Oghbi


One of the 60 abandoned villages in Vayots Dzor is Oghbin. It is not known what the name of the settlement means or how it is explained. The village borders Azerbaijan, located about 8 km northeast of the village of Khndzorut. The only remaining witness to the abandoned village is the Oghbin church, built in 1666 and carved into the rocks.

 

Martirosats Monastery


The 13th-century rock-cut Holy Mother God Church in the village of Martiros in Vayots Dzor is the largest rock-cut architectural complex in Armenia after Geghard. It is built entirely inside Mount Nzar. The square-shaped complex consists of a vestibule, a prayer room, and a church. It is entirely carved into the rock, with only a small entrance from the outside, which was much more inconspicuous in its time.

The history and daily life of the border village of Khndzorut


Khndzorut was founded by Armenians who migrated from the Khoy and Salmast regions of Persia as a result of the Russo-Persian War of 1826-1828. The residents of Khndzorut settled in the current area of ​​the village later, starting in 1969. The history of Khndzorut is in the area called "Old Village", which is above the village.

State Dance Ensemble of Armenia


The 65-year-old State Dance Ensemble of Armenia operates with youthful enthusiasm, working on new productions in the rehearsal room and correcting previously performed ones. The parent company is facing financial problems, but if they are resolved, they will have new costumes and new instrumentation options.

"Akunk"'s new project: the songs and dances of "David of Sasun"


The "Akunk" ethnographic ensemble, which has a half-century history, presents songs and dances from all parts of historical Armenia. A few of the founding members have remained in the group, and it is they who pass on the decades-old traditions of Akunk to the newcomers. Currently, together with the group's artistic director, musicologist Artur Shahnazaryan, they are developing songs and dances from the epic "David of Sasun", which will soon be presented to the public.

Jrapi


Of the 311 km border between Armenia and Turkey, 72 km falls on Shirak province. Jrapi is one of 15 settlements in the province that has border status. The village was built in 1974. As a result of the construction of the Akhuryan reservoir, the villages of Nerkin and Verin Jrapi were merged and moved upstream.

Bagaran


The Armenian-Turkish villages are so close to each other that the Bagaran residents are forced to hear the mullah's voice several times a day. Although the border village of Bagaran has many worries and problems, houses are being built and new Armenian families are being formed.

Tatul Altunyan State Song and Dance Ensemble


The Tatul Altunyan State Song and Dance Ensemble, founded in 1938, has a rich history. Over the decades, many renowned musicians and ballet masters have worked in the ensemble. Now, the ensemble, which has strong traditions, is creating its modern history.

Verin Tsaghkavan: Shkhmurad Monastery


The visiting card and pride of the village of Verin Tsaghkavan in Tavush region is the 12th-13th century Shkhmurad Monastery. It is located 6-7 km southwest of the village. The once powerful monastery complex is now in ruins. If the Shkhmurad Monastery complex is restored and the road leading to the sanctuary is improved, a new stage in the life of the village will begin.

"Give a Concert": Paravakar


The "Kayt" cultural center has launched the "Give a Concert" project, which plans to organize free concerts in remote and border areas of Armenia. The fund, created with public support, will provide a platform for musicians in rural communities. The first concert of the "Give a Concert" project has already taken place in the border village of Paravakar in Tavush province.

Lusagyugh


The village of Lusagyugh in the Aragatsotn region is rich in ancient sanctuaries and pilgrimage sites: Mkhe Monastery, Veri Vank or Saint Gregory Monastery, and the Church of the Holy Virgin Mary. The sanctuaries inherited from our ancestors still have thousands of pilgrims today.

Akhtala


The estate-farm and monastery of the princes of the Gugark world have been known to historians since the 5th century. In later centuries, when copper mines were discovered here, Agarak was renamed Pghndzahank, and the monastery was renamed Pghndzahank Monastery. The settlement and church named Akhtala have been mentioned in historical sources since the 14th century.