Armenia Tourism Magazine № 5 - 2014 by ARMENIA TOURISM Magazine

Table of contents 06 Armenia Tourist information Executive director Georgy Khachatryan

16 Crossroads Was Lermontov in Shushi?!

20 Western Armenia Ani - the city of Armenian dreams

Editor in Chief Yelena Shuvayeva-Petrosyan, +(374 91) 00 59 11 elena@armeniatravel.ru Project idea David Khachatryan Layout, design Margarita Babajanyan, ad@armeniatravel.ru Director of the Yerevan office Lilit Hovhannisyan, +(374 77) 09 51 03 lilit@armeniatravel.ru

24 Our capital Yerevan opera house

30 Celebrities The fearless and glorious path of general Madatov

32 SIGHTS OF INTEREST Tigranakert of Artsakh, Tatev, Metz Anapat

Account manager Anahit Gevorgyan, +(374 91) 05 05 08 anahit@armeniatravel.ru Translators Vanuhi Soghomonyan Astghik Tatosyan

Advertising director Ani Davtyan, +(374 93) 54 83 98 ani@armeniatravel.ru Account manager Naira Sedrakyan, +(374 93) 21 25 50 naira@armeniatravel.ru

Drivers Arman Grigoryan, Arthur Ohikyan Photographs: Vahagn Grigoryan, Yelena Shuvayeva-Petrosyan, Karapet Sahakyan, Armen Gevorgyan, Lucineh Aghabekyan, Hayk Melkonyan (Azhdahak), Mayis Mkhitaryan, “Karabakh travel”, “Ani tour”. Editorial Staff: Yelena Kolomoytseva, Margarita Azaryan, Camilla Parpieva, Anzhela Arakelyan, Sir Torosyan, Yury Navin, Artak Markosyan, Hayk Sardaryan, Gevorg Karapetyan, Gevorg Badalyan, Denis Aldokhin, Karine Danielyan, Arkady Akopov News from: Celebrities.Ru, PanArmenian.Net, Yelaket.Am, Arka.am, Karabakh.travel, Yerevan.am Layout and prepress:

49 TRAVEL GUIDE Embassies, Museums, Theatres, Stores, Banks, Clubs, Restaurants, Air companies

70 We and our mountains Love story: Ara the handsome and Shamiram

Printed in: “AST-Moscow Polygraphic House” OJSC 56 str. 22, Shosse Entuziastov Tel.: +(495) 748 67 20 “Tigran Mets” LLC 2 Arshakunyats ave. Tel.: +(374 10) 52 70 56 The magazine is published every three months with total circulation of 16.000 copies. It is distributed free of charge in Russia (10.000 copies) and Armenia (6.000 copies) in tour agencies, restaurants, hotels, advertising agencies, embassies, ministries, libraries, companies and on the flights of “Air Armenia”. “Armenia Tourism” Advertising supplement to the magazine:

72 DIASPORA Armenians in Abkhazia

Mass media certificate of registration ПИ № ФС77-24946 as of July 7, 2006 issued by Federal Service for monitoring compliance with mass communications and cultural heritage protection law of RF. The publisher is not responsible for the content of advertising materials. The publisher doesn't accept any submissions. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the prior written consent of the publisher.

81 HOTELS 96 Feedback Time in Armenia flows differently

Cover photo: Blooming apricot tree. Photographer: Vahagn Grigoryan, +(374 91) 66 50 64, E-mail: vahag85@gmail.com, Facebook page: ArmTravel Cover idea: Lilit Hovhannisyan If you are interested in distribution of the magazine in your city please contact us at: info@armeniatravel.ru The magazine is also available for passengers of “Aerotaxi” service.

98 ART Mayis Mkhitaryan. Next to the Master you always feel like Margarita

108 CUISINE

Beef hind shank with vegetables GATE GATE28

Deputy executive director Yelena Markosyan

Publisher: 2 Arshakunyats ave., 0023, Yerevan, Armenia Tel./Fax: +(374 60) 50 83 89 16c9, 2nd Yuzhnoportovy passage, 115088 Moscow, Russia Tel./Fax:+7(495) 788 83 89 info@armeniatravel.ru www.armeniatravel.ru

Editor’s note Spring is the time of awakening the powerful forces of nature, the time of love, hope and new discoveries. The most radiant impulses of the soul are associated with this season. With the arrival of spring we make plans and believe that we can make everything happen. For Armenians, whose pagan roots are as much powerful as the Christian ones, this time of the year is mainly related to Ar, the Proto-Armenian Aryan God. Ar represents the power of the sun, the unity of nature’s forces, spring and rebirth. In Armenia, the symbol of the spring and the sun is also represented by two storks, messengers of Ara the Handsome. According to the mythology, in springtime storks put their feathers on and fly to the country of Hayk, symbolizing peasant farmers. With the arrival of spring nature starts to bloom and many events occur in the world of tourism, such as exhibitions, fairs, conferences, campaigns, expeditions and trips.

Write to us! Ask questions! Come to Armenia! “Armenia Tourism” is waiting for you! Yelena Shuvayeva-Petrosyan

This year the 21st International Exhibition MITT/Travel and Tourism will be held in Moscow and the International Travel Fair in Yerevan - International Exhibition of “Tourism, rest and leisure.” For “Armenia Tourism” this spring has a special significance as we were just established last spring and will soon celebrate our first anniversary. In anticipation of this, we have announced a competition with nominations related to tourism industry. We hope that the competition will become a long-term fun tradition and will turn into a way of showing results in the steady development of the tourism industry in Armenia. During the past year, we have gained many friends and associates, bringing together a very large group of people who believe in us, support us and who have a common purpose. Our latest news is that now you can get our magazine, “Armenia Tourism”, in English. So we are expanding our borders, interest in Armenia is growing and this can bring nothing but happiness. Happiness, like spring, inspires us all on to new achievements. Thank you all for being with us! We wish you all a happy spring mood, new plans and success in achieving them!

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

Armenia Official name: Area:

Coat of arms:

Flag:

Capital city: Safety:

Republic of Armenia 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 north-east 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. 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. The national flag of Armenia consists of three horizontal bands of equal width, red on the top, blue in the middle and orange on the bottom. Yerevan 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.

Language:

²Ú´ ¶ ¸æ Government:

President: Prime Minister: Population:

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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. The Republic of Armenia is an independent, unitary, democratic nation-state. The head of the country is the president who is elected for five years and has vast range of authorities. He is the guarantor of the state’s independence, its territorial integrity and safety. The highest legislative power is vested in the National Assembly, which is elected for 4 years. Serzh Sargsyan (born June 30, 1954 ) Tigran Sargsyan (born January 29, 1960) 3 266 400 - in-country, 11-12 million - worldwide (2011 census)

23 Koryun str., Yerevan, RA Tel.: + (374 10) 58 80 40 Fax: + (374 10) 52 80 40 sales@hotelimperial.am www.hotelimperial.am

Armenia Currency:

Armenian Dram (AMD). The small coin is called “luma”. One Russian ruble equals 12 Armenian drams. Banknotes in denominations of 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 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. To avoid additional money exchange it is preferable to have Russian rubles on you. Almost all the 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.

Internet domain: Calling code: Time zone: Major cities: Electricity:

.am +374 GMT+4 Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor Voltage - 220 Volt, frequency - 50 Hertz.

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.

Topography:

The terrain is mountainous; 90 % of mountains are more than 1000m above the sea-level. 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 -12 0C and -15 0C (100F-23 0F), and sometimes it may be as low as -30 0C (-22 0F). In July the average temperature in mountainous regions is +10 0C (50 0F) and around +250C (77 0F) 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.

Visa:

In accordance with intergovernmental agreement on mutual visa-free travel, citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa for visiting Armenia. All you need to have is your international passport. An entry visa is required for all other nationalities.

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Armenia Children:

Transportation: TAXI

TAXI

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.

Stores:

Stores in Armenia offer a wide range of various souvenirs and gifts including the famous Armenian cognac. The favorite place of guests interested in buying Armenian souvenirs is the open-air fair called 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.

Food:

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.

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.

STORE

SALE 50%

Emergency numbers:

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While travelling with children you will need: - birth certificate of the child; - international passport of the child or the child shall be registered in the passport of the parent; - in case one of the parents is not traveling with the child, a power of attorney by the other parent shall be present.

MES FIRE POLICE EMERGENCY SERVICE AIRPORT RAILROAD INFORMATION TELEPHONE DIRECTORY INFORMATIOIN WEATHER

911 101 102 103 187 184 109 186

GETAP

Restaurant and Hotel Complex

Ресторанно-гостиничный комплекс “Гетап“, открытый в 1995 году, находится в одном из прекраснейших уголков Армении – Дилижане на берегу реки Агстев. К услугам гостей как ресторанные, так и гостиничные высококачественные услуги по доступным ценам. Здесь готовятся национальные блюда, которыми славится армянская кухня, и блюда, свойственные кухням других стран. Гетап – лучшее место как для семейного отдыха, так и для отдыха с друзьями!

Restaurant and Hotel Complex “Getap” opened its doors in 1995 in one of the most picturesque corners of Armenia, on the bank of river Aghstev in Dilijan. The staff of the complex offers its guests high quality restaurant and hotel service to meet the needs of modern hospitality at reasonable prices. The restaurant offers a wide range of national dishes for which the Armenian cuisine is so famous, and dishes of international cuisine. Package of services meeting any needs of our guests makes “Getap” complex one of the most famous and available hotels of economy class in Dilijan. We can offer cottages of any taste at affordable prices. “Getap” is the best place both for family rest and for rest with friends.

Tbilisyan roadway, Dilijan, Tavush Region, Armenia Tel.: + (374 99) 88 83 34, + (374 94) 42 47 44 getap@getap.am www.getap.am

Dates Between March 8, International Woman’s Day and April 7, the holiday of “Beauty and Motherhood” in Armenia, starts the aptly named “Women’s month”. April 7 is not an official holiday though in Armenia it is considered as a true national holiday. Christians all over the world look forward to Holy Easter. Armenians call it “Surb Zatik”. This year the Armenians will celebrate Easter on April 20. The Armenian word “Zatik” (Easter) comes from the word “azatutyun, azatvel” which means “freedom, to become free”. Surely Easter means to be free of suffering, evil and death. April 24 – Memorial day of the Genocide victims. In 1915 the Ottoman Empire, started mass killing of Armenians, which went on for a couple of years. The tragedy touched every single Armenian family. May 1 – International Worker’s day is celebrated in 142 countries of the world including Armenia. May 8 – Shushi Liberation and “Yerkrapah” (Volunteer union) day in Armenia.

May

May 9 – Victory day. The Armenian nation commemorates the hundreds of thousands of its soldiers who during World War II fought against fascism among military forces of the Soviet Union and its allies. Among Armenian heroes of WWII are: marshals Hovhannes Baghramyan, Hamazasp Babajanyan and Sergey Khudyakov (Khanferyants), Admiral Isakov, Artem Mikoyan, the legendary Soviet aircraft designer.

May 26 – Victory day in Sardarapat battle. Sardarapat was the battle site of the Armenian-Turkish conflict. The battle took place on May 21-May 28, 1818 with the victory going to the Armenian troops. May 28 – First Republic Day. A national holiday commemorating regained Armenian independence. It is also called the Day of restoring the sovereignty of Armenia.

How

to call to

Armenia?

For fixed lines: 8 – dial tone - 10 - 374 - (destination code) - (subscriber’s number) Viva-Cell MTS - 93, 94, 98, 77 Beeline - 91, 96, 99 For mobile phones: + 374 - (destinations code) - (subscriber’s number) Orange - 55, 95 Yerevan 10 Kotayk region Ararat region Syunik region Vayots Dzor Eghegnadzor 281 234 Vedi Sisian Abovyan 283 2 222 Jermuk 287 238 Ararat Goris Mayakovski 284 222 90 Khachik 281 51 235 Artashat Verishen Kamaris 284 222 91 Arpi 281 91 Khndzoresk 236 Masis Balahovit 284 94 222 91 Aghavnadzor 281 93 Kapan Aramus 285 222 93 Areni Aragatsotn region 281 94 Kajaran Arzni 285 222 94 Malishka 281 95 Meghri Ptghni 286 0 232 Ashtarak 222 96 Yelpin 281 97 Agarak Geghashen 286 249 0 Talin 222 97 Rind 281 98 Kotayk 252 Aparan 222 99 Shatin 281 99 Hrazdan 257 0 Tsakhkahovit 223 Vayk Shirak region 282 Tsaghkadzor 223 Lernanist Armavir region 223 91 Gyumri 312 Tavush region Bjni 223 98 Akhuryan 243 00 231 Echmiadzin Ijevan 263 Charentsavan 226 Arapi 243 00 Zvartnots 231 Berd 267 Alapars 226 75 Kamo 243 00 Baghramyan 231 90 Noyemberian Arzakan 266 222 72 Ashotsk 245 Vache 231 91 Koghb Eghvard 266 224 Amasia 246 Norakert 231 95 Dilijan Nor Hachn 268 0 224 Maralik 242 Jrarat 231 98 Nor Geghi 224 Sarnakhbyur 242 91 Khoronk 231 99 Zovuni Gegharkunik region 224 52 Shirakavan 42 93 Armavir 237 Proshyan 224 53 Ani Kayaran Hoktember 242 97 237 Sevan 261 Argel 224 54 Artik Metsamor 237 244 Martuni 262 Pemzashen Baghramian 233 244 Gavar 264 Panik Myasnikyan 233 74 244 92 Sarukhan 264 Arevshat Qarakert 233 75 244 95 Vardenis 269 Mets Mantash Dalarik 233 76 244 96 Chambarak 265

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

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

Nagorno Karabakh Stepanakert Martakert Hadrut Askeran Shushi Kashatagh Martuni Mobile Network

471 474 475 476 477 477 32 478 97

“Sochut Resort” rest house is situated in the heart of the beautiful hills and green pine forests where you can feel the magic and splendor of nature of Lori region. In the surroundings of the resort you can enjoy the fresh air and cool evenings in summer time and walk around in the snowy forests in winter. “Sochut Resort” offers 46 rooms of different categories to provide the comfortable rest for all our guests. The rooms are provided with satellite TV, Wi-Fi internet, refrigerator, wardrobe, telephone for inner calls, bathroom.

“Sochut” rest house offers the following services and accommodations: • 24-hour room service • Bar • Billiard • Table tennis • Sauna • Conference-hall • Cinema hall • Playground • Laundry • Parking • Football field • Volleyball court

v. Gyulagarak, (next to the botanical garden “Dendropark”) Stepanavan, Lori region, Armenia Tel.: +(374 95) 41 11 95 info@sochut.am www.sochut.am

Museums

YEREVAN HISTORY

MUSEUM

1/1 Argishti str., 0010 Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 81 85 Year of establishment: 1931 Working days: Mon.-Fri. Working hours: 10:00 - 18:00 www.yhm.am

Getting to know Yerevan can be done in a number of different ways; with getting information from books and the Internet, with a city tour on a comfortable bus, simply by walking around the densely built city center and the streets of the city, or you can start with a visit to the Yerevan History Museum. Whereat the museum, you can see, hear and learn a lot of interesting information from the distant past and diverse present of Yerevan, a city made of “orange stone”, as once described by Osip Mandelstam, a famous Russian poet.

the most important administrative buildings of Yerevan - the Municipality. The complex (designed by architect D.Torosyan), was built by the best traditions of the Armenian classical architecture and is well worth exploring in detail. The Municipality building is a reflection of its ancient history, and is understood to be a monument dedicated to the 12 capitals of Armenia thanks to its artistic solution, external and internal views and very symbolic decorations. The names of Yerevan and other capitals are immortalized on the columns, adorning the facade of the building.

he Museum welcomes its visitors to the capital right as you enter the city from the The inauguration of the new exposition international airport, “Zvartnots”. Here is where took place on April 3, 2007. It consists of The Russia Square, Moscow House and the 3 halls representing the history of Yerevan. Embassy of the Russian Federation are situated, as well as the famous Yerevan Ararat BrandyAbout the museum: founded in 1931, the Wine-Vodka Factory. All of these sites are museum presents the history of Erebunilocated on the territory of the once unassailable Yerevan, which only after long wanderings fortress of Erivan. Not only is the location of found its final home here in 2005. Today it the museum remarkable but also is its building, is one of the leading cultural centers of the which, together with the Municipality building capital. The inauguration of the new exposition of Yerevan, is a uniform architectural ensemble took place on April 3, 2007. It consists of 3 that gives the visitors of the museum a unique halls representing the history of Yerevan. opportunity to get acquainted with one of Note that the history does not start with the establishment of the city but with its prehistory as Yerevan is not only an ancient city dating back to Nineveh, Carthage and ancient Rome, but also an ancient settlement where people lived long before its establishment, over 100 thousand years ago. The museum has about 90 thousand items on exhibits, the most ancient of them related to archeology. These are tools made of stone of the first inhabitants of the “Yerevan” cave, GATE GATE14 8

Живопись Yerevan Shengavit ceramics, which are older than the Egyptian pyramids. You will be surprised by the perfection of their forms, artifacts and household items, representing the powerful Kingdom of Van (Urartu kingdom). You can see the “karas” (jar) burial ceremony, referring to the ancient period of the history of Yerevan, a rich numismatic collection, including Parthian, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Greek and other coins found in Yerevan.

The next hall demonstrates Yerevan of the 19th-20th centuries. It starts with a scale model of the old Erivan fortress, which played an important role in the life of the city as well as throughout Eastern Armenia. Here you can see the keys of the northern gate of the Erivan fortress, military awards and weapons from

Yerevan is not only an ancient city – dating back to Nineveh, Carthage and ancient Rome, but also an ancient settlement where people lived long before its establishment, over 100 thousand years ago.

the period of the Russo-Persian war. You can also see the original paintings of V. Mashkov, a Russian painter and eyewitness of the Persian War, as well as numerous household items of city dwellers such as furniture, housewares, jewelry, particularly silver belts, the wedding dress of Yerevan brides of late 19th century, and much more. In the first hall the attention of all visitors, The third hall of the museum represents without exception, is captured by a large picturesque scale model of old Yerevan (early 20th Yerevan - the capital of the three republics. century). The animation of the scale model allows Visitors should pay special attention to visitors to take a virtual tour in the city bathed Armenian brandy of 1894, the motion-picture in gardens. The time journey begins with the camera of early cinematography, the general oldest church in Yerevan – St. Poghos-Petros (5th- plan of Yerevan drawn up by the great architect 6th centuries). By the way, the decorative floral A. Tamanian, whose name is associated with arrangement on the altar of the church column the rebirth of Yerevan, the paintings of famous (a fragment is exhibited in the museum) is the artists such as M. Saryan, G. Bashinjaghyan, P. earliest monument of mural painting in Armenia, Terlemezyan. The museum exposition is logically according to L. Durnovo, a well-known researcher of medieval Armenian art. On the scale model concluded by demonstrating symbols of the following is presented: Avan Temple, which Yerevan: the flag, the anthem and the coat of is a one of a kind cross- domed structure and arms, based on ancient sacred symbolism of the became the prototype of a series of monuments Armenian people, as well as the official insignia of the Mayor of Yerevan – a neck-piece, a kind of “acting” exhibit, which is taken out of the The time journey begins with the oldest museum showcases during the inauguration of church in Yerevan – St. Poghos-Petros (5th- the mayor and the City Day celebrations. 6th centuries). of medieval architecture of the Caucasus, the chapel where the relics of St. Ananias are kept, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Nicholas, topped with golden domes, the Persian Blue Mosque and many other monuments, recreating the architectural silhouette of old Yerevan. Find us online at: www.armeniatravel.ru

85 15

Crossroads

Was

Lermontov in Shushi?!

In 1837 Lermontov was sent to serve in the Caucasus army, which can obviously be considered as an exile in connection with the disfavor of his famous poem “Death of the Poet”. Vladimir Zakharov, Ph.D., a Senior research associate at MGIMO Center of Caucasian Studies and founder of the museum of Mikhail Lermontov in Taman and Taman archaeological museum, seriously studied if the poet had been in Shushi, and wrote the book “Mikhail Lermontov in Karabakh in 1837.”

“T

here is no doubt that Lermontov was in Shushi in the first half of November, 1837”, he says. “Yet the lack of documents that have to be searched, do not give us more information about why he was in Karabakh. I have no doubt that in the archives you can find many more interesting documents that shed light on this poorly studied period of the poet’s stay in Caucasus.” Zakharov expressed hope that the Armenian historians will seek information in the local archives about what military units there were in Shushi during O c to b e r- N o ve m b e r, 1 8 3 7 , and will find out the reasons why Lermontov was there. Until then there is only one letter, addressed to Svyatoslav Rayevsky, in which there is the following statement: “Would you believe it? Ever since I left Russia, I have been continually wandering by horseback. I traveled all along the Line from Kizlyar to Tamani, crossed over the mountains, was in Shusha, in Cuba, Shemakh in Kakheti, dressed in Cherkessk style, with a gun over my GATE GATE16 8

shoulders and slept in a clean field, under the cry of jackals, ate pita bread, even drank Kakheti ... ” Commenting on the letter, Irakli Andronikov questioned the spelling of the word “Shusha”. The researcher thinks that heading from Shemakhi to the headquarters of Nizhegorodsky regiment in Kakheti, Lermontov had to pass through Nukha and even today there is no other way to travel from Shemakhi to Karaagach. Meanwhile, in the letter not Nukha but Shusha is mentioned, which is far from Cuba and Shemakhi and is close to the southern borders of the Caucasus. Andronikov decided to argue with Lermontov because the autograph of letter has not been preserved in history. This letter was first published in 1890 in the magazine “Russian Review” in the memoirs of Akim ShanGirey, the second cousin of the poet. But in the first publication instead of “Shusha” was printed “Shuma”. As per researcher Zakharov, this inaccuracy was because

The three-star hotel “Avan Shushi Plaza“ is located in the city of Shushi at 11 km from the city of Stepanakert. The hotel is situated in the central district near the Shushi Fortress, St. Ghazanchetsots Cathedral and Kanach Zham church which in Armenian means “Green Church“ because its domes were once painted green. The hotel offers 31 rooms with free Wi-Fi connection, billiard and tennis.

Tel.: +(374 477) 3 15 99 +(374 477) 3 33 77 +(374 97) 24 20 64 avanshushi@hotmail.com, avanplaza@hotmail.com www.avanshoushiplaza.com

Crossroads at the time of publication Shan-Girey was no longer alive and there was no one to proofread. And those who were preparing the letter for publication, could easily take the letter “sh” (Russian: “ш”) for “m” (Russian “м”), as they are very similar in writing. In addition, there is no such city in Transcaucasia as Shuma. This was perfectly known to Pavel Viskovaty, the first biographer of Lermontov who in 1891 included the letter addressed to Ranevsky in the fivevolume edition of the poet's works and corrected “Shuma” to “Shusha”. The viewpoint of Irakli Andronikov cannot be accepted as a simple error as the spelling of “Nukha” and “Shusha” is too different. “If you look carefully at the

roadmap of Lermontov time”, says Vladimir Zakharov, “you can see that the road from Tiflis to Cuba passes through Yelizavetpol, then, there is a turn to Shemakha. Yes, it was possible to make a detour and go through Nukha, but most probably Lermontov chose the shorter route. On the way back, he could turn to Shusha from Yelizavetpol because he had to be there for some very important reasons - most likely for official matters. There is no doubt that the poet's stay in Shusha was quite a short one, I think, not more than two or three days”. As for the Armenian relatives of Lermontov, in his “Caucasian period” he became friends with his cousin Akim Akimovich Hastatov, who at the time was a lieutenant of Life Guards of Semenov regiment. His father, Akim (Hovakim), an Armenian by nationality, was married to Yekaterina Alekseevna, the sister of Lermontov's grandmother. GATE GATE18 8

In his memoirs A.M. Turgenev tells that the marriage caused a ruckus in the society: “ ... they were shocked: how could a noble maiden marry an Armenian! She has lost her senses!” But the Armenian husband loved his wife, and Yekaterina was happily married. Akim Hastatov attained fame: together with other Armenians - S. Davydov, S. Maneev, Ya. Abramov, as he took part in many famous battles and for his courage and bravery was praised by Suvorov himself. Hastatov participated in the fierce battles in Focsani and Rymnik, in carrying the Izmail fortress. He was twice wounded and was awarded with the Order of St. George. Akim knew foreign languages and was appointed to the services of M. Kutuzov. He served in the Russian embassy in Constantinople. Lermontov first met his Armenian relatives in 1818, when together with his grandmother he was in the estate of Yekaterina Alekseevna Hastatova and kept in touch with them till the end of his life. The Shusha pages of the poet’s life shall not be left without attention by historians and Lermontov scholars.

Western Armenia

ANITHE CITY OF ARMENIAN DREAMS On our way back from Ararat, we decided to make a stop in Ani-the city of 1001 churches. A few months ago we saw the Armenian city of dreams from Anipemza â&#x20AC;&#x201C; on the other side of the Akhuryan gorge. The feelings are fantastic, it is as if you enter into an empire of former greatness and turn back the pages of centuries where every stone can speak, groan and sing.

The city was founded in ancient times. During

the 5th-8th centuries it was a part of the Kamsarakan dynasty and then of the Bagratuni dynasty. In 961 AD, King Ashot III made Ani the capital of Armenia. Afterwards it became a major political, economical, cultural and commercial center. So much has taken place in the history of Ani. It has been under the Byzantine rule, was captured and destroyed by the Seljuk Turks and an earthquake, captured by Georgians, Mongols, was the capital of the Turkish dynasty of Kara Koyunlu, and by the end of the 14th century was conquered by Timur Lane and lost its importance as a cultural and economical center. In 1534 Ani became a part of the Ottoman Empire, and from 1878 to 1917 was part of the Russian Empire in accordance with the Treaty of San Stefano. Today the medieval walls of the city, the palace of Seljuks and a number of Armenian churches of 11th-13th centuries are partially preserved.

The Armenian inscriptions are smeared and wiped away, the crosses are destroyed and broken from church walls. At the entrance of one of the churches there is a khachkar (crossstone) of amazing beauty. Unfortunalety it has been partially destroyed. GATE GATE20 8

Ani

With regret I have to note that the restoration works in the city harm the Armenian heritage. The Armenian inscriptions are smeared and wiped away, the crosses are destroyed and broken from church walls. At the entrance of one of the churches there is a khachkar (cross-stone) of amazing beauty. Unfortunalety, it has been partially destroyed. Soon the inscriptions under the cross will fade and be lost forever. A number of churches have survived in the city. The main Cathedral of Ani is a wonderful architectural structure, combining all the features and all the original beauty of the ancient Armenian architecture. Impressive by its size, the Cathedral Church in the eastern outskirts of Ani is the wonderful work of the talented Trdat, the Architect of the Bagratuni dynasty. The construction started in

989 A.D. during the rule of King Smbat II, and was completed only in 1001 A.D. by Queen Katramide, the wife of Gagik I. Ani Cathedral copied the more developed and slightly modified type of domed basilica created in Armenia in the 7th century. Four powerful and widely-spaced poles supported the dome until its collapse in 1319. The Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator, or Gagikashen, was completed in 990-1005 A.D. As per the requirements of his customer,

A number of churches have survived in the city. The main Cathedral of Ani is a wonderful architectural structure, combining all the features and all the original beauty of the ancient Armenian architecture. the author Trdat erected the temple of Gagik recreating Zvartnots temple (meaning â&#x20AC;&#x153;celestial angelsâ&#x20AC;?) built in the 7th century. Like Zvartnots, it was a circular, multifaceted on the outside, cruciform church with a threetier central dome. Gagikashen was excavated in 1906 on the western part of the city not far from the Tsaghkotsadzor gorge by the great scholar, Nikolay Marr. Along with the poorly preserved remains of the temple, the stone statue of King Gagik Bagratuni I was excavated with the model of the church built by him in his hands. Abughamrents Church, or St. Gregory, is a small family chapel of Pahlavuni princes of the Abughamrents family, on the precipice of Tsaghkotsadzor built in the 10th century. On the outside the church is richly decorated by arcature, niches, framed windows both on the corners of the lower tier, and on the round drum of the dome.

Find us online at: www.armeniatravel.ru

Western Armenia

The Church of the Holy Redeemer is located to the north-east of the Cathedral. Its construction, as shown on the inscription, was completed in 1036 A.D. under Prince Ablgharib Pahlavuni. The church was renovated in 1291 and in 1342. The Church of Holy Apostles (Arakelots) is one of the churches in the central part of the city. Its construction dates back to the 10th11th centuries (there is an inscription on its walls dated 1031). The temple was crowned with five domes, the central dome towering over the square, and the other smaller domes crowned the side chapels. In the 13th century an ante church was built on the southern side of Arakelots church. Its southern wall

is finished with niches in stalactite style. “Cows are walking in the streets generously fertilizing the Armenian heritage with their manure. There are many bones both human and animal, which were unearthed by rains and time. Broken jars…” In 2010 due to inefficient management and neglect by the authorities towards Ani, the Global Heritage Fund included monuments

…Cows are walking in the streets generously fertilizing the Armenian heritage with their manure. There are many bones both human and animal, which were unearthed by rains and time. Broken jars… of Ani in the list of “Sights on the verge”. It includes all monuments worldwide that are on the verge of destruction. Moreover, the ruins of the ancient Armenian capital are among the three sites of historical heritage, which are most at risk of destruction. Once there was a massive stone bridge passing through Akhuryan River but unfortunately today only remains of it are preserved. And the modern Armenia is so close, a stone’s throw away, but these are two different countries, two different histories.

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back to the sources

Explore the ancient culture and architecture of Historical Armenia with us. Tours to Western Armenia (Kars, Ani, Van, Mush, Erzurum, Diyarbakir) Tours to Cilicia and Cappadocia (Urfa, Ayntap, Musa Ler, Mount Nemrut, Adana, Korikos, Marash, Zeytun, Sis, Malatya, Kayseri, Nevsheir) including 5 days on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Tours to Armenia (Etchmiadzin, Garni, Geghard, Khor Virap, Noravank, Tatev, Sevan, Dilijan, Gyumri) Tours to Iran (Tabriz, Orumieh, Maku, Shiraz, Isfahan) +(374 60) 270 370 +(374 55) 203 206 admin@anitour.am www.blog.anitour.org www.facebook.com/Anitour.Arm Address: 28 Isahakyan str., #20 Yerevan, RA

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Our capital

YEREVAN OPERA HOUSE

In the very heart of Yerevan, at the intersection of the city’s main streets, bathed in the shadow of mighty trees, is the Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet. It is named after Alexander Spendiarian and is one of the greatest attractions of the country. The theater was founded in 1933, as per the resolution of Council of People's Commissars of the Armenian SSR and seven years later it was completed.

building was designed by the legendary archiTtect,heAlexander Tamanyan, who had also designed all the streets of Yerevan. Up to today the Tamanyan general plan of the city is considered a masterpiece, although in the early 20th century there were many not so favorable conversations about it. On the southern side of the Opera is Freedom Square, where there are two monuments, one of the famous Armenian writer Hovhannes Tumanyan and one of the composer Alexander Spendiarov. This square is one of the favorite leisure places for the people of Yerevan. Here you can sit in a cafe and enjoy pleasant company, relax on a bench, cycle or rollerblade. Several years ago, in order to unclog the streets of Yerevan, a three-level parking garage with space for 500 vehicles was built directly under the square. On the eastern side of the square there is a small manmade lake, known as the Swan Lake. Next to the lake you can see the monument to the composer Arno Babajanyan. The statue to the composer was designed to capture his inspiration. As you look at the statue you should notice his posture and the wave of his hand in harmony with the melody of this special place.

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To the south and across the street from Opera is Northern Avenue. This is one of the recently designed and constructed modern streets within the city and is often referred to as the “new Yerevan.” The northern side of the Opera faces to the France Square. The France Square is a peaceful area and is surrounded by quiet green parks. In the center of the square there is a sculpture by Rodin, depicting the French artist Bastien-Lepage. The sculpture was a present from former French President Nicolas Sarkozy to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Independence of Armenia. On the southern edge of the square you can see another sculpture, this one in honor of the composer Aram Khachaturyan. To the east of the Opera you will find Martiros Saryan Park, named after the famous artist. In the park there is a monument to the painter and the place is also known as Small Vernissage. To the west of the Opera there is the Conservatory Square, with monuments to composers Komitas and Sayat-Nova and across the road there is a monument to the writer William Saroyan and if you keep walking just a bit more you will come upon the magnificence of the Cascade. Since the opening of the Yerevan Opera, the sounds of world famous musical masterpieces have been heard from its stage. The Armenian people have always nurtured their cultural growth with a need for good music. The composers and musicians that have performed there have never had such an appreciative and grateful audience as they do in Armenia.

Hunot The mysterious name of this site of stunning beauty and powerful energy is in the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh. Hunot... The gorge of dogwood trees... Here you can easily get away from reality, turn back the pages of centuries or dream about the future. We leave Shushi to loose ourselves in the magic of dogwood dreams...

The Gorge of Dogwood Trees

he lower we go down into the valley, the greater the Shushi fortress appears. It has stood for many centuries and has seen too many fights. In 1927 the writer Marietta Shahinyan wrote: “...years will pass, perhaps even decades, and tourists will come to Shushi – and already not for its beauty and climate, but for a historical lesson – one that played a great educational role for the entire Transcaucasia, a lesson similar to what we saw in Pompeii and Herculaneum. Only there the cause was the blind power of nature, while here – the blind power was of a beast, awakened in human beings with the help of the human word. Out of the thirty-five thousand Armenians none are left in Shushi”. Steep rock ledges covered with dogwood trees, rosehip and dewberries take you to the depths of the gorge, to the fast mountain river Karkar. The melody created by water and stone, complemented by the calling of the birds penetrates the silence. We pass through the village Hunot with the feeling as if we are in the Middle Ages. Houses, gardens, mills, pathways... In some buildings there is still deadwood kept, as if until yesterday the steady steward was getting ready for winter collecting dry branches. The village was founded in the 18th century and abandoned in 1930. Today the ruins of this small village occupy 1.5 hectares. In 1895 the village, with a population of 130 people, played an important role for the city of Shushi. GATE 26

The waterfall â&#x20AC;&#x153;Umbrellaâ&#x20AC;? looks like a mossy ancient monster from which water is running during both summer and winter.

The majority of the mills were located here and were producing flour for Shushi. Until now the houses smell of stove smoke and bread.

during the last hiking. The cemetery convinces us that there has been a village here; it was not just a center of mills, as we were told.

Ahead of us there is a stone arch bridge The old shattered trees are frightening; they creak and moan, as if telling the story of built in 1720, which still serves as a solid this place. A little farther there is an ancient foundation for crossing the river. Once it was cemetery. It is strange but we didn't notice it an important linking point, a sort of highway Find us online at: www.armeniatravel.ru

Hunot

of the fallen time, from Shushi to Varanda and further. It is mainly built of river cobblestone except for its foundations holding its coffering. Along the river there are several backwaters, which in warm weather serve as lovely pools for swimming. Going down the Hunot gorge it would be a crime to not visit the waterfall “Mamrot Kar”, popularly known as “Umbrella”. The waterfall “Umbrella” looks like a mossy ancient monster from which water is running during both summer and winter. Only in winter it gets teeth in the form of icicles. And if without poetry, this deep source originates in the canyon stone, forming a constantly flowing waterfall in the form of a huge umbrella, covered with moss. The Artsakh people care about their land very much, a land they had to defend with their blood. The Hunot gorge amazes with its purity, despite the fact that it is a popular place for picnics.

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The newly opened “Europe“ hotel offers its guests 33 single, double and deluxe rooms, and a luxurious presidential suite with all accommodations and services. The characteristic features of the hotel rooms are vastness, warmth and comfort. The hotel has such facilities as restaurant, lobby bar, swimming pool, sauna, beauty salon, laundry. The guests can have a rest in an open air café in front of the hotel or in sky-bar on the hotel roof. Elegant interiors and spacious halls are decorated with modern design patterns in compliance with the international standards. The dome of the conference hall gives special exclusiveness and an unusual charm to the hotel building. The guests can also enjoy the picturesque view from the roof café to Stepanakert and its surroundings. A well-developed infrastructure, modern technical equipment and convenient location make the hotel popular among tourists and business travellers for having a good rest and holding conferences or special events.

26 Azatamartikneri ave., Stepanakert, NKR Tel.: +(374 47) 97 57 52, +(374 47) 97 57 82 info@hoteleurope.am www.hoteleurope.am

Celebrities

The fearless and glorious path of general

Madatov

“Portrait of Prince Lieutenant-general Valerian Madatov” (by George Dawe, the State Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow)

t the age of 14 he left his parents’ home and traveled to Astrakhan, where he became a student of a merchant who traveled with the army, selling them the provisions they needed. Eventually, he learned Russian and joined the Russian Guard where he enlisted under his mother’s maiden name, Madatov (his father's last name was Grigoryan (Kyukyuits), according to E. G. Veidenbaum, a specialist majoring in Caucasus history). Specialists assume that the Emperor, Pavel the First, granted the 17-year old Valerian the title of Prince as a diplomatic gesture as non-noblemen weren’t able to join the Guard Corps. The fact is that Valerian arrived in the northern capital of Russia in 1799 as a member of Armenian noblemen in a delegation which was led by Jumshud Shakh-Nazarov. Nobleman Jumshud trained the young Madatov the knowledge of a nobleman and convinced Rostom to join the military school.

Prince Valerian Madatov (born Rostom Grigoryevich Madatyan) was a Lieutenantgeneral of the Russian army who had many victories and never suffered a single defeat. He was born on May 31, 1782 in Avetaranots in the Chanakhchi settlement, next to Shushi. He has been described as “a general of the Suvorov school” which provided many heroes to the Russian army such as Bagration, Miloradovich, Yermolov, Dennis Davydov and Kotlyarevsky. He distinguished himself for the first time during the Russo-Turkish war (1806 – 1812). During the Patriotic War of 1812 he commanded the advanced guard and succeeded in conquering numerous cities, including the taking of Vilnius. For these battles he earned the rank of colonel and was awarded with a golden sword which was studded with diamonds and had the inscription “For bravery” on it. Along with other advanced forces of the Russian army, Madatov’s regiment crossed the

Valerian started his military service in the Life Guard Preobrazhensky Regiment at the lowest officer rank of Praposrschik.

Neman and participated in the battle under Kalish. The Saxon troops were beaten and Madatov, who captured General Nostits's troops, He started his military service in the Life Guard was awarded with the St. George’s Cross of 3rd Preobrazhensky Regiment at the lowest officer degree. rank of Praposrschik. In Saint-Petersburg he was He was promoted to Major General after the supported by such prominent members of the battle in Leipzig (1813), during which he didn’t Armenian community as Archbishop Joseph and leave the battlefield even though his hand was Johan Lazarev, whose home he lived in. injured. GATE GATE30 8

Живопись Armenia handed over by the signing a peace treaty! For this Madatov was awarded with monarchial grace.

Madatov showed that he was as humane as he was brave. Upon his order, the Turks, who Besides his military career, Madatov proved were dying of hunger and cold, were provided himself in other areas as well. When the Turkish garrison of Varna, that handed over the fortress, with all possible help. was allowed to return beyond the Balkans and In 1816 Madatov was appointed as the were crossing the area where his troops were commander-in-chief of the Russian forces of located, Madatov showed that he was as humane the Karabakh khanate, and in the following year he was the commander of the forces in several other khanates: Sheki, Shirvan and Karabakh. In 1820 he defeated Gazikumukh Surkhaykhan and in two weeks he had conquered the entire khanate (the political entity ruled by a Khan). Once in control, he established courts, built roads, appointed Cossack posts, supported the development of trade and industry, cultivation of mulberry-tree farms, establishment of studs, etc. as he was brave. Upon his order, the Turks, who In 1826 he defeated the Persians in Shamkhor, were dying of hunger and cold, were provided with forced out Nazar-Ali-khan from Yelizavetpol and all possible help. helped General Paskevich to win Shah AbbasThis was followed by battle honors upon Mirza and conquer the Shushi fortress. leaving, as while he had defeated 6000 Turks, On May 27, 1828, he took part in the famous he only suffered 37 losses within his own troops crossing of the Danube under the Emperor's which is amazing considering that the Turkish command. Nikolay the First personally assigned forces outnumbered him by 3 to 1... On November 10, 1828 colonel Dibich assigned Madatov as Commander of the 3rd General Madatov always believed in his Hussar Division. soldiers. He often used to tell them: “You are On April 5, 1829 Madatov led his division Russian soldiers! I will never be defeated with into battle in Shumla and with his usual skills you.” And he never was… and bravery claimed many victories. During the siege of the fortress long standing illness Madatov to conduct negotiations with the Turks of Madatov was aggravated and the medicine as he was fluent in Turkish and was well aware provided by military wasn't enough to save him. of their customs. He completed the assignment He died on September 4th, 1829. The Turks perfectly and convinced the Turks to hand over opened the gates of the fortress and allowed the the Isakchu fortress without a fight. burial of Madatov near the Christian Orthodox On July 4 Prince Madatov attacked the Girsovo church of St. George. They allowed this because fortress with less than 2000 men. The Prince Madatov was always merciful to the enemy and then resorted to a very innovative war trick – he to the civilian population. Later his remains were ordered his detachment to change their uniform reburied at the Alexander Nevsky Monastery numerous times and to march in front of the (currently Tikhvin cemetery) in St. Petersburg. The soldiers greatly admired and trusted besieged fortress - each time in a new uniform, thus giving the appearance of an attack force 4 their General, and Madatov always believed in times the size of what it really was. To keep total his soldiers. He often used to tell them: “You are control during the negotiations, he even acted as Russian soldiers! I will never be defeated with his own translator. On July 11th the fortress was you”. And he never was… Find us online at: www.armeniatravel.ru

TIGRANAKERT OF ARTSAKH

of Artsakh (in total there were 4 cities Đ˘withigranakert the same name, established by Tigran II) is a witness of the greatness of Armenia. It is situated not far from Martakert Province in Nagorno-Karabakh. The approximate location of the city was known due to findings which proved that there had been a rich settlement of an antique period. Tigranakert was mentioned by the historian Sebeos in the 7th century in his work about the invasion of the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius I to Armenia. Movses Kagankatvaci of Utik, another medieval historian, also made a reference to it. Hamlet Petrosyan who was leading the excavations in Artsakh, after studying the written sources, topographic and archeological data, came to the conclusion that the ruins of the city should be searched for on the hill next to the river Khachinchay. It is on the border between the provinces of Artsakh and Utik as Tigranakert was a part of Utik, and its suburbs were part of Artsakh. The archeologists researched the territory within a 10 km range and discovered two groups of ruins on both the left and right banks of the river. Ruins of the 1st century with numerous ceramics were found, along with two graves. They also found a basilica built in the Hellenic technique of dry masonry of huge ashlors, walls with semicircular towers, with remains of early Christian basilica dated 5th-7th centuries which is considered as one of the oldest in Transcaucasia. On a small disk on the ground there is a stone with an inscription

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It would seem that the ancient city Tigranakert in the province of Artsakh Of Greater Armenia disappeared into nowhere, becoming a myth like Atlantis. But this is not the case. It was established by the Armenian king Tigran II the Great in the first century BC and named after him. In 2005 the city was discovered by the Artsakh archeological expedition of Armenian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Archeology and Ethnography under the directorship of Dr. Hamlet Petrosyan. In 2008 Tigranakert was announced as a state reservation.

in Armenian: “I, Vache, the servant of God”. The church functioned until the 9th century when “it stopped working due to the damage caused by nonChristians or earthquakes”. Also discovered were early Christian tomb-crosses, 10 khachkars and an acient gemma with an eagle tearing a deer to pieces. Tigranakert was built on the side of the Vankasari mountain, had a shape of a triangle and finished by a cliff. Massive stairs made of white stone, as if designed for giant feet, take you to the mountain. According to the information available, the area of the city was around 50 hectares and could hold several thousands of people, which by ancient standards was a middle-size city. The city survived a collapse in the period of Early Medieval and was emptied during the Mongol invasion, though apparently not right after the invasion. Hamlet Petrosyan determined that the city consisted of 3 parts: the upper part with palaces, the central quarter, and the lower part – the Acropolis, fenced off by a wall. All of these parts together formed a triangle. In mid-18th century Khan Panakh built a castle next to the Shakhbulag spring using stones of the basilica ruins. We are sure that Tigranakert still has many secrets, which shall be unveiled by archeologists and which will become known to the world. And as poet Eduard Mkhitaryan wrote in his poem “The second life of Tigranakert”: “Let’s imagine that Tigranakert didn’t fall under the feet of legionnaires”. Find us online at: www.armeniatravel.ru xxxIII

TATEV Тatev monastery was built in the 9th century

and for several centuries was the religious and intellectual center of the Syunik region. In the Middle Ages here were the monastery school, miniature school and one of the biggest universities where such disciplines as philosophy, theology, grammar, physics, math and astronomy, calligraphy, Armenian language, literature, history and architecture as well as the art of miniature and mural painting, basics of pictorial art and techniques of book design were taught. The university was preparing dignitaries, theologists, teachers and specialists of copying manuscripts. The training was lasting 7-8 years. In Tatev, in addition to 500 monks there were also philosophers, musicians, writers and painters. The prosperity of the university was connected with the activities of its two principles: Hovhannes Vorotnetsi (1315-1388) and Grigor Tatevatsi (1346-1410). The university operated until 1435 when Shah Rukh, the youngest son and successor of Timur Lane invaded and burnt the monastery. Next to the main church of the Tatev monastery there is the tomb of St. Grigor Tatevatsi. Up to today Tatev is a place for pilgrimages. Father superior, Archimandrite Mikayel in 1995 organized a pilgrimage by foot from Echmiadzin to Tatev. The pilgrims walked for 10 days. Archimandrite Mikayel felt that he found “his” place. It has been six years already since his ordination and the start of his serving in Tatev monastery.

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Where else can one have the feeling of flying like in Tatev Monastery? Standing at the edge of the deep gorge you feel weightless and luminous: the hovering of the soul and divine light. No wonder that the monastery is named “Tatev” which in Armenian means “give me wings”. According to the legend, the master, after finishing his work, stood at the edge of the gorge and prayed “Ognir Surb, ta tev” (“Holy Spirit, give me wings!”). And with these words he jumped into the abyss. But the power of his prayer gave him wings and the master flew. thus this place was called “Tatev”.

A year ago he and another monk were living in a cell in the monastery. But the building is too cold so Father Mikayel’s health was affected. Today the monks and the pilgrims live in a special house in the village and go to the monastery every morning. Special tours are operating here and many pilgrims from Russia also come to Tatev. A lot of Russians are christened here and a lot of childless couples that made a pilgrimage to Tatev are able to finally enjoy parenting. A Russian family calls to the Father very often and shares news about their newborn child, saying: “We are Russian, but our baby is Armenian-from Tatev”. I asked the Father: “So, you have the gift to heal?” Father Mikayel smiled kindly and answered modestly: “The gift is granted from God. All I do is pray!” The monastery has a choir consisting of 30 children from Tatev village. A movie called “The obedients of Syunik“ was made about these children. In 1931 the monastery was destroyed by a great earthquake and it was empty until the Russian entrepreneur Ruben Vardanyan initiated the “Tatev Revival Project”. As a part of the project the aerial ropeway “Wings of Tatev” was built. The length of the aerial line broke the previous world record and spans 5.7 km over the deep and picturesque gorge of the Vorotan River. All the income from tickets goes to renovating the monastery.

Find us online at: www.armeniatravel.ru

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METZ ANAPAT history of establishment of the monastery Tgoeshe back to 1660 according to the records of

chronicler Zakaria Aguletsi, when not far from old Halidzor settlement the ruins of which are preserved up to today, an earthquake destroyed the Harants hermitage. At that time the monks of Harants, under the leadership of the abbot Father Aristakes, built a new monastery several kilometers away – Metz Anapat. The monks brought from the old monastery an oval khachkar which up to today is standing outside the Grand Hermitage. No wonder that the monks chose this favored place; right next to it there is a rumbling river, rich woods and wonderful pastures. Fog is very rare down in the gorge as the climate is always mild there. Underground entrances lead to the hermitage from Tatev monastery that towers at the edge of the gorge so that in case of danger the monks could leave the monastery without being noticed. In 1663 Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother), a three-aisled basementless church was erected, which is evidenced by a sign at the entrance. In 1743 an antechurch and a porch were built next to the church. There is an inscription about it on the northern wall of the church. At the northern wall of the church the mausoleum of Archmandrite Aristakes is preserved. At the end of the 17th century the head of Tatev, Hovasap Aguerdzetsi added multiple cells to the complex. The square form wall of the monastery was built in the middle of the 18th century. A spacious

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The medieval monastery complex of Grand Hermitage Tatev (Tatevi Metz Anapat) is hidden deep in the gorge of the Vorotan River. You can go down there either by a winding road or by a path through the woods wandering between the wild overgrowth of pears, apples, rosehip and hazelnut. You can enjoy the view of the monastery from a bird's eye panorama from the cabin of “Wings of Tatev” ropeway.

monastery canteen, a kitchen with a big fireplace and arch niches were accommodated in it. There is a garden and a spring in the courtyard of the monastery. Tatev Hermitage, together with its school and scriptorium (training for scribes), was preserved till the end of the 19th century. In 1931 it was partially destroyed by an earthquake. In 1995 there was a movement to include Metz Anapat in UNESCO World Heritage. Also, Tatev Gorge is a wonderful place for hiking. As it is planned, soon there will be horseback riding. The place will also be attractive for those who are interested in rare but natural flowers. One can find such plants as: Maidenhead Fern (Adianthumcapillus-veneris), Allium kunthianum, Large bindweed or morning glory (Calystegiasilvatica), Southern Bindweed (Convolvulus cantabrica), Carnelian Cherry (Cornus mas), Hawthorn (Crataeguscaucasica), Dianthus (Diantusorientalis), Foxglove (Digitalis nervosa), Ficariaficarioides, Fig (Ficuscarica), Crested Gentian (Gentianaseptemfida), Black spot horned-poppy (Glauciumcorniculatum), Globe Daisy (Globulariatrichosantha), Elecampagne (Inulahelenium), Wild apple (Malusorientalis), Silk vine (Periplocagraeca), Solomon's Seal (Polygonatummultiflorum), Cherry Plum (Prunusdivaricata), Pomegranate (Punicagranatum) and Ring Bellflower (Symphyandra armena) and several species of Irises (Iris imbricata, I. paradoxa, I. lineolata). Find us online at: www.armeniatravel.ru

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Extreme sports

ARMENIAN OFF-ROADING

In the last years car tourism has been becoming more and more popular in Armenia, particularly off-roading as a type of extreme tourism. It’s the off-road vehicles that allow you to drive through routes where the regular cars and buses cannot go. And for off-road lovers it is a special pleasure to get stuck in the dirt and mud somewhere.

tea. The tours include visits to historical, cultural, religious, sports and nature sights, including summer pastures, organizing excursions, trips and leisure time in nature. “Gardman tour” also offers combined tours for photo shoots. The company provides an accompanying instructor who gives tips and instructions as well as directions along the highway.

If you choose off-roading, you will understand that this type of tourism has obvious t’s been two years since “Gardman Tour” has been operating in the adventurous tourism indus- privileges; you can travel with a small group, try in Armenia, organizing off-roading, trekking, with less serious physical exercise, there is no camping and other types of adventurous tours. need to carry your luggage and bad weather The usual season for off-roading is fall, though will not disturb you. The most popular routes winter off-roading in Armenia is also quite pop- for off-roading are in mountains which Armeular. Very often extreme off-road vacation lovers nia has so many of! choose a winter tour in the valleys of Aragats mountain.

“Gardman tour” operates in Armenia, Karabakh and Georgia. The framework of their activities includes: organizing trips on both regular and off-road transportation, meals in restaurants, taverns, villages and in nature, sleepovers in hotels, guest-houses and tents. Special interest among these tourists is communicating with locals, getting to know their habits and traditions. Very few tourists will refuse to taste Armenian yogurt (matsun), zhingyalov hats, that’s made of mountain herbs or simply to drink a cup of tasty GATE GATE38 8

Geghadir

HYELANDZ ECO VILLAGE RESORT

Ecotourism, which is so popular throughout the world, is now gaining more and more popularity in Armenia. HyeLandz Eco Village Resort is a picturesque locale for those who truly love nature and animals. Even though it is only 15 km from Yerevan, on the way to Garni-Geghard in Geghadir village, HyeLandz allows one to feel the beauty of nature, untouched by civilizations. The Zakarian family has perfected how to live on our planet and to get the most out of life, taste the fruits of the earth and enjoy the love of Mother-Nature. When you get tired of the negative influence of the big city environment, you can find peace, tranquility and harmony in HyeLandz Eco Village Resort by getting closer to nature and smelling the clean air.

started more than 10 years ago when Arthur Iandt allCaroline Zakarian came to settle in their historical motherland from the USA. A couple of years ago they founded HyeLandz Eco Village Resort with comfortable cottages built of wonderful Armenian tuff stone, as well as a log house with beautiful suites exquisitely furnished to European taste and standards, following all of the national traditions. The main purpose was to go back to their roots and to show that Armenia is one of the best places that can boast clean ecology. There are beautiful gardens and orchards all through the resort where organic fruits, vegetables, greens and flowers are grown. At HyeLandz you will also see domestic animals such as dogs, cats, donkeys, horses, and birds such as pigeons, parrots, hens, chickens, ducks, geese etc. There are solar stations throughout the resort to create and maintain ecologically clean environment and to use all resources more efficiently. GATE 40

A Legend

The legend of the first wine Three years ago American archeologists found a winery in the Areni cave, which is about 6000 years old. They found fermentation vats, wine presses, pottery sherds and storage jars dating back to the fourth millennium BC. The analysis of grape seeds, remains of pressed grapes and desiccated vines showed that the ancient winemakers were using the same species of grapes (Vitis vinifera vinifera, where the Latin word “vita” means “life”), as today are used for wine production. And it all started here with father Noah, which the Armenian legend tells us about.

…A nd patriarch Noah set foot on the solid

ground, he knelt down and took out a small sprout - a vine, which the patriarch planted at the foot of Mount Ararat. Ararat valley is known for its mild climate, long sunny days and fertile soil. Here the grapes are showered by sunshine making them into ambers filled with a divinely tasty juice. When the first inhabitants of the valley ate the grapes, they were captivated by its miraculous taste. They ate grapes from dawn to dusk and couldn’t get enough of them. The harvest was so bountiful that all the platters of each house were filed with grapes. They poured the leftovers of it into barrels and lowered them down into the cellars.

GATE GATE42 8

In winter they remembered about the grape they had hidden in the cellars during the summertime. They opened the barrels and found the squashed and shriveled grapes. They felt so sad to pour out the last flavors of summer into the pit so, one of our ancestors took a sip from the grape juice and he gasped, smacked his lips with enjoyment and poured himself some more. Soon others joined and they all began to drink the sweet and slightly tart juice. There was so much joy that it seemed as though summer days were back. This is the story of the first wine and first winemakers in Armenia who have kept their traditions throughout several millenniums.

СЕВАН The Capital

Happy

Dear women,

I’d like to congratulate you warmly as we celebrate International Women’s Day. At all the decisive moments of the centuries-old history, you have had your undeniable contribution to all our victories and to the issue of our country’s foundation. And with the same devotion, you go on contributing to the cause of making our capital more prosperous. With your endless optimism, kindness and patience, with your unexplainable ability to overcome hardships, with your entire devotion to family you, dear women, make the image of an Armenian woman complete and you really deserve the highest appreciation. And as your holiday coincides with nature awakening, I wish every day of your life to be full of spring fragrance, sun and good mood. Strong health, endless happiness and good luck to you, dear wives, mothers, sisters and daughters!

Taron Margaryan Mayor of Yerevan

GATE 44

Good to know! ? Which are the most popular recreation places in Armenia? : Tsaghkadzor, Ijevan, Dilijan and the Sevan. ? Where in Armenia would you advise to rest

in winter and in summer? summer - Sevan, Jermuk, Dilijan, Tsaghkadzor, Ijevan. In winter - Tsaghkadzor and Jermuk where there are wonderful ski resorts. ? What kind of stores are there in Armenian resorts? : In general there are grocery and department stores. ? What category hotels are there in Armenia? : In Yerevan, as well as in the regions of Armenia, there are 2-5 star hotels (price range varies from 20 to 250 US dollars per night). ? What is the weather like in Armenia? : Mild winters and hot summers. In summer it is usually hot during the daytime and cool in the evening. ? Name the traditional Armenian dishes. : Lavash (the Armenian bread), dolma (ground meat stuffed in grape or cabbage leaves or vegetables such as pepper, eggplant and tomatoes, the so called “summer dolma”), as well as barbeque, qyufta, khash and kebab. ? Where can I buy souvenirs and jewelry? : You can buy souvenirs and jewelry in Vernissage, an open-air exhibition fair in the center of Yerevan next to Republic Square. Here the works of modern artists as well as antiques are sold. Also you can find numerous souvenir shops in the city center. ? What museums, exhibitions, concert halls, theatres and cinemas can one visit in Armenia? : You can get detailed information on pages 54, 56. ? Is it true that Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion? : Yes, it is true. Armenia adopted Christianity as a state religion in 301 A.D. ?Which is the oldest church in Armenia? : The oldest church in Armenia is the Echmiadzin Cathedral Church built in 301-303 AD. ?Are there any non-Armenian holy sights? : Yes, there are. For example, the pagan temple Garni dates back to the 1st century AD, devoted to Mihr, the God of Sun and the

: In

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Persian Blue Mosque in Yerevan. In 2012 the opening ceremony of Yazidi temple “Ziarat” took place in the Armavir region of the Republic of Armenia. This is the first temple to serve the spiritual beliefs of Yazidis built outside of their Lalish homeland. ? What can I see in Matenadaran? : Matenadaran is the pride of the Armenian culture. It is the biggest repository of ancient manuscripts in the world. There are 17 thousand ancient manuscripts and more than 100 thousand ancient archive documents. Along with the 13 thousand manuscripts there are 2000 manuscripts in Russian, Hebrew, Latin, Arabic, Syriac, Greek, Japanese, Persian and other languages. Together with these manuscripts, Matenadarn holds the biggest, the smallest, the thickest and the thinnest books in the world. ? Can we stay in Armenian families for a couple of days to have a closer look at the Armenian lifestyle? : Yes, you can. You should contact a local tour agency and find out the details. ? Can we stay in Armenian villages for a couple of days to see how lavash is baked, matsun, tan and other dishes are made? : Of course, besides, you can also try to bake lavash by yourself or make tan by whipping matsun in a milk-churn. ? What is the name of the Armenian currency? Is it possible to pay in rubles, dollars or euro in stores? : The official currency in Armenia is called “dram” (AMD). The word “dram” translates into English as “money” and is similar to the Greek “drachma”. The stores are not entitled to accept foreign currency; the payment shall only be made in the local currency. ? Where can I exchange currency? : There are numerous foreign exchange offices in Yerevan. You can also exchange currency in banks. ? Can we use Visa, Master and other cards for shopping in Yerevan? : Yes you can. But stores and restaurants that accept cards are only in Yerevan. You should have cash on you while you are outside of Yerevan.

Question-Answer ? Are there ATMs in Armenia? : Yes, in many stores and supermarkets there

are ATMs and foreign exchange offices where you can exchange any currency without showing your passport. ? Are there banks in resting areas of Armenia? : There are no banks next to resting areas but in nearby cities you can find banks as well as foreign exchange offices. ? What is VIP service at the airport? : After the landing of the aircraft, a car meets you right at the ramp and takes you to the “lounge of very important people” where the employees of your tour agency meet you. While you are enjoying a cup of coffee, the airport staff processes your documents and gets your luggage and then you into a comfortable car. ? What fruit is known to Europeans as the Armenian apple? : Many fruits got their names due to their place or countries of origin. For example, dates (Phoenix dactylifera) are from Phoenix, peaches (Prunus persica) are from Persia. Likewise, apricots in Europe were called Armenian apples or Armenian plums since they were brought to Europe from Armenia. ? Where is Mount Ararat situated? Where is the best site to see and take photos of it? : Mount Ararat, which is the symbol of Armenia and is pictured on the coat of arms of the country, is not located in Armenia, The territory of the mountain passed to Turkey in 1921. The best and the closest place is Khor Virap. Ararat is also seen from all the corners of the Armenian capital. ? Is it true that Ararat is the highest mountain in the world? : Ararat is the highest mountain in the world by its relative height. The distance from its bottom to the top is 4365 meters. Its absolute height (above the sea-level) is 5165 meters. Meanwhile the relative height of Everest or Jomolungma - as the Nepalians call it, the highest mountain of the world, is only 3.3 km. Its absolute height is 8848 meters. ? When was Armenia a country “from sea to sea”? : During its whole history Armenia reached its greatness in the 1st century BC during the King

Tigran II (95-55). His Empire included the major part of Western Asia – from Mediterranean to Caspian seas, and from rivers Kura to Mesopotamia. ?Why is Armenian cognac called cognac instead of brandy? : Armenian cognac is the only one in the world that for its quality got the privilege from the French to be called cognac, not brandy. Meanwhile in Armenia vodka is consumed much more than the famous grape drink. People usually give cognac as a present. ? Who was the Armenian who got returned from exile in Siberia thanks to Churchill and his love towards the Armenian cognac? : Winston Churchill loved Armenian cognac very much and consumed a bottle of “Dvin” cognac on a daily basis. One day the prime minister noticed that “Dvin” didn't taste any more the way it used to. He complained about it to Stalin. It turned out that the master, Margar Sedrakyan, who was in charge of blending “Dvin” was exiled to Siberia. He was called back from exile and restored in the party. Churchill was again getting his favorite cognac and Sedrakyan was honored with the title of Hero of Socialist Labor. ? There are several giant bridges over gorges in Yerevan. Which one is the biggest? : The Great Bridge of Hrazdan (also known as Kievyan Bridge) is one of the biggest in Europe. It was built in 1954. The passage of the arch is 100 meters, length – 354 meters, height – 68 meters and the width – 25 meters. In 2006 it was totally reconstructed by the city authorities. ? Which is the biggest monument in Yerevan? : The biggest monument in Yerevan is “Mother Armenia” in “Victory” park. The height of the monument, which depicts a female with a sword in her hand is 22 m, and with its baseup to 56 m. Before on a 34-meter base there was the monument of Stalin. The base itself is of high architectural value where there is a museum of the history of Great Patriotic War. The author of the construction is the Honored Architect of USSR, Rafayel Israyelyan. ? How many great nations are there in the world? : Russians, non-Russians and Armenians :)

Find us online at: www.armeniatravel.ru

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The best guide

Bagrat Melkumyan:

“Armenia is

an open air museum!” Whether the tourists enjoyed their stay and would like to come back mainly depends on the professionalism of the tour guide, especially if the person working with tourists generously shares his/her spirit with them. Today in the column “The best” we present the guide of tour agency “Yerevan Travel”, a member of the Armenian National Committee for Tourism – Bagrat Melkumyan.

Вagrat

came to tourism industry when he was a student. He got interested from an advertisement for a six-month training course for tour guides. The student years are the brightest, full of romantics, and where else one can find so much excitement if not in travelling? But to take classical training courses for tour guides wasn't easy for many people. “Out of 50-60 people that were enrolled in the training course, only 3-5 stayed in the industry”, says Bagrat. “But it was to the best, because only the most talented and most devoted ones stayed.” The students were given a plan in which they thoroughly studied the basics of the profession, its theory, methods of excursion work, and basics of public speech, broadened their views, wrote essays, and held their first excursion in Yerevan. Only after that were they allowed to tour outside the borders of the Armenian capital. And only after getting the qualification of an excursionist they could start practicing. Several years ago Bagrat started working at “YEREVAN TRAVEL”. A totally different story in his career began taking into consideration the new period and new approaches to the excursion work. GATE GATE48 8

I asked Bagrat what specifically he remembered from communicating with tourists and I got an unusual answer: “Interesting questions”. For example, during the Soviet times he very often took the schoolchildren to the monument of David of Sasun telling them what every element of the monument symbolized. The dynamic figure of fearless David riding the fabulous horse Jalali symbolizes virtue, impulse and readiness to fight with the enemy. At the edge of the famous monument there is a granite cup which is the symbol of patience of the Armenian people. And suddenly a girl asked: “Why is the cup of patience of the Armenian people so small?” Once Bagrat brought Arabs to the monument and as soon as they heard the name Jalali, they were surprisingly delighted, as “jalal” in Arabic means “greatness”. Another story is when a schoolchild in Sardarapat, where five majestic eagles are standing, symbolizing virtue, screamed in surprise “Why are there only five of them?” Bagrat recalls many similar stories. Bagrat also has his favorite place in Armenia-the Monastery of Sanahin-Haghpat. “From my work point of view it’s a difficult tour, but I love being there”. The church of Saint Hripsime is also very special to Bagrat. Who comes to Armenia? Why do they come to Armenia? “Very often I ask these questions to myself”, says the tour-guide. “Anybody who is interested in ancient times comes to Armenia, because Armenia is an open air museum.”

The river Vorotan

Amberd Fortress(7th cent.)

Northern Avenue, Yerevan

Geghard. Traditional gata.

TRAVEL GUIDE

The way to Noravank monastery (13th cent.)

Nature of Armenia

Khor Virap monastery (7th cent.)

Nature of Armenia

Tatev

Tigranakert of Artsakh

Đ?rmenia & NKR SIGHTS OF INTEREST 1. Tigranakert ...................................page 32 2. Tatev .............................................page 34 3. Metz Anapat .................................page 36

3 2

Metz Anapat

Embassies ARGENTINA

LITHUANIA

BELARUS

POLAND

BULGARIA

RUSSIA

BRAZIL

ROMANIA

Address: 15 Barbius str. Tel.: + (374 10) 27 53 32 Fax: + (374 10) 22 75 47 ambrom@netsys.am

Address: 10 V. Sargsyan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 56 52 99 consulate.latvia@gmail.com

GREAT BRITAIN

SYRIA

LITHUANIA

GERMANY

USA

MALTA

GREECE

TURKMENISTAN

MOROCCO

GEORGIA

UKRAINE

NAGORNO KARABAKH

EGYPT

FRANCE

SAN MARINO

Address: 12/6 Aygestan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 57 64 52 Fax: + (374 10) 57 71 51 earme@mrecic.gov.ar

Address: 2/13 Babayan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 29 76 80 Fax: + (374 10) 29 76 81 amb.am@urm.lt

Address: 12 N. Duman str. Tel.: + (374 10) 27 56 11, 22 02 69 Fax: + (374 10) 26 03 84 armenia@belembassy.org www.armenia-new.belembassy.org

Address: 44a Hanrapetutyan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 54 24 93, 54 24 95 Fax: + (374 10) 54 24 98, 54 24 96 erewan.amb.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl www.yerevan.mfa.gov.pl Address: 13a G. Lusavorich str. Tel.: + (374 10) 56 74 27, 54 52 18 Fax: + (374 10) 56 71 97 info@rusembassy.am www.armenia.mid.ru

Address: 12 Sofia str., Nor Aresh Tel.: + ( 374 10) 45 82 33 Fax: + ( 374 10) 45 82 33 bulembassyarm@abv.bg

Address: 57 S. Yerevantsi str. Tel.: + (374 10) 50 02 10 Fax: + (374 10) 50 02 11 reception@brasil.am www.brasil.am

Address: 14 Bagramyan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 52 40 28, 52 40 36 Fax: + (374 10) 54 52 19, 52 90 23 syrim_ar@intertel.am

Address: 34 Baghramyan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 26 43 01 Fax: + (374 10) 26 43 18 enquiries.yerevan@fco.gov.uk www.ukinarmenia.fco.gov.uk

Address: 1 Amerikyan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 46 47 00 Fax: + (374 10) 46 47 42 webmasteryerevan@state.gov www.usa.am

Address: 29 Charents str. Tel.: + (374 10) 52 32 79, 52 45 81 Fax: + (374 10) 52 47 81, 58 65 91 info@eriw.diplo.de www.eriwan.diplo.de

Address: 52 Yerznkyan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 22 10 29, 22 10 39 Fax: + (374 10) 22 66 56 tmembassy@netsys.am www.turkmenistanembassy.am

Address: 6 Demirchyan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 53 00 51, 53 80 51 Fax: + (374 10) 53 00 49 gremb.ere@mfa.gr www.greekembassy.am

Address: 29 Arabkir str., House 5/1 Tel.: + (374 10) 22 97 27 Fax: + (374 10) 22 12 14 ukremb@cornet.am

Address: 2/10 Babayan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 20 07 38 Fax: + (374 10) 20 07 38 yerevan.emb@mfa.gov.ge

Address: 6a Sepuh str. Tel.: + ( 374 10) 22 67 55, 22 01 17 Fax: + ( 374 10) 22 64 25, 27 82 13 egyemb@netsys.am

Address: 8 G. Lusavorich str. Tel.: + ( 374 10) 56 11 03, 56 46 67 Fax: + ( 374 10) 56 98 31, 58 35 11 admin@ambafran.am www.ambafrance-am.org

INDIA

CYPRUS

Address: 1 Northern ave. Tel.: + (374 10) 58 63 31 Fax: + (374 10) 54 39 17 kypros@zigzag.am

KUWAIT

Address: 7/3 H. Qochar str. Tel.: + (374 60) 50 80 50 Fax: + (374 60) 50 06 22 kuwaitembassyyerevan@gmail.com

LATVIA

Address: 22 Gh. Parpetsi str. Tel.: + (374 10) 53 15 00 Fax: + (374 10) 53 32 65 hconsul.lt@netsys.am

Address: 33-4 Pushkin str. Tel.: + (374 10) 53 41 71, 51 81 71 Fax: + (374 10) 51 81 71 maltaconsul.yerevan@gov.mt

Address: 33a Sayat-Nova str. Tel.: + (374 10) 52 98 02 Fax: + (374 10) 58 77 06 kminasyan@xter.net

Address: 17a N. Zaryan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 24 97 05 Fax: + (374 10) 24 99 25 ankr@arminco.com

Address: 56/2 G. Njdeh str. Tel.: + (374 10) 49 33 22 Fax: + (374 10) 49 33 23

Address: 50/2 Dzorap str. Tel.: + (374 10) 53 91 73, 53 91 74 Fax: + (374 10) 53 39 84, 53 91 75 hoc@embassyofindia.am www.indianembassy.am

Address: 44A Hanrapetutyan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 51 93 73 Fax: + (374 10) 58 93 71 yerevan@embassy.mzv.cz www.mzv.cz/yerevan

Czech Republic

SERBIA

IRAN

SWITZERLAND

SLOVENIA

AUSTRIA

SLOVAKIA

KAZAKHSTAN

BELGIUM

THAILAND

CHINA

INDONESIA

URUGUAY

LEBANON

SPAIN

ESTONIA

Address: 1 Budaghyan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 28 04 57, 23 29 20 Fax: + (374 10) 23 00 52, 23 29 52 info@iranembassy.am www.iranembassy.am

ITALY

Address: 5 Italiai str. Tel.: + (374 10) 54 23 35, 54 23 36 Fax: + (374 10) 54 23 41 segreteria.jerevan@esteri.it www.ambjerevan.esteri.it

Address: 153 Armenakyan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 65 20 01 Fax: + (374 10) 65 03 40 kazembassy@web.am www.kazembassy.am

Address: 12 Baghramyan str. Tel.: + ( 374 10) 56 00 67, 56 06 63 Fax: + ( 374 10) 54 57 61 chinaemb_am@msa.gov.cn

Address: 13/14 Dzoragyugh str. Tel.: + (374 10) 50 13 02, 50 13 03 Fax: + (374 10) 50 13 01, 50 13 04 libanarm@gmail.com

GATE GATE52 8

CANADA

Address: 10 V. Sargsyan str., # 103/4 Tel.: + (374 10) 56 79 90 Fax: + (374 10) 56 79 90 concda@gmail.com

Address: 2/1 Adamyan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 52 98 60 Fax: + (374 10) 52 98 61 yer.vertretung@eda.admin.ch

Consulates .Address: 29 Sayat-Nova str Tel.: + (374 10) 57 75 47 Fax: + (374 10) 56 17 76 info@austrian-consulate.am

Address: 10 D. Anhaght str. Tel.: + (374 10) 28 96 86 grigorbadiryan@yahoo.com

Address: 37/147 Israyelian str. Tel.: + (374 10) 52 88 25, 56 56 69 Fax: + (374 10) 56 56 69 info@riconsulate.am www.riconsulate.am

Address: 10/2 Zarobyan str. Tel.: + (374 91) 48 57 63 spain_consulate@yahoo.com

Address: 17a N. Zaryan str. Tel.: + (374 93) 92 96 51 konzulat-srbija@rambler.ru

Address: 22/14 Gh. Parpetsi str. Tel.: + (374 10) 53 15 00, 59 87 96 Fax: + (374 10) 53 32 65 consul.slovenia@netsys.am

Address: 2 Adonts str. Tel.: + (374 10) 53 25 53 slovakconsul@netsys.am

Address: 4/1 Baghramyan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 56 04 10 Fax: + (374 10) 54 44 25 info@thaiconsulate.am www.thaiconsulate.am

Address: 7/5 Manukyan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 55 94 49, 55 94 50 Fax: + (374 10) 55 94 45 uruguay_armenia@yahoo.com

Address: 43 Gyulbenkyan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 26 39 73, 22 01 38 Fax: + (374 10) 22 01 40 president@aries.am

Nare hotel is the best place where you can enjoy the panoramic view of Yerevan, breathe and feel the freshness of air and have a comfortable rest in one of the most peaceful parts of Yerevan away from the city hustle and bustle.

Address: 22/10 G.Hovsepyan str., Yerevan Tel.: + (374 10) 65 65 65, +(374 10) 65 65 00 booking@narehotel.net www.narehotel.am

Museums HISTORY MUSEUM OF ARMENIA 1 Arami str., Yerevan. foundation year: 1921 Tel.: +(374 10) 58 27 61 Working days: Tue. - Sat. working hours: 11:00 - 17:00 Fee: 1000 AMD

MATENADARAN 53 Mashtots ave., Yerevan. foundation year: 1959 Tel.: +(374 10) 56 25 78, 58 32 92, 56 06 42 Working days: Mon.- Sat. working hours: 10:00 - 17:00 Fee: 1000 AMD. Web: www.matenadaran.am

National ART GALLERY OF ARMENIA 1 Arami str., Yerevan. foundation year: 1921 Tel.: +(374 10) 58 08 12 Working days: Tue. - Sat. working hours: 11:00 - 17:30 Fee: 800 AMD. Web: www.gallery.am

EREBUNI MUSEUM 38 Erebuni ave., Yerevan. foundation year: 1968 Tel.: +(374 10) 45 82 07 Working days: Tue. - Sun. working hours: 13:00 - 16:30 Fee: 1000 AMD. Web: www.erebuni.am

MODERN ART MUSEUM 7 Mashtots ave., Yerevan. foundation year: 1972 Tel.: (+374 10) 53 53 59 Working days: Tue. - Sun. working hours: 11:00 - 18:00 Fee: 500 AMD HOUSE-MUSEUM OF ARAM KHACHATURYAN 23 Zarubyan str., Yerevan. foundation year: 1984 Tel.: +(374 10) 58 01 78 Working days: Mon. - Sat. working hours: 10:30 - 17:00 Fee: 500 AMD. Web: www.khachaturian.am HOUSE-MUSEUM OF HOVHANNES TUMANYAN 40 Moskovyan str., Yerevan. foundation year: 1953 Tel.: +(374 10) 58 12 71, 56 09 27 Working days: Mon. - Sun. working hours: 11:00 - 16:30 Fee: 500 AMD HOUSE-MUSEUM OF SERGEY PARAJANOV Dzoragyugh ethnographic center, bld. 15-16 (from Paronyan 15) Yerevan. foundation year: 1997 Tel.: +(374 10) 53 84 73, 53 92 24 Working days: Mon. - Sun. working hours: 10:30 - 17:00 Fee: 700 AMD. Web: www.parajanov.museum.am HOUSE-MUSEUM OF KHACHATUR ABOVYAN 2 Sarkavagi str., Yerevan. foundation year: 1938 Tel.: +(374 10) 28 16 87 Working days: Tue. - Sun. working hours: 10:00 - 17:00 Fee: 500 AMD HOUSE-MUSEUM OF AVETIK ISAHAKYAN 20 Zarubyan str., Yerevan. foundation year: 1963 Tel.: +(374 10) 56 24 24, 58 73 80 Working days: Tue. - Sun. working hours: 10:30 - 17:00 Fee: 500 AMD

HISTORY MUSEUM OF YEREVAN 1/1 Argishti str., Yerevan. foundation year: 1931 Tel.: +(374 10) 56 81 85 Working days: Mon. - Fri. working hours: 10:00 - 18:00 Fee: 500 AMD THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MUSEUM “TSITSERNAKABERD” Tsitsernakaberd Park, Yerevan. foundation year: 1995 Tel.: +(374 10) 39 09 81 Working days: Tue. - Sun. working hours: 11:00 - 16:00 Entrance: Free. Web: www.genocide-museum.am MUSEUM OF ALEXANDER TAMANYAN Governmetn house 3, 1st floor, Yerevan. foundation year-2001 Tel.: +(374 10) 58 57 73 Working days: Wed. - Sun. working hours: 11:00 - 18:00 Entrance: Free MUSEUM OF FOLK ART OF ARMENIA 64 Abovyan str., Yerevan. foundation year: 1978 Tel.: +(374 10) 56 93 83, 56 93 87, 56 93 80 Working days: Tue. - Sun. working hours: 11:00 - 16:00 Fee: 500 AMD MUSEUM OF EGHISHE CHARENTS 17 Mashots ave., Yerevan. foundation year: 1953 Tel.: +(374 10) 53 14 12, 53 55 94 Working days: Tue. - Sat. working hours: 11:00 - 18:00 Fee: 300 AMD MUSEUM OF MINAS AVETISYAN 29 Nalbandyan str., Yerevan. foundation year: 1977 Tel.: +(374 10) 58 02 12 Working days: Tue. - Sun. working hours: 10:00 - 16:00 Fee: 500 AMD

HOUSE-MUSEUM OF ALEXANDER SPENDIARYAN 21 Nalbandyan str., Yerevan. foundation year: 1967 Tel.: +(374 10) 58 07 83 Working days: Tue. - Sun. working hours: 11:00 - 16:30 Fee: 300 AMD

CAFESJIAN MUSEUM FOR THE ART Cascade Complex, Yerevan. foundation year: 2009 Tel.: +(374 10) 56 72 62 Working days: Tue. - Thu. working hours: 10:00 - 17:00 Fri. - Sun. working hours: 10:00 - 20:00 Fee: 1000 AMD. Web: www.cmf.am

HOUSE-MUSEUM OF YERVAND QOCHAR 39/12 Mashtots ave., Yerevan. foundation year: 1984 Tel.: +(374 10) 52 93 26 Working days: Tue. - Sun. working hours: 11:00 - 17:00 Fee: 600 AMD

RUSSIAN ART MUSEUM 38 Isahakyan str., Yerevan. foundation year: 1984 Tel.: +(374 10) 56 03 31, 56 21 56 Working days: Tue. - Sun. working hours: 10:30 - 16:30 Fee: 500 AMD

“GALA ART” ART GALLERY 12 Byron str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 53 88 38, +(374 10) 54 88 38 Working days: Tue. - Sun. working hours: 11:00 - 20:00 Entrance: Free

“MOTHER ARMENIA” MILITARY MUSEUM 2 Azatutyan str., Yerevan. foundation year: 1970 Tel.: +(374 10) 20 14 00 Working days: Tue. - Sun. working hours: 10:00 - 15:00 Entrance: Free. Web: www.mayrhayastan.am

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PUBLISHING AND PRINTING SERVICES

With good polygraph technologies the world is brighter! Advertisement

BOOKLETS, LEAFLETS, VISIT CARDS, BROCHURES, JOURNALS, BOOKS

Mob.: +(374 77) 877 778 E-mail: info@tpagratun.ru www.tpagratun.ru ICQ: 77377773

Theatres MHER MKRTCHYAN ARTISTIC THEATRE 18 Khorenatsi str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 01 99, 58 60 24 Foundation year: 1986 HAMAZGAYIN THEATRE 26 Amiryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 28 61, 53 94 15 Foundation year: 1992 STATE RUSSIAN DRAMA THEATRE AFTER STANISLAVSKI 7 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 39 62, 56 91 99 Foundation year: 1936 STATE THEATRE OF MUSICAL COMEDY AFTER HAKOB PARONYAN 7 V. Sargsyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 01 01, 58 00 75 Foundation year: 1942 STATE DRAMATIC THEATRE AFTER HRACHYA GHAPLANYAN 28 Isahakyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 47 23, 52 47 13 Foundation year: 1967 STATE PUPPET THEATRE AFTER HOVHANNES TUMANYAN 4 Sayat-Nova str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 32 44, 52 02 54 Foundation year: 1935 YEREVAN STATE CHAMBER THEATRE 58 Mashtots ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 60 70, 58 78 44 Foundation year: 1982 YEREVAN STATE PANTOMIME THEATRE 3 Moskovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 13 98 Foundation year: 1990 METRO THEATRE G. Njdeh Metro station, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 42 27 42, 42 96 79 Foundation year: 1992 NATIONAL ACADEMIC THEATRE OF OPERA AND BALLET 54 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 33 91, 58 63 11 Foundation year: 1933 NATIONAL ACADEMIC THEATRE AFTER GABRIEL SUNDUKYAN 6 G. Lusavorich str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 76 70, 52 57 72 Foundation year: 1921 DRAMA AND COMEDY THEATRE AFTER EDGAR ELBAKYAN 43 Mastots ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 24 50, 56 04 91 Foundation year: 1987

STATE THEATRE OF YOUNG SPECTATOR 3 Moskovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 31 27, 56 30 92 Foundation year: 1929 HENRIK MALIAN THEATRE 18 Vardanants str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 02 96 Foundation year: 1980

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STATE THEATRE OF MARIONETTE 43 Mastots ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 24 50, 56 04 91 Foundation year: 1987

Stores brandy

souvenirs

brand shops

ARARAT BRANDY FACTORY 2 Isakov ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 51 01 49

ART SOUVENIR 51 Mashtots ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 63 21

ADIDAS 3 Aram str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 47 07

ARENA WINE FACTORY 1 Yerevanyan ave., village Areni Tel.: +(374 93) 42 44 06

ART CROSS 26 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 46 86

ADOLFO DOMINGUEZ MAX & CO 3 Tsiternakaberd highway, Yerevan 39 Mashtots ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 46 04 06 Tel.: +(374 10) 56 24 20

AVSHAR WINE FACTORY 58/3 Charents str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 57 78 52

SOUVENIR SALON 6 Tamanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 52 61

ARMANI JEANS 28 Moskovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 42 20

MEGASPORT 40/1 Sayat-Nova str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 51 98 98

ARTSAKH BRANDY 5 Zakyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 05 34

MANGASAR 14/1 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 26 43

BASIC HOUSE 4/12 Babajanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 19 34

MEXX 26 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 46 23

GINEVAN WINE FACTORY 2nd Industrial zone, Abovyan Tel.: +(374 10) 43 65 43

SALT SACK 3/1 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 89 31

BOSSINI 12 Kasyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 27 43 67

MORGAN 27 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 22 40

GREAT VALLEY FACTORY 14 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 52 04

VIOLET 83 Teryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 23 49

CELIO 24 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 50 07

IJEVAN WINE FACTORY 31/1 Davitashen str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 37 13 73 PROSHYAN BRANDY FACTORY 2 Ashtarak highway, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 39 56 41 VEDI ALCO WINE FACTORY 21/3 Pushkin str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 74 01 MAP WINE FACTORY 8 Kievyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 27 06 30 BRANDY HOUSE Government house 2, Republic Square, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 54 05 40 NOYAN TAPAN 12 Amiryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 21 10 YEREVAN ARARAT BRANDYWINE-VODKA FACTORY 9 Isakov ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 70 48

grocery SAS 18 Mashtots ave., Yerevan 85 Baghramyan str., Yerevan 31 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 93 99 Krpak 42 Mashtots ave., Yerevan 13 Amiryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 93 43 YEREVAN CITY 10 Tigran Mets ave., Yerevan 60/2 Komitas ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 28 73 GRAND CANDY 54 Mashtots ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 56 86 ARCOLAD 17/5 Metsarents str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 71 11 44

shoes

DEBENHAMS 66 Teryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 70 78

NIKE 62 Hanrapetutyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 08 70

EDELWEISS 9 Sayat-Nova str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 93 49

NEXT 13 Amiryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 33 99

EMPORIO ARMANI 2 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 99 08

NOUGAT LONDON 19 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 21 15

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA 5 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 00 04

ODRI 39 Mashtots ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 10 45

ESCADA 51/53 Hanrapetutyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 67 01

ORCHESTRA 21 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 87 95

AVENUE DE FLEURS 50 Pushkin str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 03 74

BATA 8/1 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 19 43

GIANFRANCO FERRE 8 Sayat-Nova str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 18 85

ANI ROSE 34 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 08 60

BALLY 40 Demirchyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 47 92

ICE WATCH Yerevan Mall, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 99) 40 11 09

BRABION FLORA SERVICE 7 Sayat-Nova str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 52 70

CLARCS 8/2 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 50 24 54

LA GALLERIA 3 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 70 27 07

KARA BALA 8/1 Y. Qochar str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 57 75 33

ECCO 6/6 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 36 14

LC WAIKIKI 18 Mashtots ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 50 43 05

MON AMI 28 Moskovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 88 14

GEOX 6/15 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 22 34

LUISA SPAGNOLI 5 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 55) 00 24 54

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SANDRE 17 Komitasi ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 22 30 30

MOTHERCARE 51/53 Hanrapetutyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 67 05

DIANA 39 Komitas str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 23 00 78

ETAM 26 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 31 11

MILANI 41 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 44 00 49

MOTIVI 36 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 47 45

DALMA GARDEN MALL NAF NAF 3 Tsiternakaberd highway, Yerevan 37 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 46 11 11 Tel.: +(374 10) 53 01 10

ARMOS 5 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 54 75

flowers

MAXMARA 41 Mashtots ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 59 57

MANGO 21 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 00 11

PUMA 52 Teryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 73 37 RIO SPORT 3 Tsitsernakaberd highway, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 46 04 06 RIO 28 Moskovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 42 20 RIO GALLERIA 8 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 50 18 01 STEFANO RICCI 3 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 65 28 UNITED COLOR OF BENETTON 1 Amiryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 59 99 93 ZILLI 58 Baghramyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 20 20 50

Banks banks

air companies

clubs

casinos

ACBA-CREDIT AGRICOLE BANK 1 Byron str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 31 88 88

AUSTRIAN AIRLINES 9 A. Manukyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 51 22 02

AVANT-GARDE FOLK 3a Pushkin str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 14 97

COSMOS Zovuni Tel.: +(374 77) 52 22 22

AMERIA BANK 9 G. Lusavorich str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 11 11

AEROFLOT 12 Amiryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 24 35

CALUMET Ethnic Lounge Bar 56a Pushkin str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 94) 35 92 29

FLAMINGO Jrvezh Tel.: +(374 10) 64 49 31

ARARAT BANK 19 Pushkin str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 63 63

ATLANTIS 29 Sayat-Nova str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 54 33

CAFESJIAN CENTER Cascade, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 54 19 32

GOLDEN PALACE Ashtarak Tel.: +(374 91) 42 56 56

ARDSHININVEST BANK 13 G. Lusavorich str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 04 04

BELAVIA 35 Sayat-Nova str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 57 74 74

YANS MUSIC HALL 74 Teryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 70 00 00

CORRIDA Tairov Tel.: +(374 10) 73 66 86

AREXIMBANK 12 M. Mkrtchyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 31 31

CZECH AIRLINES 2 Baghramyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 21 62

GIZA Freedom Square, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 99) 15 25 24

MILLIONAIRE Zovuni Tel.: +(374 10) 37 07 03

ARMBUSINESSBANK 48 Nalbandyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 59 20 20

FLY DUBAI 7 Khorenatsi str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 50 02 52

BOBS 26a Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 91) 84 08 76

PARISIAN Parakar Tel.: +(374 10) 73 23 00

ARMECONOMBANK 23/1 Amiryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 20 07

IRAN AIRLINES 19 Nalbandyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 44 02

KAMI 18 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 91) 50 90 20

ROYAL Tsaghkadzor Tel.: +(374 10) 29 41 45

ARMENIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK 21/1 Paronyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 59 14 00

URAL AIRLINES 10/3 Saryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 88 62

MEZZO CLASSIC HOUSE CLUB 28 Isahakyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 42 11

SENATOR Parakar Tel.: +(374 99) 95 55 59

ARNSWISSBANK 10 V. Sargsyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 44 19

AIR ARMENIA 21 G. Kochar str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 79 99

MALKHAS JAZZ CLUB 52/1 Pushkin str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 53 50

SHANGRI LA Abovyan Tel.: +(374 10) 28 58 99

AIR FRANCE 9 A. Manukyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 51 22 77

POPLAVOK JAZZ CLUB 41 Isahakyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 23 03

entertainment

S7 34 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 41 10

STOP MUSIC CLUB 7 Moskovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 07 80

ARTSAKH BANK 3 Kievyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 27 77 19 ANELIK BANK 75 Baghramyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 22 87 17 BTA BANK 48/1 Nalbandyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 76 45 BYBLOS BANK ARMENIA 18/3 Amiryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 03 62 VTB BANK ARMENIA 46 Nalbandyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 58 60 CONVERSE BANK 26/1 V. Sargsyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 51 12 00 INECOBANK 17 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 51 05 10 PROCREDIT BANK 105/1 Teryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 51 48 60

car rental AR-TOUR RENT 10/6 Pushkin str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 63 59 BEAUMONDE 1 Amiryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 59 99 64 Car club 8 Kievyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 22 94 95 Herz 7 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 33 11 Sixt 42 Acharyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 61 55 99

with a driver

PROMETEY BANK 44/2 Hanrapetutyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 17 05

Yerevan Travel 97 Hambardzumyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 77) 78 42 41

UNIBANK 12 Charents str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 13 20

Elitebus 8 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 90 00

HSBC BANK ARMENIA 66 Teryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 51 50 00

Globus Bus V. Kostanyan str., Echmiadzin Tel.: +(374 77) 00 00 39

GATE 60

ULIKHANYAN CLUB 4 G. Kochar str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 65 73 THE BEATLES 60 Pushkin str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 93) 50 26 22 CLUB 12 1 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 23 50

ARARAT VALLEY 50 G. Chaush str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 39 40 85 ARENA BOWLING 8 Mashtots ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 61 01 PLAY CITY 35 Acharyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 62 88 80 10 OUT 10 COMPLEX Davitashen, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 36 10 10

fitness clubs

THE CLUB 40 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 13 61

AEROFLEX 21 G. Kochar str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 27 15 50

night clubs

AYA MARIA 77 Azatutyan str., vill. Dzoraghbyur, Kotayk region Tel.: +(374 60) 28 92 56

CHARLOTTE 25 Baghramyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 27 70 20 CRAZY 13 Vardanants str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 77) 55 34 37 ELLA 24 Azatutyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 28 49 40 OMEGA 59 Teryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 25 49

AQUALAND 27/1 Moldovakan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 70 60 70 AQUATEK 40 Myasnikyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 88 88 GOLDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GYM 40/1 Komitas ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 32 20 10 STAR GYM 70 Arami str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 50 10 30

CHANGE. YO U CAN.

Yerevan Mall 1st Floor Dalma Garden Mall 1st Floor Tbilisi Mall 1st Floor

www.ice-watch.com

Restaurants ARARAT Republic Square, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 79 33 Working hours: 11:00-23:00

PIONEER 2 Baghramyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 50 04 32 Working hours: 12:00-24:00

CHARLES 3/40 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 26 21 Working hours: 10:00-24:00

SALON 8 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 11) 44 33 33 Working hours: 11:00-24:00

ARARAT HALL 30 Koghbatsi str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 85 88 Working hours: 10:00-23:00

GUSTO 11 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 11 21 Working hours: 10:00-24:00

LAGONID 37 Nalbandyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 49 93 Working hours: 10:00-23:00

SUSHI TORIA 1 Sayat-Nova str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 48 00 48 Working hours: 11:00-24:00

ACADEMIA DEL GUSTO 9 G. Lusavorich str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 75 99 Working hours: 12:00-24:00

GENATSVALE 7 Kievyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 32 61 10 Working hours: 10:00-24:00

LA CUCCINA 52 Teryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 40 58 Working hours: 11:00-23:00

UKRAINE 20 Orbeli str., Tsaghkadzor Tel.: +(374 223) 60 40 9 Working hours: 09:00-24:00

AI LEONI 40 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 83 31 Working hours: 10:00-24:00

VORSORD PANDOK 69 Koghbatsi str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 50 50 30 Working hours: 10:30-24:00

LIBAN 23 Sayat-Nova str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 99) 66 07 00 Working hours: 12:00-24:00

TAVA TAVERN 23 Nalbandyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 43 43 Working hours: 11:00-24:00

AL SHADI 48 Nalbandyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 60 45 Working hours: 12:00-24:00

DRAGON 31 Moskovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 33 81 Working hours: 10:30-23:00

LEBANON 3 Tamanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 18 94 Working hours: 10:00-24:00

CLUB 12 1 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 23 50 Working hours: 12:00-03:00

ANKYUN 4 Vardanants str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 51 99 98 Working hours: 12:00-23:00

KARLOFF 31 Moskovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 97 80 Working hours: 11:00-24:00

MER TOONE 23/3 Raffi str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 73 00 42 Working hours: 11:00-24:00

ARYA 1/17 Tamanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 80 13 Working hours: 10:00-24:00

IN VINO 6 Saryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 19 31 Working hours: 11:00-24:00

MIMINO 7 A. Manukyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 57 33 44 Working hours: 11:00-24:00

ART BRIDGE 20 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 12 39 Working hours: 08:30-24:00

CACTUS 42 Mashtots str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 99 39 Working hours: 11:00-24:00

MONTE CHRISTO Hrazdan Gorge, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 33 98 Working hours: 10:00-24:00

AFRIKYAN TAVERN 39 Sayat-Nova str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 55 32 20 Working hours: 10:00-23:00

CAMELOT 31 Mashtots ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 50 01 99 Working hours: 10:30-24:00

NATIONAL 4/3 Amiryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 57 40 00 Working hours: 11:00-23:00

BEIJING 33 Sayat-Nova str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 53 42 Working hours: 12:00-23:30

CAUCASUS TAVERN 82 Hanrapetutyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 11 77 Working hours: 24/7

NOYAN TUN 12 Amiryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 31 32 Working hours: 12:00-24:00

DIAMOND 2 Byuzand str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 34 34 Working hours: 10:30-24:00

CAUCASUS COMPLEX Ashtarak highway, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 98) 91 99 19 Working hours: 24/7

OLD TBILISI 35/2 Komitas str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 29 77 97 Working hours: 24/7

DOKA PIZZA 26 Sayat-Nova str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 65 45 Working hours: 24/7

KILIKIA 78 Hanrapetutyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 88 08 Working hours: 11:00-24:00

OLD ERIVAN 2 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 88 55 Working hours: 12:00-24:00

MAMA MIA 23 Komitas str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 27 26 19 Working hours: 10:00-24:00

CUCINA 1 Amiryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 59 90 00 Working hours: 12:00-24:00

TUMANYAN PANDOK 22 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 51 99 09 Working hours: 10:00-24:00

PIZZA DI ROMA 31/2 Khorenatsi str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 15 18 Working hours: 10:00-24:00

THE CLUB 40 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 73 04 Working hours: 10:00-24:00

TATIK-PAPIK 71 Hanrapetutyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 27 22 27 Working hours: 11:00-21:00

PIZZA PEPPINO 23 Mashtots ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 11 99 Working hours: 09:00-01:00

CHINA TOWN 1 Saryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 58 86 Working hours: 11:00-23:00

ROSSINI 14 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 94 00 Working hours: 07:00-23:00

PIZZA HUT 1 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 50 15 03 Working hours: 10:00-24:00

CHARENTSI 28 28 Charents str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 57 29 45 Working hours: 12:00-24:00

RAFAELLO 1 Italy str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 59 11 99 Working hours: 07:00-23:00

TASHIR PIZZA 29 Komitas str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 51 11 11 Working hours: 10:00-24:00

BELLAGIO 2 Myasnikyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 38 38 Working hours: 24/7 BRAVO 13 G. Kochar str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 27 06 10 Working hours: 12:00-24:00 EASTERN CUISINE 16 Komitas str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 27 16 20 Working hours: 24/7 VERANDA 3 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 70 20 20 Working hours: 12:00-24:00 HAVANA 1/6 Leningradyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 38 06 06 Working hours: 09:00-24:00 BAOBAB STEAK HOUSE 31/12 Moskovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 21 72 Working hours: 12:00-24:00

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pizzerias

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Bulletin board - buying and selling in Armenia

Medical centers “NAIRI” MEDICAL CENTER 21 Paronyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 75 00, +(374 10) 53 75 21 Working days: Mon. - Sun. Working hours: 24-hours Web: www.nairimed.am

“CROSS” SPORT COMPLEX 50-1 Ashtarak highway, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 34 91 10, +(374 10) 35 35 03 Working days: Mon. - Sun. Working hours: 07:00-22:30 Web: www.cross-sport.am

OPHTALMOLOGICAL CENTER AFTER S.V. MALAYAN 30 Fuchik str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 35 92 85, +(374 10) 34 51 13 Working days: Mon. - Sun. Working hours: 24-hours Web: www.eyecenter.am

“VITALINE” MEDICAL AND LABORATORY DIAGNOSTIC CENTER 2/2 Proshyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 32 20 02, +(374 10) 32 20 07 Working days: Mon.- Sat. (half day)

“NORMED” MEDICAL CENTER 25/14 Nalbandyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 24 24, +(374 10) 52 24 04 Working days: Mon. - Sun. Working hours: 24-hours Web: www.normed.am

“OPTOMED CANADA” DIAGNOSTIC EYE CENTER, ARMENIAN BRANCH 9 A. Manukyan str., #102, 202, 203, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 51 20 49 Working days: Mon. - Sat. Working hours: 09:00-18:00 Web: www.optomedcanada.am

“DA VINCI CLINIC” CLINIC OF PLASTIC SURGERY AND AESTHETIC MEDICINE 4/6 Amiryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 82 73, +(374 55) 54 82 73 Working days: Mon. - Sat. Working hours: 10:00-20:00 Web: www.davinciclinic.am “NEW-MED” CENTER OF UROLOGY 54 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 47 04, +(374 10) 56 54 30 Working days: Mon. - Sun. Working hours: 24-hours “ON CLINIC-ANI” INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 48/27 Chekhov str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 46 60 62, +(374 99) 46 60 62 Working days: Mon. - Sat. (half day) Working hours: 09:30-20:00 Web: www.onclinicani.am

“AVANTA” MEDICAL CENTER 5 Zakyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 11 95 Working days: Mon. - Sat. (half day) Working hours: 10:00-19:00 Web: www.avanta.am “GRACIA” INTERNATIONAL REHABILITATION CENTER OF ARMENIAN RED CROSS SOCIETY 50-1 Ashtarak highway, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 34 97 69, +(374 10) 35 35 03 Working days: Mon. - Fri. Working hours: 09:00-17:00 “MODERN IMPLANT MEDICINE” MEDICAL CENTER 40 Dzorap str., 2nd floor, # 28, 29, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 38 38, +(374 96) 15 15 00 Working days: Mon. - Fri. Working hours: 09:00-18:00 Web: www.mim.am

“EREBUNI” MEDICAL CENTER 14 Titogradyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 47 11 00, +(374 10) 47 06 00 Working days: Mon. - Sun. Working hours: 24-hours Web: www.erebouni.am

“GOLD’S” INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL SPA CENTER 40/1 Komitas str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 20 83 60, +(374 95) 20 83 60 Working days: Mon. - Sun. Working hours: 10:00-23:00 Web: www.goldsspa.am

“ARMENIA” REPUBLICAN MEDICAL CENTER 6 Margaryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 31 81 09, +(374 99) 31 81 37 Working days: Mon. - Sun. Working hours: 24-hours Web: www.armeniamedicalcenter.am

“CITY SPA” MEDICAL AESTHETIC CENTER 1st Blind Alley, Baghramyan str., 2 building, area 44, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 53 65 36, +(374 99) 52 46 64 Working days: Mon. - Sat. Working hours: 10:00-22:00 Web: www.cityspa.am

“ARAMYANTS” MEDICAL CENTER 40 Dzorap str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 85 12 Working days: Mon. - Sun. Working hours: 24-hours Web: www.3-rdhospital.am

“LONGE VITA” SPA CENTER 7 Kievyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 26 56 40 Working days: Mon. - Sat. Working hours: 10:00-21:00

“SHENGAVIT” MEDICAL CENTER 9 Manandyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 44 33 73 Working days: Mon. - Sun. Working hours: 24-hours Web: www.mcshengavit.am

“RELAX SPA” HEALTH AND CARE CENTER 19 Sayat-Nova str. (Ani Plaza Hotel), Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 59 45 69 Working days: Mon. - Sun. Working hours: 10:00-22:00 Web: www.relaxspacenter.am

“IZMIRLYAN” MEDICAL CENTER 19 H. Nersisyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 24 40 10 Working days: Mon. - Sun. Working hours: 24-hours

“AYA MARIA” WELLNESS & SPA RESORT CENTER 77 Azatutyan str., Village Dzoraghbyur, Kotayk region Tel.: +(374 60) 28 92 56, +(374 95) 25 55 75 Working days: Mon. - Sun. Working hours: 10:00-21:00 Web: www.ayamaria.am

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Cross Resort offers its guests spacious cottages with conditioner, free Wi-Fi connection and flat-screen TV. Besides, our guests can visit swimming pool, sauna, fitness center, tennis court and play table tennis for free. At guests’ disposal there are all necessary equipments to make barbecue near the outdoor poll. Mini kitchen is equipped with refrigerator and utensils for tea and coffee. Our staff is here to provide high quality service corresponding to international standards which is repeatedly stated by our guests. “Cross Resort“ is the best place for family rest and for a holiday with friends. 50/1 Ashtarak highway, Yerevan, Armenia +(374 94) 77 70 77 info@cross-sport.am www.cross-sport.am

News Fight for Garni. Incident department

The Armenian National Committee for Tourism raises an alarm: on the territory of the historical monument, the pagan temple of Garni built in the 1st century BC, construction of a restaurant is planned. The decision on building the “object” on the territory of Garni was made by Vladimir Poghosyan, director of “Service for the protection of Historical environment and cultural museum reservations”. Since 2009 he has been a member of cultural subcommittee of Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs Committee of Armenian Public Council. “The chief guardian of the Armenian historical environment” announced that the “object” will be a kind of a combination of a cafeteria and a small fast food restaurant. According to him this “trick” seeks exceptionally noble aims, in particular: to feed, give something to drink, warm up the tourist, in general, to create all conditions for enjoying the ancient amenities and getting valuable historical information while indulging in a small feasting. Poghosyan decided to act “wisely”; provide people with bread and scenery! And get rich at the same time. As a matter of fact, Noravank monastery built in the 13th century wasn’t included in the list of monuments protected by UNESCO only because at its territory there already were similar fast food restaurants. Presently Garni is in the list. But it doesn’t mean there is no possibility that it can be excluded from there…

THE 21st MOSCOW INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION MITT

On March 19-22 in “Expocentre”, the Central exhibition complex in Moscow, the 21st International Exhibition MITT/Travel and tourism took place. MITT is the biggest international tourism exhibition in Russia, included in five leading tourist exhibitions of the world. It is truly recognized by the international tourism community and is an important event in the tourism industry. Annually, companies from 198 countries and regions from all over the world participate in the exhibition. The organizer of the exhibition is ITE – the leading company in exhibition industry in Russia.

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INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION “TOURISM, REST AND LEISURE 2014”

The exhibition will be held on April 4-6, 2014 in Yerevan, at the exhibition center “Yerevan Expo”. The exhibition traditionally is the opening of the new tourism season in Armenia. The aim of the exhibition is to create a professional discussion platform for exchanging experiences and organizing effective interaction between all the interested parties, to seek the best solutions for developing tourism and to define orienting points for its further development. The exhibition establishes new trends in the industry of tourism and hospitality, meanwhile revealing the most actual topics of the present. The exhibition gives an opportunity to all the participants to make new business connections and to gain a lot of useful and applicable information.

MOSCOW INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FAIR 2014

On May 15-17 the International Travel Fair 2014 will be held in Moscow, at the exhibition center “Gostiny Dvor”. The travel fair will present its guests a diverse program of exhibitions, entertainment, business, and excursions. Last year more than 33 thousand people attended the event. In 2013, 510 exhibitors took part in the program: 53 from Russian regions and the rest from 30 countries all over world. In the framework of the business program 20 conferences, presentations, seminars and professional master-classes were held. Also, during the exhibition took place the ceremony of awarding the best tourist objects of Moscow and awarding with Russian Event Expo in 11 nominations in the most interesting projects of the Russian industry of event tourism.

The first tour-operator of Georgia in Russia

Either you have been in Georgia or you will be!

2nd Yuzhnoportovy Passage, 16Ń 9, Moscow, 115008, ODAK Group Tel.: +(495) 778 42 41, Tel./Fax: + (495) 788 83 89 Web: www.tbilisitravel.ru E-mail: info@tbilisitravel.ru

(calls from regions of Russia are free)

Hotel

Anush

Jermuk

Anush Hotel, located in the heart of Jermuk resort town, offers its guests all necessary conditions for a full recreational and memorable rest in double, triple and quadruple rooms. The hotel has the following facilities: satellite TV, laundry, beauty salon, billiard, table tennis, parking and many more for complete and unforgettable holiday. From the hotel rooms which are decorated with various plants you can enjoy spectacular views to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;hot watersâ&#x20AC;? and surroundings of beautiful nature of Jermuk.

2 Vardanyan str., Jermuk, Armenia Tel.: +(374 287) 2 24 41, +(374 94) 44 49 08, 44 49 06, Fax: +(374 287) 2 24 41 E-mail: info@jermukanush.am www. jermukanush.am

We and our mountains

LOVE STORY:

ARA THE HANDSOME AND SHAMIRAM We will tell you this love story through the names of two mountains in Armenia – Shamiram (2528 m) and Ara (2577 m), which stand in front of each other like opposing troops of failed lovers did. Thanks to the father of the Armenian historiography, Movses Khorenatsi, this story has been passed along through centuries. So…

he voluptuous Assyrian queen, Shamiram (Semiramis), loving and wanting the Armenian king, Ara the Handsome, sends her messengers with gifts, confessions and pleading to visit Ninevah, the Assyrian capital. She wants him to marry her and to take the empty throne or return to his country with peace and great gifts after satisfying her desires. Ara the Handsome declined the numerous requests of the beautiful Shamiram, which offended the powerful woman. So she gathered her troops and marched to Armenia. But she didn’t want the land, she wanted Ara. She positioned her troops on the mountain which now bears

her name. Before the battle, Shamiram ordered her commanders to by all means keep Ara alive. But Ara’s soldiers lost the battle and he died on the battlefield. Afterwards, the queen sent her people to the battlefield to look for Ara’s body. She placed the corpse of the Armenian king in the cenacle (an upper room in the palace) and asked her gods to heal him by licking his wounds. But the charms of her magic powers were powerless in the fight with death. When the corpse decayed, it was thrown in a deep hole and covered with soil. Then, to pacify the Armenian soldiers, she dressed one of her lovers in Ara’s attire and came before the Armenians and said:

The mountain Shamiram is also called Hatis

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If you take a closer look at Ara mountain, you will notice that the mountain resembles contours of a man lying down.

“Licking his wounds the gods gave life back to Ara, thus fulfilling our deepest desires. Since they have bestowed on us happiness we should exalt them more than before.” The war stopped… If you take a closer look at Ara mountain, you will notice that the mountain resembles contours of a man lying down. The mountain is also known for its two caves- Saint Barbara and Saint Sargis. Since ancient times infertile women used to go to the spring of Saint Barbara. Believing in the fertile power of water there, they stood under the water dripping from the stalactites and asked the goddess to send them a child. As for Saint Sargis, he is known as the protector of all lovers. Another legend is connected with the Shamiram mountain (or Hatis). The second name comes from the name of the god Attis. In ancient Greek mythology Attis was a young man of stunning beauty, the lover of Demeter (Cybele). To be honest, the legends surrounding Attis are many and it makes it difficult to understand what had happened to his manhood during those ancient times. According to one of the sources, Zeus sent a boar to Attis as he was organizing orgies and was killed by the boar. According to another legend - Attis went mad and cut off his male organ. In yet another legend, the korybantes (armed and crested dancers) who had devoted themselves

to Cybele performed a ritual of castration. The ancient Greek poet Gaius Valerius Catullus refers to Attis in masculine gender before his castration and in feminine gender after the castration: It was there, impelled by madness, by rage, His mind bewildered, With sharp flint, He made fall from him his weight of maleness. Therefore, when she felt That the structure of her body Had manhood no longer— Even while new blood wet the ground's surface. … For what way was there a human could be which I could not be? For me now to be a woman—I who was a lad, then a youth, a boy, the flower of the playground! (Translation by Eli Siegel)

From the tops of these mountains the scenery is too beautiful for words. You have the feeling as if you are floating in the air, to the sun… On the left-there is the divine Ararat, emerging from a damp haze and as if floating over Armenia, and on the right - the four-headed Aragats, which were the witnesses of the love tragedy…

Find us online at: www.armeniatravel.ru

The diaspora

ARMENIANS IN ABKHAZIA The topic about Hamshen Armenians in Abkhazia is very interesting and deserves a more thorough studying, as it can serve as a good example of unity of a nation and its division into ethnic and linguistic subgroups, as well as of patriotic serving to the land that accepted the Armenians as natives.

hough Armenians have been living in Abkhazia since the Middle Ages, the main Armenian immigration to Abkhazia started at the end of the 19th century right after the Armenian Genocide in Turkey. The anthropologist L.S. Landa studied this ethnic subgroup very thoroughly. The Hamshen Armenians speak the Hamshen dialect. They are divided into several ethnic subgroups carrying the names of respective regions in Turkey: Trebizondians, Ordunians, etc. The history of Hamshen Armenians is full of tragedies and disasters. During the period of Greater Armenia (during the rule of Tigran the Great), when Armenia lied between the Mediterranean, Black and

Caspian seas, one of its provinces (from the Trebizon Coast to almost Batumi) was called Hamshen. With the arrival of the Turkic tribes, the Armenian population became a second class national minority, exposed to oppression, harassment and robberies. Many Hamshen Armenians moved to the territory of modern Abkhazia during the medieval period. Their main occupation was trade. Nevertheless, the beginning of mass migration of Armenians from Hamshen to Abkhazia may be considered to have started at the end of the 19th century with the first victims of genocide. Many Armenians emigrated foreseeing more terrible massacres. A more comfortable place for settlement was Abkhazia and the Black Sea Coast of Russia. So the refugees from Hamshen found a new homeland which stretched from Inguri to Kuban.

The Hamshenis were mostly settling in the mountainous areas, far from the coast, as they were scared to be chased by Osmans and hared the humid climate. The Abkhazians accepted the refugees with open arms and were in neighborly relations with them since the Armenians were only tenants of local farmers. The Hamshenis were mostly settling in the mountainous areas, far from the coast, as they were scared to be chased by Osmans and hared the humid climate. Those settled in Sukhumi, opened shops, dukhans (Caucasian taverns) and workshops. The Hamsheni Armenians still living on the territory of the Western Armenia were known as good tobacco growers. The soil and climatic

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Armenian National Committee for Tourism

- Promotion of countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sustainable economic development on the basis of culture and tourism - Increasing flow of tourists to Armenia due to presentation of national values as historical monuments and centuries-old traditions - Improvement of tourism services in Armenia

www.nationalcommitteefortourism.org

The diaspora conditions of Abkhazia allowed the peasants to successfully continue tobacco growing. Mainly they were growing the small-leaf tobacco called “Samsun” which distinguished itself with its high quality. Here is what the Abkhazian prince P.L. Shervashidze-Chachba said about Armenians: “Before the arrival of Armenians our lands were abandoned, we weren't getting any income. The immigrants started to passionately clear our deserted lands, rocks, dug up stumps, broke fresh ground and prepare it for tobacco plantations. Thanks to the hard work and efforts of the Armenians, our land was reborn…” Quite successfully they were developing the Armenian Schools. According to archives, the first schools opened during the 70s of the 19th century in rural areas. During the period from 1879 to 1911 there were 15 Armenian schools,

“Before the arrival of Armenians our lands were abandoned, we weren't getting any income. The immigrants started to passionately clear our deserted lands, rocks, dug up stumps, broke fresh ground and prepare it for tobacco plantations. Thanks to the hard work and efforts of the Armenians, our land was reborn…” all of them elementary. They were built in Sukhumi and Gudauta, in villages such as Eshera, Psyrdzha, Тsabal, Mtzara, Merkheouli, Lechkop, Anukhva, Atara Armyanskaya (Yashtukha) and other. The number of Armenian schools especially grew in 1915. With the Soviet power the network of Armenian schools in Abkhazia was even more expanded. It's interesting that in the report of People's Commissariat for Education of Abkhazia of 1927 it was mentioned: “…the Armenians in addition to constructing are also maintaining at their own expense 5 schools with 15 teachers in Kodori, 3 schools with 6 teachers in Gagra, 2 schools with 3 teahcers in Gudauta and 13 schools with 20 teachers in Gumista.” GATE 74

The war in Abkhazia of 1992-1993 is a separate page in the life of Abkhazian Armenians. In the beginning the Armenians living in Abkhazia safeguarded their neutrality, but afterwards the majority of them supported the Abkhazians. In total 1500 Armenians fought in favor of Abkhazia, which was a quarter of the Abkhazian army. 242 Armenians were killed during the war. In a separate paragraph shall be mentioned the Armenian motor rifle battalion named after I. Kh. Baghramyan, Marshal of the Soviet Union, as it played a great role in the military formation of the armed forces during the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict.

The diaspora The battalion participated in battles against the governmental forces of Georgia protecting the lands which had become their homeland. The battalion didn't only consist of Armenian soldiers; there were also Abkhazians and Cabardinians. The first battle, that the composite company of the battalion took part in under the command of Levon Daschyan, took place on March 15-16, 1993 during the taking of Sukhumi. The task was to take the strategic and well-fortified bridge on the river Gumista. They completed the challenge successfully on July 2, 1993. The Abkhazian command had — 1380. Abkhazians are 50,71%, Armenians— 17,39%, Russians — 9,17%, Georgians — 17,93% of the total population of the republic. The Armenian literary institution “Chernomorskaya zarya” operates in Sukhumi, the capital of Abkhazia. It was established in 1954 by the efforts of Arshavir Jidaryan, Andranik made a plan of a phase-by-phase city assault: Bagharyan, Hakob Gurunyan, Ishkhan Raganyan, taking the important strategic high points on Vazgen Kansuzyan, members of Writers’ Union of the western bank of the river Gumista. USSR. Among the originators were the founder After the war the number of Armenians in of the Abkhazian literature Dmitry Gulia and a Abkhazia decreased because many of them left Hero of Socialist Labor, a poet-scholar Bagrat for Russia or went back to Armenia. Shinkuba. In all fairness it should be mentioned According to 2011 census the population in that the Armenian Literary Group in Sukhumi Abkhazia is made up as follows: Abkhazians— was functioning till the 30s of the last century. 122 069, Russians - 22 077, Armenians — 41 864, The works of its members were published Georgians — 43 166, Mingrelians — 3 201, Greeks in “Soviet writers of Abkhazia”, which was published in 5 languages, including Armenian. The current head of it is Artavazd Saretsyan. It’s been 23 years that under his management the newspaper “Hamshen” and the annual almanac “Literary Hamshen” are published in Abkhazia. The Armenian schools, the newspaper “Hamshen” and the literary group “Chernomorskaya zarya”, which in September will celebrate its 60th anniversary, closely work with the Union of Armenians in Abkhazia which is headed by Khachik Tigranovich Minasyan. November 5, 2013 will forever stay in the memories of all Armenians in Abkhazia. On that wonderful, sunny autumn day the consecration of the Armenian church in Gagra took place. Wherever the Armenians go, they build churches and peace is restored!

November 5, 2013 will forever stay in the memories of all Armenians in Abkhazia. On that wonderful, sunny autumn day the consecration of the Armenian church in Gagra took place.

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Armenia, Yerevan, Abovyan 1 tel +37410 522350

Traditions

BE OUR G U EST F O R

D O L M A!

Every year in Armenia during the summer, a dolma festival is held at the memorial complex of Sardarapat. We are inviting everyone to attend the festival and taste the Armenian national dish dolma.

ven now there are many debates to which Enation dolma actually belongs. I am not going to prove anything one way or the other but will just give some facts.

Armenians are an ancient nation, living in the Ararat valley. It's a nation of farmers and winemakers, a nation of animal breeding, in particular, sheep breeding. This can be seen in the excavations in the caves of the Areni village where grape seeds were discovered. People were cultivating grapes here and making wine over 6 thousand years ago. In addition to the grape seeds and evidence of winemaking here, items such as a leather shoe and pieces of knitwear were discovered here as old as 6 thousand years. All the research was done not only by Armenian scientists, but also by American scientists from Oxford and California, scientists from Cork University of Ireland and Universities of Haifa and Tel-Aviv.

In total 12 archeological institutes from 9 countries have worked in Areni. This is just a small reference. Now, let’s get back to our dolma. The name “dolma” derives from the Urartian word of “uduli” (or “tuli”) which means grape vine. In Armenia there are over 70 recipes of dolma. The dish is made not only of lamb but also of beef. There are, “Echmiadzin”, “Ashtarak”, “Erebuni”, “Lori” and other varieties of dolma. There is even a

vegetarian dolma – “Pasuts dolma”. And the oldest recipe of making dolma is from beaten lamb, wrapped in grape leaves and made in small portions. Beating the meat is a long and time-consuming process, and this would only be done by a nation were life was lived out in settled villages and not by nomad tribes. You can judge the taste of our dolma by attending the festival. One of the main aims of the festival is to show all the varieties of the Armenian dolma. Welcome to Armenia! Be our guest for dolma.

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Geghard restaurant

Geghard highway (near Geghard Monastery) Kotayk Region, Armenia +(374 99) 32 22 42, +(374 93) 71 07 70 gexardrestaurant@mail.ru facebook.com/geghard.restaurant

HOTEL

WELCO

Hotels Imperial Palace Imperial Queen Imperial Twin Imperial King Double Imperial Deluxe Double Presidential Suite Breakfast

25 rooms 20 rooms 21 rooms 6 rooms 1 room Smorgasbord

Address: 23 Koryun str., 0009 Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 80 40, +(374 91) 58 80 40, sales@hotelimperial.am, www.hotelimperial.am Restaurant Bar Disco Outdoor swimming pool Indoor swimming pool

Conference hall (55) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-cafĂŠ Billiard Playground

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

Roma Single Double Superior Deluxe Vip Family Presidental Suite Breakfast

3 rooms 3 rooms 7 rooms 1 room 1 room 1 room Continental

Address: 29/14 Roubinyants str., 0035 Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 20 00 20, info@hotelroma.am, www. hotelroma.am Restaurant Bar Disco Outdoor swimming pool Indoor swimming pool

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Conference hall Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-cafĂŠ Billiard Playground

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

The first tour-operator of Armenia in Russia

Nobody knows Armenia as we do!

(calls from regions of Russia are free)

2nd Yuzhnoportovy Passage, 16Ń 9, Moscow, 115008, ODAK Group Tel.: +(495) 778 42 41, Tel./Fax: + (495) 788 83 89 Web: www.yerevantravel.ru E-mail: info@yerevantravel.ru

Hotels Nare Single Double Deluxe Breakfast

8 rooms 14 rooms 8 rooms Smorgasbord

Address: 22/10 G.Hovsepyan str., Nork Marash, 0047 Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 65 65 65, 65 65 00, booking@narehotel.net, www.narehotel.am Restaurant Bar Disco Outdoor swimming pool Indoor swimming pool

Conference hall (45) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

SD Double Triple Family Deluxe/Luxe Breakfast

8 rooms 3 rooms 1 room 2/2 rooms Based on menu

Address: 7 Sasuntsi Davit str., 0008 Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 55 77 94, +(374 93) 49 46 36, info@sdhotel.am, www.sdhotel.am Restaurant Bar Disco Outdoor swimming pool Indoor swimming pool

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Conference hall Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

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Stepanavan Sochut Standart Standart Superior Standart Deluxe Deluxe Luxe Family Suites Breakfast

3 rooms 10 rooms 24 rooms 3 rooms 3 rooms 3 rooms Smorgasbord

Address: v. Gyulagarak, 1910 Lori region Tel.: +(374 95) 41 11 95, sochut@gmail.com, info@sochut.am, www.sochut.am

Restaurant Bar Disco Outdoor swimming pool Indoor swimming pool

Conference hall (100) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-cafĂŠ Billiard Playground

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Hotels HyeLandz Eco Village Resort Single Double Triple Suite Presidential Suite Breakfast

2 rooms 2 rooms 2 rooms 4 rooms 1 room Based on menu

Address: Geghadir, 2208 Kotayk Region Tel.: +(374 98) 33 33 22, 33 33 99, info@hyelandz.com, www.hyelandz.com Restaurant Bar Disco Outdoor swimming pool Indoor swimming pool

Conference hall (40) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

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Arzni Sanatorium Single Double Deluxe Luxe Breakfast

10 rooms 57 rooms 4 rooms 10 rooms four meals

Address: Arzni village, 2212 Kotayk Region Tel.: +(374 93) 88 88 05, +(374 22 ) 26 31 09, arznisanatorium@info.am, www.arzniresort.am Restaurant Bar Disco Outdoor swimming pool Indoor swimming pool

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Conference hall Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

Arzni Health Resort is located 23 km north from Yerevan at the height of 1250 meters above the sea level on the slope of Hrazdan river gorge. The climate of Arzni village is continental. Sunny days of the year make up to 2236 hours. The main factors of effective recreational treatment are mineral waters of Arzni which contain high quantity of carbon dioxide (1,25-2,0g/1) and mineral elements (8-10g/1). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arzni Sanatoriumâ&#x20AC;? offers the treatment of following diseases: diseases of cardio-vascular system, chronic diseases of gastrointestinal tract, diseases of musculoskeletal system, metabolic disorders, diseases of female genital organs, neurosis, exhaustion. Arzni village, Kotayk Region, Armenia Tel.: +(374 93) 88 88 05 +(374 22) 26 31 09 arznisanatorium@info.am www.arzniresort.am

Hotels Golden palace Single Deluxe 24 rooms Double Deluxe 18 rooms Superior Deluxe 4 rooms Executive Deluxe 5 rooms Junior Suites 12 rooms Breakfast Smorgasbord Address: 34/1 Tandzaghbyur str., 2310 Tsaghkadzor Tel.: +(374 223) 5 99 99, hotel@goldenpalacehotel.am, www.goldenpalacehotel.am Restaurant Bar Disco Outdoor swimming pool Indoor swimming pool

Conference hall Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

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Marriott Standard Deluxe Suite Royal Suite Villa King Breakfast

12 rooms 50 rooms 2 rooms 1 room 35 rooms Smorgasbord

Address: 2, 4/1 Tandzaghbyur str., 2310 Tsaghkadzor Tel.: +(374 10) 29 41 41, mhrs.evntk.reservation@marriotthotels.com, www.tsaghkadzorMarriott.com Restaurant Bar Disco Outdoor swimming pool Indoor swimming pool

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Conference hall (350) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

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The restaurant has two stories. The first floor features a cafĂŠ the main peculiarity of which is live music: hits, blues, soul and jazz, smash hits of high level. The second floor presents great restaurant hall with ready table setting to host any event, family supper and, of course, a romantic dinner.

31 Mashtots Ave., Tel.: + (374 10) 50 15 51

Hotels Kecharis Standart Double/Twin Superior Family Duplex Junior Suite Royal Suite Breakfast

8 rooms 3 rooms 12 rooms 11 rooms 1 room Smorgasbord

Address: 20 Orbeli Brothers str., 2310 Tsaghkadzor Tel.: +(374 223) 6 04 09, +(374 60) 57 70 40, reservations@kecharis.am, www.kecharis.am Restaurant Bar Disco Outdoor swimming pool Indoor swimming pool

Conference hall (100) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

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Aliq Standard Double Triple Suite Junior Suite Cottage Breakfast

20 rooms 12 rooms 4 rooms 3 rooms 2 rooms Based on menu

Address: 14 Isahakyan str., 2310 Tsaghkadzor Tel.: +(374 10) 23 03 57, +(374 223) 6 01 60, integralsof@mail.ru, www.aliq.am Restaurant Bar Disco Outdoor swimming pool Indoor swimming pool

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Tsaghkadzor Alpina Double Superior Deluxe Executive Deluxe Junior Suite Cottage Breakfast

4 rooms 2 rooms 2 rooms 2 rooms 9 Based on menu

Address: 7 Charents str., 2310 Tsaghkadzor Tel.: +(374 223) 60 88 0, +(374 77) 73 00 31, info@alpina.am, www. alpina.am

Restaurant Cigar bar Disco Outdoor swimming pool Indoor swimming pool

Conference hall (60) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

7 Charents str., Tsaghkadzor 2310, Kotayk region, RA Mob.: +(374 77) 73 00 31, +(374 91) 90 00 31 Tel.: +(374 223) 6 07 70, +(374 223) 6 08 80 E-mail: info@alpina.am

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Hotels Vallex Garden Standard Room Superior Room Deluxe Room Presidential Suite Breakfast

28 rooms 16 rooms 11 rooms 2 rooms Smorgasbord

Address: 35 Nelson Stepanyan str., 375000 Stepanakert, NKR Tel.: +(374 47) 97 33 97, 97 33 93, reservations@vallexgarden.com, www.vallexgarden.com Restaurant Bar Disco Outdoor swimming pool Indoor swimming pool

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Аrmenia Single Standard Double Standard Single/Double Deluxe Family Deluxe Junior/Senior Suite Breakfast

7 rooms 15 rooms 18 rooms 4 rooms 7 rooms Smorgasbord

Address: 4 20th February str., 375000 Stepanakert, NKR Tel.: +(374 47) 94 88 02, 94 94 00, sales@armeniahotel.am, www.armeniahotel.am Restaurant Bar Disco Outdoor swimming pool Indoor swimming pool

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Conference hall (45) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

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Hotels Europe Single Deluxe Double Deluxe Suite Family Suite Presidential Suite Breakfast

3 rooms 21 rooms 6 rooms 2 rooms 1 room Smorgasbord

Address: 26 Azatamartikneri ave., 375000 Stepanakert, NKR Tel.: +(374 47) 97 57 52, 97 57 82, info@hoteleurope.am, www.hoteleurope.am Restaurant Bar Disco Outdoor swimming pool Indoor swimming pool

Conference hall (90) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

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Avan Shushi Plaza Single Deluxe Double Deluxe Superior Deluxe Breakfast

3 rooms 18 rooms 7 rooms Smorgasbord

Address: 29 Ghazanchetsots str., 375000 Shushi, NKR Tel.: +(374 47) 73 15 99, 73 33 77, avanplaza@hotmail.com, www.avanshoushiplaza.com Restaurant Bar Disco Outdoor swimming pool Indoor swimming pool

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Conference hall (120) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

Artsakh Yerevan Single Standard/Deluxe Double Standard/Deluxe Twin Standard/Deluxe Triple/Quadruple Family Deluxe Breakfast

4 rooms 4 rooms 4 rooms 2 rooms 2 rooms Based on menu

Address: 62 Tumanyan str., 375000 Stepanakert, NKR Tel.: +(374 47) 97 78 88, 97 78 81, info@yerevanhotel.travel, www.yerevanhotel.travel

Restaurant Bar Disco Outdoor swimming pool Indoor swimming pool

62 Tumanyan str., Stepanakert, NKR Tel.: +(374 47) 97 78 88 +(374 60) 27 78 88 Fax: +(374 47) 97 78 81 info@yerevanhotel.travel www.yerevanhotel.travel

Conference hall Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-cafĂŠ Billiard Playground

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

We welcome You to one of the finest corners on the earth - our Artsakh. Our hotel is ideal for individual tourists, as well as for families and tourist groups. There are 16 comfortable and different types of rooms each of them furnished with air conditioner, phone, LCD TV, mini-bar, heating, bathroom with a shower. Also, the hotel has free wireless internet.

Feedback

Time in

Armenia

flows Differently

We had 5 vacation days and we racked our brains on where to spend them. Taking into account that we didn't have much time, the countries far away were out of consideration this time. And then because of different reasons an idea of going to Armenia came to our minds. None of us had ever been there before and we knew nothing about the country, its history or people. e called the first number we came across W and heard a very welcoming man’s voice with such knowledge of his work that there was no need to call anyone else. It seemed that there was nothing impossible for him, for all our wishes he had a positive response and for that we thank Hovhannes Khachatryan. Hovhanness – you are a true professional!

After finishing the pleasant fuss of arranging the tour we safely arrived in Armenia. The atmosphere was very friendly, good moods, smiles on faces and only positive emotions. We learned quickly that time in Armenia flows differently. No need to run after time or hurry. Time was flowing together with us, very often slowing down so that we could look back and be amazed. That is why people here will always have time to welcome you, wish you good health, just chitchat or show you the right direction. Or perhaps you would like to stop at a nearby restaurant and try the local cheese, meat or to drink the genuine Armenian wine or cognac. We had never seen so much sincere and simple warmth, very caring but also extremely modest attention. GATE 96

Special thanks to our tour-guide – Karine Mikhaylovna. She was like a caring mother, an attentive, sensitive and a very communicative woman. You should see how interesting she makes the tour!!! We got a lot of information about the history, geography, sociology and politics and it made us look at the country in a very different way. David, our escort, deserves particular gratitude. He has vast organizational skills, strategic thinking and a happy personality. He is always there at the appointed time and we always felt quite safe with him at our side. We should also mention his personal charm! Armenia is wonderful, but when it opens up to you like the book does before its passionate reader, the impressions surpass the expectations! We were in a fairy tale, from where we didn't want to return! Our fascination was much stronger than what we were expecting, many times so. Five days in Armenia flew by like seconds. There are many interesting places there, which mean there is a good reason to go back. Summarizing the above, we can confidently recommend spending a vacation in Armenia with the tour agency “YEREVAN TRAVEL”! Sincerely, Vaillant Group (Lyudmila, Alyena, Yulya, Lena)

Aliq Hotel Complex “Aliq” Hotel Complex is situated in the heart of the forested mountains of Tsaghkadzor, in cozy surroundings where the nature becomes a nice place for rest. Charming terrain, pure and healthy air, healing sauna, special swimming pool, a kitchen offering e variety of dishes, comfortable rooms, playground for children and many more in the hotel complex create excellent conditions for good rest. All the above is to make your day as interesting and enjoyable as possible. The

hotel guests can also have dinner or organize parties in “Sofia” restaurant.

14 Isahakyan str., Tsaghkadzor Tel.: +(374 10) 23 03 57, +(374 223) 6 01 60, +(374 91) 33 35 55, +(374 91) 67 93 93 Fax: +(374 10) 23 03 57 info@aliq.am www.aliq.am

Art

NEXT TO THE MASTER YOU ALWAYS FEEL LIKE MARGARITA The webpage of the artist: http://mayismkhitaryan.com For ordering paintings, please contact the artist at: + (374 96) 409911

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Mayis Mkhitaryan, a painter from Tbilisi, moved to Yerevan twenty years ago by the invitation of art critic Henrikh Igityan. He is a member of the Armenian Union of Artists, a member of Association of creative individuals at UNESCO. Mayis is a winner of Vardan Ajemyan Prize. His paintings have been exhibited in a number of local and international exhibitions and art-expos. Many works have never exhibited and are in private collections in Armenia, Georgia, Russia, the United States and a number of European countries. Also, Mayis has been illustrating a number of books and done set designs for theatrical performances.

he doors of the artist’s studio in the old Yerevan district Saritagh on a high hill - are always open. Henrikh Igityan once mentioned: “Bazhbeuk Melikyan, Parajanov, Gayane Khachatryan, Mayis Mkhitaryan - all of them are from the same planet, though they are not alike”. Mayis continues the traditions of Havlabar, Tiflis with dignity. His wife Pertchanush, a beautiful woman, with a kind and bright smile on her face, always makes the traditional coffee ad khachapuri for guests who come here from all over the world. Mayis greets his guests at the gates in his working clothes which amaze even the most sophisticated imagination. A hoody of rough texture embroidered with golden thread, depicting flowers and stones and in some places covered with paints - slides down his broad shoulders. On the chest there is the image of the painter himself – scary by

Mayis continues the traditions of Havlabar, Tiflis with dignity. his wife Pertchanush, a beautiful woman with a kind and bright smile on her face always makes the traditional coffee ad khachapuri for guests who come here from all over the world. its openness and vulnerability. Anyone who meets Mayis for the first time - is puzzled, as it seems like the chest of the painter is torn and his true self or a child very much looking like him is peeking out. Only after some time do visitors understand that Mayis is indeed a child, like all creative people are, gifted by God. He sees the world in a different way, he is open to the Universe and the Universe is open to him. The painter not only works but also lives with his family here: his wife, three children and a dog, a serious and lazy Dalmatian that also partially carries the burden of the glory of this place. He looks at the guest as if saying: “Ahh, Sir (Madam), it’s you again!” www.armeniatravel.ru

Art The art studio, a mysterious place, greets us with two huge canvases: “Lord’s Supper” and “Requiem”. The participants of the “Lord’s Supper” are not gathered around the table, they are holding musical instruments, which do not have all their parts, and that’s why they can’t make any sound. The apostles do not understand Jesus and it is a silent, tense “Lord’s Supper”, where only eyes are speaking and crying out… Mayis tells that he spent a long time on trying to picture Judah’s attire. And one day Pertchanush entered the studio in a new black dress. Mayis dropped to his knees in front of her and pleaded: “Judah! Judah!” The dress was immediately taken off Pertchanush and put on Judah. On the opposite wall there is the canvass dedicated to Mozart - “Requiem”, with figures of a man’s height. The painter always works to music. On the drawer there is a turntable and numerous records on the shelf. But for me, “Requiem” by Mayis is always associated with Lucineh Zakaryan. The old turntable was playing her music.

Mayis opened the drawer, took out a Outside the window there were Ararat and red cloth and a golden veil- the symbols of the City. The sun was setting. Its weak rays protection. I put on the clothes and became a were playing on Judah’s face that was smiling, heroine in the Master’s theatre. In one hand I was holding a trembling candle; the other was and then smirking, and then grinning… then on the head of Alexander the Great. Next to me squeezed out a torturing resemblance of a Mayis was standing in his golden robe, holding smile. I felt like Margarita. I saw myself alone a royal rod in one hand, and a huge ostrich egg with the moon flying above me. in the other. Pertchanush was swimming, silent All the works of Mayis Mkhitaryan have like a fish, with the space in her eyes. Outside mystery in them. The limitless imagination the window there were Ararat and the City. pictures unearthly women, birds of paradise, The sun was setting. Its weak rays were playing graceful cats, cosmic fish, wild animals, on Judah’s face that was smiling, and then smirking, and then grinning… then squeezed luxurious hats, masks, feathers, flowers… out a torturing resemblance of a smile. I felt Very often the painter tries to interpret the like Margarita. I saw myself alone with the world through a female perception of it. “I'd moon flying above me. My hair was also in a like to say”, “Mysterious modesty”, “Secret thatch and the moonlight washed my body. love”, “Monologue”, “The fruit of love”, “Is It was purification next to the Master-Varpet that you?”, “The silent dialogue”, “Matrimony”, Mayis Mkhitaryan. “Spring”, “Red rose”, etc. – are the names of works by Mayis Mkhitaryan. GATE 100

Cultural life n March 29 and 30, 2014 at T he “Yerevan International The sixth International music O Film Festival “Golden Apricot”, the “Crowne Plaza Berlin City contest-festival “Renaissance” will be held in Gyumri, Armenia, on April 10-19. This year the festival will be dedicated to the 135th anniversary of the

The sixth International music contest-festival “Renaissance” will be held in Armenia in April famous Armenian composer Armen Tigranyan. The festival aims at promoting classical music, creating a communication platform for musicians from different countries and the exchange of experiences. “Within the framework of the festival, the eighth scientific conference on “World culture and Armenia” as well as the meeting of the heads of conservatories will take place”, said the organizers. The festival will have contests in 5 age groups and will present 11 different nominations. Within the framework of the festival, concerts and master classes with famous Armenian and foreign musicians will be held. The “Renaissance” festival is held with the support of the Ministry of Culture of Armenia, Gyumri branch of the Yerevan State Conservatory after Komitas, “Pyunik”- the Pan-Armenian human resources development foundation, and since 2007 - the non-governmental organization “International contest-festival “Reaissance”.

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Centre” hotel in Berlin, Germany, a special event “Such a nature” will be held dedicated to the world-famous screenwriter Tonino Guerra, a friend and master of director Alexander Brunkovsky. The coordinator of the event is “Gallery J&L Fortak”. “Armenia Tourism” magazine, which now will also be available in Berlin, became the media sponsor of the event. Alexander Brunkovsky, a famous Russian screenwriter, film

2014 will be dedicated to Sergey Parajanov”, as the General director of the festival, Harutyun Khachatryan told the journalists. This year the 90th anniversary of the legendary film director will be celebrated. “This year, besides the traditional in- and out-of-competition programs, we will also present several programs dedicated to Parajanov”, said Khachatryan at the press-conference held in the International press-center “Novosti”. The world-famous Armenian film director (19241990) became internationally known due to his search for a new movie language in such innovative films as “Shadows of forgotten ancestors” (1965) portraying the life of Ivan, a Hutsul,

“Italian Wedding” in Berlin director and artist, will give us the unique opportunity to be pulled into the life and creative work of the great master, Tonino Guerra. Alexander Brunkovsky, admiring Tonino Guerra’s diverse world of creativity, transferred to the screen, the deep respect for his artistic work, unusual life and extraordinary nature. The creative period spent together with his friend and teacher, Tonino Guerra, gave him the possibility to reflect upon natural depth of characters in the documentary. This is the story of the Italian poet, writer and artist Tonino Guerra and his wife Laura - a story full of love and humor. Tonino Guerra worked with many great film directors like Federico Fellini, Michelangelo Antonioni, Vittorio De Sica, Bernardo Bertolucci and Andrey Tarkovsky.

The 11th Yerevan International Film Festival “Golden Apricot” will be dedicated to Sergey Parajanov and “The color of Pomegranates (aka “Sayat-Nova”).” The “Golden Apricot” Yerevan International Film Festival is an annual festival held in Yerevan. It was founded in 2004 and is considered to be one of the most prestigious festivals in the region. During these years many worldfamous actors and directors have visited Yerevan, and among them are the writer and a screenwriter Tonino Guerra, famous actresses such as Claudia Cardinale and Fanny Ardant.

Hi-tech As popular

as MacBook has become during the last couple of years, one can rarely find an owner of a MacPro. It has many years of history, with very few updates and the last but one

N okia officially introduced its One of Apple’s most popular, new smartphone, Lumia Icon (before it was known as Lumia 929). Unfortunately, it is only for US mobile operator Verizon. Nokia Lumia Icon can boast a metallic casing and ultimate characteristics of the Windows Phone 8 platform. Nokia Lumia Icon has a quad-core processor named Qualcomm Snapdragon 800, graphics - Adreno 330, 5-inch AMOLED-display with

Apple's new powerful computer released generation of MacPro was almost forgotten, compared to the speed of sales of the new MacBook and iMac. However the introduction of the revolutionary MacPro at Apple WWDC in summer of 2013 brought something entirely new to the world. The big aluminum casing is several times smaller looking more like a compact gadget. It totally changed the concept of what computers look like. Apple is known for its ability to easily change traditional attitude towards things while bringing innovative ideas. That's why the revolutionary design of the powerful computer made a huge impression on the market. The new MacPro is one of the few products assembled in a US factory. Technical specifications: OS: Mavericks 10.9.1, Processor: Intel Xeon E5-1680, 8-core, 3 GHz, Graphics: Dual AMD FireProD700, 6 GB, Memory: 4х16GB, DDR3, 1866 MHz, Storage: SSD512GB, Connections: HDMI, 4xUSB 3.0, 6xThunderbolt 2, 2xRJ-45, 3,5mm, microphone Wireless: Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0 Dimensions: 251 х 167 mm, 5 kg Price: 9 500 US dollars.

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the second-generation iPad, is in the market for over three years now. However, as informed by Appleinsider.com with a reference to its sources, iPad 2 is not going to last long – the company has decided to remove the “veteran” from production. The iPad 2 was introduced to the market in March 2011. In comparison with the first model of the Apple iPad, it had many updates – the casing was much thinner, the core – more powerful, and the appearance – neater. The device worked on the dual-core processor A5 with a 1HZ frequency, was equipped more than the first iPad, memory was 512 Mb, and the screen resolution was 1024 x 768 pixels.

Nokia's new flagship in aluminum casing a resolution of 1920 х 1080 pixels, 2 GB RAM and 32 GB mass memory (without any possibility to expand), main camera sensor-20,7 MP, Pure View with ZEISS optics and Dual LED flash (like Lumia 1520), models NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, FM-radio, wireless charging-built-in (Qi standard) and 4 HAAC-microphones. The battery capacity is 2420 mAh. The software release of the devise is Windows Phone Update 3 with Lumia Black. Dimensions of Nokia Lumia Icon are 137 x 71 х 9.8 mm, the weight is 167 g. In case of a twoyear contract the smartphone will cost you 100 US dollars and without a contract 550 US dollars.

The most distinguished iPad2 will no longer be in production According to AppleInsider. com, Apple decided to “pension off” iPad to reduce its presence in the market. Those who want to buy an iPad by Apple and to save, will have another choicethe “old” iPad mini with a standard screen resolution for 200 dollars (in Russia - 11.990 rubles). The core mainly is similar to iPad2, though it has a higher quality 5-megapixel camera with Full HD video support.

Vocabulary

A Lesson of Armenian

Greeting, common expressions Hello Good morning Good afternoon/evening Goodbye How are you doing? Thank you Please Excuse me What is your name? My name is… Do you speak Russian? Does anyone speak Russian here?

Barev dzez Bari luys Bari or/bari yereko Tstesutyun Gortserd vonts en? Shnorhakalutyun Khndrem Knerek Inch e dzer anune? Im anunn e… Duq haskanum eq ruseren? Inch vor meke Haskanum e ruseren?

I don’t understand you What would you recommend to see in the city? Yes No Can we get acquainted? Let me invite you to… I would like to meet with you tomorrow Are you free tomorrow evening? I love you

Yes dzez chem haskanum Inch khorhurd ktaq tesnel qaghaqum? Ayo/Ha Voch/Che Kareli e dzer het tsanotanal? Tuyl tveq dzez hravirel… Yes ktsankanayi vaghe tesnvel dzer het Vaghe yerekoyan azat eq? Yes kez sirum em

Stores, hotels and restaurants How much is this? I’ll take this Where is the market? I would like to buy I don’t like this Can I see the menu? Bon appetite! Soup Hot dish Tea/coffee/juice

Inch arzhe sa? Yes sa vertsnum em Vortegh e shukan? Yes uzum em gnel Indz sa dur chi galis Karogh em menyun tesnel? Bari akhorzhak Chash Tak chashatesak Tey/surch/hyut

Beer/wine Beef/pork Fish/chicken Children’s menu Check, please! Do you accept credit cards? It was very tasty Is there a hotel nearby?

Garejur/gini Tavari mis/khozi mis Dzuk/hav Mankakan menyu Khndrum em, hashive bereq Duq endunum eq credit card? Shat hamov er Vortegh e amenamot hyuranotse?

Transportation How much is the ticket? How can I get to…? I am lost, I need to get to… Where is…? I would like to visit… Please, show me on the map GATE GATE106 8

Inch arzhe tomse? Vonc hasnem…? Yes molorvel em, petq e hasnem… Vortegh e gtnvum…? Yes uzum em aytselel… Khndrum em tsuyts tveq qartezi vra

Does this train/ bus stop at…? Train station Bus station Cash-desk Departure Arrival Transfer Bus stop

Ays gnatsqe/avtobuse kang arnum e…? Yerkatughayin kayaran Avtobusi kayaran Dramarkgh Meknum Zhamanum Teghapokhum Kangar

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elling and ex v a t tr

“Dangerous Altitude” company (the official representative of Vento RF in Armenia) presents in Armenia more than 600 brand name products and equipments for active rest and extreme sports. The company’s activity scope includes rescue, training and educational programs and industrial alpinism.

Address: 20 Artsakh str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 434 911 +(374 98) 911000 www.vento.am., extreme-risk.am www.facebook.com/Vento.am

Cuisine

BEEF HIND SHANK WITH VEGETABLES Ingredients: Beef - 250 g Cauliflower - 100 g Carrots - 100 g Eggplants - 100 g Red pepper - 100 g Mushrooms - 100 g Cream - 100 g Vegetable oil - 50 g Butter - 30 g Nuts - 30 g Garlic - 1 bulb Method of For the dish you need the beef hind shank because it is rich in cooking: meat. Remove the bones and cut the meat in cubes or thick slices. Cook the meat. Make a sauté of different vegetables depending on the season. Put the vegetables on a dish, make a hole in the middle, place the meat in there and pour on the sauce. The sauce: chop the nuts, fry them in the pan, add cream, stir and add the meat.

i (Sautéing comes from the French sauté (“jumped, bounced”) in reference to the method of cooking. The ingredients are usually fried using a small amount of oil or fat in a shallow pan and are tossed while cooking).

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The foreshank or shank of the animal (the part between the “knee” and the “foot”) is considered the most unpopular part due to its toughness and dryness, but if cut and cooked properly, the taste, aroma and health properties surpass the best tenderloin. “Club 12” offers its guests an exclusive dish made of beef shank.

1 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 23 50