Category: English

Armenian dance began in the pre- Christian period, in the Armenian Highlands, when paganism reigned in historical Armenia and was one of the most striking aesthetic means describing the character of the Armenian people. You can see the thinking, the spiritual world of the Armenian people and their attitude to nature and life. After passing from generation to generation and achieving certain changes, it still retained the mobile, structural and musical features inherent in it and inherent in it only. Armenia has a lot of dances, for example: Kochari (there are different types of Kochari), Yarkhushta, Trapar, Lorke, Ishxanac par, etc.

Armenian military dances

The Armenians danced before the war, which helped to awaken the fighting spirit and to win a small number of victories against the enemy army. Military dances have long been danced not only by men but also by women. This has happened in many nations. While the men were fighting, the women were dancing the war dance, believing that it would ”secure” their husbands victory. We will talk about traditional dances of Armenia:

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Kochari (for detail information)

Kochari is a traditional dance that is widely performed throughout Armenia during holidays, festive celebrations, family ceremonies and other social events. It is open to all participants, irrespective of age, gender or social status. Kochari provides a sense of shared identity and solidarity, contributes to the continuity of historical, cultural and ethnic memory, and fosters mutual respect among community members of all ages.

Shoror of Komitas

This dance was created by Komitas himself. Years later, the dance was on the verge of collapse, until the Armenian national song and dance esemble ”Karin” restored it.

Yarkhushta

Yarkhushta belongs to the type of clap dances. It is one of the traditional unique dances, which has undergone few changes. A number of dancers should be a twice. They are divided into two groups, one of which is attacking and the other is resisting. When confronting each other, they raise their hands above their heads and strike each other with their palms, which symbolizes the striking of weapons. The pace of movements is getting faster, the claps are getting sharply.

Rostam Bazi is one of the Armenian military dances. In general, it is spread Persian Armenia (Parskahayq), around of Urmia lake. The name of dance in translation means “game of strongs” (Qajeri khaxy): Rostam is literary hero’s name of a famous epic of Persian writer Firdusu, who was accepted throughout Iran, including among the Persian Armenians, as one of the historical figures symbolizing heroism, masculinity, and imperialism. And “bazi” is translated as “game”. Rostam Bazi is one of the surviving examples of military dances, which is danced in a circle.

Etchmiadzin

Etchmiadzin is one of the Karno’s samples. And Etchmiadzin is city and is located in Armavir region of Armenia. Back and forth dances occupy a special place among Karno round dances. Back and forth dances are dancing in the cities and villages: in the cities people dance slowly, and in the villages – fast. In ancient times, dancing outside was forbidden.

Here is the presentation:

The concept of cultural tourism and the characteristics of its modern development

During these three months we studied a lot in my favorite language. We studied the culture of different regions of Armenia, traditions, dishes, beautiful and interesting places.
We studied the Tavush region, the Lori region, the Syunik region and talked about the Gegharkunik region and about the Shirak region, a big project that will take place soon. We presented our projects, it was very interesting, especially when in another language. This practice allows us to develop English by improving our spoken language.

And so it should be noted that we did translations both from English, and from Russian or Armenian into English. This is my favorite part, as I love translating all sorts of texts.

We studied temples in the Gegharkunik region and translated our knowledge into three languages.

We studied the profession «Tourism» in English. Types of tourism, meanings in English, travel idioms, phrasal verbs and phrases that we will really need in the future.

Back in September, we had a project called the Sustainable Development Goals Project. Briefly, these are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or Global Goals, which are a set of 17 interrelated global goals designed to be “a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet now and in the future.”

I chose two topics, they are «Peace and Justice Strong Institutions» and «Affordable and Clean Energy». These goals will help us understand our problems and further solve them.

The last part — the project «Gagarin». We will soon have this project. The goal of the project is to help six located villages develop in the areas of economy, education, healthcare, agriculture and culture through innovative solutions. Where we will participate.

Gagarin project is financed by Dar Foundation. The aim of this project is to help six villages located in Gegharkunik Province Gagarin, Geghamavan, Ddmashen, Zovaber, Tsaghkunk and Varser develop in the spheres of economy, education, health care, agriculture and culture through innovative solutions. Our EduComplex also participates in this project. Ashot Bleyan coordinates the work of our EduComplex in Gagarin Project.

In the summer of 2022, the EduComplex organized summer camps in the villages of Tsaghkunk and Zovaber. The founding director of our EduComplex, Ashot Bleyan, says that they are going to open a language center in the village of Ddmashen. Hans Christopher- Pocha, a language specialist from Germany, has recently arrived in Armenia and now he is staying in the Teacher’s house in Ddmashen. He has been invited to Armenia by the coordinators of the project. His aim is to help the foreign language teachers acquire new progressive methods of teaching.

Six villages of Gagarin project.

Gagarin

In 1955 a new settlement was founded near the town of Sevan. The settlers were the workers who were constricting Atarbekyan Hydroelectric power station. Later, in 1961 when the first cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin carried out the first flight to space, the settlement was named Gagarin.

Geghamavan

Geghamavan has about 1,600 residents. It was founded in 1828, when 400 people immigrated here from persia’s Maku region. There is a secondary school, a house of culture nad Church St. Hovhannes in this village.

Ddmashen

Ddmashen was founded in 1828 by the settlers from Persia’s Maku region. The location was famous for Church St. Tadevos which was built in the 7th century. Nowthe village has a secondary school, a kindergarten, a historical museum, a library, a cultural center, and a medical hospital.

Zovaber

In 1828, about 55 families immigrated to Zovaber from the province of Maku in Persia, and from the cities of Van, Khoy, Mush and Alashkert in Western Armenia. St Stepanos Church of the 19th century is located in the settlement and was thoroughly renovated in 1830 by Armenian families who resettled from Maku and settled in Zovaber. The church served as a house of faith until the 1930s, after which it was turned into a village warehouse by the decision of the USSR authorities, and now it is on the verge of collapse.

Tsaghkunk

Tsaghkunk is a village in the province of Armenia. The population is engaged in animal husbandry, cultivation of fodder crops and potatoes. The ancestors of the present population migrated from Maku, Khoi and Van in 1828-1829. The Church of the Holy Resurrection is located in the central part of the village, which dates back to the 19th century. In that village there is also the chapel of Saint Sargis, which dates back to the 7th- 19th centuries.

Varser

The first known reference to the settlement dates back to the 9th century, however the settlement is much older. There was a settlement established here B.C. Church St. Stepanos is located here.Until 1947, the settlement was called Chrchr, referring to the Chrchr waterfall from which the settlement got its name.

• 1. Domestic Tourism
• 2. International Tourism
• 3. Outbound Tourism
• 4. Business Tourism
• 5. Adventure Tourism
• 6. Wildlife Tourism
• 7. Medical Tourism
• 8. Wellness Tourism
• 9. Pilgrimage and Spiritual Tourism
• 10. Cultural Tourism
• 11. Dark Tourism
• 12. Culinary Tourism
• 13. Celebrity Tourism or Film Tourism
• 14. Educational Tourism
• 15. Cruise Tourism
• 16. Rural Tourism
• 17. Beach Tourism
• 18. Space Tourism

The region of Lori is the third-largest region of Armenia. Located in the north of the country, it is neighboring Georgia. The climate in Lori is rather humid, which makes this place an ideal destination for summer since it is not too hot. The region is famous for its tourist destinations, adventurous infrastructures, and unique accommodations. That is why it is absolutely worth visiting Lori when traveling to Armenia. And what should you do in this region when you are already there? In this article, we will talk about all the interesting things and activities that are available to everyone in Lori.

Sightseeing in Lori 

The center of the region is Vanadzor, which is 130 km far from the capital Yerevan. You can reach Vanadzor by different means of transportation including public transport, train, taxis, and of course, renting a car at Enterprise. 

Vanadzor offers a lot of things to a traveler who wants to have an overnight stay in this beautiful town. The first thing that will keep you in awe will be the breathtaking views of the town since it is perfectly located in the middle of mountain ranges. Hence, with each turn, you will be accompanied by the stunning views of alpine mountains. The region itself is a perfect destination for those who have various travel tastes including rafting, hiking, biking, and other activities, as well as relaxing leisure. When you want to get comfy with your favorite book and admire the beautiful landscapes, Lori is the most ideal place for that. You can always have a car rental upon your arrival, hit the road, and lead your way to Lori for your best vacation in Armenia. Anyone who has visited Lori can say without a doubt that there are uncountable destinations and places to visit and admire. And you can discover something amazing every day. A fascinating place to be when you are in Lori is Odzun church. It is located at the top of the Debed gorge, providing a mind-blowing view of mountain ranges. The list of must-visit places in Lori can be completed by Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries, which are very close to each other and have a great significance to the country, as both monasteries are listed as the UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Read also 5 Things to do in Lori Province, Armenia

If you are more into nature and beautiful landscapes, you should surely visit Dsegh village. This place has astounding sceneries of nature and mountains. Especially in the summertime, the entire village is filled with greenery and wildflowers. So this place is the absolute best choice for nature lovers. 

Activities in Lori

Lori region offers lots of activities to the visitors. One of the most popular activities for adventurous travelers will surely be rafting in the Debed River. The rafting season here starts at the end of April, so if you are visiting the region at that time and want to make extreme and adventurous memories, this is just for you. Another excellent choice for lovers of active leisure would be hiking. There are many great hiking trails in Lori, such as Lori Fortress, Haghpat — Sanahin Monasteries, etc. It is always more interesting to discover the hidden places of the country by hiking. And if you are keener on having a passive and relaxing stay in Lori, visiting the Dendropark in Stepanavan can be your best choice. This natural forest is an excellent place for you in any season. You can have calming walks in the botanical garden, admire the beautiful greenery, and breath the healing air of the garden.

Infrastructures of Lori

When you plan on traveling to this part of the country, you will surely start to think about the infrastructure it has. And the most wonderful part of this is that Lori has started to improve and develop its infrastructures for a few years now. There are many beautiful hotels, guesthouses, and even glamping, offering excellent services for those who decided to have an overnight or two in the Lori region. Thanks to the breathtaking views of the region, whether you want to have overnight or a delicious meal, the magnificent landscapes will not leave you for a minute. In Lori, you will feel as if you are in paradise, where marvelous nature collides with perfectly situated infrastructures. 

There are so many beautiful and mesmerizing places in Lori that one cannot list them all. But one thing is for sure. When you are in Armenia, visiting the Lori region is a must. Everything here resembles serenity and a peaceful atmosphere. That is why Lori has a great potential of becoming one of the best destinations in Armenia with all of the activities and unique places it offers to travelers. 

The southern part of the Republic of Armenia is occupied by Syunik, an ancient Armenian land with many thousands of years of history. Let’s find out more about her.

So, Syunik has been known since the times of Great Armenia, whose 9th Ashkhar (province) it was. Among the ancient Greeks, this beautiful picturesque region was known as Sodukena.

The name of the Armenian Syunik comes, most likely, from the famous princely Armenian family Suni (Սյունի), who ruled here from the beginning of our era until the XVIII century.

It was in Syunik in the V century A.D. that the great began, with the support of local princes, the creation of the Armenian alphabet. Mesrop Mashtots, who opened the first Armenian schools here.

Since ancient times Syunik was famous as the land of true warriors, magnificent horsemen. Even as the king of Great Armenia, the valiant Syuniks sent a detachment of ten thousand of the best horsemen — heavy cataphractaries to the army. And the Prince of Sunia traditionally occupied the highest place among all the Armenian nobility at the royal court.

At the beginning of the II millennia AD, Syunik had its own strong Syunik kingdom, which recognized the supreme authority of the Ani rulers of Bagratuni.

Syunik Kingdom as part of Bagratid Armenia

The capital of Syunik was located in the city Kapan is today the administrative center of the Syunik marz (region) of the Republic of Armenia.

Kapan is the capital of Syunik

Living on the southern border of the Armenian state, Syuniks constantly had to fight for their land — constantly repel countless Persian, Arab, Seljuk, Timurid invasions. Many troubles and destruction were inflicted on Syunik by enemy invasions. But the Syunik people survived!

In the XVI—XVII centuries in Syunik, as well as in the neighboring Artsakh (Khachen, Nagorno-Karabakh) Armenian statehood was preserved — in the form of small states (principalities). In 1722, the Armenians of Syunik raised a powerful uprising against the Persian yoke, the uprising was led by a great Armenian warrior David-Bek.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Armenians under their generals Garegin Nzhdeh, Pogosa Ter-Davtyan and Andranik Azanyan saved Syunik from enemy capture.

Syunik people now speak a special dialect of the Armenian language, close to that used by residents of neighboring Artsakh.

Today Syunik is famous as one of the most beautiful regions of Armenia. There is a magnificent Tatev Monastery (Տաթևի վանք — Tatevi Vank), founded in the X century AD.

Tatev Monastery at dawn

There is also the southernmost city of modern Armenia — Meghri (Մեղրի -Honey), by the way — the birthplace of the ancestors of the famous actor Dmitry Kharatyan.

Meghri is the southernmost city of Armenia

The famous Tatev Wings cable car, the longest in the world, has been operating in Syunik since 2010.

Wings of Tatev — the longest cable car in the world

The resort town of Jermuk, famous all over the world for its mineral waters, is located here.

Famous Armenian mineral water from Syunik

A strategic link for Armenia with Iran passes through Syunik — the Iran—Armenia gas pipeline runs from here, the route from one country to another.

Here is such a beautiful and wonderful land of the ancient Armenian Syunik!

Syunik can be found on the medieval French map of Armenia.

Historical sights of Tavush region

Dilijan National Park

Dilijan is probably the most beautiful town of Tavush region. It is a major resort town of Armenia. Dilijan National Park is known for its forest landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, mineral water springs, natural and cultural monuments. The ancient Monastery of Haghartsin (10-13th centuries) and Goshavank Monastery (12-13th centuries) are located near Dilijan National park.

Haghartsin Monastery

HaghartsinMonastery complex was founded by Bagratunies, in the 10th century. It is located in the town of Dilijan, Tavush Region. According to historian Kirakos Gandzaketsi, the monastery was built in the 10th -13th century. The monastery complex includes four churches: Saint Grigor (1244), Saint Astvatsatsin (1281), Saint Katoghike (12th century) and Saint Stephanos (1232), as well as two courtyards, refectory, prayer halls and khachkars(cross-stones).

Goshavank Monastery

Goshavank is a medieval monastery complex. It is located in the village of Gosh, at the left bank of Getik River. The previous name of the church was Nor Getik, but after the death of Mkhitar Gosh, the church was renamed Goshavank in honour of Mkhitar Gosh who was a famous Armenian scientist, historian, parable writer, and teacher. Once this church was a remarkable religious, educational and cultural centre where Gosh lived and worked for 25 years.

The complex includes two churches, courtyard, two-storey writing house, bell tower and many khachkars (cross-stones). Near the monastery complex, a small domed church called Saint Gevorg is located. The monastery had a school and a book depository where numerous manuscripts were kept. At the school Armenian, Latin, Greek, Grammar, Philosophy, music, drawing and other disciplines were taught.

Makaravank

Makaravank monastery is another attraction in Tavush region, which was built in the 13th century. The main Church of the complex (1205) has a wide, bright and impressive structure. The unique sculptures of the interior walls are considered masterpieces of Armenian medieval art. St. Astvatsatsin is the oldest church of the monastery which was built in 1198. There is also a small round chapel of the 10th century in the northern part of the monastery.

Lastiver Cave

Another great place in Tavush is Lastiver; a magnificent place to enjoy the fantastic nature of Tavush Region. Lastiver is perfect for lovers of extreme tourism. The footpath to Lastiver starts from the village of Yenokavan. It takes nearly an hour to get to the place which reminds of a fairy tale with wooden gazebos, cottages, tree houses and a large bonfire. Not very far from the wooden structures, you will have a beautiful view of the waterfall of Lastiver. And of course, the cave itself is an interesting and mysterious site to visit and discover.

перевод на русском

Исторические достопримечательности Тавушской области

Дилижанский национальный парк

Дилижан, пожалуй, самый красивый город Тавушской области. Это крупный курортный город Армении. Дилижанский национальный парк известен своими лесными ландшафтами, разнообразной флорой и фауной, источниками минеральной воды, природными и культурными памятниками. Древний монастырь Агарцин (10-13 вв.) и монастырь Гошаванк (12-13 вв.) расположены недалеко от национального парка Дилижан.

Монастырь Агарцин

Монастырский комплекс Агарцин был основан Багратуни в 10 веке. Он расположен в городе Дилижан Тавушской области. По словам историка Киракоса Гандзакеци, монастырь был построен в 10-13 веках. Монастырский комплекс включает в себя четыре церкви: Святого Григора (1244), Святого Аствацацина (1281), Святого Катогике (12 век) и Святого Стефаноса (1232), а также два внутренних двора, трапезную, молитвенные залы и хачкары (крест-камни).

Монастырь Гошаванк

Гошаванк — это средневековый монастырский комплекс. Он расположен в деревне Гош, на левом берегу реки Гетик. Предыдущее название церкви было Нор Гетик, но после смерти Мхитара Гоша церковь была переименована в Гошаванк в честь Мхитара Гоша, который был известным армянским ученым, историком, автором притч и учителем. Когда-то эта церковь была замечательным религиозным, образовательным и культурным центром, где Гош жил и работал в течение 25 лет.

Комплекс включает в себя две церкви, внутренний двор, двухэтажный дом для письма, колокольню и множество хачкаров (хачкаров-камней). Рядом с монастырским комплексом расположена небольшая купольная церковь под названием Святой Геворг. В монастыре была школа и книгохранилище, где хранились многочисленные рукописи. В школе преподавались армянский, латинский, греческий языки, грамматика, философия, музыка, рисование и другие дисциплины.

Макараванк

Монастырь Макараванк — еще одна достопримечательность Тавушской области, которая была построена в 13 веке. Главная церковь комплекса (1205) имеет широкое, яркое и впечатляющее строение. Уникальные скульптуры внутренних стен считаются шедеврами армянского средневекового искусства. Церковь Святого Аствацацина — старейшая церковь монастыря, построенная в 1198 году. В северной части монастыря также есть небольшая круглая часовня 10 века.

Пещера Ластивер

Еще одно замечательное место в Тавуше — Ластивер; великолепное место, чтобы насладиться фантастической природой Тавушской области. Ластивер идеально подходит для любителей экстремального туризма. Пешеходная тропа в Ластивер начинается от деревни Енокаван. Требуется почти час, чтобы добраться до места, которое напоминает сказку с деревянными беседками, коттеджами, домиками на деревьях и большим костром. Не очень далеко от деревянных строений у вас будет прекрасный вид на водопад Ластивер. И, конечно же, сама пещера — интересное и таинственное место, которое стоит посетить и открыть для себя.