English report from January to May

During these months, we covered many interesting projects, made projects about regions of Armenia, where we studied history, dishes and interesting places for tourism. And also created tour packages in these regions.
We did a translation by «Music Funds» of the text, where together with the translation we studied music and its history.

We studied Armenian national dances, clothes and songs, made a presentation.
It would be a sin not to mention our personal projects about «Queen of Human Hearts», where we talked about women who changed the world. I have chosen Princess Diana as one of the most powerful women in the world.
And also on the project «Favourite Artist», where we talked about our favourite artist, presented his life and his art works. I chose Van Gogh because he is my most favourite artist and as a genius of art.
It is a real pleasure for me to present interesting projects in English, because in this way my conversational skills develop.

First semester report:

Ararat Region

Dishes

Arishta may remind foreigners of pasta. But in fact, this is not entirely true. Arishta is a kind of homemade noodles. It is best prepared in the Ararat region. The basis of arishta is a dough made from flour, water and salt. Noodles are boiled and served with meat or vegetables. It all depends on the season, as well as on taste preferences. By the way, this dish is popular in the restaurants of the country.

Arishta (arm. արշտա) is a kind of homemade noodles, pilaf is made from it, used to season soup. There is a spelling of Rsht. The name comes from the Persian reshte pers. which means «threads» or «stripes». Unlike the noodles of Iranian cuisine, it is not found as thin as capellini. Noodles with a similar recipe are found in many cuisines, and with a similar name in Turkish tour. kesme, erishte and azerbaijani azerb. erishte kitchens, but unlike the latter, no milk is used in the preparation of dough for arishte.

It can also be produced industrially. Arishta is cooked on flour, water and salt, and you need to get a pretty cool dough. Roll out each piece with a thickness of 1.5 mm, like pita bread, roll it into a roll, which is then cut into thin strips (possibly with a special rolling pin and dry. Dried arishta is browned in a dry frying pan until a pinkish-golden hue. The variant without an egg is also used as a lean cuisine dish. Classic gravy for arishta — melted butter, matsun and garlic.

There are two varieties of arishta: for lunch and for dessert. Halva is prepared from sweet arishta.

Ararat Region 

Ararat

Ararat

Area: 2,090 km2

Population: 260,367

Ararat is one of the regions of Armenia. The administrative center and the largest town of the province is Artashat. According to a prominent Armenian historian Movses Khorenatsi, Ayrarat was one of the 15 provinces of Armenia. It was the central province of the Armenian Highland.

The name of the region

The province was named after the biblical Mount Ararat. Anyone who visits Armenia will forever remember the most majestic and awesome scene in the world, the fabulous view of Holy Mount Ararat. It is the highest mountain (5165 m) in ancient Armenia with the highest peak Masis and the lowest peak Sis.

The mount gives a great opportunity for mountain climbers to conquer peaks of Ararat and enjoy the spectacular views from the heights of clouds. The best time for climbing the mountain starts in July and ends in September. Although Ararat is now in the territory of Turkey, it still remains the symbol of Armenia. 

Ararat is a holy mountain not only for Armenians but also for the Christians of the world because Noah’s ark landed on the mountain during the flood. Many scientists and researchers have tried to find the exact place of the ark. For this purpose, Ararat has even been photographed from satellites and many interesting facts, that indirectly confirm the existence of the ark, were discovered on the mount. So the mystery of Noah’s ark perhaps will be revealed one day.

One of the largest regions of Armenian Plateau has the same name — Ararat (Ararat plain). This region was famous throughout the Armenian history due to the paint called “Vordan Karmir”. The paint is obtained from the insect having the same name. In many Greek and Roman sources, the paint exported from Armenia was mentioned as the best red paint of that time. It was called «arqayakan tsirani» (Royal Red) and clothes of the noblemen were painted with “Vordan Karmir”. For decades, the existence of vordan karmir has been in danger because of pollution and other reasons, and for its protection, the reserve «Vordan karmir of Ararat» occupying 200 ha territory was formed in Ararat valley in 1987.

The Ararat Cognac

The culture of winemaking in Armenia goes back to ancient times, but the story of the famous Armenian brandy started at the end of the 19th century. It was in the land of Ararat, that the union of natural generosity and creative energy gave the best beverage that has become famous not only in this territory but also all over the world. Today the legendary ARARAT brandy is considered to be one of the symbols of Armenia.  

Sights of Ararat Region

Ararat Province is famous for Khosrov Forest State Reserve, covering some parts of the Geghama Ridge. The history of the reserve goes back to 330-338 A.D. when the Armenian king Khosrov the Third ordered the forest to be a reserve to improve the natural-climatic conditions of the neighboring city of Artashat and to ensure conservation and enrichment of flora and fauna. Here the historical capitals of Armenia: Artashat and Dvin were situated.

Among the other sights of interest of the region are the monastery of Khor Virap (XVII century), the monastery Aghjuts (XIII century), Havuts Tar (X-XVIII centuries), Shenats Vanq (VI — XV cent.), the Kakavaberd fortress (IV — XII centuries), and also the ruins of ancient capital Dvin.  

Population and ethnic groups of Ararat

According to the official census, the population of Ararat consists of 260,367 people. Besides Armenians, Yazidis also live there.

Artashat

Artashat

Artashat is located in the Ararat plain, on the bank of the Araks River. It is the administrative centre of the Ararat region which is 30 km southeast of Yerevan. Artashat was founded in 1945 in Soviet Armenia and was named after the ancient city of Artashat which was located not far from the present-day town.

History of Artashat

This city is one of the oldest cities in Armenia. For about four decades the city was the capital of Armenia. The Armenian King Artashes 1st founded the city in 176 BC. It was known as «Vostan Hayots»(Armenian royal residence) or «court city».

The ruins of the ancient city are not far from the present-day Artashat. The most famous monument in modern Artashat is the statue of the Armenian King Artashes 1st.  

King Artashes had also built a citadel which was later named Khor Virap. Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned here for 14 years by King Trdat 3rd. In Khor Virap, you will see the big hole where Saint Gregory was imprisoned.

Khor Virap Monastery is a great example of Armenian architecture. A great view of Ararat valley, and of Biblical mountain Ararat opens from the church. 

Places of Interest in Artashat

One of the most popular places in the city is Artashat’s Lake. The locals love this place and will likely invite you there for a walk. 

The church of St. Hovhannes built in 2015, is the most beautiful structure of Artashat. The city had no church before. There has been a small chapel which is the residents’ favourite place.

The cultural life of Artashat is improving due to the activity of several institutions. There is a palace of culture in the town, an art centre named after Charles Aznavour, a drama theatre after Amo Kharazyan (which regularly performs Armenian and international classic and modern works), and a public library named after Ohan Chubaryan opened in 1948. 

In 2004, a new entertainment park was opened in the centre of Artashat that hosts public celebrations, concerts and musical shows. Thus in Artashat, you will surely find how to spend your time.

City/town

ArtashatAraratMasisVedi

«Queen of Human Hearts»: why Princess Diana was loved

Presentation

23 years ago, on the night of August 31, 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, died in a car accident in an underground tunnel under Alma Square in Paris. She was accompanied by her friend, the son of an Egyptian billionaire, Dodi al-Fayed. He and Henri Paul’s driver died on the spot. Diana, taken from the scene to the hospital, died two hours later. The cause of the accident has not yet been officially announced. There are several versions: alcohol intoxication of the driver, the need to avoid paparazzi persecution at high speed, as well as various conspiracy theories. After so many years, the image of a strong and very independent woman created by the princess continues to remain in the memory of millions of people. Fans lovingly called Diana the «queen of human hearts.» It became a phenomenon of the twentieth century: a style icon, a patron, the wife of Prince Charles, who gave the British throne two heirs. She was idolized by English subjects and respected by residents of other countries. With her kind heart, she managed to conquer the whole world, but so she could not win the love of her own husband.Princess Diana was not just a favorite of the public, but also a public figure and benefactor. Hundreds of charitable foundations were created with her participation. We offer you to honor the memory of the princess — and remember Diana’s main charitable and peacekeeping initiatives. She took off her gloves and shook hands with people with HIV

In the 1980s, the number of HIV patients increased dramatically. The myth that this disease is transmitted through touch was widespread, so people with this disease inevitably became outcasts. In the spring of 1987, the first HIV department was opened in the UK at Middlesex Hospital. Members of the royal family were invited to speak at the ceremony, Charles refused. Upon learning of this, Diana hurried to the hospital, where she communicated with patients at ease and shook hands. From that moment on, she has always defended the sick, refuted myths, tried to support the fight against AIDS, despite the Queen’s disapproval. She hugged patients with leprosy in the leprosorium of Mother Teresa in India

In February 1992, Princess Diana went to India, where she visited the God-pleasing institutions of Mother Teresa: a hospice, an orphanage for abandoned children, a leprosorium for leprosy patients. Diana shook hands with patients, proving that it was not contagious.Soon Princess Diana became the patron of The Leprosy Mission and visited hospitals in India, Nepal, Zimbabwe. Passed through a cleared field in AngolaPrincess Diana opposed the production and use of anti-personnel mines. As part of the Red Cross mission, she went to Angola, where there was a civil war, and all the land was covered with mines. A few days before the princess’s arrival in the most mined city in Angola, Quito, another tragedy happened: teenagers died while playing football on an unplaced field. Then Lady Dee put on a bulletproof vest, a protective mask against bullets and walked through the cleared field. By her example, she wanted to show the danger of these weapons, although she later admitted that her jaw had made a cramp out of fear. Presented equipment to the Tushino Children’s Hospital in MoscowIn June 1995, Princess Diana flew to Moscow for two days, where she visited the Tushino Children’s Hospital. The fund of this hospital was opened in the UK. It was once headed by the mother of Queen Elizabeth II, but then handed over the cases to Princess Diana. Doctors still remember that arrival: Lady Dee went to the trauma department, where the children were lying after road and railway accidents. At the sight of the wounds, those accompanying the princess fainted, and she walked calmly. According to the participants of the visit, during the visit to the hospital, the princess violated the minutes of the meeting: she ignored the offices of the head of the clinic, passing by because she was in a hurry to the wards of young patients and a playroom. The princess surprised everyone: she sat down on her knees in front of the kids and started playing with them. I went to the hospital for children with cancer three times a weekPrincess Diana was the patron of the Royal Brompton Hospital and the Great Ormond Street Hospital. She loved children very much and communicated with them whenever possible. So, three times a week Lady Dee went to the wards of Brompton Hospital and spent 3-4 hours there with the children. After that, she said in an interview: «Some of them will live, some will die, but they should all get love here and now. I’m trying to give them this love.»

Supported the English National Ballet Theater

Almost all the projects supported by Princess Diana were social. But one belonged to the sphere of culture — the English National Ballet Theater. Princess Dee and her sons were a frequent visitor to the theater, she organized balls and gala meetings, raising funds in support of the theater.«Being unnecessary for my own husband and royal family, thousands, and maybe millions of people around the world, really needed me. How many I smiled, how many shook hands, how many I just stroked on the shoulder, on the cheek, how many children I hugged!» Princess Diana admitted in one of her last interviews.

Culture of Gegharkunik region

Presentation

The urban settlements of the province have palaces of culture and many public libraries. There is a geological museum in Sevan based on the Sevan Botanical Garden. In Gavar there is a historical museum, as well as a drama theater.

The cuisine of Gavar is closely related to elements of oriental cuisine, which is characterized by a combination of various spices, vegetables, fish and fruits. One of the city’s famous sweets is the Kyavar baklava, which is a layered pastry made from cloth-thin sheets of phyllo dough stuffed with nuts and sugar and drizzled with hot honey.

Fortresses and archaeological sites

Rock carvings of Mount Azhdahak. In the vicinity of Mount Azhdahak, a large number of prehistoric rock paintings were found. Most images depict men in hunting and battle scenes, as well as astronomical bodies and phenomena. Sun, Moon, constellations, starry sky, lightning and many others.

Big fortress Lchashen
At this place there is an ancient settlement, the burial place of this fortress, built in the 4th millennium-7th century BC.

Ancient astronomical observatory Sevsar
On the western slopes of Mount Sevsar, dating back to the 3rd-1st millennium BC. Recent studies show that the birthplace of the name of the constellations and the creation of the zodiac is in the Armenian Highlands.

  • Fortress Berdkunk 1st millennium BC
  • Teiseba archaeological site of the Urartian period, 8th century BC
  • Odzaberd fortress, 8th century BC
  • 10th century Noratus cemetery.

Churches and monasteries

  • Shoghagavank monastery of the 5th century.
  • Church of St. Thaddeus in Ddmashen, 7th century.
  • Hatzarat monastery of the 7th century.
  • Sevanavank monastery complex of the 9th century.
  • Hayravank monastery of the 9th century.
  • Makenyats Vank monastery complex of the 9th century.
  • Monastery of the Holy Mother of God Kotavank, 9th century.
  • Church of St. Hovhannes in Tsaghkashen, 9th century.
  • The monastery complex of Shoghagavank of the 9th century.
  • Vanevan monastery, opened in 903.

Van Gogh — project «Favorite Artist»

PRESENTATION

Interesting fact

There is a difference between Van Gogh the artist and Van Gogh the man. He was in fact a very decent, generous person with high ideals. But he went about his life with a passionate intensity that most people found overwhelming. He was very intelligent but also very argumentative. He wasn’t good at seeing other people’s point of view. He had very poor social skills. He was moody and emotional and seemed rather strange to many people. In his later years, he drank and smoked excessively, didn’t take care of himself and probably had poor personal hygiene. Most people were rather uncomfortable around him. Only a few people recognized his artistic genius and the true quality of his character. That character came out most strongly in his art and his letters to his brother Theo.

If you saw him walking up the street toward you however, most people would cross the street to avoid him.

My opinion

The first thing to know about Vincent’s art is that he wasn’t a natural artist and his early works clearly show this. Most professional artists are driven by the need to create; art isn’t just what they do, its what they ARE.

Van Gogh had a very difficult and troubled life. He suffered from bipolar disorder and some form of depression. He was able to turn his sorrow into beauty. He perfectly captured the emotion of the world around him. His choice of colour was fantastic and the texture of the paint is captivating. When I look at his work, I tear up because I can imagine what he went through without overlooking the beauty of the painting. I think Van Gogh was an amazing artist because his paintings have a bit of everything. His style is so unique. He is, in my opinion, one of the greatest painters to have ever lived.

“ Music funds” Translation

Երաժշտական ֆոնդեր

Ընդգրկում է 182 անհատական և երաժշտական տարբեր կազմակերպությունների և խմբերի ֆոնդեր, ինչպես նաև մի շարք հավաքածուներ՝ 155 992 նյութերի քանակով: Մեծագույն մասը կազմում են հայ կոմպոզիտորների, խմբավարների, երաժշտագետների, երգիչների, երաժիշտ-կատարողների անհատական ֆոնդերը: Ամենատարեցը հայկական օպերային արվեստի հիմնադիր Տիգրան Չուխաճյանի ֆոնդն է, ուր առկա են կոմպոզիտորի հիմնական գործերի ձեռագիր նոտաները (պարտիտուրներ, կլավիրներ):

Մեծ արժեք են ներկայացնում նաև 19-20-րդ դարերի խոշորագույն կոմպոզիտորներ Ք. Կարա-Մուրզայի, Մ. Եկմալյանի, Կոմիտասի, Ն. Գալանդերյանի, Ա. Տիգրանյանի, Ա. Սպենդիարյանի, Ռ. Մելիքյանի և այլոց ֆոնդերը: Դրանց մեջ թե՛ ծավալով թե՛ արժեքով առանձնանում է հայ երաժշտարվեստի հանճարի՝ Կոմիտասի ժառանգությունը, որը ընդգրկում է հայկական և եվրոպական նոտագրությամբ ինքնագրեր, հայկական ժողովրդական և հոգևոր երգերի գրառումներ, ամենատարբեր ժանրերի ստեղծագործություններ, ուսումնասիրություններ, ձեռնարկներ, բանաստեղծություններ, գրած և ստացած նամակներ, փաստաթղթեր, վկայականներ, լուսանկարներ, երաժշտական գործիքներ… Դրանց մի մասը ներկայացված է թանգարանի մշտական ցուցադրության մեջ և Կոմիտասի անվան սրահում: Կոմիտասին վերաբերող բազմաթիվ նյութեր կան նաև այլ ֆոնդերում, հատկապես նրա մտերիմ բարեկամուհի, երգչուհի, երաժշտական գործիչ Մարգարիտ Բաբայանի ֆոնդում: Ինչպես Կոմիտասը, Մ. Բաբայանը ևս լայն ստեղծագործական կապերի մեջ է եղել ժամանակի մի շարք նշանավոր երաժիշտների հետ. նրան գրված նամակների հեղինակներից են Մ. Ռավելը, Կ. Դեբյուսին, Պ. Վիարդոն, Լ. Լալուան, Ռ. Դյուկասը և համաշխարհային հռչակունեցող այլ դեմքեր:

Օտարազգի երաժշտական գործիչներինվերաբերող նյութերով շատ ավելի հարուստէ երաժշտագետ Բարսեղ Կորգանովի(Ղորղանյան) մեծածավալ ֆոնդը եւհատկապես՝ հավաքածուն: Այստեղ կան18-20-րդ դարերում գրված գերմաներեն, անգլերեն, իտալերեն եւ ֆրանսերենբազմաթիվ նամակներ (հիմնականում՝բնագիր), որոնց հեղինակներից ենհամբավավոր արվեստագետներ ուարվեստաբաններ Ֆորկելը, Ֆետիսը, Հանսլիկը, Մասնեն, Շինդլերը եւ ուրիշներ: Այստեղ է նաեւ մեծն Մոցարտի նամակը՝գրված 1778 թվականին Փարիզում, իր մորմահվան օրը…

Երաժշտական գործիչներից զատ Կորգանովի հավաքածում առկա են նաև այլ բացառիկ նյութեր, ինչպես՝ Լյուդովիկոս 14-րդի, Նապոլեոն Բոնապարտի, պարսից Ֆաթալի շահի, մի շարք ռուս գահակալների, կոմսերի, իշխանների ու զորավարների ինքնագիր նամակներն ու գրությունները:

Ինչպես Կոմիտասի, այնպես էլ բազում այլ գործիչների անհատական ֆոնդերում ինքնագրերից զատ առկա են նաև լուսանկարներ, նվագարաններ ու կերպարվեստի գործեր, որոնք համալրվում են համապատասխան հավաքածուներում առկա նյութերով: Հավաքածուներ առանձնակի դասակարգված են նաև հայ գուսանների ստեղծագործություններ, հայ երաժշտության պատմությանը վերաբերող այ, նյութեր և ձեռագիր երգարաններ: Ֆոնդային այս բաժնում պահպանվող նվագարաններից արժանահիշատակ են հատկապես Սայաթ-Նովային վերագրվողքամանչան, Ջիվանու ջութակը, Շերամի թառը : Կոմիտասի դաշնամուրը, ֆիսհարմոնն ու տարբեր բնույթի սրինգները, Ս. Էլմասի՝ Շվեյցարիայից ստացված դաշնամուրը…

Երաժշտական ֆոնդերի և հավաքածուների հարուստ նյութերը հնարավորություն են տալիս հիմնավորապես ուսումնասիրել թե՛ առանձին խոշոր ստեղծագործողների ժառանգությունը և թե՛ 18-րդ դարի երկրորդ կեսից մինչև 20-րդ դարի հայ երաժշտության պատմությունն ու նրա առնչությունները առնչությունները և արևմտյան երաժշտարվեստի հետ:

Թարգմանություն

Music funds

Includes holdings of 182 individuals and various musical organizations and groups, as well as a number of collections totaling 155,992 items. The biggest part is the individual funds of Armenian composers, band leaders, musicologists, singers, musicians-performers. The oldest is the fund of Tigran Chukhachyan, the founder of Armenian opera art, where there are handwritten notes (scores, pianos) of the composer’s main works. Great value is also represented by the greatest composers of the 19th-20th centuries K. Kara-Murzai, M. Ekmalyan, Komitas, N. Galanderyan, A. Tigranyan, A. Spendiaryani, R. The funds of Melikyan and others. Among them, the legacy of the genius of Armenian musical art, Komitas, stands out both in terms of volume and value, which includes autographs in Armenian and European notation, recordings of Armenian folk and spiritual songs, works of various genres, studies, manuals, poems, written and received letters, documents, certificates, photos, musical instruments… Some of them are presented in the museum’s permanent exhibition and in the hall named after Komitas. There are also many materials about Komitas in other funds, especially in the fund of his close friend, singer, musician Margarit Babayan. Like Komitas, M. Babayan was also in wide creative relations with a number of famous musicians of the time. Among the authors of the letters written to him are M. Ravel, K. Debussy, P. Viardon, L. Laluan, R. Ducasse and other world-renowned figures. The large-scale fund of musicologist Barsegh Korganov (Gorganyan) is much richer with materials related to foreign musical figures, especially the collection. There are many letters (mainly original) written in German, English, Italian and French in the 18th-20th centuries, the authors of which are famous artists and art critics Forkel, Fetis, Hanslick, Masne, Schindler and others. Here is also the letter of the great Mozart, written in 1778 in Paris, on the day of his death… Apart from musical figures, Korganov’s collection also contains other exceptional materials, such as autograph letters and writings of Louis XIV, Napoleon Bonaparte, Fatal Shah of Persia, a number of Russian princes, counts, princes and soldiers. In addition to autographs, the personal funds of Komitas, as well as many other figures, also contain photographs, musical instruments, and works of fine art, which are complemented by materials in the respective collections. Works of Armenian gusans, materials related to the history of Armenian music, and manuscript songbooks are also classified separately in the collections. Of the musical instruments preserved in this section of the fund, the kamanchan attributed to Sayat-Nova, the Jivanu violin, and the Sheram perch are especially noteworthy. Komitas’s piano, fishharmony and various flutes, S. Elmas’ piano from Switzerland… The rich materials of musical funds and collections provide an opportunity to thoroughly study both the legacy of individual great creators and the history of Armenian music from the second half of the 18th century to the 20th century and its relations with Western music.

Richer materials concerning foreign musical figures are the extensive fund of the musicologist Barsegh Korganov (Gorganyan). There are many letters in German, English, French, Italian from 18-20 centuries (basically the original), among the authors are famous artists and art critics Forkel, Fetis, Hanalik, Masne, Shindler and others. There is also a letter of Mocart, written in 1778, in Paris, in the day of his mother’s death.

In addition to musical figures, there are other exclusive materials in the Korganov collection, such as letters and inscriptions of Louis XIV, Napoleon Bonaparte, the Persian Fatali Shah, a number of Russian rulers, counts, princes and generals.

In the personal funds of both Komitas and many other figures, in addition to autographs, there are also photographs, musical instruments and works of fine art, which are replenished with materials from the relevant collections. The collections also include works by Armenian gusans, various materials related to the history of Armenian music and handwritten collections of songs.

Of the instruments preserved in this section, the kamancha attributed to Sayat-Nova is particularly noteworthy, the violin of Jivani, the piano of Komitas, harmonium and flutes of different character, C. Elmas piano from Switzerland.

The rich materials of music collections and collections allow us to study in detail both the heritage of individual major creators, as well as the history of Armenian music from the second half of the 18th-20th century and its connection with Eastern and Western musical art.