Armenia Tourism Magazine № 18 - 2017 by ARMENIA TOURISM Magazine

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Table of contents 08 Armenia

Tourist information

18 OUR CAPITAL

What's so great about Yerevan?

26 Art

Martiros Saryan: Master of art and life

40 journey

Artsakh: Cultural and Historical Treasury of the Armenian Civilization

44 celebrities

Alexander Tamanyan: Guardian of the Past and Creator of the Future

50 History Govhar Agha Mosque in Shushi – the gem of Persian culture in Artsakh

62 Museums Gyumri: city-museum in the open air

69 TRAVEL GUIDE 72 SIGHTS OF INTEREST Church of Saint Zoravor, Church of the Holy Mother of God (Our Lady of Seven Wounds) in Gyumri

96 RATING

105 HOTELS 110 Artsakh 118 CUISINE

15 most popular tourist destinations in Armenia and in Karabakh

Executive director Georgy Khachatryan Deputy executive director Yelena Markosyan Editor in Chief Anton Evstratov + (374 98) 34 10 50 editor@armeniatourismmagazine.ru Project idea David Khachatryan Layout, design Margarita Babajanyan margarita@armeniatourismmagazine.ru Advertising director Director of the Yerevan office Anahit Gevorgyan +(374 91) 05 05 08 Lilit Hovhannisyan +(374 77) 09 51 03 anahit@armeniatourismmagazine.ru info@armeniatourismmagazine.ru Advertising manager Lia Kocharyan +(374 91) 35 78 53 sales@armeniatourismmagazine.ru Advertising manager Lilit Kostandyan +(374 95) 78 77 27 manager@armeniatourismmagazine.ru

Advertising manager Sargis mughumyan +(374 99) 55 54 32 sargis@armeniatourismmagazine.ru

Translator Zaruhi Grigoryan Photographs: Hayk Melkonyan, Mesrop Mesropyan, Vahag Grigoryan, Anton Yevstratov, Ida Sargsyan, Shahen Nazaryan, Arthur Gevorgyan, Azat Adamyan, David Nalchajyan, Artem Martirosyan, Monika Nahapetyan, Photo Atelier Marashlyan, Saryan family archive (reproductions of paintings for the article on Martiros Saryan, „Master of art and life“), Tamanyan family archive, Tourism Department of Yerevan Municipality, facebook.com/sevanlake/, "Karabakh Travel", Mezzo Production, the archive of the Theatre of Opera and Ballet after A. Spendiaryan, Olga Chertkova. Editorial Staff: Anton Yevstratov, Lilit Hovhannisyan, Margarita Babajanyan, Anahit Gevorgyan, Lilit Kostandyan, Liya Kocharyan, Nora Oleynik, Armen Harutyunyan, Narine Sargsyan, Anna Sahakyan, Hmayak Manukyan, Ida Sargsyan, Artur Gevorgyan, Larisa Movsesyan, Gevorg Khachatryan, Azat Adamyan, Araxya Musheghyan, Elena Kozhemyakina, Anastasia Denisenkova, Elena Kolomoytseva, Yuri Navin , Artak Markosyan, Denis Aldokhin, Elena Khachatryan. News from сelebrities.ru, turist.am, calend.ru, ИА REGNUM, RIA Novosti, Get Treated, hetq.am, RIA News, Encyclopedia of “Hayazg” Fund, Armenia News - NEWS.am. Layout and prepress:

Printed in: “AST-Moscow Polygraphic House” OJSC 56 str. 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 2.000 copies (in English): 8.000 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.

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Extreme Tourism in Artsakh Tospia salad

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. Cover photo: photo by Sargis mughumyan If you are interested in distribution of the magazine in your city please contact us at: info@armeniatourismmagazine.ru Publisher: Baghramian Str., Building 1, 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@armeniatourismmagazine.ru www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

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Editor’s note

Editor in Chief Anton Evstratov

Dear readers, allow me to introduce myself, I am Anton Yevstratov. I am the new editor-in-chief of the “Armenia Tourism” magazine. For the third year I've been living in Armenia, enjoying it every second that I've been here, with every glance at its beauty, with every breath of its pure air. It is surprising and a pity that even as a historian, political observer and military correspondent, I used to know so little about this world-treasury of history and culture before I came here. Now my life can no longer be full without Armenia. Here I never felt like a stranger, this country immediately accepted me and became my home. Here I am constantly experiencing professional and spiritual euphoria and I repeat tirelessly: “History in Armenia is right at hand.” But so many people have never experienced such feelings! So it is my duty to tell them about Armenia, honestly and as fully as possible: Armenia, which I boldly call mine. I was very lucky to start the preparation of the summer issue, because in summer Armenia is especially beautiful! A gentle sun warms with its soft rays, and the nature is at the peak of the flowering, the hospitality of the weather and the brightness of colors! Perhaps it was this splendor that prompted a number of scientists to think that the biblical paradise should be sought in the Armenian Highlands ... Only in summer there appears the apricot – a symbol of Armenia. Only in summer will you escape from the heat in the icy waters of Lake Sevan! Armenia is full of historical monuments and natural attractions, and summer is the most convenient time for visiting them. Even the most hard-to-reach places are open to the traveler at this time of the year. The new issue of the “Armenia Tourism” magazine has turned out to be particularly informative – unknown pages of history, monuments and shrines are next to beach rest and extreme tourism! And it is not surprising – after all in Armenia everyone, regardless of interests, views and ways of thinking, is able to find himself! And then – to come back here again and again – mentally and physically. It is impossible to part with Armenia forever!

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5 Northern Avenue, Yerevan, Armenia +374 11 850950 www.tsiranicomplex.am

Armenia Area The total area is 29, 743 km2 (11,484 sq. miles), which is one tenth the size of the historical Armenia. Armenia is a landlocked country located in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, in the northeast of the Armenian Highland, called the Historical Armenia. Located between the Black and Caspian Seas, the country is bordered by Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey. Coat of arms On April 19, 1992, the coat of arms of the First Republic of Armenia was restored (1918-1920). The authors were Alexander Tamanyan, an architect and an academic of Russian Academy of Arts and Hakob Kodjoyan, an artist. Flag 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. Language The national language of Armenia is Armenian. But the majority of the population also speaks Russian. You may occasionally face language problems in remote countryside. English and French are often second languages spoken by the younger generation, but the older generation is more conservative in regards to foreign languages. But in any case if a foreigner approaches them he will be understood and told the right direction. Those who speak Russian will not have any language problems in Armenia.

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Capital city Yerevan Government Safety Yerevan can easily be considered as one of the safest cities in the world. Late at night you can walk around in the city without any fear. Not many European countries can boast the same thing. If you are in Yerevan for the first time and you don’t have somebody to help and do not even have a map, you don’t need to worry. The inner city isn’t too big if not considering its suburbs and further out districts. The city center is surrounded by an amphitheater of hills and the streets basically start from the Square and run across the outer circular boulevard. There are many options for transportation, such as mini-buses, buses and taxies, all of which work non-stop. 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 to find the right direction. Fortunately, almost everyone in Yerevan speaks Russian and it isn’t too hard to find someone who speaks English.

Politics of Armenia takes place in the framework of a semi-presidential representative democratic republic whereby the president is head of state – and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government.

President Serzh Sargsyan (born June 30, 1954 ) Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan (born August 14, 1963) Population According to various sources, the number of Armenians in the world is from 6.5 to 11 million people, of which only one-third live in the Republic of Armenia (more than 3 million people).

192 Antarayin str., Yerevan, Armenia Теl.:+(374 11) 440 144 www.cascaderoyal.am www.facebook.com/cascaderoyal

Armenia Currency Armenian Dram (AMD). The small coin is called “luma”, but it is not used any more. One Russian ruble equals 8.3 Armenian drams. Coins in denominations of 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 and banknotes in denominations of 1000, 5.000, 20.000, 50.000 and 100.000 drams are in circulation. Currency exchange Currency may be exchanged in numerous foreign exchange offices around the city. Trade in stores and in other points of sales is done only in dram, the national currency. You will not have any problems with currency exchange as you can exchange it without a passport. Almost all hotels, 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 working till midnight. Religion The predominant religion in Armenia is Christianity. 94% 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.

Major cities

Topography

Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor

The terrain is mountainous; 90% of mountains are more than 1000m above the sealevel. The average height above the sea level is 1800 meters, 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 it is 200 km. The highest point of the region and the historical symbol of Armenia is mount Ararat (5165 meters), which is in Turkey’s territory since 1920s.

Climate The climate in Armenia is highland continental with long, cold winters and hot summers. The temperature in January ranges between -120C and -150C (100F-230F), and sometimes it may be as low as -300C (-220F). In July the average temperature in mountainous regions is +100C (500F) and around +250C (770F) in flat regions. The yearly amount of precipitation ranges between 20-80 cm (8-31 inches).The highest mountain tops of Armenia are covered with snow all year round.

Electricity

Voltage - 220 Volt, frequency 50 Hertz.

Internet domain

Calling code

.am

+374

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Time zone

GMT+4 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 about you the passport of the citizenship of the Russian Federation.

30/3 Tumanyan str., Yerevan 0001, Armenia Tel.: +(374 10) 600 007, +(374 91) 660 007 www.tospia.am

Armenia Children

Food

Магазины

When traveling with a child, take with you: - the birth certificate of the child; - the passport of the child, or the child must be inscribed in the passport of the parent; - if one of the parents is absent – a power of attorney in the name of the other parent.

You can eat anywhere in the city. Every 100 meters you can easily find a fast food place, a cafe or a restaurant. And if you are in the center the distance is down to 10 meters. You can find virtually any cuisine of the world: Armenian, Arabic, Georgian, European, Chinese, etc., but be careful as prices may vary significantly. In general you can have a good and tasty meal in Yerevan and pay much less than you would in Moscow.

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 Vernisage which is located next to Republic Square. During the weekend there you can buy cheap goods, such as handmade carpets, wonderful pieces of carved wood and stone, ceramics, paintings and graphic works of Armenian artists.

Water

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.

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Transportation

In Yerevan it is not common to try and flag down a personal car to get a ride. Instead you should always use taxi services. Taxies in Yerevan are readily available and are quite inexpensive. Mini-buses operate one after another and all you need to do is to raise your hand for them to stop. Simply stop the bus number you need and go to the

desired destination paying 100 drams. Meanwhile, it is much easier to use taxi services since they are plenty in Yerevan. Tourists very often complain about one shortcoming of Yerevan - the bad traffic. The city wasn’t initially designed for so many cars, buses and taxis and that’s why the streets are often overloaded.

Dates

June

Saint Hripsime’s Remembrance day

The Holy Martyr Hripsime is one of the 37 Christian virgins who in 301 fled to Armenia from the persecutions of the Roman Empire. The Armenian king Trdat (Tiridates) was impressed by the beauty of the girl and wished to possess her, but she refused to, telling him that she belonged to Christ. The indignant king ordered the execution of Hripsime and two other Christian virgins. However, after this, Trdat was possessed by demons, and only St. Grigor the Illuminator managed to heal him of them. This eventually led the Armenian king to believe in Christ and be baptized, and then proceed to the Christianization of his country.

Saint Gayane’s remembrance day

June

The Holy Martyr Gayane is also one of the 37 Christian virgins who in 301 came to Armenia, fleeing from Rome. After the refusal of St. Hripsime to King Trdat and after her execution, her companions, including Gayane, were subjected to torture and violence.

June

Day of the RA State Flag

June

On June 15, 2006, the National Assembly of Armenia adopted the law “On the State Flag of the Republic of Armenia”. This day is celebrated annually as a national holiday. And the flag itself was approved by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Armenia on August 24 1990. The Tricolor consists of three horizontal bands – red, blue and orange: it symbolizes the blood spilled by the Armenian people (the red band), the nature of Armenia (the blue band) and the diligence of Armenians (the orange band). As a state symbol, this tricolor was first adopted by the government of the First Republic (1918-1921).

Holiday of the Cathedral of Saint Etchmiadzin

The Constitution day of Armenia

July

The holiday of the fundamental law of the Republic of Armenia. On July 5, 1995, a referendum was held, during which a draft Constitution was adopted, which is still in effect. Given the amendments to the Fundamental Law, adopted on December 5, 2015, and recently enforced, the holiday takes on an even greater interest.

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Echmiadzin is the spiritual center of Armenia and the Armenian Apostolic Church. The word “Echmiadzin” in ancient Armenian means “the Only Begotten descended”. The cathedral was built in the place indicated by Jesus himself in the dream of Gregory the Illuminator. This happened after the cruel king Trdat was baptized. Now in the cathedral are the relics of the Apostles Andrew, Bartholomew, Thomas and Thaddeus, St. John the Baptist, and St. Stephen. In Etchmiadzin there is also the spear that killed the crucified Jesus on the cross, as well as the particles of his crown of thorns and the Holy Cross.

Sayat Nova’s Birthday

June

Sayat Nova (born Harutyun Sayadyan) is a great Armenian poet, composer and singer. He was a master of love poetry, who performed his works in Armenian, Turkish, Georgian and even Russian (up to 6 poems have reached us). Sayat Nova is one of the most famous folk singers – ashiks – in the world.

If you want to stay in one of the most luxurious hotels in Yerevan with a rooftop pool from which a beautiful view of the city opens, then you should head to Grand Hotel Yerevan. After swimming to your heart’s content, you can safely plunge into the hot Armenian summer and continue to get to know the sights of the country. And after coming back in the evening, you can cool down in the pool, while enjoying the lights of the evening city and sipping cocktails.

14 Abovyan str., 0001 Yerevan Теl.: +(374 10) 59 16 00 Fax: +(374 10) 59 16 66 welcome@grandhotelyerevan.com www.grandhotelyerevan.com

Dates Navasard

Vardavar

According to the ancient Armenian calendar, Navasard was the name of the New Year's holiday, as well as the name of the first month of the year. According to the legend, it was on this day in 2492 BC that Hayk, the progenitor of the Armenian people, defeated the army of the Assyrian tyrant Bel in the battle of Dyutsaznamart. This holiday experienced a period of paganism and an era of Christianity, and in August 11, 2009, it was declared the Day of National Identity by the Parliament of Armenia. In different localities, the celebration of Navasard had its own traditions, many of which have survived to this day.

July

The most important summer holiday in Armenia. On this day, people pour water on each other. Sometimes they do so right on the streets of cities and villages. Vardavar is the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, having, however, its roots in the pagan cults of the goddesses Astghik and Anahit. There is also a legend linking Vardavar with the story of Noah. According to it, after the flood, the biblical patriarch bade his sons to pour water in memory of the tragedy they had experienced. In Armenia it is believed that a person who has been splashed with water on Vardavar will be happy and successful throughout the year.

u Aug

How

to call to

235 234 238 236

Aragatsotn region Ashtarak Talin Aparan Tsakhkahovit

232 249 0 252 257 0

Armavir region Armavir Echmiadzin Zvartnots Baghramyan Vache Norakert Jrarat Khoronk Hoktember Metsamor Baghramian Myasnikyan Qarakert Dalarik

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237 231 231 231 90 231 91 231 95 231 98 231 99 237 237 233 233 74 233 75 233 76

Vayots Dzor Eghegnadzor Jermuk Khachik Arpi Aghavnadzor Areni Malishka Yelpin Rind Shatin Vayk

281 287 281 51 281 91 281 93 281 94 281 95 281 97 281 98 281 99 282

Tavush region Ijevan Berd Noyemberian Koghb Dilijan

263 267 266 266 268 0

Gegharkunik region Gavar Sevan Martuni Sarukhan Vardenis Chambarak

264 261 262 264 269 265

Syunik region Kapan Sisian Goris Verishen Khndzoresk Kajaran Meghri Agarak

285 283 2 284 284 284 94 285 286 0 286

Shirak region Gyumri Akhuryan Arapi Kamo Ashotsk Amasia Maralik Sarnakhbyur Shirakavan Ani Kayaran Artik Pemzashen Panik Arevshat Mets Mantash

The day of Lake Sevan became a holiday in Armenia in 1999 at the initiative of the Ministry of Nature Protection. On this day, activities to clean the lake and its coast take place, in which both professional environmentalists and volunteers participate. Such initiatives positively affect the ecology of Sevan, while also rendering its historical and natural sights even more attractive for locals and tourists.

Armenia?

For fixed lines: 8 – dial tone - 10 - 374 - (destination code) - (subscriber’s number) For mobile phones: + 374 - (destinations code) - (subscriber’s number) Ararat region Artashat Vedi Ararat Masis

Day of Lake Sevan

27 us

Aug

312 243 00 243 00 243 00 245 246 242 242 91 42 93 242 97 244 244 244 92 244 95 244 96

Viva-Cell MTS - 93, 94, 98, 77 Beeline - 43, 91, 96, 99 Ucom - 55, 95, 41 Kotayk region Hrazdan Abovyan Mayakovski Kamaris Balahovit Aramus Arzni Ptghni Geghashen Kotayk Tsaghkadzor Lernanist Bjni Charentsavan Alapars Arzakan Eghvard Nor Hachn Nor Geghi Zovuni Proshyan Argel

Lori region 223 222 222 90 222 91 222 91 222 93 222 94 222 96 222 97 222 99 223 223 91 223 98 226 226 75 222 72 224 224 224 224 52 224 53 224 54

Vanadzor Lernapat Margahovit Pambak Yeghegnut Dzoraget Lermontovo Vahagni Spitak Alaverdi Tashir Stepanavan

322 322 94 322 96 322 93 322 95 322 97 322 98 322 99 255 253 254 256

Nagorno Karabakh Stepanakert Martakert Hadrut Askeran Shushi Kashatagh Martuni

471 474 475 476 477 477 32 478

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What's so great about

Yerevan

Yerevan is an amazing city. Its beauty and attractions are widely known. Tourists from all over the world come to Yerevan constantly, and some visitors fall so much in love with it that they stay here forever. What is then so great about Yerevan for those who are experienced in traveling around the world and have the opportunity to compare the capital of Armenia with other places? Our editor-in-chief, as a person who has stayed and is permanently living in this city, presents the list of its advantages.

Scenes. These are the well-known panoramas on the Yerevan Cascade or Victory Park, and the landscapes that open, sometimes from the most unexpected places, for example, from a car window in a traffic jam in Zeytun or from a skyscraper in the 1st Massiv. GATE 18

Passenger fares for public transport and taxis. These are very low, in comparison with Russian or European indicators. Until now, I do not see much point in buying a car given the Armenian taxi prices.

Живопись Our capital Historical and cultural monuments. There are so many of them that even if you live in Yerevan for years, you can always discover something new for yourself. Not only is the capital of Armenia itself a real treasury in terms of diverse cultural and historical material (from the National Museum of History and the repository of the ancient manuscripts Matenadaran, up to the galleries of contemporary art), a multitude of interesting objects are located quite close to it. The Mithraic temple of the 1st century AD In Garni, the monastery complex Geghard, carved out in the rock, Khor Virap, where Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned for 15 years, the monastery of Noravank of the 13th century, with its striking architecture, and the world's largest high-mountain lake Sevan can be visited at your pleasure, setting off in the morning and returning to Yerevan in the evening. Climate. A warm, sunny summer and a fairly warm winter. For any northern guest, any further comments are superfluous, I suppose. Affordable cafes, restaurants and food in general. In Yerevan it is easy to keep both

the stomach and the wallet full at the same time. Pubs. A drink in Yerevan can be stylish,

fun and inexpensive.

WiFi. It is of good quality and is free of charge in almost every establishment, as well as in a number of parks and squares. Stomatology. A good quality and incred-

ibly low prices by Russian or European standards.

Water. Incredibly tasty, clean and avail-

Safety. Compared to many places in Europe or to the post-Soviet space, there is no domestic crime in Armenia at all. You can easily go out late at night without fear for your health, life or financial well-being.

able everywhere from the city's water fountains. Moreover, here you can drink from the tap, which in the modern post-industrial world is an infrequent phenomenon. Beautiful girls. Undoubtedly this is one of the most important sights of Armenia and its great pride.

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Sevan, the “Armenian Sea”

Finally it is summer! It is the season of holidays and a good mood. But what a vacation without a beach, golden tan and swimming? Sunny Armenia offers its citizens and guests a summer vacation on the shores of the world's largest mountain lake!

Т he indigo water surface astonishes at the very

first glance. The most spectacular view of the lake opens from the monastery of Sevanavank, founded in the IX century by the princess Mariam Bagratuni, the daughter of King Ashot I. This monastery witnessed both earnest prayers and bloody battles. For example, it was under the walls of Sevanavank, on the shores of Lake Sevan, that King Ashot II the Iron defeated the Arab army in 921. The steep steps taking to the GATE 20

monastery are not easy to climb, but the stream of believers does not stop all year round. By the way, Sevanavank is not just a cultural center, it is also an active religious and educational institution, there is a theological seminary here. And yet in 1930 the monastery was, it would seem, definitively abandoned. In Sevan, everyone can choose a suitable type of recreation. For a low-cost holiday, there is a public beach. It is equipped with all the

necessities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cloakrooms, a bar, and the safety of the guests is closely watched by the rescuers. The traditional type of accommodation in Sevan are the famous small-houses. Small, cozy dwellings in the thick of the forest on the shore of the lake resemble fairy-tale images from your favorite books. Along with them, near Sevan there are also luxury hotels, with high-quality service and ample opportunities for visitors.

Tourism near Sevan is developing every year. At the moment, the project of the underwater sculpture and diving museum is under implementation. At the bottom of the lake will be placed the exact copies of world sights and famous sculptures that will be possible to see, plunging deep into the purest waters of the Sevan. Diving in the Sevan is unusual. The maximum depth of immersion for divers into the lake is 46 meters, and the time spent underwater is 9 minutes.

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The “piece of heaven on Earth”, as the lake is called, has its own characteristics. Sevan is located at an altitude of 1896 m above sea level, so the water in it is cold and becomes warm only by the middle of summer.

Like in seaside resorts, people of extreme tastes can take aquacycles, ride a yacht. The “piece of heaven on Earth”, as the lake is called, has its own characteristics. Sevan is located at an altitude of 1896 m above sea level, so the water in it is cold and becomes warm only by the middle of summer. And this means that for swimming in the “Armenian Sea” you need a strong seasoning to the cold. In addition, the height of the lake makes it necessary to pay special attention to the sun's rays – here you get sunburnt much faster than in other places. On August 27 Armenia marks the Day of Lake Sevan. On this day, mass conservation measures take place with the participation of environmentalists and volunteers. Especially relevant are the measures to clean up the Sevan coast, further improving the quality of recreation. GATE 22

TUFEN

IAN

H E R I TAGE HOTE L S

“Golden Apricot-2017”: Crossroads of Cultures and Civilizations

From

July 9 to 16, the 14th Golden Apricot International Film Festival will be held in Yerevan. During those days, 150 films from all over the world will be shown in the capital of Armenia. Among these are eight films, shown earlier at the Cannes Festival, winners of the Rotterdam, Berlin and Venice festivals. The competition program will be divided into the international Feature competition, international Documentary competition and the national Armenian Panorama competition. 45 Armenian films have been submitted for the 14th “Golden Apricot”. In comparison, at the first festival such were only 2 of the films! The Armenian silent film of 1927, “KhasPush”, shot by the director Hamo Beknazaryan GATE GATE24 8

and based on Raffi’s short story “Those Wearing Silk” and V. Papazyan’s short story “Persia under the Qajars”, will open the film forum. “Golden Apricot-2017” will close with the documentary “Intent to Destroy” directed by Joe Berliner, which tells the story of the Genocide. It is planned to achieve a maximum expansion of the festivalʼs audience – in addition to the already certain venues, the films on competition programs will be shown in seven different locations in Yerevan. For this purpose, the organizing committee will be using mobile cinemas. Support in organizing the festival was provided by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Armenia.

Martiros Saryan: Master of art and life

Martiros Saryan is undoubtedly the brightest figure of the Armenian fine art of modern times. Born in the south of Russia, having received a brilliant professional education in Moscow, Saryan moved to Armenia in 1921 and played a decisive role in the revival of Armenian culture in its historic homeland.

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Martiros Saryan was born in the city of Nakhichevan-on-Don (now Rostov-on-Don), in a large Armenian family. His ancestors came from the ancient Armenian capital Ani. Martiros’ parents were engaged in agriculture, growing wheat. His childhood passed on the countryside in the Azov steppes, on the bank of the Sambek river. He comprehended the life of nature through a sharpened color-worldview, which predetermined his professional choice to become a painter. During his studies at the Novonakhichevan Armenian-Russian city school, he took private lessons in drawing and at the age of 15 he was awarded an appreciation letter. The artist's elder brother, Hovhannes, supported his yearning for artistic education and helped him continue his studies in Moscow. It is true, however, that Saryan’s mother did not approve of her son’s choice, seriously doubting that by becoming an artist he could earn a living. A friend of Hovhannes, the artist Hmayak Artsatpanyan, who studied in Moscow, took patronage over the young man and during a year, prepared him for the entrance exams. In 1897 Saryan be-

came a student of the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture. After graduating, he attended the workshops of V.A. Serov and K.A. Korovin. Thanks to his teachers, Saryan was acquainted with the advanced trends of French art – impressionism and post-impressionism, met with the elite of the Russian intelligentsia. Noting the importance of professional skills acquired at the school, Saryan, having embarked on the path of creating independently, felt the need to overcome the school. Instinct led the artist through a path uncharted in the art, his

imagination craved for new impressions, and he gained them through travels in the Caucasus and Western Armenia. In 1902, he visited his historical hometown Ani. Already in the landscape “Evening in the Armenian village” created in 1903, a colorful palette of the future bright colorist began to form, his somewhat angular lines showing the beginnings of an independent style. During 19041907, there appeared his watercolor cycle “Fairy Tales and Dreams”, full of lyricism and harmony. Saryan made himself known at the exhibitions “Scarlet Rose” in 1904 in Saratov, “Blue Rose” in

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Art

1907 in Moscow. Saryan gradually turned from the technique of watercolor and gouache to tempera painting, and in 1905 he created the work “The Enchantment of the Sun”. The year of its creation coincided with the first exhibition of fauvist artists, led by Henri Matisse in Paris. Seeing in 1906 the work of the post-impressionists in the Moscow collection of the patron of arts S.I. Shchukin, Saryan realized that the path chosen by him in art was right and in the following years, he continued to develop his style in this direction. After acquaintance with the French he went not to Paris, but to the East, to Turkey (1910), Egypt, (1911) and Persia (1913). He painted the usual, everyday life of these countries, surprising art connoisseurs with bright colors and an individual vision of the most characteristic things. Upon his return, Saryan exhibited his eastern cycles at the most famous exhibitions in Moscow and St. Petersburg: “Mir iskusstva (World of Art)”, “Union of Russian Artists”, “Association of Moscow Artists”. In 1910, two works of Saryan were acquired by the Tretyakov Gallery. Exhibited in Rome in 1911, his Egyptian paintings – “Egyptian Masks”, “Night Landscape. Egypt”, “The Walking Woman” and others caused a real sensation in the circles of GATE 28

art lovers. In 1912, in London, at the second post-impressionistic exhibition, Saryanʼs “Constantinople Dogs” were presented. In 1914, Martiros Saryan went to Tiflis, where, together with members of the Armenian Ethnographic Society, he was working on the organization of the Transcaucasia branch of the “Society of Zealots of Armenian Antiquities”, established in Moscow, under the Lazarevsky Institute. He traveled much around the South Caucasus, kept records and studies of historical monuments, drew sketches and again exhibited his paintings in Moscow. The murderous events that began in 1915 in the Ottoman Empire changed his whole life. The artist closed his workshop in Moscow and went to Echmiadzin to participate in the organization of assistance to thousands of Armenian refugees who had miraculously escaped an almost certain death. Having reached the Ararat valley, many of them were perishing from hunger and epidemics. Unable to withstand what he saw, Saryan fell ill and was on the verge of mental disorder. His friends transported him to Tiflis. Here he found the strength to gradually get back to normal life, he began to paint. The lost interest in life was revived in him thanks to Lusik Aghayan, the daughter of the famous Armenian writer, Ghazaros

Art Aghayan, whom he loved at first sight and for life. In 1916, Lusik became the artistʼs wife, his eternal muse and the ideal of feminine beauty. After the October Revolution in Rostov-onDon, Saryan became the director of his brainchild – the Armenian Museum of Local History. Artistic creativity, nevertheless, remained the main sphere of his activity. In 1919, he exhibited 45 of his works at the Rostov exhibition “Lotus”. In 1921, at the invitation of the Chairman of the Council of Peopleʼs Commissars of the Republic of Armenia, Alexander Myasnikyan, Martiros Saryan and his family permanently moved to Yerevan and actively joined the process of the revival of their Motherland. He developed sketches for the emblem and the flag of the Armenian state, participated in the foundation of the First State Museum of Armenia and headed its works, organized the Association of Fine Arts Workers and the Yerevan Art College, created a curtain for the First Dramatic Theater of Armenia and closely collaborated with the latter. In 1926, Martiros Saryan went to Paris, where he lived and worked for one and a half years and organized his personal exhibition. However, most of Saryan’s Parisian paintings burned down on the road to homeland in the

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fire that broke out on the ship in the port of Constantinople. Only those paintings survived that he managed to sell, back in Paris or those he brought with him. The Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 had a tremendous impact on the works of Martiros Saryan: he experienced this event not only as a global one, but also as a personal one, as his son Ghazar went to the front. But the master continued to work fruitfully. After the Victory, Saryanʼs life was not easy either – he was accused of lack of ideology, adherence to French bourgeois art and anti-popular formalism. Saryan was able to breathe freely only after Khrushchev came to power and the “Khrushchev Thaw” began. In 1965, the 85th anniversary of Martiros Saryan was celebrated on a grand scale, and solo exhibitions in Moscow, Leningrad, Tbilisi and Yerevan were timed to it. At that time he was awarded the title of Hero of Socialist Labor, and at the film studio Armenfilm the director Laert Vagharshyan created a documentary dedicated to Saryan, with the narrative text by the famous writer and publicist Ilya Ehrenburg. In 1966, the memoir of the artist, “From My Life”, was published. In 1967, his house-museum opened in Yerevan. Saryan did not stop working until the end of his life. He created his last drawing a month before his death. Saryan died on May 5, 1972, at the age of 92 and was buried in the Komitas Pantheon. Martiros Saryan is a great artist, but his contribution to the culture of the Armenian people and the world as a whole is not limited to this. He proved an able organizer and tireless fighter for the preservation of cultural heritage. Many monuments on the territory of the Armenian SSR – for example, the church of St. Zoravor – have been preserved by the efforts of Saryan. Moreover, the artist was able to defend the Armenian cathedral of Surb Khach in Rostov, which not only was not destroyed, but in 1958 it was restored, something unheard of for the USSR! As a deputy to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, and then of the Armenian SSR, he supported young talented people, helped them enter the best universities in the country, and took care of them in every possible way. Martiros Saryan’s true magnitude is reflected not only in his brilliant art, but in his entire life.

When modernity merges seamlessly with history, real art is created – one that is original, special and that creates an artistic bridge between the past and the future. Such is the jewelry of the brand “Pregomesh”, which uses Armenian ornaments, but in an amazingly modern interpretation. Here, a unique ethnic style is combined with global fashion trends. This jewelry became known to the whole world from the video clip of the Armenian singer Sirusho. In 2012, inspired by the song of Komitas “Lorva Gutanerg”, Sirusho wrote and presented the music video “PreGomesh”, which was nominated for World Music Awards in the categories of “Best Video” and “Best Song”. The fate of this song went beyond the ordinary: it ceased to be just a song, it gradually evolved into fashion and a trend. In the much-talked-of clip, Sirusho demonstrated that

national-ethnic jewelry is not just history, but also a modern fashion accessory. This is how the new line of stylish jewelry was born. Sirusho herself explains the creation of the brand as a spontaneous idea. According to Sirusho, for the first time this jewelry was presented in the video clip “Pregomesh”, but no one back then had even a thought about producing something like that. After the premiere of the video clip, Armenian women of fashion began to manifest an unprecedented interest in the forgotten national jewelry and ornaments. The team itself did not expect this: the girls, who had used to prefer only modern popular jewelry, began to “dig into the chests” in order to find forgotten Armenian jewelry that could be combined with modern clothes. The first samples were made for Sirusho. She wore them during her tours abroad, and no one remained indifferent to them. Everyone was asking where they came from, where one could purchase exactly such jewelry. And it became clear that jewelry with such themes could interest not only Armenian women, but also fashion-conscious women of foreign countries. So the idea of creating the brand was born.

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what, in you opinion, is the main peculiarity of pregomesh? Sirusho: “My goal is to see Armenian girls more original and distinctive. I want them to radically differ from other nations. We create products that speak about the character of a person, about a people with an ancient history and values. Such jewelry reveals a girl who is not afraid of taking risks, who dictates her own style in the field of modern fashion.”

what is the future of pregomesh jewelry? is it possible that among pregomesh jewelry there will also feature the jewelry of other periods? are there any new ideas? together with “armenia tourism” magazine, letʼs share part of your creative and unique ideas but also leave some intrigue in the thoughts and hearts of the fans. Sirusho: “The brand started in the Armenian market with scanty marketing and advertising tools. Our fans themselves became the promoters of the brand. Today you can read about the achievements of Pregomesh in the British Vogue. We are at a very active stage of the development of the brand: we receive numerous proposals for cooperation, so that all the best is there to come.” Sirusho plays an important role in developing the design and image of each fashion-product of this rather young but already well-known brand. Working with the best handicraftsmen of Armenia, Pregomesh presents to its customers jewelry that carries a centuries-old history. The jewelry is made of sterling silver; it looks original and is quite affordable. Despite its young age, Pregomesh has conquered the hearts of women of fashion in Armenia, USA, Canada, China, Russia, Australia and many other countries. GATE 34

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KHACHKARS: Armenian

Cross-Stones

If you ask an Armenian what is the most important symbol of his country, he, without hesitation, will answer – khachkars, memorial carved stone crosses. Throughout Armenia there are tens of thousands of them. And not only there. In any corner of the world where there are Armenians, you can find these monuments, works of art, items of national craft. Armenians call khachkars the face of Armenia, and the traditional patterns and ornaments on them are wrinkles reflecting the history and time.

It is believed that the prototype of khachkars

were vishaps – mythological creatures, deities and water spirits, which since ancient times were carved out of solid stone and installed at water sources. The height of the vishaps discovered by archaeologists reaches five meters. Among the images on them were fish similar to catfish, as well as birds, artiodactyls and even spread-out animal hides. Later the significance of vishaps was transformed and became associated with fairy dragons. By the way, the word “vishap” is translated from Armenian as “dragon”. In Nonna Stepanyan's book “The Art of Armenia”, it is described how, in the course of time, vishaps were gradually replaced by stone monuments – arrows with reliefs reflecting the early Christian iconography. These arrows were the adopted form of gravestones and later became the basis for creating a new form of decorative relief – khachkars. In 301, Armenians officially adopted Christianity, which became the state religion. This proved not only an important event in the spiritual life of GATE 36

the Armenian people, but also a harbinger of the heyday of architecture and decorative sculptural relief. The true development and distribution of khachkars occurred several centuries later, finally displacing the former shape of stone arrows. Khachkars became a symbol of Christian faith, a kind of evidence of the inhabitants’ belonging to the new Christian world. Each khachkar, created by hand by talented craftsmen, is unique. None of them are alike, although they are kept most often in a single style. Since ancient times, khachkars have not only decorated tombstones, but were also erected in honor of the construction of cathedrals and churches, water canals, the construction of new villages and on the occasion of other significant events. The place of the installation of the khachkar was considered holy and undefiled. Many khachkars have been preserved in ancient Armenian cemeteries, where they can still be admired both by Armenian residents and tourists interested in the culture of this remarkable country.

Architecture Мода In many respects due to the spread of khachkars, Armenia is often called an open-air museum, because the magnificent stone crosses can be found not only in important places, but also in the ordinary courtyards of blocks of houses and even in completely abandoned corners. The classical structure of the khachkars is a monolithic stone block, in the center of which a cross is carved, often growing out of a circle or grain, branched or covered with flowers. Ornamental images curl around the cross – often on the theme of grapevine and pomegranate, because they are the favorite symbols in the decorative art of Armenia. The State Museum of History of Armenia, located on the Republic Square in Yerevan, stores samples

pacted and cemented. According to a television interview of Varazdat Hambardzumyan, a mastercarver from Yerevan, it is impossible to imagine an Armenian praying in front of marble or granite. Crosses have been made for centuries by the Armenian people from tuff, and they believe that this volcanic rock can even absorb all the negative things, for example, illness, from the hands of the sculptor who works with it, or from someone else who touched the stone. Tuff is available in a variety of colors: yellow, orange, red, brown, pink, gray and black. In order to create patterns, sculptors-stone carvers first draw them on a stencil, and then carve them on the stone with special tools. The polishing of almost ready khachkars is

on which it is possible to trace the history of khachkars and the evolution of their forms up to modern times. If in ancient times the patterns surrounded the cross itself, later the khachkars began to resemble more and more a continuous stone lace, in which the cross shifted from the center and was closely intertwined with the ornament. Later, in the place of the cross even the letters of the Armenian alphabet began to appear. Traditionally, the khachkar is made of tuff – a dense rock, formed out of the solid products of volcanic eruptions, which are subsequently com-

affectionately called a massage by Armenian masters. To polish the pattern is to massage it. Khachkars still retain their main artistic principle – the disclosure of the beauty of the stone plane. It is thanks to this principle that particularly large specimens resemble small pieces of carved walls, which are sometimes mounted in single blocks, becoming a decorative element of the facade – for example, of a cathedral. Khachkars are an original phenomenon of the Armenian memorial sculpture, which is not found in any other culture of the world.

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journey Мода Artsakh: Cultural and Historical

Treasury of the Armenian

Civilization The Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) is the second Armenian state in Transcaucasia. It declared independence on September 2, 1992. Artsakh is the historical name of one of the 15 regions of Great Armenia since the 4th c. BC. The ethnic composition of this region has remained unchanged throughout history. The people of Artsakh are carriers of the “pure” Armenian gene. Thanks to the wealth and beauty of nature, Artsakh is called “little Switzerland”.

Guests

visiting this region should first of all pay attention to the purest mountain air, which changes its taste, depending on the weather, as well as the landscape of continuously changing mountain ridges. Guests of Artsakh are met by the capital of the republic – the city of Stepanakert, named in honor of the leader of the Caucasian Bolsheviks, chief among the 26 Baku commissars, Stepan Shahumyan. The city is small. Everything here is compact and cozy. With the onset of warm weather, the central square of Freedom and the nearby famous “Pyatachok” (patch), where the monument to Stepan Shahumyan is erected, are crowded. Here come for a walk both children riding on roller skates and bicycles, and the elderly. Every night, music plays there, suitable to the tastes of all music lovers and accompanying a small fountain. Due to the influx of tourists, there are many hotels in GATE GATE40 8

the city that can accommodate everyone. In private houses there are also hostels, where the guests of Artsakh are welcomed by the hospitable hosts. Not far from Stepanakert there is a monument “We and our mountains” or, as local residents like to call them, “Grandfather and Grandmother”, which have become a kind of a symbol of Artsakh. The monument features the heads of the grandfather and grandmother in the national headdress. The sculpture symbolizes the roots of the Artsakh people and is dedicated to the long-livers. The monument is not accidentally installed in Karabakh, because for a long time this region was considered the world champion in longevity. The nearby park with benches is a place popular with lovers. The second most important city in the Republic is Shushi. Back in the 18th century it was the center of the melikdom (princedom) of Varanda. At the entrance to Shushi, you can see the walls of the fortress,

In the vicinity of Shushi there is a picturesque waterfall, Mamrot Kar, better known here as Umbrellas

journey built by its melik (prince) Melik-Shahnazar. The city is situated at an altitude of 1368 m above the sea level and is surrounded by impregnable rocks and gorges, which have made it almost impregnable. Today in the walls of the fortress there operates the only prison in Artsakh. In the 19th century Shushi was considered one of the cultural centers of the Caucasus. Europeans called it “a small Caucasian Paris”. Here there were the theater, schools, libraries, printing houses and much more. However, at the beginning of the 20th century the city was burnt down by the Turkish invaders. In the center of Shushi there is the snowwhite cathedral of Christ the Savior Ghazanchetsots. In the years of the liberation war of 1991-1994 the Azerbaijanis used it as a weapon storage. After the war was over, the cathedral was restored by Armenians in its original form. At night, it looks even more airy and heavenly. The authorities of Artsakh are trying to restore the former glory of the cultural center to the city, so the Ministry of Culture has been moved here, and also exhibitions, museums and educational institutions have been opened here. Taking a short walk from Shushi, down the mountain slope, the traveler gets straight into a fairy tale. This is Jdrduz, also known as Hunot. It is a gorge, which became a natural reserve. At its top, one wants to forget about all worldly worries

and to feel like a part of nature. And at the foot, along the river flowing among the rocks, nature has created such images that, it would seem, can only be found on canvas. Among other sights of Artsakh, undoubtedly, in the first place is the Gandzasar monastery (in Armenian Gandz – treasure, sar – mountain) in the Martakert region. The monastery was built in the 13 th century by prince HasanJalal Dawla, who founded the Hasan-Jalalyan dynasty of the Catholicoses from the Artsakh Diocese. A descendant of the prince, Yesayi Hasan-Jalalyan in the 17 th century played an important role in the organization of the national liberation movement of Artsakh. The monastery is often called a pearl of Armenian architecture. “Gandzasar is peculiar and exceptional. It is impossible to indicate another such monument on the Armenian land,” wrote the historian of Armenian architecture A. Jacobson.

Another historical monument that should be visited in Artsakh is the Dadivank monastery.

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About two hundred inscriptions can be found on the structures and memorial stelae of the monastery, which are sources for studying the history of not only this province, but that of the whole Armenia. The Gandzasar Monastery is one of the five best monuments of Armenia, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Another historical monument that should be visited in Artsakh is the Dadivank monastery. It is located in the Shahumyan district. The monastic complex is located on the hillside and is surrounded by dense forests on all sides. The temple is built on the grave of St. Dadi, a disciple of the apostle Thaddeus, one of the first preachers of Christianity in Armenia, who died in the 1st century. Let us smoothly move to another side of Karabakh – the Hadrud region (Persian hadd – border, rud – river). The most interesting sights here are the cave of Azokh and the church of Kataravank or Dizapayt. In 2005, in the Lowland Karabakh, near the spring and the fortress Shahbulag, they discovered the ruins of the ancient city of Tigranakert, founded by the King of Armenia Tigran the Great (95-55 BC). On the territory of Artsakh there are many other architectural and historical monuments of no less importance. Any local resident can indicate the road and tell their story. What is needed is only the wish and enthusiasm of the guests ... While visiting Artsakh, one cannot help trying the local cuisine and the exclusive alcohol products – wine, cognac or brandy. The various tastes of high-quality local alcohol will not fail to impress even the most demanding sommelier. Entire alcoholic tours are available, among which the recognized leader is “Artsakh Brandy Company”, the largest producer of strong alcoholic beverages on the territory of the republic. Within the framework of these events, guests can visit the company's factory, get acquainted with the production process and, of course, degustate its products.

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Alexander Tamanyan:

Guardian of the Past and Creator of the Future There are people who, with their lives, work and inventions, not only surpass the common level of their time, but also anticipate the advent of new eras. Exactly like this was the Armenian founder of the architecture of Yerevan, the author of the general plan of Yerevan, Alexander Tamanyan.

orn in 1878, Ekaterinodar (modern Krasnodar), having reB ceived a special education in St. Petersburg and having become

there a successful and sought-after architect (suffice it to mention the projects of the mansion of V.P. Kochubey, an apartment house of Prince S.A. Shcherbatov, Yaroslavl Agricultural Exhibition and many other projects of his design implemented in Russia), Tamanyan did not hesitate to move to his historical homeland, which then achieved the long-awaited independence. In 1919, for the first time, the master came to the Armenian state, now known as the First Republic (1918-1920). For many years before that, Alexander Tamanyan had been interested in Armenian architecture. As early as 1908, Nikolai Marr, who conducted excavations in Ani, commissioned him a museum project in this capital of the medieval Armenian kingdom. A little later the architect declared to his friends: â&#x20AC;&#x153;You will see, I will live in Armenia and build there.â&#x20AC;? As a matter of fact, Alexander Tamanyan did not manage to build anything under the First Republic. In the fall of 1920, the republic fell under the blows of Soviet troops, and the architect was forced to leave with his family for Iran, where he lived for some time in Tabriz.

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celebrities However, the desire to create in the homeland still took over Alexander Tamanyan's soul – all the more, Armenia still remained on the world map, even though as a Soviet Socialist Republic. As a result, under the personal guarantees of the Council of People's Commissars of the Armenian SSR, in 1923 the architect returned to his now native Yerevan. Already in 1924, he presented to the government a general plan of the city, full of innovative ideas and rational town-planning solutions. Later this plan was reworked, but its main points remained unchanged. According to Tamanyan's idea, Yerevan was to be divided into several zones – administrative, university, industrial, cultural, museum – connected to each other and to the center. Two squares – Theatrical square and Lenin’s square, linked together by the Northern Avenue – became the centers of the city. A special advantage

million people. Seeing it as the heir of the ancient capitals of Armenia, the architect with particular scrupulousness approached the design of buildings in which he managed to connect Armenian national architectural traditions with the most modern solutions. Alexander Tamanyan’s productivity is surprising: in addition to the general plan of Yerevan, in the period from 1925 to 1932, many important architectural objects of the city were designed by him. On top of it, Tamanyan created not only in Yerevan! He is the author of the general plan of Leninakan – this was how Gyumri was called back then – Echmiadzin, Gavar and other cities and towns of Armenia. In addition, Alexander Tamanyan presided over the Committee for the Protection of Historical Monuments of the Armenian SSR, which, in the context of the aggressive renewal and destruction of religious and cultural

of Tamanyan's plan was the arrangement of city streets and buildings, which was such that across many of them there opened a view to Mount Ararat. Yerevan, thanks to the architect's plan, became compact and comfortable. It is noteworthy that, despite the fact that initially the project was designed for a city with a population of 150 thousand people, the potential of Tamanyan's plan proved sufficient for the modern Yerevan with a

structures of the past, characteristic of the first years of Soviet power, was a difficult and unsafe matter. Tamanyan’s project of the government building, located on Lenin Square, which is now called the Republic Square, is singular. This building, executed in the style of neoclassicism, gave a start to the development of all modern Armenian architecture.

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celebrities

No less significant is the project of the People's House, the first theater in Yerevan, which was to become truly massive, housing numerous spectators. It was assumed to accommodate up to 3 thousand spectators. In the Peopleʼs House, a lot of technical innovations were planned – for example, two semicircular halls, the winter hall and the summer hall, could in special cases be united into the total volume of the stage. The summer hall did not have an outside wall and had to be opened in the square. And the scene of one of the halls (now the opera house) was to be opened into the hall with three apertures that gave an opportunity to create various special effects in the course of the performance. Unfortunately, Tamanyan's project has not been fully implemented so far. Completed in 1953, the theater, which is now known as the National Theater of Opera and Ballet after A. Spendiarian, is only a partial embodiment of the architect's ideas. The people's house is not the only project of the maestro that he never saw in his lifetime. The Government House and Central Square would appear in Yerevan only after decades, and the Northern Avenue would be implemented only in 2007. Further, a number of ideas by Alexander Tamanyan remained on paper. The incompleteness of many projects, the need to concede and compromise on every stage of his life were Tamanyan’s main tragedies. Later, the gradual deterioration of vision accrued to them...

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Being a member of the Central Executive Committee of the Armenian SSR, having the title of Peopleʼs Architect of the Republic, Alexander Tamanyan lived very modestly in his everyday life. His friends repeatedly asked the government to improve the living conditions of the master, who himself, however, never acted with such initiatives. Despite modest conditions, Tamanyanʼs house was always attended by prominent artists of Armenia, who were also his friends. Among them were Martiros Saryan, Avetik Isahakyan, Alexander Spendiarian and many others. Near the Yerevan Cascade, in the square named after Tamanyan, one can see the architect’s monument. The maitre is leaning on three stones. The left one symbolizes the old architecture, the right one is the new architecture, and Tamanyan himself, with his works, seems to be throwing a bridge between the two. Tamanyan turned Yerevan from a small provincial town into a real capital of Armenia – a modern, constantly developing and growing city, at the same time reflecting all the enormous cultural heritage of the Armenian people. Such were the capitals of Armenia of the past – Tigranakert, Ani, Dvin and others, once splendid cities. Such is Tamanyanʼs Yerevan too, the capital of the present and the future.

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Opera Мода

Y EREVAN OPERA FE S T World Famous Opera Singers

at the 1st International From April 27 until April 30, in the Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet named after Alexander Spendiaryan, the First International Yerevan Opera Fest was held, conforming to all international standards. The festival was held under the high patronage of the First Lady of the Republic of Armenia Rita Sargsyan and with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Armenia. The Artistic director of the First International Yerevan Opera Fest has been the artistic director of the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet after A. Spendiaryan, Honored Artist of Russia, Konstantin Orbelyan.

The festival was attended by such world stars

as tenor Stephen Costello (USA), baritone of Armenian origin Rodion Pogossov (Russia), baritone Georgy Gagnidze (Georgia), soprano Barbara Frittoli (Italy), conductor Chris Rusman (Great Britain), as well as soloists of the National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet after A. Spendiaryan, soprano Hasmik Torosyan, tenor Liparit Avetisyan and baritone Arnold Kocharyan. The First International Yerevan Opera Fest was dedicated to the cherished memory of the famous opera artist Gegham Grigoryan. The daughter of the Maestro, Hasmik Grigoryan, who has already won recognition all over the world, spoke at the opening ceremony of the fest on April 27. The fest was also attended by Stephen Costello and Rodion Pogossov. During the second day of the fest, Barbara Frittoli and Georgy Gagnidze performed on stage. In the first two days of the festival, the orchestra was conducted by the artistic director of the Fest, Maestro Konstantin Orbelyan.

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On the final day, April 30, the spectator relished the famous opera by G. Verdi “La Traviata”, directed by Gegham Grigoryan. Soloist of the theater, soprano Hasmik Torosyan starred as Violetta, soloist of the theater, tenor Liparit Avetisyan starred as Alfred and soloist of the theater, baritone Arnold Kocharyan starred as Germont. The orchestra performed under the direction of conductor Chris Rusman (Great Britain). The world-famous opera singer Barbara Frittoli, who is also a good friend of Konstantin Orbelyan, despite her very busy schedule, held a master class for beginner vocalists. The participants of the fest were very impressed by the warm reception of the Armenian audience. Now we are looking forward to the continuation of the tradition that has been splendidly established.

Govhar Agha Mosque

in Shushi â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the gem of Persian culture

in Artsakh The Republic of Artsakh has traditionally been perceived as a stronghold of Christianity in the South Caucasus. This is not surprising, given its history and modern statistics, according to which this state ranks second in the ratio of the Christian population (which totals 99.9%) to citizens of other religions. However, Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) has also a rich Muslim history, as well as a vast cultural heritage, connected with the Iranian religious and political influence of the past.

n this context, a real pearl is the city of Shushi, where excavations of the Upper Mosque, also known as the Govhar Agha Mosque, were recently completed. This event was a signal for the beginning of the restoration work, which undertook the Iranian company Part Saman Jahan Co. in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of Artsakh. A group of specialists from Iran under the leadership of architect Saeid Nahavandi, at the request of the Department of Tourism and Historical Environment Protection of Nagorno-Karabakh, has already presented the project of a restored mosque. The sponsor of the restoration was the Armenian Foundation for the Revival of Oriental Historical Legacy. The choice of the Iranian partner for such a demanding cause is not accidental, since Muslim monuments on the territory of the republic are part of Persian culture. The Iranian masters approached their work with particular care, studied all available archival materials concerning the ancient appearance of the Shushi used to be divided into Christian and Muslim parts.

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History

govhar agha is not just a mosque: it's a whole religious complex, which also included a madrasa, and a small cemetery. GATE GATE52 8

mosque and the whole city, almost destroyed during the war of the early 90's. Shushi itself is remarkable with its unique geographical location (it is located at an altitude of 1300-1500 m above sea level), with its vivid history and rich cultural heritage. According to archaeologists, since the Middle Ages, the fortress that was built in these places, acted as an important stronghold of the princedom (melikdom) of Varanda. It is mentioned as Karkar, by a number of Arab and Persian authors of the 9 th-14th centuries. Located near Shushi and in the city itself, there are much more ancient artifacts. Some, for example, testify the connection of the inhabitants of these places with the state of Urartu of IX-VI centuries BC. Shushi is a real center of Armenian culture. Khachkars dating from the X century AD are found here, and the handwritten Gospel of the XV century, created by calligraphy and miniature masters of Shushi, is kept in the Yerevan Matenadaran. As for the Persian culture, it began to penetrate the region with the establishment of the reign of the Persian Empire over Eastern Armenia, led by the Sassanid dynasty in the V century AD. With the adoption of Islam in Persia, these territories continued to remain in the orbit of its influence.

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History name. Govhar Agha is not just a mosque: it's a whole religious complex, which also used to include a madrasa, and a small cemetery. Iranian specialists, under the leadership of Mr. Nahavandi, are planning to restore the madrasa as well. As for the cemetery, one can see there many ancient graves with inscriptions in Persian and Arabic, which too is an evidence that the Muslim population of Shushi of the past belonged to Iranian culture and also an evidence of the respect of the Armenian population of Shushi for them. In recent years, the authorities of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic have paid special attention to reviving the historical appearance of Shushi. To date, many historical buildings and churches of the city have been restored and are in a proper condition; museums, an art gallery, educational institutions do operate. Under the protection of the government are also the mosques, and soon we will be able to see the Govhar Agha in all its glory.

Since XVIII century, Turkic tribes also appeared in Karabakh. They managed to take advantage of disagreements between Artsakh meliks and to found the Karabakh Khanate, which was vassal in relation to Persia. In 1813, after the Russo-Persian war, this territory passed on to the Russian Empire. The Russian influence, on the one hand, did not stop the development of Shushi as a city (the corresponding status was obtained in 1847), and on the other hand, it did not become an obstacle to the penetration of Muslim Shiite culture there â&#x20AC;&#x201C; both Persian and Turkic. Nevertheless, 55% of the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population was Armenian. In 1883 in Shushi there appeared the mosque that is now being restored, the Govhar Agha Mosque, also known as the Upper Mosque. Its creator was the Persian architect Karbalayi Safikhan. Later, the mosque changed its appearance several times. One of the restorations, for example, was held at the personal request of the wife of the Persian Shah, Fath Ali Govhar. It is in honor of Queen Govhar that the mosque has its modern GATE 54

one of the restorations, for example, was held at the personal request of the wife of the persian shah, fath ali govhar, who was also the granddaughter of panakh khan. it is in honor of queen govhar that the mosque has its modern name.

teaching the basics

Armenia is remarkable not only for its ancient history, bright and original culture, fabulous nature and delicious food. Among its important advantages are the low prices for goods, products and services. We will provide only several examples of the convenience of Armenia in this respect.

n the past too, the country used to feature Iquite cheap taxi services, but with the arrival of

Yandex service in its capital, Yerevan, prices for private transportation now start with 200 drams ($ 0.42). The average cost of a taxi ride in Yerevan is 1000 drams ($ 2.08). In the regional centers it is about one and a half times less. The cities of Armenia are full of economic and sufficiently high-quality catering establishments. It is especially so for Yerevan – cafes and pizzerias can be found here almost at every corner. Within 1000 drams one person can actually eat lunch. There are, of course, establishments of a much higher level of quality and price. For a long-time stay in Yerevan, you can rent an apartment at a price of 60 000 drams ($ 125) per month, but an average-quality apartment will cost a bit more – 75 000-100 000 drams ($ 156-208). Prices in the provinces, again, are much lower. Luxury apartments, however, can be found for the same period of time with prices around 1-2 thousand dollars. Dentistry is the branch of medicine that Armenia can rightfully be proud of. And the point

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here is not only in quality, but also in price. On average, tooth treatment here costs from 7,000 drams ($15), which is, to put it mildly, an acceptable indicator for foreigners. It is possible to dress inexpensively in Yerevan for the sum of 10 000 drams ($ 21) – for this there are a number of chain stores, and for the thrill-seekers – the markets. Approximately the same prices can be found in other cities of Armenia. More demanding needs can be satisfied in boutiques and branded stores, which in the country and, especially, in its capital are also countless. Prices for food in Armenian stores and supermarkets in general correspond to those established in the Russian province. Armenia is very affordable, both for a tourist who has come to look at it sights, and for a freelancer or downshifter, who has decided to live here for a while. The country features one of the best indicators in terms of the ratio of prices for goods and services, and their quality, which cannot but please its guests.

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The Holy Land

with â&#x20AC;&#x153;Armeniaâ&#x20AC;? Air Company

On May 17, Armenia Air company launched a new flight direction to the capital of Israel, Tel Aviv. Flights will be carried out twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays so that passengers can have a weekend in Armenia and Israel. The airline has remained true to its pricing policy: the previously announced price of the one-way ticket has not changed: it is 49 euros without taxes. If the passenger purchases a ticket 45 days prior to departure, the one-way ticket price, including taxes, will be 102 euros. The maximum cost of a round-trip ticket is $ 380-400. The ticket price includes 20 kg baggage and 10 kg hand luggage. GATE 58

The airline offers its passengers a comprehensive service: warm food on board, as well as wine, beer, mulberry-, cornelian cherry- and apricot-vodka produced in Armenia. All of this is accessible to both business and economy class passengers. If the passenger purchases a ticket 45 days prior to departure, the one-way ticket price, including taxes, will be 102 euros.

Tickets can be purchased on the airline's website (www.armeniafly.com), as well as

in the company’s head office, located at 10 Vazgen Sargsyan St, Yerevan. In addition, the airline cooperates with more than 100 agencies, and the passenger can purchase a ticket at an agency of his choice. On May 17, the presentation of the first flight Yerevan-Tel-Aviv-Yerevan was hosted at the departure hall of Zvartnots airport. The CEO of the Air Company “Armenia” Robert Oganesian, head of the Civil Aviation Agency Deputy General Manager of the Government Sergey Avetisyan, The chief manager assistant of the “Armenia International Airports” company Andranik Shkhian, tourism agency directors and other airline partners had come to be present for the flight taking off with its first passengers.

Before telling about the flight, Robert Oganesyan placed a symbolic aircraft on the world map, signaling the start of a new direction. The CEO of the airline thanked Sergey Avetisyan for the great support provided, as well as the management of the Zvartnots airport for the 50% discount provided to the airline for a year, which will contribute to the development of the flight. “I hope that soon our presence on the world map will expand, and the planes with the Armenian flag will fly to other countries as well. Thanks to this flight, tourists with foreign currency will arrive in the country, new jobs will open, and our airline will have passengers,” said Oganesyan.

The Head of the Civil Aviation Department of Armenia, Sergey Avetisyan congratulated the airline on the new flight, noting that the aviation authorities of Armenia had been negotiating for a long time with the relevant departments of Israel, so that the regular flights Yerevan-Tel-Aviv-Yerevan became a reality. The first passengers flew to Tel Aviv, receiving from the airline cards for a 10% discount and chocolate airplanes. We wish everyone a pleasant flight and a soft landing.

Find us online at: www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

Yerevan Jazz Fest: The Star's Dream Come True

here was no limit to the delight of the TArmenian spectators, when the diva of world

her material to the audience in Yerevan, including the incomparable New Orleans compositions, jazz, the three-time Grammy winner Dee Dee which caused the admiration of the audience. Bridgewater addressed them in their native She was accompanied by the state jazz orchestra language from the scene of the Karen Demirchyan of Armenia under the lead of Armen Hyusnunts, Sports and Concerts complex. This happened who brilliantly accomplished his task. last fall, when the singer visited Armenia for the “Yerevan Jazz Fest 2016” was dedicated to the annual “Yerevan Jazz Fest”. American producer of Armenian descent George Since 1968, after visiting USSR for the first Avakian, known for working with such stars as time, Dee Dee Bridgewater dreamed of coming to Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis and Keith Jareth. Armenia, and her dream came true. The actress Armenian Jazz Association and Mezzo was impressed by the extraordinary beauty of the Production, the organizers of the festival, are country, the hospitality of the Armenian people, real cultural brands of the republic, indicators of their history, culture and way of life. Realizing her the highest level of the event. “Yerevan Jazz Fest dream, Bridgewater made happy hundreds of 2017” will be held at the same high level, and local jazz fans. will delight the audience with good music and Armenia occupies a special place in the heart star guests. of the singer. According to the diva, she is very closely connected with the Armenian culture – she has performed the songs of Charles Aznavour and is familiar with the work of pianist Tigran Hamasyan. In conversations with journalists, Ms. Bridgewater spoke about the achievements and honorable features of the Armenian people with humor, empathy and sincere interest. Armenians, as has been noted by the star-guest of Yerevan, easily adapt in any country, which creates the impression of their ubiquitous presence. Having complained that she is unfamiliar with Armenian jazz, Dee Dee Bridgewater presented GATE 60

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Museums

GYUMRI: CITY-MUSEUM IN THE OPEN AIR

Gyumri, a city that claims to be the cultural capital of Armenia, is notable for numerous monuments of history and architecture. These are the ancient buildings of the historical center, the Cathedral of St. Amenaprakich (Saint Savior), the Church of the Holy Mother of God, and the X-XI centuries’ monastery complex Marmarashen, located just 10 kilometers from here, as well as museums, drama and puppet theaters. The devastating earthquake of 1988 severely damaged this “Armenian St. Petersburg”, but it proved incapable of destroying the original culture of Gyumri’s people. However, Gyumri is also truly a center of sculpture, where, while going out for a walk, you can enjoy samples of artistic creativity from around the world. Moreover, in the city there began works on the creation of a museum of Soviet sculptures. About the cultural and historical appearance of Gyumri and about the new initiative, we talked with the author of the “Soviet project”, the director of the National Sculpture Park of the Republic of Armenia, Artur Gevorgyan, who kindly agreed to conduct for our reader a small virtual tour of the past, present and future of the city.

Artur, please tell us about your project. Being a sculptor by profession and vocation, I have often asked myself: why is it necessary to demolish a monument and install another one in its place? In the entire post-Soviet space, monuments are being massively destroyed, but this is our history ... Already in 2013, during the international symposium in Gyumri, which I conducted as the president of a public organization, the idea was born to open a sculpture park and then to develop it. Not without the participation of the Armenian Ministry of Culture and the Mayor's Office of Gyumri, we decided to focus specifically on the Sots Art, i.e. sculptures and monuments of chiefs and leaders GATE 62

of the Communist Party, demolished in the ‘90s, as well as other attributes of Soviet reality. At the moment, we are a branch of the historical and cultural reserve National Park-Museum of Sculpture of the Republic of Armenia. This is an architectural and cultural-historical park, a reserve, which includes also our museum. We have a place directly connected with the Soviet theme – the Gyumri ensemble of Mother Armenia, the Armenian cultural monument! All over USSR there were and are such monuments – Mother-homeland, or something similar under a different name. With us, it is the large statue by the famous maestro of Armenia, Ara

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Sargsyan. Soon there will be a building where the found sculptures will be located. So we can protect them, bring them in order and make an exposition. For this purpose, already for a year we have been working on the concept: we want to make an agitational train that will visually resemble the Soviet staff – with wagons, a semi-station (semistancia), a half-station (semivokzal) in the style of Soviet modernity. It will stand in one place, and inside there will be a library, an exhibition hall, a small office part, a living room. In the rear part of the complex we will place workshops for the restoration of sculptures – in fact, those monuments that were demolished and abandoned are now in a deplorable condition. Why Soviet sculpture in the XXI century? The purpose of our project is entirely cultural and historical. The time when the entire exposition was created for the sake of propaganda and agitation, has already passed. But if you look at these sculptures as cultural and historical monuments, then we are dealing with the works of great masters of their craft, such as Merkurov and many other sculptors. We had a Lenin’s monument in our city, which was sculpted by Sergey Merkurov. Is it not enough to come and see Merkurov’s work, see how our ancestors lived? Sometimes people ask me: “But aren’t we returning to the past?” And I answer – “No, we just should not lose the past that we had”. Now everyone is wondering how Napoleon Bonaparte or one of the Ludovians lived. So why won’t people be interested to see how those guys – pioneers, communists – lived then ... This is an epoch. And where does the money for the park come from? It comes from grants, sponsors, and various projects, over which we are also working. And, in the end, the Mayor of the city and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Armenia take an active part. Even now the park looks impressive, but how, in your opinion, will it appear to the viewer in the final form? It will be a cultural and educational center, surrounded by expositions of Soviet-era sculptures, various iron modules, frames. It will become a place where you can spend your time, but most importantly – we want the park to become the basic organization, a basic museum of

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Museums

the Soviet era for the Russian-speaking population of the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States. You also have a project of the Alley of the Commonwealth ... What is it, and where is it going to be? Also right there. We applied to the Moscow Humanitarian Fund, and we are waiting for the development of the launched process. We will invite artists from seven Commonwealth countries here to form an appropriate intellectual atmosphere. And the essence is the transformation of cultural values of the mentioned countries. Also, of course, it's about talking with colleagues, finding out the condition and the achievements of art in modern Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Belarus, and then landing in our Alley of Friendship of the CIS countries. And then, more meetings in the future. And why do you consider Gyumri as the center of Russian culture and Russian-Armenian friendship? In fact, the formation of the city of Gyumri itself is closely connected with the component of Russian culture. I will not be giving encyclopaedic data, but the railway itself, the presence of the Russian army in our city, tell that for more than two centuries we have lived side by side, we communicate, build something, discuss something, and together move towards something. I think that we have missed the last 25 years, GATE 64

in the sense that there used to be cultural contacts, and they still exist, but all this needs to be enriched, developed, to be given more pace and dynamics. Why? Because I speak Russian and there are many such people in Gyumri. The fact that many Russians live here is already a springboard on which you can continue building a strong Russian-Armenian friendship. This is a cultural wealth that simply cannot be set aside. You are also involved in the creation of other Gyumri sculpture parks, already in operation … After the 1988 earthquake, many public gardens were in an inadequate condition. It was necessary to make private “cultural bombings”, which would allow these spaces to breathe and develop in a modern way. Therefore, during the symposia, when it was discussed where to exhibit these works, we had a strong position – to collect them in one place, rather than spread them across various corners of the city. As a result, we have two parks, in which, in addition to sculptures, there is, for example, WiFi for those who wish to use it. Various festivals are held there: in particular, the city music festival was held for the second or third time. This year, we want to do all this even bigger, i.e. to invite artists from other cities. If someone in another city sits in the street and plays the guitar – let him play with us too! We will also attract students from the Academy of

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Museums

Arts, will ask them to make sketches for the festival, will try to revive the atmosphere and develop the city's cultural lifestyle, making it more vivid and interesting in the future. Are all the works that are exhibited in the parks, the results of the symposia? In two of them, yes. They bear the names of those symposiums – “Spring of Life” and “Sacred Warriors”. The first was held in 2013, when Gyumri was chosen as the cultural capital of the CIS, and the second one was held in 2015, in honor of the 100th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. Also, our national sculpture park is a separate open museum. It is an open-air museum. And all the sculptures are in our jurisdiction. In the city, we have a great many sculptures. About 120 sculptural monuments, about 100 memorial plaques and almost as many sculptures by residents of various quarters. As a local resident and, at the same time, as a person engaged in culture, what would you advise tourists and guests of the city of Gyumri? Interesting question. To love the people of Gyumri, in the first place. To try, as best as you can, to get to know the inhabitants of the city. Our specific feature is that everyone in Gyumri is a connoisseur of culture from birth. Secondly, in our city everyone can find something that cannot be found in other places. These are historical buildings, various deGATE 66

tails, ornaments, the history of the city itself. This is the approach to ordinary and common things. Gyumri is interesting because it accumulates all the traditional, all that is Armenian, and at the same time, the people of Gyumri do everything in their own way, in an original way. The desire for originality is inherent in this city. It is quite a small city, nevertheless on its territory there are hundreds of sculptural monuments. It goes without saying that there are also panels, bas-reliefs, etc. And, most importantly, Gyumri is a very hospitable city. Here, if you knock at any door, in two hours you will be sitting in the owners’ house, just like in your own. You will be treated with observance of all manners, and in the end, they will necessarily say that you are friends forever. And if in a year you do not call or write, they will find you on the Internet, write a letter, and ask how you are doing, and at the second meeting they will be greeting you as a closest relative. Such interesting people are living here. In Gyumri there are entire streets where buildings have a history of 200-300 years. There are about 1600 such buildings ... Back in the 1880s in this small town there were about 12 churches, 12 schools, 28 craft communities, many factories, manufactories. All this developed during the Soviet period, and something survives to this day. Personally, I advise guests to walk along Ryzhkov Street, take a walk in the center, go to Slobodka street, and of course, to visit our National Park Museum, other sculpture parks, and then to fall in love with this city and to visit us often.

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TRAVEL GUIDE

Đ?rmenia SIGHTS OF INTEREST 1. Church of Saint Zoravor .................................. 72 page 2. Church of the Holy Mother of God ................. 74 page

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Church of Saint Zoravor ccording to the legend, it was here that Apostle A Ananias – one of the 70 disciples of Jesus Christ –

was buried. In the IX - XIII centuries, a chapel appeared on the burial site. And in the XVII century, vardapet (archimandrite) Movses Syunetsi, who after a conflict with Catholicos Melikset moved to Yerevan from Etchmiadzin, erected a church, a chapel on the grave of the apostle, constructed cells for monks, and a monastic school. The vardapet was assisted by the Khan of Amergun who ruled in these places. The church was originally called Holy Mother of God (Surb Astvatsatsin). All of its territory used to be enclosed by a wall. The glory of this prosperous church complex spread far beyond Armenia. Unfortunately, troubles have not been avoided by Surb Zoravor. The structure of the complex, with the exception of the chapel on the burial of the apostle, was made of wood, and in 1635-36, during the Persian-Turkish war, the battlefield of which was Armenia, the complex was exposed to fire. By 1655, by the decree of the Catholicos Philip (Pilipos), all the buildings were restored – this time out of stone. However, a powerful earthquake in LXXII

In order to acquaint oneself with the tradition of Armenian church architecture, guests of Armenia do not need to travel kilometers. It is enough to be equipped with a map of Yerevan. In the capital of the republic, you can find amazing monuments, right in residential areas. A striking example is the Surb Zoravor (St. Zoravor), the pearl of Yerevan architecture of the 17th century. The church received its name in honor of the miraculous manuscript of the Gospel, “Zoravor”, kept in it.

1679 turned into ruins the church and all adjacent buildings. The modern church of St. Zoravor was built in 1693 on the donations of merchant Khodja-Panos. In 1889 the southern door and windows appeared here; a new altar, the roof and railings were built. The entrance to the tomb of the Apostle Ananias had been originally located inside the church, but in 1890 the burial was separated from the main building. A new chapel with a separate entrance was erected on the tomb, as evidenced by the inscription on the marble slab at the entrance. In 1835, the complex ceased to function as a monastery and was transferred to the refugees from Maragha as a parish church. Surb Zoravor went through a new restoration in 1978-1980, on the initiative of Vazgen I Catholicos of All Armenians. Sarkis Petrosyan, a French Armenian, acted as a donator. As a result, the walls and the roof of the chapel of St. Ananias, which had been practically destroyed by that time, were restored. At present, Yerevan and the Armenian cultural heritage as a whole cannot be imagined without the ancient original church of Surb Zoravor. Find us online at: www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

LXXII

Church of the Holy Mother of God (Our Lady of Seven Wounds) in Gyumri I

n the central square of the “cultural capital of Armenia”, Gyumri, the original and amazing church of the Holy Mother of God, also known as the “Seven Wounds”, is located. The church was built in 1882-1887 on the site of the old temple of Paytashen, on the initiative of the Catholicos Gevorg V (Surenyants). “Our Lady of Seven Wounds” (“Yot Verk”) appeared on the site of the chapel, in which the icon “The Seven Sorrows of the Mother of God” was kept. According to the legend, the icon was taken directly from the Virgin on a parchment made of sheep. From all over Armenia, believers come to the temple to touch the legendary image. The icon arrived in Alexandropol (Gyumri) in 1830 from the city of Hasangala with Armenian refugees. In 1831, it saved the Armenian people from drought. The Church of the Holy Mother of God is a basilica, made of worked black tuff. It differs from Armenian traditional buildings not only in architectural features that are noticeable to specialists, but also in interior decoration. At the first glance, it may seem even Orthodox to the visitors, since it meets believers with a stunning altar with an iconostasis. The faces of saints are depicted on an azure background, surrounded by gold. LXXIV74 GATE

Journalist Ida Sargsyan introduces us to one of the most unusual churches in Armenia – the Church of the Holy Mother of God – located in the “cultural capital” of the republic, the city of Gyumri.

The height of the church is 22 meters. Our Lady of Seven Wounds differs from other churches also by the fact that it has six so-called extensions of various sizes and different functions. Particularly noteworthy is the extension to the north-western wall, where you can see a gift from the Catholics – a crucifix of Jesus Christ, almost the size of a full-sized figure. The uniqueness of the church of Our Lady of Seven Wounds is also the fact that it has five different altars, intended for followers of different denominations. The main altar, of course, is built for adherents of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the others – for the Orthodox, the Catholics, the Assyrians. There are two more altars on the second floor. Today the Church of the Holy Mother of God is one of the main attractions of the “cultural capital” of Armenia. In the courtyard of the church are buried priests who were victims of Stalin's repressions. They are buried under the gleams of a golden cross, which has holes from the Turkish bullets. On the opposite side of the courtyard, there lie still the two small domes of the church, which were destroyed during the terrible earthquake of December 7, 1988. The Church continues to give the people spiritual strength and inspire faith in that it is always necessary to stand up to the last. Find us online at: www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

LXXV

Welcome to "Valmar Art Gallery"

"Valmar Art Gallery" was founded in April 2004. The gallery presents paintings and graphic works of People's Artist of Armenia Valmar and his daughter, Hripsime Margaryan. Every year a new thematic show is organized, through which Armenian and foreign visitors can get acquainted with the creative development of the artist Valmar. You will find a proof of the warmth of the Armenian hearth and hospitality in the guest house “Tsaghkunk” in the village of the same name in Gegharkunik region. The guests of “Tsaghkunk” guest house find themselves in a big family, where they are welcomed by the founders Yura and Ani Sargsyans. “I always wanted to have a big house like the one in my childhood - says the hospitable owner. – I wanted it to be bright and cozy, filled with warmth: there I could receive a lot of guests and see them off with a smile.”

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Stepanavan: Rare Flora and Ancient History

The

city of Stepanavan is located in the center of Lori region, on the river Dzoraget. It was named in honor of the head of the Baku commune Stepan Shahumyan. Among the biggest attractions of Stepanavan are the ruins of the medieval fortress of Lori or Lori-Berd. It is located in 5 km from the city on the edge of the gorge, where the rivers Dzoraget and Miskhana merge. It was built by the King of the Tashir-Dzoraget Kingdom, David I Anhoghin (Landless) in the 10 th-11th centuries. The heyday of Lori-Berd was in the second half of the 11 th century, when it becomes the capital of the Armenian kingdom under Gurgen, the son of David. Through the fortress, there lay trade caravan routes to Ani, Dvin and Tiflis. In the 12th century, the Seljuk Turks conquered the fortress. Later, the Georgian king David the Builder added it to his lands and they passed to the Armenian princely family the Orbelyans. GATE 78

In the fortress of Lori-Berd there are a church and two baths, one of which was heated by hypocaust (under the floor of the bath, warm air and smoke circulated). Currently, Stepanavan is a mountain-climatic resort known for its pine forests. Essential oils emitted by coniferous trees have bactericidal properties, so the mountain air of Stepanavan, which has the scent of pines, is useful for patients with respiratory system problems. Another landmark of Stepanavan is the Dendropark (arboretum) created by the Polish biologist Edmund Leonowicz. Currently, the director of the park is his son Vitaly Leonowicz. The dendropark consists of deciduous forests and ornamental plantings. The park numbers more than 500 species of rare plants. If you want, you can purchase some of them. The twin cities of Stepanavan are the French town of DĂŠcines-Charpieu and the German city of Wiesbaden.

The entertainment center “Arena” is situated in the heart of the city. Here you can play bowling, billiards, as well as enjoy the famous Tifosi pizza and other dishes, test your accuracy in the shooting gallery and just have a good time. We will arrange an unforgettable evening for any event. 8 Mashtots ave., Yerevan, Теl.: +(37410) 53 61 01, +(37495) 53 61 01, info@bowling.am

www.bowling.am

tourism News

The flow of tourists to Armenia will triple

Citizens of Qatar will be able to visit Armenia without visas

This was stated by the head of the State Committee for Tourism of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Republic, Zarmine Zeytuntsyan. According to her, a triple increase in the tourist flow to the country should be expected in the coming years. At present, the recognizability of Armenia in the world is low: therefore the government implements the program of branding the country on the international arena. It includes, in particular, inviting top foreign journalists, conducting marketing research and special programs. Judging by the latest data, the implemented measures are yielding certain results: in the first quarter of this year, about 300 thousand tourists visited Armenia, which is approximately 18% more in comparison with the same period of the previous year.

The relevant decree was adopted by the government of the republic on June 1. Now the Qataris have the right to reside in Armenia without a visa for 180 days. This innovation is expected to contribute to the development of tourism in the country, as well as the activation of interaction between citizens of the two countries in other areas as well. The Armenian side has quite a something to offer to the citizens of Qatar in terms of recreation, and the emirate is attractive for Armenians in terms of business and investment. Currently, the Foreign Ministry of Armenia is considering the possibility of liberalizing the visa regime with some other states too.

Armenia has established a direct air service with Israel

Armenia becomes nearer for tourists from Kazakhstan

On May 17, the first direct flight from Tel Aviv to Yerevan took place. Now the planes of "Armenia" air company fly this route twice a week – on Thursday and Sunday. According to the unanimous opinion of the Israeli and Armenian functionaries of this industry, direct air service should positively affect the tourism exchange between Armenia and Israel. Moreover, the first groups of Israeli tourists are already arriving in Yerevan, attracted, first of all, by the convenience of visiting the country. At the moment, 20 flights from Israel operate weekly to the neighboring Georgia, and the number of tourists exceeds 100 thousand a year. In Armenia, 4-5 thousand Israelis arrive during the same period, but a rapid increase of this indicator is expected.

On May 31, the first direct flight along the route Astana-Yerevan took place, implemented by Scat airline. Now it will be possible to get to Armenia from Kazakhstan twice a week – on Wednesday and on Saturday. Previously, they used to fly to Yerevan from another Kazakh city – Aktau. In addition, this year large-scale events are planned within the framework of the Days of Armenia in Kazakhstan. It should be noted that Armenia is an interesting destination for Kazakh tourists, but so far their flow had greatly reduced due to transportation problems – the absence of direct air service from the capital of the Central Asian republic and the high cost of for air tickets.

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Festivals in

Armenia

June/ July/ August

The Festival of Herbs of Armenia - HAYBUIS

Dates: July 1 - 2, 2017 Location: Yenokavan village, Tavush region

Guests are introduced to the herbs of Armenia during a variety of master classes, theatrical performances, educational tours, music programs and shows.

Watermelon Festival

Dates: July 15, 2017 Location: Yerevan, Swan Lake

In the pavilions of 12 administrative districts of Yerevan, carving specialists present interesting options for watermelon design. The festival is accompanied by a concert program with the participation of well-known performers.

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The annual Syunik

festival of mulberries

Dates: July 1, 2017 Location: Karahunj region, Goris community, Syunik

At the festival, products from the mulberry of the Syunik region are presented. There will be a number of competitions for the best mulberry products. The event demonstrates the customs, traditions and culture of Syunik.

Vardavar (Church

holiday / Water Festival)

Dates: July 23, 2017 Location: Yerevan

Many of Yerevan’s residents and guests of the capital take part in the festival, showering each other with water. Swan Lake turns into a unique “water disco”, thanks to cheerful and lively rhythms by the DJ.

Summer in Armenia is beautiful not only due to the wonderful weather, the abundance of fruits and original landscapes, but also due to the actual waterfall of fascinating events. Each of them is a vivid reflection of Armenian culture, history and national character.

Festival of honey and berries

Yerevan TarazFest

Dates: August 13, 2017 Location: Berd, Tavush region

Dates: August 5, 2017 Location: Yerevan

The best Armenian designers present their works using traditional elements of the national costume. Taraz â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the national costume â&#x20AC;&#x201C; reflects the history of the Armenian people, their culture and the things it has gone through.

The main participants of the festival are residents of the Tavush region with their harvest, sweets, works of art and crafts. The celebration is accompanied by a traditional tasty cuisine and beautiful music.

Yerevan Beer Festival

Barbeque Festival

Dates: August 20, 2017 Location: Lori region, Akhtala

Dates: August 19, 2017 Location: Yerevan

The best traditions of Armenian brewing, the nearly three-thousand-year history of beer creation, are represented by beerproducing companies that are leading in the Armenian market, as well as by beerhouses, cafes and pubs of the capital.

The festival takes place in the recognized barbeque capital, Akhtala, and presents both traditional and modern Armenian cuisine, encourages chefs to demonstrate innovative solutions and original approaches to their work.

Find us online at: www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

YELL EXTREME PARK – THE BEST EXTREME ENTERTAINMENT PARK IN ARMENIA. Flight, freedom, adrenaline, laughter, a good mood, professionals, nature, sky and unbelievable emotions! Air, with which you want to fill your lungs, and the friendly people who work and create an atmosphere of dreams. The park is located on the slopes of a picturesque gorge in the dense forests of the Tavush region. The nearest settlement is the village of Yenokavan, the nearest hotel is APAGA Resort. The location of the park is not fortuitous. 15 years ago, it was here that a new kind of active recreation in the South Caucasus – horse tourism – was founded.

The best extreme activities in one place The extreme entertainment park Yell Extreme Park opened on July 26, 2015. During the first year of operation, the number of park guests exceeded 10,000 people. Today Yell Extreme Park has flights on a zip-line and a paraglider, it is the largest rope park in the South Caucasus; it also features kiiking, paintball, off-road tours, climbing rock routes and horseback riding. The paths in the park are laid in such a way that they can be walked by the whole family, while admiring the fantastic views of the canyon of the Khachaghpyur River. The number of attractions and amusements of the park is constantly increasing.

The longest zip-line in the world In May 2017, the world's longest zip-line will open in Yell Extreme Park. The length of the new zipline will be 2.8 km, and the altitude – about 300 m. The flight duration is about 3 minutes, and the speed is up to 120 km / h. The longest zip-line of Yell Extreme Park is a great opportunity for those who like adventure and adrenaline in one place. Every time we plan our trips, we want to discover new places and new emotions, and Yell Extreme Park is the best place for that.

Yenokavan, Armenia Tеl.: +(374 41) 010 030 info@yellextremepark.com www.yellextremepark.com

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Medical tourism

Plastic Surgery in

Armenia

Everyone is beautiful! However, the desire to remedy minor defects of appearance, no doubt, has the right to be satisfied. Armenia is the place where it is possible to compete inexpensively, safely and effectively with nature, with the help of plastic surgery!

ppropriate services are provided in almost every hospital in Yerevan and some other cities in the country. The most popular plastic surgery in Armenia is nose shape correction. Then there are operations on the abdomen and breasts, and the latter, according to the doctors, are being both enlarged and diminished. The most expensive part of plastic surgery are implants – their price is rarely less than 1000 dollars. An intervention that does not require these elements is much cheaper. However, in general, the costs of plastic surgery services in Armenia can be several times cheaper than in the US, Europe or Russia. Also, correction of the shape of the ears and liposuction are available. In recent years, there has been a tendency in the increase of the number of surgical changes in the body. In particular, the number of operations on the nose increases annually by 10-15%. In Armenia, not only women are interested in plastic surgery, but also men, who often fix their noses, get a tummy tuck or have a hair transplantation, fighting baldness. Despite the fact that medical technologies are now so developed that plastic surgery is practically safe, Armenian surgeons require a number of precautions before they perform the operation. These include numerous tests. In addition, they remind us about the imminent harm of anesthesia. Plastic surgery is a controversial topic. There are a lot of “pros”, and a lot of “cons”. Adherents of a number of religions do not accept changes in the appearance of people, believing that to interfere with the order laid by nature and by God is a sin. However, according to this logic, it would be possible to prohibit elementary aesthetic procedures like clipping the nails, dying the hair, or brushing the teeth. In any case, everyone makes his or her own choices and takes responsibility for them. GATE 86

Medical Armenia The company Medical Armenia specializes in the implementation and organization of medical tourism in Armenia. Diagnostics, treatment, postoperative recovery, as well as medical and recreational procedures in medical centers, with which our company cooperates, are conducted by specialists with experience in leading specialized clinics that have international certification. All the centers use the latest and best medical equipment.

The newest know-how in the field of aesthetic laser surgery will help easily get rid of excess fat, wrinkles, warts, pigment spots, tattoos that have already bored you and other "disgusting things" that prevent you from looking in the mirror with pleasure. In Armenia, you can get any high-quality dental care in full and at affordable prices, ranging from detailed multi-profile diagnostics and planning of all stages of treatment, up to the delivery of care with the participation of hygienists, therapists, orthopedists, surgeons, orthodontists, implantologists and dental technicians.

We offer specialized individual, group, and corporate health-improving tours, including rehabilitation programs for athletes.

50 Gevorg Chaush Str. , 0088, Yerevan, Armenia Đ˘Đľl.: +374 99 866877 info@medicalarmenia.com www.medicalarmenia.com

Medical Tourism in Armenia:

High Quality at Minimal costs

Based on statistical data, we have identified the most popular areas of medical services in the field of medical tourism in Armenia.

Spa resorts. Today Armenia can offer spe- Perhaps, it is partly due to the national pecial preventive treatment. Relevant services culiarities of Armenian noses. are available in many sanatoriums in the reIn addition to rhinoplasty, the highly qualisort towns of the country. fied specialists offer services for breast augCardiology. Cardiac surgeons of Armenia mentation, eyelid surgery, facial skin tightenoffer world-class services at rather low pricing, liposuction, lipofilling, etc. Doctors make es. The number of foreigners wishing to have minor operations, and in just a few days, paheart surgery is growing every year. People tients are discharged. It is very convenient are attracted by the high level of services, especially for tourists coming to Armenia for affordable prices and the low percentage of plastic surgery. postoperative complications. Fertility treatment. The latest technoloThe clinics are equipped with the latest gies for the medical treatment deliver up to equipment, the best cardiologists work here, 95% results, however the high cost of treatand not only from our country. ment is an obstacle in the path towards happiness. Specialized clinics in Yerevan offer Stomatology. At this stage, “medical” guaranteed fertility treatment at relatively tourists are most often found in the field low prices. Patients are offered the full range of dentistry. The quality of the work of Arof services needed to treat fertility, including menian dentists matches the best clinics in in vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemithe world – modern equipment, professional nation. The leading new generation clinics specialists, and affordable prices. All major specialize in the treatment of male and fedental clinics in Yerevan have the approprimale infertility. The clinics are complete with ate licenses, and employees that have been modern equipment; the staff consists of exretrained abroad. Needless to mention that perienced professionals who deliver individthey are complete with modern equipment ually approach to each patient. necessary for quality service. Armenian specialists have also excelled in Plastic surgery. Armenian plastic surgeons orthopedics and refractive surgery in ophhave achieved particularly great success in thalmology (photorefractive keratectomy, lathe field of rhinoplasty – operations in the ser correction of vision). nose. GATE GATE88 8

Musical Fests in

Armenia June/ July/ August

Arsen Pinachyan

“Sayat-Nova” Festival

Head of the department of endoscopic and laparoscopic urology Clinic of Modern Surgery – CMS

Dates: June 16, 17, 18 Location: Tbilisi - Yerevan

“Sayat-Nova” is the annual music festival of the great Armenian composer, poet and singer Sayat-Nova and of ashugh culture in general. www.sayatnovafestival.com.

International Music

Day

Everyone will have a chance to listen to the performances of the best young music bands of Armenia, to attend the master class of playing on traditional Armenian instruments and to just have fun. The organizer of the event, “Music of Armenia”, seeks to breathe new life into the heritage of Armenian music, by supporting talented youth.

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The department is engaged in the modern solution of a broad spectrum of tasks posed by problems of urology. Diseases of the genitourinary system are treated with modern protocols of conservative and surgical – including laparoscopic – approach. The highly qualified personnel handle the most complicated urological tasks.

13/4 Davit Anhaghti str., 0014, Yerevan, Armenia Теl.: +(374 10) 206103, +(374 93) 997975 info@cmsyerevan.am www.cmsyerevan.am

Date: June 21 Location: Yerevan, “Silk Road” Hotel

“RIGAVO” CENTER FOR AESTHETIC COSMETOLOGY, LASER EPILATION, MASSAGE AND weight loss.

RIGAVO adheres to the highest standards of quality of services provided. The main directions of our work are equipment technologies, laser cosmetology. Why do they choose us? ✓ individual approach ✓ quality ✓ prices ✓ results 19 Moskovyan str., Yerevan, Armenia l Теl.: +(374 91) 45 43 87, +(374 94) 45 43 87

Culture

AMEN: THE JOURNEY OF THE ARMENIAN PEOPLE THROUGH HISTORY On June 23, 2017 on the stage of the Sports and Concerts Complex after Karen Demirchyan, “AMEN Project” presented the premiere of the musicaldrama show “AMEN”, dedicated to the history of the Armenian people, its enduring values and its unique place in the history of civilization. “AMEN” is an epic drama about the journey of the Armenian people through history, telling about its origin and faith, its cultural landmarks and values. The main idea of the performance is to show that despite the losses and trials, people have always found the strength to continue to love, create and enjoy life. “AMEN” is a unique international project that preserves the traditions of Armenian music and presents it in the format of a modern stage show, in which the original musical libretto and traditional ballet are combined with modern light show technologies. We decided to talk about this unprecedented project with its composer and music producer Araxya Musheghyan. Araxya, what is the peculiarity of the project “Amen”? How did it come about? The very idea of the project was born spontaneously. There was a long period of creative searches, wanderings. I wanted to create something bright, great, and filled with meanings. And something that would be appreciated by the European audience. As a result, the idea of creating “Amen”, a musical project, telling the world about Armenia, was born: so you can define it. We did not set ourselves the task of creating an opera, a ballet or a musical. The only thing we knew for sure is that everyone understands the language of music, regardless of nationality. Trying to find a musical form that would be understandable to the European spectator and to tell about our people, about where it comes from, about its values, about the revival after a great catastrophe – that's what we aspired to. As a result, based on the original libretto, music was created, famous Armenian and Western singers, symphony orchestra, dance troupe, pop and folk groups were invited, original animation was created. All this was joined together in the musical and drama show “Amen”. Probably, the key feature GATE 92

of “Amen” is its genre. Not a concert, not an opera, not a ballet, but a musical-drama-show: this is a format we ourselves are still trying to get used to. And in this format during an hour or more we try to tell in the language of modern music and dance the story of the historical journey of the Armenian people. An international team worked on the production. How did you manage to get foreigners interested in the history of Armenia? The history of Armenia is interesting and rich in itself, full of events. We, who live in Armenia, sometimes do not notice this wealth and the uniqueness of our own past. Why not try to present in the modern musical format the main points of our history and our people also to other nationalities? After all, when you learn the history of Armenia, much becomes clear about its present day too. When we showed the scenario of “Amen” to our partners, almost everyone immediately became excited about this idea and expressed readiness to participate in the project. Perhaps the reason is that modern music projects rarely turn to history, moreover, no one tries to tell the history of an entire nation in music, and

that's what we tried to do. In fact, it turned out that people who do not know our country are interested in getting to know Armenia through music. And this inspires us a lot. What will the viewer find interesting in “Amen”? What are the meanings laid in it? The main message is that we are constantly oriented towards the light, which is the inner core of the Armenian people. This is probably the secret, thanks to which we have been living and creating for many thousands of years on our land, despite all kinds of shocks and catastrophes. We tried to convey this through music and the staging solutions that we will present to the audience. At the same time, we deliberately avoided historical specifics – it was more important for us to tell about the spirit of the people, about its amazing spiritual strength. The project is intended for Western spectators. Does this mean that “Amen” will be shown only abroad? Initially, we had set ourselves the task of introducing our history to music lovers around the world. This show can become one of the “presentation projects” of the country, it should sparkle interest in Armenia. But we consider “Amen” a patriotic project, and this means that the Armenian spectator should be the first to see and evaluate it. Therefore, the premiere of “Amen” will take place in Yerevan, on June 23, on the stage of the Sports and Concerts Complex after Karen Demirchyan. For us this is a very important day. There the tour life of the show will begin. Are there plans to stage the continuation of “Amen”? It's too early to talk about that, because for now we want to show “Amen” on many stages of the world. It is quite possible that a new project will follow this. Fortunately, there are many interesting topics and ideas, and music allows you to tell any story in such a way that everyone will understand it.

5 Northern ave., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 60) 523517 +(374 98) 500333

Composer and music producer - Araxya Musheghyan (RussiaArmenia) Libretto - Eduard Ayanyan (Armenia) Lyrics - Giommaria Monty (Italy), Suren Yenokyan - Israyelyan (Armenia) Director of choreography - Grigor Khachatryan (Armenia) Choreographers - Arman Julhakyan, Ara Asatryan (Armenia) Costume Designer - Mikayel Sharafyan (USA) General Producer - Hasmik Chakhmakhchyan (Russia) Executive Producer - Elena Shubina (Russia) www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

Creative team of the project

PHOTOGRAPHIC Traveling in Western Armenia is an emotional test for any Armenian. The difficulty lies not only in the exhausting route, but also in the need to realize the fact that the people who are living today on the ancestral land show respect neither for the memory of those ancestors, nor for their remains. Emma Marashlyan, the founder and the main photographer of Photo Atelier Marashlyan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who not only has promoted the Armenian national costume and cultural heritage for 4 years, but also decided to revive the traditions of Armenian family photography â&#x20AC;&#x201C; visited on the eve of April 24, the once flourishing lands, now forgotten and inhabited by Kurds. Emma, let us discuss the emotional side of the trip. What kind of the impressions arise when you get a chance to see with your own eyes the ancient capitals of Armenia, described and captured by writers and artists over a hundred years ago? First of all, it's fighting your own fears. You try not only to see our historical lands today and now, but as if through the lens of time, you want to imagine how our ancestors lived, rejoiced and grew up on these lands, how our ancestors were laughing and growing up. It is a mixed feeling of pride, sadness and hope. Let's talk about the route itself. Kars, Erzurum, Van, Ani, Akhtamar, Mush. The national costume of these regions has variations, which is reflected in the photos of your studio. Did you manage

to see the actual variety that once distinguished each of the previously mentioned Armenian provinces? On the one hand, the saturation of the trip overloads you with images, views, emotions. You are overwhelmed. On the other hand, in every place you want to stay, to have time to absorb to the last drop the legacy of your ancestors, scattered in the air. Ruins that are daily being ruthlessly destroyed by local residents cause silent protest. The pain is due to the fact that there is no respect for the history of our people in this region. A depressing sensation. It's one thing to travel, letting through yourself images and sounds, like a descendant who has returned home after a long journey. Quite another thing is to do a complicated shooting in national costumes in places where today every

square meter has a Turkish flag, and the inhabitants are Kurds. How did the idea come about? I'm a perfectionist. It's not enough for me to just watch and regret. Even the majestic sorrow does not satiate. We are alive, we are the descendants of those who managed to survive. We raise our children here and now, we look ahead. So the photo session of young Armenian women in national costumes that their predecessors used to wear more than a century ago is a look into the past and into the future. What costumes and images did you select, and why? Today our studio works with the Australian designer of Armenian descent, Nata Brettell. It was important for me to bring authentic Armenian tarazes, verified by detail and style, to ensure a minimum of stylization, and a maximum of historical accuracy. I note that for the girls themselves â&#x20AC;&#x201C; who are not professional models, but young Armenian women living in Armenia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the photo session itself was a huge emotional experience. We chose the costume of Karin, Van and the wedding Taraz of Yerevan. These images are relevant today, they are recognizable, they feature in the photo archives of almost every Armenian family. How do you plan to use the photos in the future? To each photo there is a mini-film. A small story, a sketch with music, a selection of views. We are not just descendants: we have preserved the Armenian language and our heritage. We can show what we have a claim to. An Armenian woman of the 21st century wearing a 19th-century taraz is not a staging, it is our respect for history and a glimpse into the future. We are here. We remember. We keep the memory. Photography is our way of bringing this memory to the entire world. www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

MOST POPULAR TOURIST DESTNATIONS IN ARMENIA AND NAGORNO-KARABAKH

The statement that Armenia is a very attractive country for tourists is not unfounded: every year the interest towards the country grows attracting more and more visitors to both Yerevan and most remote parts of the country, famous for its numerous attractions. It’s interesting, but the first time tourists come to Armenia with caution, falling for the popular belief that it’s not safe in the country due to the long lasting Karabakh conflict, which of course, is not true. However, they come here for the second time answering the call of the heart, and the third time they make sure to visit Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh Republic), which is no less famous for its rich history, attractions and hospitality. Right before the opening of the tourist season, we decided to present the 15 most popular tourist destinations in Armenia and Karabakh.

Garni temple is a pagan temple of I c. A.D. in Armenia: it is dedicated to Mihr, the ancient Armenian god of the Sun, celestial light and justice. Garni castle is mentioned by Tacitus in connection with the events of the first half of I c. A.D. in Armenia. It was built by the Armenian king Trdat 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 II 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 the Kotayk region, near the village of Garni.

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, Cartage and Nineveh. Until 1936 Yerevan was known as Erivan in the Russian transcription. The popular destinations in Yerevan include The Cascade, History Museum of the city of Yerevan, Art Gallery, the Republic Square, Matenadaran named after Mesrop Mashtots, Tsitsernakaberd, Theatre of Opera and Ballet, Sergey Parajanov House Museum, Aram Khachatryan House Museum, Erebuni Fortress, Saint Sargis Church, Saint Zoravor Church, Saint Astvatsatsin Church, Saint Katoghike Church, etc.

Zvartnots (the church of celestial angels) – a church of early medieval Armenian architecture ‒ is located not far from Yerevan and Vagharshapat (Echmiadzin). According to the Armenian historian Sebeos, Zvartnots was built by the order of CatholicosNerses 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 “zvartun” previously meant also “an angel”. So 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.

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4/6 Amiryan str., Yerevan, 0010 +(374 60) 56 00 00 info@14hotel.com www.14hotel.com

MOST POPULAR TOURIST DESTNATIONS IN ARMENIA AND NAGORNO-KARABAKH

Geghard, Geghardavank (Armenian: “Monastery of a spear”), also the old name Ayrivank is used (“Cave Monastery”) — a monastery complex, a unique architectural construction. The monastery is located approximately 40 km northeast from Yerevan. The monastery 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 Jude, called here Thaddeus, and stored amongst many other relics. Now it is displayed in the Echmiadzin treasury.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral (Armenian: “The coming of the only-begotten”) ‒ the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Pontifical Residence of the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians between 303 ‒ 484 and since 1441. The Cathedral is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Educational institutions of the Armenian Church are also located there. The original wooden cathedral was built in 303 (soon after Armenia adopted Christianity as a state religion). The core of the current building was built of stone between the 5-7th centuries. The belfry was built between 1653 ‒ 1658 and the sacristy in 1869.

The resort town Jermuk, one of the most popular resorts across the Soviet Union, is located on a mountain plateau at an altitude of 2070 m above sea level, and is surrounded by wooded hills. On the flank of Mount Shish (2850 m), there are two ropeway routes (one for novice skiers and another for the advanced); the ski lift rises up to the altitude of 2450 m of Mount Shish. The routes are prepared in accordance with the contemporary high standards. On the mountain, there operate a rescue service, and a ski- and snowboard-rental. One can stay in sanatoriums, hotels, guest houses or rent a room in the private sector.

Khor Virap (Armenian: “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 Trdat III kept St. Gregory the Illuminator incarcerated for about 15 years before he (Trdat III) turned 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.), the founder of the Artashesyan dynasty.

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H H CAPITAL HOTEL

LA TIP AC

C A P I T A L H O T E L

LE TO H

53 B Aygedzor, Yerevan, Armenia, Теl.: +(374 10) 277 878, +(374 55) 27 78 78, Fax: (+374) 10 27 78 78 info@capitalhotel.am, www.capitalhotel.am

MOST POPULAR TOURIST DESTNATIONS IN ARMENIA AND NAGORNO-KARABAKH

Noravank (Armenian: “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 twostorey church of Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Virgin) is located with narrow cantilever stairs. Sometimes the monastery is called Amagu Noravank to distinguish it from Noravank Monastery located near the city of Goris. Amagu 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.

Tatev, ropeway called “Wings of Tatev”. Tatev (Armenian: “give wings”) – is an Armenian monastery complex dating back to the 9-13th centuries, situated in Syunik region 20 km far from the city of Goris. It is a part of a huge tourist complex, which also features the hermitage called Tatevi Anapat, Tatev, ropeway, the natural bridge called Satani Kamurj and many other sightseeing. It was established in 895 ‒ 906 and has been the religious center of Syunik since the 19th century. Tatev ropeway called “Wings of Tatev” is the longest two-way ropeway in the world stretching 5,7 kilometers. The highest elevation point of the ropeway is 320 meters over the river Vorotan.

Tsaghkadzor is popular as a tourism development center. This ski resort won recognition already in the Soviet era. Soviet national teams used to train here. In Tsaghkadzor, one has access both to the 4-stage ropeway, which corresponds to world quality standards, and routes for skiers and snowboarders, and also renting of all the necessary equipment. Especially for novices, a fifth stage has recently opened. In the town there are many hotels, guest houses, restaurants, and a developed private sector. On the flank of Mount Tsaghkunyats (2820 m), where the cableway is set, bar-cafes, rescue services, first aid services, courses for novice skiers, etc аre functioning.

The high-altitude lake of Sevan is attractive both in summer and in winter. The average monthly temperature in winter is -70C. Lake Sevan itself fully freezes only in harsh temperatures (below -200C). That is accounted for by the influx of numerous springs. Snow settles from the end of November until mid-April. A cable car station opened here in 2011. It is located near hotel “Akhtamar”, on the flank of Mount Urtsatap. On the territory of the ski center various cafes and bars are located. Around lake Sevan, there are numerous hotels of various levels, operating the whole year round.

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GATE 100

the winemaking traditions of ancient armenia

Areni Wine Factory Areni village, Vayots Dzor province, Armenia Tel.: +(374 94) 424 427, +(374 94) 424 402 areniwines@gmail.com

www.areniwines.am

MOST POPULAR TOURIST DESTNATIONS IN ARMENIA AND NAGORNO-KARABAKH

Dilijan ‒ a spa city in Tavush Region of Armenia known as a mountain climatic and balneological 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 all South Caucasus. Dilijan has always been home to numerous Armenian artists, composers, scientists and directors. Today the city is considered as one of the cultural centers of Armenia. The city is especially proud of its musical school and college since many of their students later enter Yerevan State Conservatory. The city and its surrounding areas feature many rest houses such as the Composers’ House, Cinematographers’ Union House, etc.

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. The excavations of the city are carried out by Artsakh 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 Historic-Cultural reserve.

Shushi – a city in Nagorno Karabakh. It is situated in the Karabakh Mountains at an altitude of 1368 above sea level, on Stepanakert-Goris highway, 11 km south from Stepanakert. The ancient fortress-city of Shushi has been the administrative, religious, cultural and educational center of the region for several thousands of years. The village Shusho/ Shusha in Nagorno-Karabakh is mentioned in Armenian manuscripts of the 15th century. According to Brokhaus and Efron Encyclopeic dictionary, Shusha was founded in 1752 by Panah-Ali Khan. The Great Encyclopedic Dictionary and the Institute of Geography RAN also mention the foundation date of the city as 1752. According to the Great Soviet Encyclopedia, Shusha was founded in the middle of the 12th century as a fortress to protect the Karabakh khanate.

Gandzasar (Armenian: “Mountain treasure”), Gandzasar Monastery — an Armenian monastery, a significant statue of the 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 due to 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 Nagorno-Karabakh. According to a legend, in the burial vault of the temple the head of John the Baptist severed by Herod is buried, brought here from Cilician Armenia during the Crusades. Thus the church was named as St. Hovhannes Mkrtich (St. John the Baptist).

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GATE 102

Dream in the motion

PASSENGER-TRANSPORT SERVICE Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh, Georgia, Russia The transportation company “ELITEBUS” is one of the leading companies in the consumer market in the sphere of services in Armenia. Transportation is carried out by high-class experienced drivers. “ELITEBUS” has at its disposal a varied selection of modern means of transport (3 to 58 seats). “ELITEBUS” offers: • Individual and group transfers • Individual and group trips • VIP services • Services for various events (corporate, excursions, weddings) • Provision of cargo transportation

19 Sayat-Novayi str., Yerevan, 0001, Armenia, 4 Ani Plaza Business Centre Теl.: +(374 12) 200 200, Моb.: +(374 55) 200 200

elitebus@mail.ru | www. elitebusarmenia.com

HOTEL

WELCO

Hotels Grand Hotel Yerevan Standard Single Standard Double Deluxe Double /Single Junior Suite Senior Suite Junior Presidential Suite Senior Presidential Suite Breakfast

24 rooms 48 rooms 11 rooms 11 rooms 7 rooms 1 room 1 room Smorgasbord

Address: 14 Abovyan str., 0001 Yerevan Теl.: +(374 10) 59 16 00, Fax: +(374 10) 59 16 66, welcome@grandhotelyerevan.com, www.grandhotelyerevan.com Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor swimming pool

Conference hall (80) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

DoubleTree by Hilton Yerevan City Centre King Guest Room Twin Guest Room King Accessible Guest Room King Deluxe Room Two Queen Beds Deluxe Family Room King One Bedroom Suite Breakfast

106 rooms 40 rooms 3 rooms 9 rooms 12 rooms 6 rooms Smorgasbord

Address: 4/2 Grigor Lusavorich str., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 11) 55 53 33, Fax: +(374 11) 553 355, еvnye.hotel@hilton.com, www.yerevancitycentre.doubletree.com Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor swimming pool

GATE 106

Conference hall (250) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

Yerevan Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Hotel Standard Executive Suite Junior Suite Breakfast

72 rooms 9 rooms 5 rooms Smorgasbord

Address: 48 Hanrapetutyan str., Yerevan 0001 Теl.: +(374 60) 50 10 30, +(374 60) 50 10 10, info@tufenkian.am, www.tufenkian.am Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor swimming pool

Conference hall (50) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

14th Floor Family Suite Deluxe Double/Twin Standard Double/Twin Breakfast

1 room 5 rooms 16 rooms Smorgasbord

Address: 4/6 Amiryan str., Yerevan 0010 Теl.: +(374 60) 56 00 00, Fax: +(374 60) 56 00 09, info@14hotel.com, www.14hotel.com Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor swimming pool

Conference hall (40) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

Find us online at: www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

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Hotels Ararat Resort Guest Room Classic Room Deluxe Room Senior Suite Connected Family Room Family Suite Room Breakfast

7 rooms 18 rooms 21 rooms 10 rooms 10 rooms 4 rooms Smorgasbord

Address: 54 Mher Mkrtchyan str., 2310, Tsaghkadzor, Kotayk Marz Теl.: +(374 60) 383 838, +(374 55) 504 504, info@araratresort.com, www.araratresort.com Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor swimming pool

Conference hall (170) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

Often enough, discussions on Armenian music involve the name of Kristapor Kushnaryan (1890-1960), the author of the book “Armenian Monodic Music: The History and Theory”. This book (translated into English by M.H.P.McCarthy) is devoted entirely to the investigation of Armenian monodic music (i.e. music that has a single melodic line with accompaniment). It is quite a rare phenomenon in world musicology. The first part of the book reviews the main stages of the development of monody, focusing on its compositional side. The second part deals with one of the basic problems of the theory of music, that is of modes. The author has made use of all the recordings then available of Armenian monody, including manuscripts, including folk songs of the peasants and townsfolk, the productions of professional folk musicians, namely the gusans (bards) and ashughs (folk singers and instrumentalists) and also recordings of religious monodies.. Thanks to its classical approach, the book places the development of music in the context of the progress of the other branches of art, such as literature, architecture and the minor arts. It breaks new ground, with an eye both for the large issues and for the detail in the music discussed. Although the book is highly specialized, it may well attract those interested in musicology, in the origin and structure of music. For purchasing the book, please contact: Ankyunacar Publishing, Tel.: (+374) 10 253784, Email: info@ankyunacar.com, or visit: www.ankyunacar.com, www.booksfromarmenia.com, www.amazon.com.

Armenian Monodic Music

Extreme Tourism

in Artsakh

The Republic of Artsakh is not just a museum of the history and culture of the Armenian people, but also a center for extreme tourism. Mountain climbing and hiking to remote places are attracting more and more guests. About the peculiarities of the development of this sphere on the territory of the unrecognized republic, we decided to talk with Azat Adamyan, the founder of Free Step, the Artsakh extreme tourism club. GATE GATE110 8

Artsakh Azat, what does your club do? And what is extreme tourism in Artsakh in general? Extreme tourism is about anything that is associated with risk. As for our club, it deals mostly with climbing. We cooperate with the Federation of Mountain Tourism of the Republic of Armenia, as well as with the Federation of Sport Tourism of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Master of sports in tourism Aslan Grigoryan gives us tremendous support, for which we are very grateful to him. Regarding our events, for example, near the village of Shosh there are five climbing peaks. There the necessary safety equipment and bolts are installed, so that everyone can climb up. Last year, a friend from Russia, Tigran Grigoryan, came to visit us, and with his help we laid four new climbing routes. And what is the geography of your events? The whole of Karabakh. And we are engaged not only in rock climbing but also, for example, we go hiking in the mountains. In a word, we are interested in everything that is extreme. There are even wilderness survival hikes. The guys and me, we take with us only salt and a knife. And we organize hikes with a frequency of no less than twice a month. If there was support in terms of transportation, we could travel more often and much cheaper. In fact, at present, the participants of our hikes pay for the necessities themselves. We organize tours by ourselves. But it is problematic to go to remote areas, such as the Karvachar district, because of the high price of transportation. We also visit the sights of the Republic of Armenia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as Tatev, the Devil's Bridge (Satani Kamurj), etc. And what are the most popular destinations? Which do you love most of all? Most of all, I like the trips to mount Kirs. Especially in the height of summer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in June-July, when all the flowers blossom. This is an indescribably beautiful sight. www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

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Artsakh

Today, by popularity among tourists, the first is Kachaghakaberd (Magpie’s Fortress) near the village of Kolatak in the Martakert region. It is not far from the famous Gandzasar Monastery. To get to the fortress, you need to climb seven kilometers through the forest, and then climb up to the mountain top. The expression “extreme tourism”, as you said, is associated with risk. So how dangerous is it in reality? In fact, extreme tourism is safe, if you follow all the rules and take your time. For example, rock climbing is a very safe sport. However, there are inexperienced athletes who are rushing, who do not pay attention to the equipment, do not comply with safety measures: therefore there are also lethal outcomes. But except for that, everything is calculated and measured by the commission of the UIAA, which checks all the equipment, puts stamps, allowing its usage. You just should not trifle with all that. How popular is extreme tourism in Artsakh? Are there many guests of the republic taking part in it? For the time being, this type of recreation is aimed primarily at the domestic consumer. For many years of my work, it has very rarely happened that a foreign tourist wanted to do climbing in Artsakh. Basically they are only interested in pedestrian hikes to the tops of the mountains. As I have already noted, Kachaghakaberd is the first in terms of popularity, GATE 112

the second is Kirs, then Dizapayt in the Hadrud district. You can greet the sunrise on Kirs. Itʼs stunningly beautiful. On the top of Dizapayt is the monastery of Kataravank, which in translation means monastery on the top (“katar” in Armenian – top, “vank” – monastery). And where do you like to have a rest in your spare time? Which sights of Artsakh would you recommend to visit? There are a lot of sights in Artsakh. I advise the guests of the republic to visit them, depending on the time of the year, the duration of their stay in the country and their physical training. If it is summer, and if it’s about seasoned tourists, who are well-trained, who can walk without fatigue, without hysteria, then I personally advise you first of all to visit Kirs. It is indeed very beautiful there. But also – other peaks. In principle, anyone can contact me, and I will give advice, will consult him or her.

bld. 4, 20 th February str., 375000 Stepanakert, NKR Теl.: +(374 47) 94 94 00, Fax: +(374 47) 95 09 10 Теl.: +(374 47) 94 88 02, +(374 60) 27 77 72 E-mail: sales@armeniahotel.am Web: www.armeniahotel.am

Again, our regular gastronomic guide Elena Khachatryan acquaints the reader with the most interesting establishments of Armenia! This time she singled out the restaurant “Lavash” ...

Gastronomical guide by

Yelena KHACHATURYAN History “LAVASH” restaurant opened its doors to visitors just a few months ago, in April 2017. It is located on Tumanyan 21 and has a very interesting history. Most visitors and locals in Yerevan are familiar with a chain of restaurants “PANDOK YEREVAN” which has been operating locally for more than ten years. They serve the best traditional Armenian dishes that allow us sample the most authentic cuisine and savor the aromas of Armenia. The name for the restaurant was inspired by the restaurant “PANDOK” on 91 Teryan Street, where one can observe how lavash is traditionally made by industrious Armenian female bread makers. So the owners already had the name in mind! This magnificent and magical corner of Armenia attracts visitors and leaves its memory, where lavash was born, a truly Armenian bread. I was invited to “LAVASH” by Edgar Zaqare, Director of PR and Marketing, and charming Anahit Gevorgyan, PR Manager of Yeremyan project.

CUISINE The LAVASH menu is unique with many dishes from which to choose. While listening to a vibrant story of the project creation, I was so occupied that i didn’t notice how many colorful dishes started appearing on the table from our order. The dishes were so attractive in their richness and brightness that it felt like summer on the table. For starters I ordered a cold dish of vegetables which were served within a tomato “cup”. A vegetable sauce with a carrot was not only pleasing to the eye but very succulent. I tried the salad “Armenia” with tiny bits of beef, GATE 114

several types of Bulgarian fried sweet peppers and aromatic pieces of peaches. The spicy salad was very delectable in combination with the velvety taste of peach. One more salad called “Voloran” was made of aubergine rolls with vegetables. I have to note that “LAVASH” restaurant offers appetizing Armenian breakfasts such as “brtuch” (wrap) with honey and walnuts, julienne with lavash, omelette with “basturma” and many more. One of my favorites was the cottage cheese balls with dried fruits fried in breadcrumbs. “LAVASH” is one of the rare places where you can come for a breakfast early in the morning and savor the most traditional Armenian breakfast. I have to admit though that the hit of my dinner were “kupati“ (sausages) with home made blackberry sauce and “Ghapama of Erzrum” which was very different from the traditional “ghapama” prepared in Armenian households. It was a tiny pumpkin filled with beef, eggplants, mince red beans and spices. I could not resist a traditional “Ghapama” filled with rice, dried fruits, and honey with crunchy pieces of lavash. I was drinking “Hin Areni” dry red wine throughout my dinner and had a home made halva with a cup of coffee.

WINE The wine selection is abundant and there is lots to select from. Among the Armenian wines one will find our beloved KARAS; KOOR which is becoming highly popular, and ZORAH YERAZ, one of the expensive Armenian wines. Those who love the exotic wines can try an Armenian pomegranate wine. There are wines from France, Argentina, Italy and Spain. The interior at the restaurant is very European and pleasant pastel colors are soothing and remind you of a summer spent in Italy. This is the beauty and attraction of this contrast. The owners of the restaurant managed to create a balance that will attract both the locals and visitors from many countries. I have to open a little secret: there is a tiny store on the ground floor of the restaurant where you can buy fresh eco-friendly produce… I couldn’t resist buying…the dinner evening was stunning! Find us online at: www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

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Feedback Мода In Armenia, you are not a

tourist, but a guest!

nly pleasant surprises awaited me during all the 5 days of staying in Armenia. Immediately upon arrival – a sightseeing tour of Yerevan, and then an excursion to the Ararat plant. Although I'm not a connoisseur of strong spirits, but still it was very informative and interesting. After the tour, I visited the office of Yerevan Travel, where they asked me about all of my preferences regarding excursions, and also reserved a table for me in the restaurant Tospia. On the next day, there was an excursion to Etchmiadzin and a workshop on cooking lavash. In the evening, I had free time: walks in the evening Yerevan are beautiful and absolutely safe. The locals are incredibly friendly and they all speak Russian. I can say with confidence that in Armenia you are not a tourist, in Armenia you are a guest! This is checked and proven! I have come across such a warm treatment abroad for the first time, something that pleasantly surprised me! And of course, I want to come back again, to hit upon new routes and bring along my parents or friends! Thank you very much for having me as your guest, for leaving a scent in my soul and in my memories! Respectfully Olga Chertkova.

Also in the do-list it is obligatory to drink wine outdoors in the evening and to enjoy live music, which is available in almost every establishment. And in this sense, of course, all the roads lead to the jazz club Malkhas! In the morning, we visited Khor Virap, then our route led us to Areni, to the Winery, where we degusted the wines. After a hearty meal, we went to Noravank, the beauty of which is hard to describe in words, it must be seen! The next day, the program was no less intensive: we went to Garni Geghard and to Sevan. The beauty of Sevan is also hard to describe in words, it is not said in vain that it is better to see once rather than hear a hundred times! GATE 116

HOTEL.SPA.AQUAPARK

40/2 Myasnikyan Ave., Yerevan 0025 Теl.: (+37410) 58 88 88 Моb.: (+374 91) 50 02 02 sales@aquatek.am www.aquatek.am

TOSPIA SALAD

an exotic and wonderful taste in one plate Ingredients: Selected and well-cleaned tails of Sevan crayfish 150 g

Bell peppers of various colors 100 g Broccoli 80 g Baby corn 60 g Celery stalks 40 g Fresh hot-peppers 20 g Cucumbers 80 g Tomatoes 80 g Garlic 10 g Soy sauce 20 ml Olive oil 30 gr Lemon 1/4 part

Cooking method: First, add various spices to the crayfish tails. Then dice the vegetables,

celery stalks and fry them in olive oil with garlic, but so that the color of the vegetables remains natural. Then add the fried vegetables to the spiced crayfish tails and add soy sauce. Fry all of this mixture for 1-2 minutes. After the frying, add the lemon juice. The salad is ready.

Then transfer the salad to a dish and decorate it with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers and lemons. GATE 118

The dish must be prepared with love and in good humor.

30/3 Tumanyan str., Yerevan I +374(91) 660007, +374(10) 600007 info@tospia.am, www.tospia.am