masquerade”. After a long hiatus, in 2017 Khachaturian’s “Masquerade” was restaged in the Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Armenia and has remained firmly anchored in its permanent repertoire.

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SEE YOU IN MEZZO! Mezzo means “medium”, “moderate”, “half” in Italian. None of these meanings, however, doesn’t correspond to the description of the club we are going to tell about – the place is a representation of an ideal happy medium in everything: service, comfort, music, epicurean dishes and beverages… Thus, Mezzo is the name of an up-market two-storey complex club in the heart of Yerevan.

Т here

are sectional zones of nice and unique design. The guests of Mezzo may familiarize themselves with an extensive assortment of alcoholic drinks in the bar or enjoy the flavour of high-quality wines in the Wine Room, relax on comfortable sofas in the Brown Lounge zone, savour delicious food in the classical part of the restaurant or listen to live music in the Parterre zone. In Mezzo, one can listen to live music every evening. Guests can relish their meal and enjoy the music perGATE GATE60 8

formed by Yerevan bands: jazz, rock, blues, Latino… By sharing his impressions one of the guests said, “On one of the first days in Yerevan, we visited Mezzo and practically everything was to our liking; we listened to The Band, the guys played excellently. We were amazed how smoothly the national instruments fitted into European hits. We had a great time, if we happen to be in Yerevan again we’ll definitely visit this place!”

Another appreciative comment reads, “Well, to begin with, I am grateful – thank you! Not every city can boast a club like Mezzo, and it’s cool to find one in Yerevan. We were so fortunate as to have the opportunity to listen to a big band perform; the ambiance was crazy, uplifting, and the cuisine harmonized with it perfectly. I strongly recommend Mezzo to everyone who loves music, jazz and who wants to know jazz.”

33 Movses Khorenatsi, Yerevan. Đ˘Đľl.: +374 11 50 55 15 www.goardalian.com

GOAR DALIAN – «YOU ARE EXCEPTIONAL» In 2017, in pursuit of an original construction and new design solutions, Gohar Dalian founded Goar Dalian brand. Since 2014, upon receiving education in the sphere of economics and business, Gohar continued expanding her creative skills within her project introducing her practice and knowledge into the fashion business.

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Since 2014, the fashion brand has developed a unique and modern sense of style. The brand represents three lines: Ready to Wear, VÁ N by Goar Dalian, and Exclusive. The three lines of Goar Dalian brand exhibit only excellent tailoring and the best quality materials.

Designer Gohar Dalian seasonally presents a new approach to the image of strong and confident woman who bravely opts for bold combinations and composite images that have become the hallmark of the brand and explain the idea of the slogan: “You are exceptional”.

Goar Dalian brand represents elegant and exquisite women’s clothing with clearcut (simple) outlines and models with an extravagant trend manifesting the combination of English discipline and French elegance. This is a fusion of upward innovation meticulously balanced with wearing-comfort. The focus on delicacy and womanly shapes is pivotal for the brand.

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In the mood for photography: Marashlyan terrace While creating a photograph authors like establishing certain rules: lighting setup, illustration of composition, position of hands, turn of face, and profundity of gaze. Camera, action â&#x20AC;&#x201C; image complete. By combining skillfully the national costume with the attributes of the Armenian cultural heritage, the photographer may thus show his/her reverence for history or breach the standards of perception. Marashlyan Photo Atelier under the guidance of photographer Emma Marashlyan has masterly tackled both tasks for five years already.

Tests with lighting both natural

and studio is the favourite pursuit for the author of artistic photography. Armenian summer dictates its rules: blazing sun, blue-white sky, crispy greens and fervour. All makes you want to overstep the bounds of the studio. Starting from July 1, Marashlyan Photo Atelier will continue experimenting with Armenian taraz, historical images, and new locations. A fifteen-minute drive from the hot centre, where the studio has a comfortable cool yard at Mher (Frunzik) Mkrtchyan Street named after the famous actor, will bring you to the green paradise of Nork-Marash (deliberate coincidence), where the park establishes its rules, sheltering generously from Yerevan heat. The smell of dyed wood, wet clay, baking lavash, tan, and sparkling wine blend with the aroma of apricot, breathing abundantly the strength of Armenian crafts and artisans. In the huge garden of Nork-Marash Tesaran has opened

up; here you can learn everything about Armenia at once. Carpets, sighing heavily, fall on the timber balcony, clay jugs stand in a straight line, hand-painted curtains billow like sails, and the old chairs and tables are being covered with crochet blanketsâ&#x20AC;Ś In a moment, you appear on Marashlyan terrace, where Armenian tarazes and a souvenir photo await you. Until then, you may take a leisurely walk in the shadow of apricot garden where a fascinating woman dressed in a costume of Van region invites you to make an ageless journey through Armenia. Graceful hands, upright stance, tender smile, and shine of hat coins, and then a veil toss and you are waltzing round the Armenian history creating your mood for photography. Your honest enjoyment makes it easier to capture the moment filled with joy and delight. Welcome to Armenian summer!

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by Marashlyan Photo Atelier

KACHAGHAKABERD:

rise up and fly

There are places that evoke feelings like “Ah, linger on, thou art so fair!” While trying to understand your feelings you come up with Einstein’s “space-time” category. Still the relativity has nothing to do here – things are quite concrete: there is the place, the space, and there you are in the centre of time plexus, where the centuries unite at the point of “here and now” and you become a part of this network. Not only ancient Armenia, but also Artsakh boasts a wealth of such places…

On the way from Stepanakert

to Gandzasar and Dadivank monasteries, you can see the outstanding spur on the top of one of the forested mountains on the left. It will be hard to discern whether a natural or a man-made structure has attracted your attention, since both nature and a master are GATE 66

present there. Armenians have always been skillful at using natural landscapes for living and protecting themselves from enemies. The protruding part, the enormous rock with headlong steep cliffs arising out of a dense forest, is Kachaghakaberd, the historical Khachen for-

tress, situated 1700 m above sea level between Ptertsik and Kolatag villages in Martakert Province of Nagorno-Karabakh. While depicting Kachaghakaberd, Shahen Mkrtchyan, historian and regional ethnographer of Artsakh, said, “In the distance, in front of Surb Hakob Monastery, on the top of a

Artsakh

mountain range covered with a lush forest, is the fortress of Kachaghakaberd. Towering over abundant verdure and glittering snow-white in the azure of the sky, the miraculous fortress creates truly poetic images in mind. It is not fortuitous, that people call it Kachaghakaberd (magpie fortress), since only birds can reach its top. The lords of the Metsaranits Province fortified the cliff and made it into a fortress to serve as a protection against the Arab invasions. The nature seemed to have taken necessary precautions and made the Kachaghakaberd Fortress unassailable…” Since the 8th century, it served as a military camp, a shelter against invaders for people of neighbouring areas, with hollowed out secret routes, embrasures for shooting stones, and a water supply system. It is said that for many centuries none of the enemies managed to conquer the glorious fortress beneath the heavens. Another legend has it that a conqueror aimed at invading Kachaghakaberd, but after he GATE 68

gauged its unassailability, he decided to besiege it and wait until people would surrender. Several months passed, and people were to be exhausted and were to surrender, but no one left the fortress. On leaving, however, he suddenly noticed that too many magpies began to fly over the fortress. The soldiers made their way to it with great difficulty. When they reached the place, they saw that the magpies, scattered in the air at that moment, had opened the dead lying on the ground. The Armenians didn’t give up and perished of starvation. The

birds betrayed that there was no one alive, and since then the name of the fortress is associated with the name of the birds “traitors”. The way to the fortress passes through a wild forest, filled with untamed beauty, heady Artsakh air, and adventures it grants to its guests: wading across the mountain river, conquering the cliffs. And also an experience of a marvelous feeling in the game of tag with the stone-fortress: “You think, I am very close to you, just a stone’s throw. You hope that you are drawing closer. But look chaser, I am still far away!” You will definitely win and conquer the thousandyear-old wayward minx. Walking seven kilometers through the forest and climbing the rocks is difficult, but it rewards the effort: you enjoy the way in a dialogue with rocks, you travel through time, float over an incredibly beautiful and fertile Armenian land, and then you reach the freedom.

Armenia

THE NEW HORIZONS OF “ARMENIA” AIRCOMPANY “Armenia” Aircompany was founded at the end of 2015 and is the only airline in Armenia now that conducts regular flights in eight directions. The air fleet consists of comfortable new-generation liners – Boeing 737500 and Boeing 737-700. Today the airline implements a new HR policy, extending its resources. Izabela Sargsyan, Head of Cabin Crew Department of “Armenia” Aircompany, will dwell on that. You have worked in the sphere of flying for more than 22 years, spent more than 15 thousand hours in the air, and now you are the head of cabin crew department of “Armenia” Aircompany. Since December 2017, your crew has been significantly enlarged. What is the reason for this decision? The sphere of flying expands and develops continuously. The number of flights, carried out by “Armenia”, grows and this calls for enlarging the crew. Besides, younger members of the stuff bring new vigour and new working style that is crucial GATE 70

for us; this however does not lessen the importance of senior members, since they have the experience and knowledge that they impart to the beginners. Aviation always needs new personnel.

What are the recruitment criteria? Aviation is an exciting and meanwhile a risky area. The flight attendant is first of all responsible for passenger’s safety and for a safe and comfortable

Aircompany flight that requires extensive knowledge. While recruiting higher education, knowledge of at least three foreign languages and robust health are pivotal. The attendant’s height is particularly important – he should be tall (at least 210 cm in height with arms stretched upwards). As for personal qualities, it is essential to have a high sense of responsibility, to be courageous, and to have a knack and the ability to tackle quickly any problems in any situation. What training and retraining courses are intended for flight attendants? First, they take up the initial course that includes an extensive study of aeroplane structure, service for passengers of different classes, and passenger and cargo transportation. Meanwhile, trainings on aviation security, safe transport of dangerous goods and first aid treatment are held. In twomonth the theory is followed by practice in Armenia and abroad. Are you pleased with the results? Certainly, we do our utmost to ensure that after completing the course the workers can perform their functions blindfolded, since we deal with the most important factor – human life. Do you plan to retrain and renew the personnel again? Given that the airline develops continuously, our crew also tends to grow and expand. As for the training courses, they are held regularly at certain

periods. Twice a year medical examination is carried out, several times a month meetings with the head of cabin crew are organized to discuss new laws, upgrade the quality of service and improve qualifications. It should be mentioned that this is not the first time that “Armenia” Aircompany pre-

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pares personnel from scratch at its own expense. Since the establishment of the airline, seven co-pilots and three aircraft commanders have studied in training centres of Amsterdam and Vilnius. Such HR policy is a great achievement for both the airline and the civil aviation of the country.

SUMMER SKETCHES “A painting is finished when the artist says it is finished,” said Dutch artist Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. Could he ever assume that after nearly 400 years the Armenian artist Ruben Arutchyan would not only heed his statement, but also consider the painting finished, only after having portrayed himself with the great Dutchman in the form of a friendly caricature at the entrance to Matenadaran, the unique Yerevan museum of ancient manuscripts? Probably not. Although… Who knows? However, to grasp the friendly summer caricatures of Arutchyan is quite easy, for as Michelangelo stated “a man paints with his brains and not with his hands.” Hence, summer, heat, time for holidays, and Armenia – in a word, welcome to the friendly world of Ruben Arutchyan!

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CALENDAR OF FESTIVALS AND EVENTS FOR 2018

“HayBuys” Festival (Armenian herb)

“Platform” Experience Exchange Festival

Yenokavan, Tavush Province

Gyumri, Shirak Province

Artsakh Airfest Аrtsakh, Stepanakert

Stroller Parade

Watermelon Festival

Ecotourism Festival

Karahunj, Syunik Province

Yerevan

9-10

10 9

16 10

“Delicious and flavourful Yerevan” Festive Dishes Festival

Tumanyan Park, Yerevan

Sheep Shearing Festival Khot, Syunik Province

June

16-17

Swan Lake, Yerevan

“Goods of Syunik” Festival

Artavan, Vayots Dzor Province

29.06-01.07

Sail of Hope

July

14 8

20-22

Vardavar Republic Square, Yerevan

Tsaghkadzor, Kotayk Province

Raspberry Festival Ashotavan, Syunik Province

Sail of Hope Sevan, Gegharkunik Province

FROM EARLY SPRING TO LATE WINTER, ARMENIA LEADS AN ACTIVE FESTIVAL LIFE. PLEASE SEE THE LIST OF THE FORTHCOMING EVENTS.

Festival of country life and traditions

Yerevan Beer Festival

English Park, Yerevan

Yerevan

“TarazFest” National Costume Festival

Honey and Berries Festival Berd, Tavush Province

“Wine and culture” Ashtarak, Aragatsotn Province

North Avenue, Yerevan

13 August 11 18-19

18-19

25-26

“Sevan” Music Festival

“1000 years in village” Festival

Sevan, Gegharkunik Province

Zorakan, Tavush Province

“Big Bakery” Festival Gata Festival

Sarukhan, Gegharkunik Province

Khachik, Vayots Dzor Province

15 22 September 8-12 28-29 Armenia on the crossroads of peace

29 29-30 “ErebuniYerevan”

Traditional New Year

Yerevan

Ardvi, Lori Province

Areni Wine Festival Barbecue Festival Akhtala, Lori Province

Dilijan, Tavush Province

Coffee and Tea Festival Swan Lake, Yerevan

Small centre, Yerevan

30.12-07.01 October DecemberJanuary 6

Byurakan, Gyumri, Ashtarak, Yerevan

“Cultural renaissance” Festival

New Year in Yerevan

Areni, Vayots Dzor Province

Akhtala Monastery

Odzun Monastery

Đ?rmenia & Artsakh A VIRTUAL TOUR WITH OUR GUIDE: To the Barbecue Festival with Nina Balayan!........page. 80 The possible continuation of the excursion

Sanahin Monastery

TO THE BARBECUE FESTIVAL

WITH NINA BALAYAN! Good afternoon dear guests, it is me, Nina Balayan again! Today we will go on an interesting excursion to historical places in the north-west of Armenia. We will conclude our journey in the town of Akhtala: in August, it is the venue for the traditional barbecue festival, during which a great number of tourists from different countries visit the town. This year the 10th edition of the International Barbecue Festival that is organized by Development and Preservation of Armenian Culinary Traditions NGO will be held in Akhtala on August 18â&#x20AC;&#x201C;19. Furthermore, from this year on, the penultimate Saturday of August is announced International Day of Barbecue by the organization. So let us begin our journey, we will see many interesting things on our way and eat the delicious Armenian barbecue in the end.

We leave Yerevan heading

north along the eastern road. We bypass the residential areas built mainly in the second half of the 20th century. On leaving the capital, please, pay attention to the Vahakni Residential Community on the left. The construction was initiated in the late 90s by American businessman Vahakn Hovnanian. It was aimed at creating conditions for Armenians from all over the world to move to their GATE GATE80 8

historical homeland and partake in the life of the young republic. Hovnanian himself set an example by moving to his homeland. The district is divided into 8 sections with a man-made reservoir lake, the Ararat Valley Country Club, a swimming pool, a golf course, a tennis court, and a football field. On the right side you can see the International Rehabilitation Centre of Armenian Red Cross Society and a little

Монастырь Севанаванк Akhtala Monastery and a fortress wall

further the site of the former film studio “Armenfilm”. Today much is said about the need for its revival, and I cherish hopes that in the near future this will happen. The film studio was founded in 1923, and since then films, shot here entered the golden fund of Armenian cinema: “Namus”, “Pepo”, “Sevan Fishermen”, “Song of the First Love” featuring the eternal music of Babajanyan and Saryan, and many other unique films.

the site of the city, 9th century BC. Ashtarak boasts a wealth of historical monuments – the church of Tsiranavor (5th century), built on the site of another pagan temple dedicated to God Azhdahak. According to another version, the name of the city is connected with this temple. Not far from the church, are the Urartian vishapakars (dragon stones). The church of Karmravor (7th century) is located near an old

Mount Ara and the Kasakh Gorge

Dovlatyan, Keosayan, and others continued the traditions of Armenian cinema. The Armenian animation deserves a special mention and especially, the great Robert Sahakyants. Next comes the town of Ashtarak. This is one of the ancient settlements first mentioned in the Bronze Age. According to historians, the name Ashtarak derives from the name of the Assyrian goddess Ishtar, whose temple was on GATE GATE82 8

An old bridge over the Kasakh River, Ashtarak

Karmravor

cemetery. The church features a magnificent mural. On the territory of the cemetery, Gevorg Emin, the great poet of the 20th century, a native of Ashtarak, is buried. Near Karmravor is the house-museum of another writer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Perch Proshyan, who created in the 19th century. Ashtarak is located on the upper part of the Kasakh Gorge. If we go down to the banks of the Kasakh River through the old

city, we will see not only its remarkable buildings, but also the bridges built in the 12thâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;13th centuries. The old buildings remain very well preserved, and now a restoration program of the old city and bridges is being developed. In tsarist days, the road from Erivan to Tbilisi stretched through Ashtarak, and as a result, in the 19th century, inns and a bath called Russian back then, were built here. The ruins of the bath have been Find us online at: www.armeniatourism.ru

preserved to date in one of the quarters called Berdatagh. We head to the north; we go past the town of Aparan, the villages of Kuchak and Nigavan, then the villages of Rya Taza and Alagyaz, populated mainly by Yezidis. This is a Kurdish religious minority; there are about 65 thousand Yezidis in Armenia. Generally, they raise livestock. In the village of Alagyaz, an old Yezidi cemetery has been preserved. 83

We continue our journey and drive through Spitak. The name of the city became known to the whole world in 1988, when a horrendous earthquake hit Armenia; it had its epicentre not far from Spitak. The city was devastated; the houses that you see now were built after the earthquake. The town is in the Lori Province. The province was completely in the earthquake zone and many other towns and villages were also affected.

were built. After becoming a part of Russia, a fortress was built in the town, where the Russian garrison was located. Denis Davidov is said to have served here for a while. In place of the modern Cultural Centre was the Russian Orthodox church, where Raevskyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son was married, there exist also graves of Cossacks in the Russian cemetery. Already in Soviet times, the town was named Stepanavan in honour of the revolutionary Stepan Shahumyan, who initi-

Stepanavan Dendropark

Then we head for the town of Stepanavan through the picturesque Pambak Mountains. We drive through the Stepanavan Tunnel, built in 1971; it measures 1.8 km in length. During the earthquake, the tunnel was damaged and only in 2000 became operational. In days of old, caravan routes traversed the town of Stepanavan and inns called ijevanatuns GATE GATE84 8

Lori Berd

Odzun Monastery

ated his revolutionary activities in this town. Near the town, Stepanavan Dendropark (arboretum) is located. This is the first botanical garden in Armenia; it occupies a territory of 35 ha and was founded in 1933 by Leonovich, a Polish biologist. This talented scientist worked all his life here and was buried in the park.

On leaving Stepanavan we see another historical monument â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the medieval fortress Lori Berd. It was founded in the 10thâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;11th centuries. Now only the ruins of some buildings have survived. Armenia is a country, which boasts a rich history and it is difficult to represent it minutely in one tour, but this makes it even more interesting, since Find us online at: www.armeniatourism.ru

there remain many other remarkable monuments that are worth seeing. We are on our way to the north along one of the most picturesque roads of Armenia. The beauty of nature leaves you breathless. The great Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanyan, who came from these places, praised it in his works. The next monument is the Odzun Monastery. This is one 85

Sanahin Monastery

of the oldest Armenian monasteries and the oldest in the north of present-day Armenia. The monastery was founded in the 6th century, while the church of St. Mary was built a little later â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at the beginning of the 13th century on the site of an older church. The church is made from felsite, only a small part of it is from basalt. Armenian Catholicos Hovhannes Odznetsi, called imastaser (philosopher) for excellent knowledge and wide interests, built it on the place of an old church preserving its fragments that were obviously few. Therefore, the earlier datGATE GATE86 8

ing of the church is not exact. One of the unique monuments in the vicinity of the church is the tombstone (circa 6th century) made of polished stone on which a rectangular stele with gospel scenes carved on it is installed. The territory also boasts stones-vishaps (dragons) that date back to the pre-Christian period. There exist many legends connected with them. In days of old, terrible snakes-vishaps tyrannized over these remote turbulent places. Kirakos Gandzaketsi mentioned about the struggle of St. Hovhannes with vishaps:

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It so happened that one day when the saint [Hovhannes] prayed, huge vishaps attacked the place where the monastery of the devout man was. On seeing them, the horrified acolyte shouted calling the saint for help. The saint made the sign of the cross over them; they got petrified instantly and remain so ever since. Water started from the navel of a vishap, serving as a cure for all those bitten by snakes who believed in the prayers of the saint [Hovhannes]. Having served for eleven years and living a chaste life, he obiit in Christo.â&#x20AC;?

Catholicos Hovhannes Odznetsi chose his native Odzun to be a residence for him and set up an extensive construction here. There is a monument to the Catholicos in the village centre. Specialists from the Milan Institute restored the Odzun Monastery in 2014. Now we leave Odzun, get over hairpin bends, and reach the town of Alaverdi. The settlement is known since the 3rdâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;2nd centuries BC. Since the 13th century, copper began to be mined here. Today it is one of the developed industrial towns close to the border with Georgia. At present, it produc-

es carbide and sulphuric acid, here operates a copper and molybdenum combine. After passing through the town and getting over another small mountain winding, we reach the village of Sanahin, which, in fact, is a part of Alaverdi. A cableway connects Sanahin and the town. In the Middle Ages, Sanahin was one

of the main enlightenment centres of northern Armenia. Sanahin Monastery is an architectural monument inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The monastery was founded in the 930s (no exact date is known). It is known that in 10thâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;11th centuries the number of monks here reached several hundred people. It is

Khachkar in Sanahin

assumed that these were Armenian priests expelled from Byzantium by the emperor. During this period, Sanahin acquired the status of an enlightenment centre of Armenia; the school at the monastery was transformed into academy, known in the history of Armenia as the Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni Academy. It mainly focused on the study of the humanities; such outstanding scientists and enlighteners of the Middle Ages as Theodoros, Vardan, Anania, and others, who were called the Sanahinians, taught here.

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The monastery occupies a small territory, around 2 ha; in the central part all over Surb Astvatsatsin, the main church of Sanahin, Amenaprkich Church, Surb Grigor Chapel (10th century), the academy building (11th century), the book repository (1063), the gallery building (end of the 10th century), the porch (1181), and the belfry (XIII century) are built. Surb Astvatsatsin is the oldest of monastery structures. The building is a cross-domed GATE 88

basalt church with four chapels on all sides. The extant plaster remains with traces of painting indicate that the interior of the church was decorated with murals. Over the centuries, the church was restored and partially rebuilt several times. Thus, the dome was added to it in 1652. Amenaprkich Church is the largest monument of Sanahin. In the 10th century, it served as the cathedral of the Lori kingdom. It also belongs to the

cross-dome type structure. The attraction of this church is the bas-relief located in the upper part of the eastern facade depicting the kings of Kyurike and Smbat holding a model of the church. In 1064 the Seljuk Turks, and then in 1104 the Persians plundered the cathedral and other churches of Sanahin. The earthquake of 1139 significantly damaged the whole ensemble of the monument. The restoration was carried out only in the 13thâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;19th centuries. The building of the Academy is situated between the cathedrals. The Sanahin Book Repository is the largest medieval repository in Armenia. It was erected by means and order of Princess Hranush. Not only manuscripts, but also all kinds of valuable monastic utensils were stored in it. The last monumental structure of the monastery is the belfry. Unlike timber towers, which often served as belfries in medieval Armenia, it is a three-storey square tower. The three levels were used as follows. The first one, now completely reconstructed, served as a monastic warehouse. The second one was used as a chapel for monastic vigils. Scribes of manuscripts worked in a bright room on the third floor. Near the main complex is the vault of the Zaqaryan family. Outside the monastery, one can see Surb Harutyun Church of the 13th century.

Haghpat Monastery

It is worth mentioning that brothers Anastas and Artem Mikoyan were born in Sanahin village. I strongly recommend visiting the house-museum of the brothers here. There is another monument on the other side of Alaverdi. In the namesake village, on an elevation is the Haghpat Monastery that is also inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Legend has it that the Prince of Sanahin invited a famous GATE 90

master to build the monastery. The master came to Sanahin with his son. During the construction of the wall, they had an argument and the son left. On the way, another prince hired him to build his monastery. When the walls erected by his son towered over the place and could be seen from Sanahin, the workmen informed the old master about it. On the day off, he visited his son at the construction site, approached

the unfinished wall and observed it for a long time. At last, he kicked a stone in the masonry and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Akh pat!â&#x20AC;? (a good wall). Father and son were reconciled. In addition, the monastery was called Haghpat. In times of old, the village of Haghpat was called Srblis (Surb Luys â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Holy Light), since the sun rose from behind the nearby mountain and showered the neighbouring villages with light. After

the construction of Haghpat Monastery, the village was renamed, while the locals gave the name Srblis to the neighbouring mountain. The exact foundation date of Haghpat is unknown. The beginning of its development dates back to the mid-tenth century. The formation of the Tashir-Dzoraget Kingdom of the Kyurikyans in 979 and the increased attention given to Haghpat by various rulers of Armenia

and their vassals, promoted the erection of numerous religious and civil structures. The humanities, medicine, and painting, mainly miniature painting were studied here. Over three centuries various churches, chapels, porches, vaults, belfries, the Academy building, book repositories, refectories, galleries, bridges, and other structures were erected in the monastery. The most remarkable church is Surb Nshan, initiated in 976

cently in the second half of the 13th century. The whole interior was once covered with murals, from which only the image of Khutlu Bugha on the south wall is relatively well preserved. The porches served as a place for holding morning and evening church services, if the parishioners exceeded in number they stood there. Interments of prominent figures, clergymen, and representatives of the nobility were carried out

by Khosrovanush, the wife of Ashot the Third Bagratuni and finished in 991. The sculptural group depicting the kings of Kyurike and Smbat holding a model of the church is represented here in a higher relief, which approximates it to a complete voluminous sculpture embedded into the wall niche. The interior of Surb Nshan had murals, now almost lost. The altar apse of the church was painted twice, most re-

here. To be buried at the entrance or inside the church in Armenia has always been a great honour, since people walk on graves and thus the buried continue serving the people after death. Owing to the purpose, zhamatun-porches were necessarily added to churches. Some zhamatuns were built as separate constructions. One of them, the so-called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Building of Hamazaspâ&#x20AC;?, was built in 1257.

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Haghpat Monastery

Haghpat is an architectural complex with many preserved buildings: the vault of the Ukanants of the early 13th century, the belfry – the earliest example of such buildings, and a book repository. The Haghpat’s book repository, built in the middle of the 11th century, originally had a timber ceiling. The present, stone ceiling was built during 1258 and 1262. The refectory of the 13th century is also preserved. Having passed through all the rooms, we will see the unique khachkar Amenaprkich (13th century). It stands out for featuring a large number of figures. Here the crucified Christ is depicted. Saints are rarely represented on khachkars. The history of Haghpat is also connected with the great Armenian ashugh Sayat-Nova; GATE 92

he spent the last days of his life in the monastery. It is not fortuitous that the famous film of Parajanov “The Colour of Pomegranate” dedicated to Sayat-Nova was shot in Haghpat. Our immensely informative journey draws to a close and the last unique monument we will visit is the monastery of Akhtala. It is located in the namesake town that boasts a very interesting history. Founded in the 10th century as a city-fortress, it was called Pghndzahank (copper mine). It bore the name until the 14th century. Again in the 10th century the monastery was founded, which belonged to the Armenian church. After the patron of the church, Prince Ivane Zakaryan, converted to Orthodoxy, the monastery became Orthodox, and in the 19th cen-

tury, during the reign of Emperor Alexander I, was given to the Greeks living in Transcaucasia. The monastery boasts astounding murals of the 13th century. They depict the Virgin, figures of saints in two rows, scenes from the life of Saint Mary and Christ, St. Nina the Baptist, the Last Judgment… The murals of Akhtala are a unique amalgamation of three cultures: Armenian, Byzantine, and Georgian. Every year, pilgrims of all three religious denominations gather here. The name of Mikael Aramyants is connected with the town of Akhtala. Aramyants, a Maecenas and a prominent entrepreneur, built a house here in the beginning of the 20th century. He lived in Tbilisi, but after his daughter contracted tuberculosis, he built a house in

Akhtala Monastery and a fortress wall

Akhtala, for the favourable climate. The house has survived to date and was inscribed to the list of historical monuments. Many representatives of literature and culture, the friends of Aramyants, and the great sing-

A church mural

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er Chaliapin among them visited his house. Aramyants was in close contact with French businessmen much concerned about establishing economic ties 125 years ago. French capital has entered Armenia

since 1887, when the French purchased the Akhtala deposit of silver and nonferrous metals. A powerful HPP and a narrow-gauge railway were built first time in Armenia. The place changed beyond recognition with the appearance of the French. Craft production was replaced by industrial production. Steam locomotives, motors, and elevators appeared here. The cultural level of the indigenous community increased. A musical school was opened; foreign specialists working in Akhtala introduced the traditions of the European way of life in local life. It affected everything â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the clothes, manners, and the pastime.

With the advent of Soviet power, the French left Lori, taking with them all important documents, stock cards, and billets. The extracted copper was completely transported to France. The story that the Statue of Liberty, made in France as a gift to the US, was moulded out of Akhtala copper is based on that fact. There are also documents proving this fact. Well, finally, we have reached our destination – the place where the festival of barbecue is held annually. This interesting

event includes also traditional songs and dances. In addition, you can walk through the pavilions and taste the khorovats (barbecue) that you like. Bon appetite and mind “your capacity”, for you will be offered a variety of barbecues from various meats, of different marinade and way of cooking and etc. I wish you patience and may the Armenian cuisine reward the effort! (By the way, in the May issue of our guidebook, we told thoroughly about the secrets of preparing Armenian barbecue,

The Barbecue Festival in Akhtala

gastronomic event, as I told you, attracts a huge number of tourists and local people. According to Sedrak Mamulyan, chairman of the organization, on August 18 amateur teams and on August 19 the professional ones will compete. The significant point is that participants are culinary specialists both from Armenia and from other countries. Apart from the three main nominations represented as the best taste, the best idea, and the best presentation, “Absolute winner” will also be announced. The Find us online at: www.armeniatourism.ru

Sedrak Mamulyan, the festival organizer

which Armenians call khorovats. The recipe is also available on the magazine’s website - www. armeniatourism.ru.) After dinner, we can return to Yerevan. Still, I would suggest, after a short break, continuing the trip to neighbouring Georgia, to get to know the most interesting Georgian monuments of antiquity and the extensive Armenian cultural heritage that exists in the country and first and foremost in Tbilisi. You are always welcome in Armenia and Georgia! Photos by Stepan Yeghiazaryan, Mesrop Mesropyan, courtesy of Sedrak Mamulyan

Sights of interest

MOST POPULAR TOURIST DESTNATIONS IN ARMENIA AND NAGORNO-KARABAKH

It is no exaggeration to say that Armenia attracts tourists a lot: with each passing year, more and more people get interested in our country; guests go sightseeing in Yerevan and in more remote areas. An interesting fact is that tourists first visit Armenia with fears based on popular belief that owing to longstanding Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the climate is turbulent here. This is not true, however, since next time they visit Armenia because they want to, and then they certainly visit Artsakh (the Republic of NagornoKarabakh), which has a wealth of history, sights, and hospitality. Thus, prior to the tourist season, we have decided to offer a list of the 15 most popular tourist destinations in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. GATE 96

Sevan

The alpine lake of Sevan is attractive both in summer and in winter. The average monthly temperature in winter is 7°C. Lake Sevan freezes entirely only at harsh temperatures (below 20°C), which is explained by the huge number of springs. Everything is covered by snow from the end of November to the middle of April. In 2011, a cableway station was opened here. It is located near the hotel “Akhtamar”. There are various cafes and bars at the ski centre. Around Lake Sevan, there are hotels of different standards that provide service all year round.

Jermuk

Jermuk, a town of health resorts and one of the most popular resorts in the Soviet Union, is located on a beautiful mountain plateau at an altitude of 2070 meters above sea level, surrounded by heavily forested low mountains. On the slope of Mount Shish (2850 m), there are two cableway routes (one for the beginners in alpine skiing, the other for the experienced ones), the lift rises to the height of 2450 m. The routes are made in accordance with modern high standards. There is a rescue service and a ski and snowboard rental on the mountain. You can stop at sanatoria, hotels, holiday homes or rent a room in the private sector. Find us online at: www.armeniatourism.ru

Tsaghkadzor

Tsaghkadzor is recognized as a tourism development centre. The ski resort has been one of the best resort places since the times of Soviet Union. Soviet national teams trained here. A cableway with four terminal towers, corresponding to the world standards, routes for skiers and snowboarders and rental of every necessary equipment are all available in Tsaghkadzor. Recently, the fifth terminal tower was also opened for the beginners. There are many hotels, holiday homes, restaurants in the city; the private sector is developed. On the slope of Tsaghkunyats Mountain (2820 m), where the cableway is located, there are bars, cafes, rescue services, first aid services, training services for beginners, and so on.

Zvartnots

Zvartnots (the church of celestial angels), a church of early medieval Armenian architecture, is located not far from Yerevan and Vagharshapat (Ejmiatsin). According to the Armenian historian Sebeos, Zvartnots was built by the order of Catholicos Nerses III the Builder (641/642 ‒ 661/662), who was planning to move his residence from Dvin to Vagharshapat. In his book “Armenian Studies” Kamsar Avetisyan writes, “Zvartnots is dedicated to celestial angels, because in Armenian ‘zvartunʼ previously meant also ‘an angelʼ.” Hence, Zvartnots means “Temple of the Angels”. In 2000, the ruins of the church and the surrounding archeological territory were included in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage. GATE 98

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Yerevan

Yerevan – the capital and the largest city of Armenia both by its size and by population. It is one of the ancient cities of the world, as old as Rome and Babylon, Carthage and Nineveh. Until 1936, Yerevan was known as Erivan in Russian transcription. The popular attractions in Yerevan include the Cascade, the Yerevan History Museum, the National Gallery, Republic Square, Matenadaran named after Mesrop Mashtots, the Tsitsernakaberd, the Theatre of Opera and Ballet, the Sergey Parajanov HouseMuseum, the Aram Khachaturian House-Museum, Erebuni Fortress, Saint Sargis Church, Zoravor Surb Astvatsatsin Church, Saint Katoghike Church, etc.

Khor Virap

Khor Virap (translated from Armenian as “deep cell”), a monastery of the Armenian Apostolic Church, located in Armenia close to the Turkish border, at the foothill of Ararat Mountain. The monastery is famous for its location, as right from here one of the magnificent views to biblical Mount Ararat opens up. The monastery is built on the underground prison where the Armenian King Tiridates III kept St. Gregory the Illuminator incarcerated for about 14 years before his (Tiridates’) conversion to Christianity (in 301). The hill of Khor Virap is located on the place of the ancient Armenian capital Artashat built by King Artashes I (circa 180 B.C.).

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Ejmiatsin

Ejmiatsin Cathedral (translated from Armenian as “The Descent of the Only-begotten Son”) ‒ the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Pontifical See of the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians between 303‒484 and since 1441. UNESCO lists the Cathedral as a World Heritage Site. Educational institutions of the Armenian Church are also located here. The original wooden cathedral was built in 303 (soon after Armenia adopted Christianity as a state religion) and then it was rebuilt in stone between the 5th and 7th centuries. The belfry was built between 1653 and 1658 and the sacristy in 1869.

Noravank

Noravank (translated from Armenian as “New Monastery”), a monastery complex, built in the 13th century 122 km far from Yerevan on the step of a narrow curving gorge of the Arpa River, not far from the Armenian city of Yeghegnadzor. The gorge is famous for its hanging red rocks, towering behind the monastery on the territory of which the two-storey church of Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Virgin) is located with narrow cantilever stairs. Sometimes the monastery is called Amaghu Noravank to distinguish it from Bkheno Noravank, a monastery located near the city of Goris. Amaghu is the name of a small settlement, which used to stand over the gorge. During 13-14th centuries the monastery became the residence of Syunik bishops.

Find us online at: www.armeniatourism.ru

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Dilijan

Dilijan ‒ a city in Tavush Province of Armenia known as a mountain climatic and balneal resort. It is located on the river Aghstev (the right tributary of the Kura River). The city is famous for traditional Armenian architecture. From almost all sides it is surrounded by the territory of Dilijan Reserve – one of the richest ones in South Caucasus. Dilijan has always been home to numerous Armenian artists, composers, scientists, and directors. Today the city stands as one of the most intellectual centres of Armenia. The city is especially proud of its musical school and musical college. The city and its surrounding areas feature many holiday homes such as the Composers’ House after E. Mirzoyan, the House of Cinematographers, etc.

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Tatev

Tatev. Ropeway called “Wings of Tatev”. Tatev (translated from Armenian as “give wings”) is an Armenian monastery complex dating back to the 9-13th centuries, situated in Syunik Province 20 km far from the city of Goris. It is a part of a huge tourist complex, which also features the hermitage called Mets Tatevi Anapat (Large Desert of Tatev), Tatev ropeway “Wings of Tatev”, the natural bridge and the cave called Satani Kamurj, and many other sights. It was established in 895‒906 and has been the religious centre of Syunik since the 19th century. Tatev ropeway called “Wings of Tatev” is the longest two-way ropeway in the world stretching 5.7 km. The highest elevation point of the ropeway is 320 m over the River Vorotan.

RESORT

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Garni

Garni temple is a pagan temple of the 1st century A.D. in Armenia. It is dedicated to Mihr, the ancient Armenian god of the Sun, celestial light and justice. Tacitus mentioned Garni temple in connection with the events of the first half of the 1st century A.D. in Armenia. It was built by the Armenian King Tiridates I (66-88) in 76 A.D., as testified by the Greek inscription found in the same place. Garni is one of the clearest pieces of evidence to the centuries-old culture of the pre-Christian period of Armenia. They began to build the castle in the 2nd century B.C. and continued to build it up during the ancient times, and partly in the Middle Ages. It is located in 28 km from Yerevan in Kotayk Province, near the village of Garni.

Geghard

Geghard, Geghardavank (translated from Armenian as “Monastery of a spear”), the old name Ayrivank is also used (“Cave Monastery”), is a monastery complex, a unique architectural construction. The monastery is located approximately 40 km southeast from Yerevan. It was founded in the 4th century at the place of a sacred spring arising in a cave. It is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name of the monastery complex comes from the Longinus spear, which was the lance that pierced the side of Jesus Christ as he hung on the Cross – allegedly brought to Armenia by Apostle Thaddeus amongst many other relics. Now it is displayed in the Ejmiatsin Treasury. GATE 104

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Tigranakert

Tigranakert – an ancient city in Artsakh Province of Greater Armenia, one of the four ancient Armenian cities with the same name supposedly established by Tigran II in the 1st century B.C. and named after him. The excavations of the city are carried out by Artsakh archeological expedition of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia led by Hamlet Petrosyan, Doctor of Historical Sciences. The place is known among the locals as “Tkrakert” or “Tarnakert” (local pronunciation of “Tigranakert”). In December 2008 at the government session of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, it was decided to recognize Tigranakert as a State Reserve.

Shushi

Shushi – a city in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). It is situated in the Karabakh Mountains at an altitude of 1368 m above sea level, 11 km south from Stepanakert. The ancient fortresscity of Shushi has been the administrative, religious, cultural, and educational centre for many centuries. Shushi was built on the ruins of an ancient city, destroyed by the Mongols. This view of the previously existing Armenian fortification was archaeologically confirmed during excavations in the beginning of the 21st century.

Gandzasar

Gandzasar (translated from Armenian as “Mountain treasure”, Gandzasar Monastery) is an outstanding monument of Armenian culture, an acting monastery of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Monastery got its name from the mountain that the locals used to call Gandzasar for its silver mines (Arm., “gandz” – treasure, “sar” – mountain). It is situated on the left bank of the River Khachen, not far from village Vank in NagornoKarabakh. According to a legend, in the burial vault of the temple the head of John the Baptist severed by Herod was buried, brought here from Cilician Armenia during the Crusades. Thus, the church was named Surb Hovhannes Mkrtich (St. John the Baptist).

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News RAFTING TOURS IN ARMENIA The Armenian Young Women’s Association and the State Tourism Committee have announced the launch of a new tourist project – rafting tours down the Debed in Lori. It took almost a year to work out the program. It is a novelty in Armenia – in the neighbouring Georgia, however, rafting is far more developed. In organizing rafting tours, the Armenian side will cooperate with the Rafting Federation of Georgia; there already exist agreements on holding joint events and competitions. The Armenian rafting team is also going to apply for participation in regional and international competitions. A more detailed information on tours is available on the Facebook page of rafters and on the website rafting.am.

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First information and tourist service centres have opened in the centre of Yerevan. The centres, located at Nalbandyan Street and at the intersection of Sayat-Nova Street and Mashtots Avenue, provide free information about travelling in Armenia – this includes info on the interesting tourist destinations, sights, the upcoming events in Yerevan, Armenia, etc. Maps in three languages, guidebooks, books, and flyers are also available. “We expect a great flow of tourists this year for the 2800th anniversary of the foundation of the capital and the 17th edition of Francophonie summit in October. There is an obvious need for Info Centres in the centre of Yerevan. We have two centres currently, but we’ll have more within a year,” stated Gevorg Orbelyan, Head of Yerevan Municipality Tourism Department.

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work are equipped with the most recent technologies and solutions for dental and aesthetic medicine. Since 2017, our centre has employed 70 qualified professionals. During 15 years of activity, the clinic has had 77 000 visitors from all over the world. Modern dentistry in the centre provides all possible dental care services i.e. implantation of any complexity, veneers, crowns, root canal treatment, teeth whitening, gum treatment, digital dentistry, preventive programs, pediatric dentistry, etc.

Innovative medical centre â&#x20AC;&#x153;Avantaâ&#x20AC;? has patented its own 16 projects for everyday practice. Over this period, about 8000 implant installation operations of varying complexity have been performed by the centreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s founder, chief dentist, implantologist of the RA Ministry of Health Karen Grigoryan. Aesthetic medicine is the most rapidly developing branch of beauty and wellness industry. The centre department of aesthetic medicine is equipped with technologies of recent scientific discoveries, effective techniques and high-quality preparations for face and body skin rejuvenation, correction of imperfections according to the perceptions of beauty and harmony. The package of services includes botulinotherapy, fillers, thread lift with meso threads, facial rejuvenation programs, Fotona 4D (skin rejuvenation and tightening), HIFU (ultrasound SMAS-lifting), Vivace (fractional radio frequency lifting), laser cosmetology, gynecological laser surgery, Fire and Ice, Freeze and Break (body sculpt-

ing), digital diagnostics of face, removal of moles and neoplasms, hair loss and transplantation, as well as laser hair removal. The greatest asset for us is the happy faces of our patients. Welcome to Armenia!

Find us online at: www.armeniatourism.ru

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U S EF U E H L

PROPERTIES OF

VEGETABLES AND HERBS The dishes made of vegetables and edible wild herbs have become the hallmark of armenian cuisine. they are prepared year-round. early spring fills the tables with asparagus (tsnebek), amaranth (karmir banjar), longleaf, saltbush, mallow, pepper saxifrage, nettle, dandelion, et cetera. Owing to a variety of herbal components, the armenian cuisine is among the most nutritious and richest ones. however, it is not widely known that many herbs are not only edible, but also quite useful. thus, we will present the good properties of some widespread plants in armenian cuisine. ONION (SOKH) Onions are used virtually in every Armenian dish. The most popular ones are red (Khatunarian) onions and leeks (savzi). Leek is used in salads and soups. Onions regulate the work of digestive system and prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms.

MINT (DAGHDZ) Mint is used widely in cooking as a spice. Fresh mint is used in syrups, drinks, and as a seasoning for meat and milk soups. Dried mint is brewed like tea. Such brew excellently fights off colds.

CHICKPEA (SISER, PEAS) Boiled chickpeas taste like nuts. In Armenia, it is used in salads and Lenten dolma. To prepare a delicacy GATE GATE112 8

from chickpeas one needs to cook, peel, and fry them and serve with raisins.

DANDELION (KHATUTIK) Dandelions are used not only in soups and salads, but also in medicines. Taraxacin that exists in the roots of dandelion is the basis of new generation medications intended for joint treatment.

COMMON PURSLANE (DANDUR) Young plants are used to prepare various dishes. Salads with spicy seasonings are prepared from juicy and fleshy stems and leaves. Common purslane is preserved (salted) for future use and used in pickles. It has healing properties. Common purslane has long been used as a cure for renal and hepatic diseases and diabetes.

MALLOW (PIPERT)

THYME (URTS)

Young shoots, leaves, and fruits are boiled and eaten with vinegar.

Thyme is mainly used dried to flavour spas-soup, vegetable dishes, and cheeses. When added to tea it acts as an excellent remedy for colds. Thyme is a wonderful antiseptic, bronchodilator, and a cure for gastrointestinal diseases.

LONGLEAF (SIBEKH) Longleaf is used for preparing appetizers and hot dishes. Young shoots are pickled.

CELERY (NEKHUR) Celery is a low-calorie product rich in calcium and potassium. Roots are used in soups while leaves flavour salads. Celery is pickled; is part and parcel of pickles.

ASPARAGUS (TSNEPAK) The hallmark of asparagus is that, like spinach, it appears in early spring, when there are no other fresh vegetables. Asparagus is rich in vitamins A, B, C, calcium salts, and iron. It acts as a diuretic.

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BEAN (LOBI) Beans are very nutritious. They contain carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, salts of various metals. Pods of sugar varieties are harvested green when they are soft and succulent. Dishes from beans are good for people with cardiovascular diseases (it reduces cholesterol level), gout, salt metabolism disorder, and diabetes. Beans are widely used in nutritional care. Green beans are cooked a lot in Armenia. They are frozen, dried, and used in pickles.

“DELICIOUS” PHRASE BOOK Aveluk – horse sorrel Hamem, kindz – coriander Ananukh, daghdz, nana – mint Ghandzil – ramsons Dandur – common purslane Yeghinj – nettle Katnuk, latuk – blue lettuce Tsaghkunq Guest House is situated in the village of Tsaghkunq of Gegharkunik Province, not far from Lake Sevan. The guesthouse offers unique and delicious cuisine. It boasts a charming garden and a terrace where you can enjoy yourselves relaxing or just spending time. You may opt for hiking on the nearest hills where rare flowers bloom from June to September and this is the reason why the guesthouse is called Tsaghkunq (blooming). The owner of the hotel Yura Sargsyan organizes a culinary master class by prior arrangement.

Kortin, tsitron – savory Kotem – cress Krkum, kimon – crocus, saffron Ktsokhur, sumakh – barberry Maghadanos – parsley Mandak – pepper saxifrage Mokhrakhot, teluk – saltbush Pipert – mallow Prass, sokh – leek Pshat – silverberry Rehan – basil Sibekh – longleaf Siser – chickpea Tarkhun – tarragon

Tsaghkunq village, Sevan, Armenia Теl.: +374 93 991 888, +374 94 991 888, +374 91 981 888 e-mail: yasargsyan@gmail.com www.facebook.com/TsaghkunqGuesthouse www.booking.com/TsaghkunqGuesthouse

Urts – thyme Hazar – lettuce

Tsnebek – asparagus Chaman – caraway

Khnkatsaghik – origanum

The peculiarities of national cuisine We continue the “Culinary page” of our guest from Moscow and are delighted to present an excerpt from “The Peculiarities of National Cuisine” by famous writer and poetess Svetlana Savitskaya, Board Chairperson of the National Literary Award “Zolotoe Pero Rusi” (Golden Stylus of Russia). SALADS Salads in the Armenian countryside are not usually cut. However, there are always sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and greens on the tables. A bowl of walnuts, a plate of candied or dried fruits, and a pomegranate cut into seven-petal flower may also grace the tables. To cut the pomegranate properly find the protruding stem and remove it by a circular cut trying not to scratch the seeds. You will see the inner “hearts” – seeds of pomegranate separated by translucent membranes. Use the membrane lines to make cuts on the skin, and then separate the fruit carefully into seven parts holding it over a plate. Like other Caucasian people, some women here also use the sour and piquant pomegranate seeds instead of barberry or vinegar to flavour pilafs. However, the seeds are also considered a salad as such. Traditionally there can be salads of sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, grated raw carrot, or boiled beet on the table. They are usually sauced with sour cream, mayonnaise, or oil. As mentioned above, crushed walnuts are often added to Armenian salads. Wild herbs, for example sorrels, can be the main ingredient of a salad. The ingredients are the same.

SORREL SALAD WITH NUTS Ingredients 300 g of dried sorrel, 1 onion, 3 tbs. of crushed nuts, 4 parsley stems, oil and salt (to taste).

Directions Rinse the sorrel in warm water, chop and soften it by cooking in a pot with boiling water. Then drain it in a colander. Cool it off and chop it finely. Peel the onion, rinse it, cut it into semicircles, sauté in oil with nuts until golden brown, add the sorrel, and season with salt. Stir-fry the ingredients, remove from the stove, allow them to cool, and serve in a nice salad bowl sprinkled with finely chopped parsley.

A salad from “Tsirani” restaurant

GREEN BEAN SALAD WITH NUTS Ingredients 300 g of green beans, 0,5 cup of nuts, salt, black pepper, vinegar, parsley (to taste).

Directions String the beans, cut them into strips, rinse, boil them and season with salt, drain in a colander, and let cool off. Add the crushed nuts, rinsed and finely chopped parsley, pepper, and vinegar, then mix the ingredients and serve in a salad bowl.