Let September 21 Be a Holiday for us for Millions of Years

Twenty-one years ago on August 23 Armenia declared its independence from the Soviet Union. Full Independence was declared after the referendum on September 21. And it is on this day that the whole Armenian nation celebrates the Independence Day.

Many people still remember the Independence Day celebrations of 2011 (20th anniversary). The most notable one was the grandiose military parade, one of the largest during the history of Independent Armenia. Armenia demonstrated its military might with tanks, warplanes and all kinds of military hardware.

The impression was powerful, it could hardly leave any Armenian indifferent. The parade, accompanies by the imposing military tunes, evoked feelings of pride and patriotism.

In a week Armenia will celebrate the 21st anniversary of its Independence. Let us all together wish peace to our motherland and let September 21 be a holiday for us for millions of years.

Photos © Arsen Sargsyan

Karchevan Village: the Marvel of Nature

Armenia is indeed a mixture of different “cultures” in the sense that each region, each town and village has its unique culture, its own customs and traditions. Karchevan (one of the smallest villages in marz Syunik) is not an exception. Despite its modest sizes, it is among the must-see places of Armenia.

The village is located in valley on a small hill surrounded by huge mountains. The climate is very mild and has healing features. Karchevan is distinguished by the small cozy houses with slanting roofs. Every corner, every street, every house, everything in the village is so harmonious that it seems they are all part of nature.

The population of the village is very small – about 350 people, and I guess all know each other. This feature also adds its own spice to Karchevan and makes the village a unique place. The majority of the population is specialized in cattle farming, viticulture, horticulture and sericulture.

People in Karchevan also have their characteristic features. They are usually very courteous, well-bred and hospitable. Their houses are very neat and clean.

The small St. Astvatsatsin church (17-18th centuries) “decorates” the village. It had been closed for several decades and served as a storehouse for grass in the Soviet era. Fortunately today the church is renovated and serves its purpose.

St. Sargis Church in Meghri

St. Sargis basilica church, built in the 17^th century, is situated in Meghri town, marz Syunik. What attracts me most about this church is its simplicity and tranquility. The first thing that catches your eye is the modest building, made of rough stones.

The interesting thing is that it may seem uninteresting or boring from the first sight, as the church has no outer ornaments. The inside of the church is the contrast of the outside – colorful frescoes (Naghash Hovnatan school) decorate the walls of the church. Most of them depict scenes from the Bible and also from the history of Armenia.

Astvatsynkal Monastery

If you happen to visit marz Aragatsotn, do not miss the chance to visit the “treasure” of the region. Between the villages of Yernjatap and Hartavan, on the right bank of river Kasagh you will find the small, modest monastery.

The Monastic Complex was built during the 4-13^th centuries. The oldest church is St. Astvatsatsin built by the Gntuni’s in the 5^th century).

In the beginning of the 13^th century the church was reconstructed by the Vachutyan’s. It was then that the Monastic Complex was established. The second church in the complex was also initiated by the Vachutyan’s.

Near the Monastery you can find tombstones and cross stones (khachqars) of XII-XV centuries.

The good news is that today the Monastery is being reconstructed. Hope it will not lose its simplicity and the mystery of the ancient years after the renovation works.

Yerevan: the Heart of Armenia

View of Yerevan

During the previous months we have managed to talk about different regions, towns and villages in Armenia. However, we never had the chance to talk about the biggest city and the capital of Armenia – Yerevan.

Yerevan is the center of Armenia in all senses. It is the most developed, most populated (34% of total population) and the busiest city in Armenia.

It is a pride to mention that Yerevan is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world (since 800 BC). The remnants of old Yerevan (Erebuni) can be found in Erebuni museum. Unfortunately few of the ancient buildings have been preserved in the city center, which is today more like other European cities with modern buildings. 

The center of Yerevan is the most “popular” part for tourists. Most of the hotels, museums, theaters, cafes, parks and other recreations are located there.

The other parts of the city are not that developed. In some places even the roads are not in good shape, and the contrast can easily be noticed. No doubt, Yerevan is a unique city with its unique colors, unique air, sky, sun and unique faces. It is surely one of the must-see places once you visit Armenia. It is the heart of the country, the place where you can experience the unique part of Armenia. In other words – Armenia is not Armenia without Yerevan.

Republic Square, Yerevan

Winter Night in Yerevan

Cascade, Yerevan

Lovers' Park, Yerevan

American University of Armenia, Yerevan

Congress Hotel, Yerevan

Say Good-Bye to Summer

In a few days the summer holidays will be over and the new academic year will welcome Armenian students. The summer holidays – the longest but always short, sometimes boring but always expected. The holidays will be over and students will hurry to schools and colleges. On the first of September thousands of alarm-clocks will ring early in the morning to awake thousands of students and school-children.

The first of September, which in Armenia symbolizes the beginning of the academic year, is also a national holiday in Armenia: Armenians celebrate the Knowledge Day. The most interesting thing about this day is the preparations for the first day of school. Parents usually get new snow-white shirts and blouses, new shoes and schoolbags for their children; girls get new haircuts, buy stylish notebooks, pens, pencils and other stationary.

Classes in Armenia usually start at 9 a.m., and at 08.30 the streets are already full of cars and people hurrying to school. The 1^st of September is definitely the most favorite day for many people, as it is not a usual school day, but rather a day for welcome, for telling each other about the experiences they had in summer. After the classes most students do not hurry home. They often get together in cafes or restaurants to celebrate their special day.

This year Armenian schools will welcome more than ten thousand first-grade pupils. They too will hurry to school with huge bouquets of flowers, to hear the first ring of the school bell and to make their first step to the undiscovered world.

September is coming.  So say good-bye to summer and get your notebooks ready!

Wish you all good luck and new achievements in the new academic year.