Armenia Tourism Magazine № 15 - 2016 by ARMENIA TOURISM Magazine

4/3 Amiryan str., Yerevan, Armenia Đ˘Đľl.: +(374 10) 574 000 info@hotelnational.am, www.hotelnationalarmenia.com

Table of contents 10 Armenia

Tourist information

14 Museums

Sergei Parajanov Museum

16 IS OUR

Garni Gorge: the cave of the robber, the salt grotto, the holy spring

20 celebrities

The queen of song and dance.

On the 110th Anniversary of the People's Artist of the USSR Tamara Khanum

24 interview Svetlana Ramishvili: “Armenian autumn strikes with the variety of vivid and rich colors”

40 SIGHTS OF INTEREST

48 Music

St. Sarkis Cathedral, Seat of the Araratian Pontifical Diocese, Odzun Church Mikael Tariverdiev. The composer of all time

52 Art

Hayk Melkonyan: “People do not believe that all this was photographed in one small country-Armenia”

62 TRAVEL GUIDE

Embassies, Museums, Theatres, Stores, Banks, Clubs, Restaurants, Air companies

86 RATING

99 HOTELS

15 most popular tourist destinations in Armenia and in Karabakh

Executive director Georgy Khachatryan Deputy executive director Yelena Markosyan Editor in Chief Yelena Shuvayeva-Petrosyan +(374 91) 00 59 11, +(7966) 151 89 83 elena@armeniatourismmagazine.ru Project idea David Khachatryan Layout, design Margarita Babajanyan margarita@armeniatourismmagazine.ru Advertising manager Director of the Yerevan office Lilit Kostandyan +(374 95) 78 77 27 Lilit Hovhannisyan +(374 77) 09 51 03 lilit@armeniatourismmagazine.ru info@armeniatourismmagazine.ru Advertising manager Advertising manager Sargis mughumyan +(374 99) 55 54 32 Anahit Gevorgyan +(374 91) 05 05 08 sargis@armeniatourismmagazine.ru anahit@armeniatourismmagazine.ru Translator Zaruhi Grigoryan Drivers Arman Grigoryan, Vladimir Avetisyan Photographs: Yelena Shuvaeva-Petrosyan, Hayk Melkonyan, Artem Martirosyan, Vahagn Grigoryan, Evgeny Kim (portrait of Editor-in-chief), Vazgen Martirosyan and Photo Atelier "Marashlyan", Vahe Aghamyan, Mesrop Mesropyan, Vigen Mnoyan, Leonid Martirosyan (Old Leo), David Nalchajyan, Robert Asatryan, turist.am, Tariverdiyev family archive, the archive of Theatre of Opera aft. A. Spendiaryan, S. Ramishvili family archive, the archive of the Museum of Tamara Khanum, Mezzo Club, website of K. Orbelyan, Sharm Holding, ArmGeo. Editorial Staff: Laura Abrahamyan, Armen Harutyunyan, Георгий Сааков, Leonid Martirosyan (Old Leo), Armen Manukyan, Yelena Kolomoytseva, Camilla Parpieva, Yuri Navin, Artak Markosyan, Denis Aldohin, Yelena Khachaturyan. News from сelebrities.ru, turist.am, calend.ru, ИА REGNUM, NovostiNK.ru, RIA Novosti, Encyclopedia of “Hayazg” Fund, Armenia News - NEWS.am. The clothes for the photo shoot were provided to the editor in chief by "Teryan" cultural center. Layout and prepress:

Printed in: “AST-Moscow Polygraphic House” OJSC 56 str. 22, Shosse Entuziastov, Moscow, RF Tel.: +(495) 748 67 20 “Tigran Mets” LLC 2 Arshakunyats ave., Yerevan, RA Tel.: (374 10) 52 70 56 The magazine is published every three months with a total circulation of 18.000 copies (in Russian) and 3.000 copies (in Armenian): 10.000 copies in Armenia, 11.000 copies in Russia. The magazine is distributed free of charge in Russia and in Armenia: in tour agencies, restaurants, hotels, advertising agencies, embassies, ministries, libraries, companies, on board the trains of SCR, as well as on the stands of "Aerotaxi" operating in the neutral zone of "Zvartnots" International airport (Yerevan). The magazine is available at “Armpress” kiosks (Armenia), in the supermarket chain “SAS” (in Armenia),at bookstores “Armenian book” Exhibition Hall "Armenia" at the VDNH Exhibition Centre), in the "Armenian Book" stores (Exhibition Hall "Armenia" at VDNH and “Armenia” store (in Moscow). The price is open.

Magazine “Armenia Tourism”: Mass media certificate of registration ПИ № ФС77-58404 as of June 25, 2014 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. Cover photo: photo by Hayk Melkonyan

118 CUISINE Kyufta

If you are interested in distribution of the magazine in your city please contact us at: info@armeniatourismmagazine.ru Publisher: Baghramian Str., Building 1, 0019, Yerevan, Armenia Tel./Fax: + (374 60) 75 75 90 16c9, 2nd Yuzhnoportovy passage, 115088 Moscow, Russia Tel./Fax: +7 (495) 788 83 89 info@armeniatourismmagazine.ru www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

restaurant

30/3 Tumanyan str, Yerevan 0001, Armenia Tel.: +(374 10) 600 007, +(374 91) 660 007

Editor’s note

Editor in Chief Yelena Shuvayeva-Petrosyan

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If you say in Russia that September plucks the leaves from the trees, in Armenia at that time of the year it is still summer. Velvety. Juicy. Delicious. Bright. This magical state of nature and the people who dwell in it, continues until the end of November, or even longer. Of course, in Armenia, there are various climatic zones, so the description mainly refers to the Armenian capital. No, September does not pluck leaves in Armenia... Sometimes, while walking in a green park, you can catch a red or yellow palm-leaf, flying down from the tree. This is a greeting, a light kiss from the Armenian autumn. Strange to say, I am already meeting the fifteenth Armenian autumn of my life, but I ascribe to it Russian smells that I remember vividly from my childhood. Behold, I, a three-year-old girl, am helping mom and dad dig up potatoes. Rather, I am getting in their way. I am picking with my toy shovel in the hole and am looking in surprise at the “potato family”: one of them, the biggest, wrinkled, which has given out all its juices, is connected through pink and white sprouts, to more resilient young potatoes. This image and the amazing, not childish, thoughts that it created in my head (“this is how moms and dads give their power on to their children!”), I will carry throughout my life, myself transforming from a child to a parent. ...I remember, that day my father pushed me with a shovel, I fell into a hole, I wanted to cry, but did not cry – I could not allow myself to break the postulate of life “be patient as a Cossack and you will be an ataman”. Father laughed: “See, mother, what a good potato crop we have!” And then, in the evening, in the dark, we burned the tops, branches that we had collected in the old garden, and baked potatoes in the fire. I threw from palm to palm the black, charred, hot potatoes, trying to break off a part of it, to take a bite and “painted” on my ruddy face a black mouth from ear to ear. The Earth was getting cooler; there was the smell of rotting leaves. And it was so hot near the fire. Many years have passed, but every fall I return these smells– those of plant tops, fallen leaves, and potatoes baked in the fire. I add to them what I feel right now, today, in Armenia, soaking up the sun, the juice of peaches, grapes, pomegranates, and I understand that I have four souls – those of winter, spring, summer, and autumn; The one for the autumn, just like all the others, smells of Russia and Armenia.

Armenia Official name: Area:

Coat of arms:

Flag:

Capital city:

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

Safety:

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:

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.

²´ Government:

President: Population:

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Politics of Armenia takes place in the framework of a semi-presidential representative democratic republic whereby the president is head of state – and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Serzh Sargsyan (born June 30, 1954 ) According to various sources, the number of Armenians in the world is from 6.5 to 11 million people, of which only one-third live in the Republic of Armenia (more than 3 million people).

Antarain 11, Arzakan, Kotayk region, Armenia Теl.: +(374 60) 650 606, +(374 95) 650 606 info@aghveranararat.am

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We do not serve visitors. We accept guests. “Ararat Resort” is an ideal place for those who wish to experience the real warmth of Aghveran. The modern hotel offers a combination of corporate services for both leisure and business meetings. Its designer rooms are equipped with all the necessary conditions for a perfect holiday. The delicious breakfast buffet every morning, the indoor and outdoor pools, the lounge bar and the friendly staff will make your stay complete. And if you're worried about your children, while enjoying your stay in “Ararat Resort”, our staff will take care of them in the children's playroom and outdoor playground.

Armenia Currency:

Armenian Dram (AMD). The small coin is called “luma”. One Russian ruble equals 7.3 Armenian drams. Coins in denominations of 10, 50, 100, 200, 500 and banknotes in denominations of 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. Almost all 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: Religion:

Topography:

+374 GMT+3 Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor Voltage - 220 Volt, frequency - 50 Hertz. 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. 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.

VISA

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Armenia Children:

Transportation:

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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.

Emergency numbers:

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 Armenia Directory (yell.am) YEREVAN JUR

911 101 102 103 187 184 109 186 8778 185

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Dates 18 September – the Day of Astronomy in Armenia The holiday is celebrated since 2009. The date was chosen due to the fact that on September 18, 1908, in Tbilisi the academician Viktor Hamazasp Hambardzumyan was born – an outstanding Armenian scientist, the founder of theoretical astrophysics, National Hero of Armenia. Viktor Hambardzumyan, twice Hero of Socialist Labor, twice laureate of the Stalin Prize and the State Prize of Russian Federation, worked in the field of the physics of stars and nebulae, stellar astronomy, dynamics of stellar systems and cosmogony of stars and galaxies. Among his many scientific achievements are the theory of light scattering in turbid media, stellar associations, and evolution of stars, the physics of stellar shells and extragalactic astronomy. September 21 – Independence Day of Armenia Every year, on September 21 all of Armenia celebrates Independence Day. On this day in 1991, the Armenian people voted in a national referendum for independence from the Soviet Union, one of the republics of which Armenia had been since 1921. That same day, by the decision of the Supreme Council of Armenia a referendum was held on secession from the USSR and the creation of an independent Armenian state. 99% of citizens having the right to vote, responded to the question in the affirmative. Two days later, on 23 September, the Supreme Council of the Republic proclaimed Armenia an independent state. October 1 – National Holiday of Wine in Armenia "The fine Armenian wines embody all that can be felt, but is impossible to put into words... ", said Charles Aznavour. The national wine festival, which takes place every year since 2009, in the village of Areni, Vayots Dzor marz, on the first Saturday of October, has already become a traditional holiday event with lots of music, dancing, wine tastings, and fairs. 8 October – Targmanchats – Translator’s Day in Armenia The holiday is dedicated to the Armenian alphabet. Targmanchats, the Translator’s Day, is celebrated in Armenia annually on the second Saturday of October – this is a tribute of the Armenian people to the Armenian alphabet, literature, and culture. Yerevan Day Yerevan (in Armenian: ºñ¨³Ý), (called Erivan until 1936) is the capital of Armenia, one of the oldest surviving cities in the world (founded in 782 BC).

How

to call to

Armenia?

For fixed lines: 8 – dial tone - 10 - 374 - (destination code) - (subscriber’s number) For mobile phones: + 374 - (destinations code) - (subscriber’s number)

Ararat region Artashat Vedi Ararat Masis

235 234 238 236

Aragatsotn region Ashtarak Talin Aparan Tsakhkahovit

232 249 0 252 257 0

Armavir region Armavir Echmiadzin Zvartnots Baghramyan Vache Norakert Jrarat Khoronk Hoktember Metsamor Baghramian Myasnikyan Qarakert Dalarik

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237 231 231 231 90 231 91 231 95 231 98 231 99 237 237 233 233 74 233 75 233 76

Vayots Dzor Eghegnadzor Jermuk Khachik Arpi Aghavnadzor Areni Malishka Yelpin Rind Shatin Vayk

281 287 281 51 281 91 281 93 281 94 281 95 281 97 281 98 281 99 282

Tavush region Ijevan Berd Noyemberian Koghb Dilijan

263 267 266 266 268 0

Gegharkunik region Gavar Sevan Martuni Sarukhan Vardenis Chambarak

264 261 262 264 269 265

Syunik region Kapan Sisian Goris Verishen Khndzoresk Kajaran Meghri Agarak

285 283 2 284 284 284 94 285 286 0 286

Shirak region Gyumri Akhuryan Arapi Kamo Ashotsk Amasia Maralik Sarnakhbyur Shirakavan Ani Kayaran Artik Pemzashen Panik Arevshat Mets Mantash

312 243 00 243 00 243 00 245 246 242 242 91 42 93 242 97 244 244 244 92 244 95 244 96

Viva-Cell MTS - 93, 94, 98, 77 Beeline - 43, 91, 96, 99 Orange - 55, 95, 41 Kotayk region Hrazdan Abovyan Mayakovski Kamaris Balahovit Aramus Arzni Ptghni Geghashen Kotayk Tsaghkadzor Lernanist Bjni Charentsavan Alapars Arzakan Eghvard Nor Hachn Nor Geghi Zovuni Proshyan Argel

Lori region 223 222 222 90 222 91 222 91 222 93 222 94 222 96 222 97 222 99 223 223 91 223 98 226 226 75 222 72 224 224 224 224 52 224 53 224 54

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

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

Nagorno Karabakh Stepanakert Martakert Hadrut Askeran Shushi Kashatagh Martuni

471 474 475 476 477 477 32 478

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Museums

Sergei Parajanov

M u s e u m S «His Majesty Poppy», 1988

«I Sold the Cottage», 1985

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ergei Parajanov museum was created by the decision of the Government in 1988, after the first exhibition at the Museum of Folk Art of Armenia. Then, 40 works were purchased, and appropriate space was allocated – two buildings under construction for the museum in in the ethnographic quarter “Dzoragyugh”, and a house for Sergey Parajanov. The 1988 earthquake delayed the construction, and the museum was opened in 1991. The core of the collection consists of more than 600 works byParajanov, most of which were on display in two exhibitions at the Museum of Folk Art in 1988 and 1989, in Yerevan, as well as the furniture of the Tiflis home and personal items that were moved to Yerevan by his will during his life time. The museum archive features the director's extensive correspondence: letters of L. Brik, A. Tarkovsky, U. Nikulin, V. Katanyan and other cultural figures. The exposition of the Museum comprises more than 600 works, along with documents and photos. Two memorial rooms were recreated. Paradjanov's works – assemblages, flat and three-dimensional collages, drawings, dolls and film sketches – are in a way the au-

Живопись Armenia thor's response to life and various events, they are his plastic perception of the world. The artist's creativity has no direct analogues in the world of art and is outstanding in terms of fantasy, wit, and artistry. The usage of a variety of materials and objects lends the works a special charm and brilliance. The museum features artistic and exposition principles of Parajanov himself. During the 25 years, the museum has organized 64 exhibitions: in Cannes, Thessaloniki, Tokyo, Moscow, Kiev, Rome, Tehran, Beijing, London, Boston, Paris, Brazil, Canada, Vilnius and other cities. Evidence to the recognition of the museum is the fact that it is included in the prestigious “European Film Art Treasures” list. Today the museum is one of Armenia's brands. The museum cooperates with the Yerevan Brandy Company, which has been a sponsor of several exhibitions. «Irises», 1986

Find us online at: www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

Garni Gorge:

the cave of the robber, the salt grotto, the holy spring

The story of Father Alexander, my spiritual mentor, about the mysterious place where a living rose can turn into stone and stay for an eternity; where water oozing from the rocks can be collected into a handful and drunk without fear; where you can lie in a natural bath and, while enjoying yourself, be cured from diseases even though doctors have given you up; where on all sides you are surrounded by red mountains, like those on Mars, and in the night the lights of alien squadrons sparkle above them; where the mountain river plays for you on the keys of the stones a melody in tune with the soul, exciting your imagination. In this wild, paradise-like location, nestled in the Garni Gorge, are the ruins of the house of my spiritual mentorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandparents, here he spent his childhood, so every path has been walked by him a myriad of times... GATE GATE16 8

Is our e go down to the Garni gorge on a steep, W rocky path that meanders between the boul-

ders. We are surrounded by bizarre red mountains, covered with shrubs and dwarf trees. “Freckled mountains!” – is the image that flashes through my mind, and I say to myself, it’s a shame that however good the camera is, still it cannot convey all the beauty of the surrounding nature. Fr. Alexander has long left me behind in the walk as if he were not older but younger than me for twenty years. Imagine that! And here for the first time in several years of active hiking and mountain climbing life, I feel like a “dummy”: I am dressed up in shorts, a shirt, running shoes, which slide treacherously not only on the scree, but also on the rocks that are quite stable. Who would have thought that with Fr. Alexander, who serves at the church, one can go on a real mountain hike, and not just drive to the source, take a plunge, walk along the path and return to the city? In some of the most rugged areas, there are old but sturdy wooden stairs. Fr. Alexander remembers how his grandfather was making them in his yard. The first place of our stop is the cave of the robber Artush-ghasab, who was notorious in the district for his ferociousness not so long ago – in the early twentieth century. At that time, the robbers had a code of honor and they loved their homeland no less than the pious people. Nobody remembers the atrocities of Artush: it is possible that he was just a recluse, but in the legends, he remains a hero who neutralized two Turkish divisions, which were stuck in the gorge at the time of the Armenian Genocide. The large, dry cave, with a narrow and low entrance, is a good place to spend the night for those who did not get out of the gorge before dark. On the other side of the river Azat, again on a hillside, there is the second cave of Artush. Less cozy, full of stone and earth. But we did not intend to spend the night there, and so we went on. Ahead of us lay the lonely ruins of the house where once lived the grandfather and grandmother of Alexander's father, and in front of it is Vitya’s stone – the stone of my guide’s son, one of the places of his childhood. It is so strange to be in the homes that have long ago remained www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

Garni We climb over the bubbling river Azat (on the way back we will arrange a “Jacuzzi” here!) on the shaky suspension bridge of twigs, fastened with wire, and head to the magical place where you can put a living rose, and in two months, it will turn into stone. A small salt grotto, from which drops of water are dripping, is vaguely reminiscent of the boldest architectural creations of Antonio Gaudi. But no, this is wildlife, this is its great and unique creation! And the water here is so good – cannot drink enough of it! As a keepsake, I take a petrified pinnate leaf. Three kilometers away from this place, on the red-yellow-white hill overlooking Azat reservoir, is a healing spring, beside which once stood a small chapel. This is where you can plunge and forget about your illnesses. Of course, this does not happen at once, so it is better to settle in the without their owners – no, they have not left their place of residence, all their earthly life they have lived here – and to smell the bread, the milk, in the neatly plaited summer hut, between the walls of the heavy rough stone winter house one can feel the creative power of love. Here, away from mass settlements, two people lived, a man and a woman; they built a house, planted a garden, gave birth to children, and then nursed grandchildren. Fr. Alexander tells how four days before dying, his grandfather passed the whole neighborhood as if saying goodbye, and then fell asleep. “There are people who died, and those who departed,” – Fr. Alexander explained the difference to me. That is, those who lead a righteous, good life, without departing from nature and conscience, never die. paradise-like Garni Gorge for a few days. Azat Reservoir, surrounded by soft sand, fed by the river of the same name, welcomes you with cackling seagulls. ... Fresh and cheerful, as if we had not passed a dozen kilometers, we returned back. On the way back, Fr. Alexander fed me wild fruits, berries, and a flower, which Armenians call topuz; its beautiful air cap hides strong and sharp needles, but ... you cut the flower, and inside there is a nut ... In a word, you will not die of hunger. True enough, there does exist a rejuvenating apple, the water of life, and all this can be found in the Garni Gorge, on the paths of Father Alexander’s childhood. GATE 18

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THE QUEEN OF SONG AND DANCE On the 110th Anniversary of the People's Artist of the USSR Tamara Khanum First appearing on stage at the age of twelve, she never left it to the end of her life. Her name remained forever among the pioneers of the dance traditions of Uzbekistan and took its rightful place among the famous Armenian women of all time. It is the head of the Armenian community in Tashkent, well-known public figure Georgy Saakov, who writes on the pages of our magazine about People's Artist of the USSR Tamara Artemovna Petrosyan, known to the world under the stage name of Tamara Khanum. GATE GATE20 8

Живопись celebrities

er first steps in art coincided with the years when in Turkestan women’s rights in society were extremely limited. Then, in the terrible 1919, after her first appearance, the girl had to run without looking back through the narrow streets of Margilan. Finally, she stopped and began to cry, while out of the half-open gates old women looked at her furiously. When she wiped her tears and walked on, stones and cursing were thrown at her out of the fences because she had dared to break the accepted principles. The delighted children, who had been on the concert, surrounded the young singer in a dense ring and gave battle to the women who were defiant of the open-faced actress. And Tamara started to sing – she sang

Moscow Theatrical College. At the first concert, the organizers did not know how to present the young dancer. One of the administrators, hearing someone addressing her backstage with the respectful title of “Khanum”, had it written on the poster: “Concert with the participation of Tamara Khanum.” Then, watching her performance, Lunacharsky nicknamed the young actress the “First Eastern Swallow.” It's hard to tell when she became a true legend. When she was the first and only woman in the ethnographic ensemble, led by her future husband the famous singer and organizer M. KariYakubov who was invited in 1925 to Paris to perform at the World Exhibition of Decorative Arts?

loudly to the cheers of her young defenders. Later, in her memoirs, she writes that in those grim years, she was supported by her mentors and teachers. In 1921, performing at the semi-professional collectives of the propaganda team “Vostok” [East], she continued to study at the Tashkent Russian ballet school, and wherever she appeared – on the stage, in the classroom, on the factory floor – there started a celebration. In 1922, Tamara went on tour in Uzbekistan for the first time, and two years later she made her debut on the stage of Kokand, where the poem by Alisher Navoi “Farhad and Shirin” was successfully staged, in which – a remarkable detail – Tamara appeared in the main dramatic role of the Armenian princess. In the same year, she was admitted to the choreographic department of the

Or when Isadora Duncan came to her backstage and in disbelief, asked to count her cervical vertebrae and to feel her wrists, as she was convinced that a dancer with a normal physique would not be able to perform such fantastically flexible movements. Or when in 1930 at the All-Union Olympiad in Moscow the audience applauded to the talented Uzbek ambassador of choreography. Or maybe it happened in 1935 in London when together with the musician daf-player Usta Alim Kamilov she was awarded the Gold Medal of the First International Folk Dance Festival. Or maybe when for 45 days she worked on the construction of the Great Fergana Canal, at the same time giving concerts for its builders. Or when she was performing before the builders of “Zaporozhstal” steel complex. The American choreographer Laurel Gray then wrote about her: “She has made a feat, leading an army of emancipated women

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celebrities

and glorifying Soviet art.” Or later, on the eve of and during the war, when she gave thousands of concerts, performing songs of Spain, as well as Uzbek and Armenian dances before the soldiers; thus for example in 1943, for almost 11 months, she was part of the front-line brigade, performing at the front and for the wounded. She received the rank of captain and was awarded the medals “For the Defense of the Caucasus”, “For the Victory in Great Patriotic War 1941-1945” and “For Valiant Labor in the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945”. Or when she was transferring private funds to support a specific combat military unit, including three hundred thousand rubles to the account of a tank factory. A fighting vehicle with license plate 77 and with her name on the armor fought on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War; popular rumor says that somewhere on the trails of her military and artistic watch she met Colonel General M. Parsegov, and the commander, admiring the talent of his compatriot, awarded her with a personal weapon. Or when she was performing before the participants of the Kazakhstan Virgin Lands Campaign, the builders of the Bratsk Hydroelectric Power Station, the Chardzhou-Kungrad railway and in the distant cold Yakutia. One thing is clear: very GATE GATE22 8

few people possessed such unbounded popularity and were honored with the same glory on the entire Eurasian cultural space. The language of dance is characterized by its special expressiveness, but the gushing energy of the creative temperament of the actress and the scope of her artistic horizons attracted Tamara Khanum to greater self-expression. In the mid1930s, she conceived the idea of the program “Songs and dances of the peoples of the world.” Turning to a hitherto unknown role, she studied the choreography and song traditions of the peoples of the fraternal republics and individual countries of the world, thoroughly understanding the everyday life, customs, ethnic habits of the people, the originality of their dialects – in short, everything that helps to understand the soul of each nation. She performed the program – which included more than 300 songs and dances of the peoples of the USSR and dozens of countries on all continents of the world – within the USSR and abroad in more than 80 languages. She never forgot her Armenian Karabakh roots, and in 1989, on her initiative and with the support of the government, after decades of complete oblivion, the legislative status of the activities of the Armenian community in the Republic was restored, and thousands of Armenians of different generations got a chance to preserve and develop their national identity in the fertile environment of multinational Uzbekistan. An unthinkable phenomenon under the rule of the Soviet internationalist politics. Within the walls of the house, which in 1994 became the memorial house-museum of the great artist of Friendship of Peoples, she welcomed guests dear to her heart,who visited Tashkent – Aram Khachaturian, Sviatoslav Richter, Galina Ulanova, Dmitri Shostakovich, Arkady Raikin. Maya Plisetskaya wrote in her dedication: “Tamara is a guiding star of the East”; and the writer Mirzo Tursunzoda said, “Tamara Khanum is the bride of the peoples...” The Memorial Museum of the actress is never empty. Frequent guests of Khanum’s House are both visitors of the country and indigenous Uzbeks. And not only the older generation – they have seen Khanum on the scene, her art has rent their hearts – but you can also see a lot of young people here.

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Interview Svetlana RAMISHVILI: “Armenian autumn strikes with the variety of vivid and rich colors” The wives of diplomats, despite their vigorous activity in the country of service, usually remain in the shadow of their husbands. They are written about or interviewed rarely. We decided to fill this gap: our guest is the spouse of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation in Armenia Svetlana Merabovna Ramishvili.

Svetlana Merabovna, thank you for the honor to our magazine. Let us start our conversation with your roots: tell us a little about yourself, your family, traditions, and upbringing in Georgia. : I was born in Georgia and lived there most of my life. I studied at the Russian school, and then continued my education at the Tbilisi State University. By profession, I am a philologist. The story of my family is interesting but sad. My great-grandfather on the paternal side (Kondraty Tatarishvili) was a writer and a prominent public figure in Georgia. He gained special popularity with his story “Mamluk”, on which a feature film of the same name was made by “Georgia-Film” studio in 1958. My grandfather lived a short life, was the People's Commissar of Education of Georgia, the founder of the Institute of Pedagogy; in 1937 he was arrested and then shot. My grandmother studied in finishing school, I do not remember her well; only her brilliant piano playing is preserved in my memory. She too suffered, she sought meetings with her GATE 24

husband, and as a result she stayed in prison for many years, first as the wife of a “Trotskyist”, then as a German, although she was Latvian by nationality. My father lost his parents at an early age; all of this left its mark on his life. By profession, he was a mining engineer, though in his heart he has always been a romantic; he could spend hours quoting Russian classics. My father was very fond of black and white fine art photography, he participated in many international exhibitions, he was repeatedly offered to change his profession, but for some reason he refused. We still have many of his wonderful photos and slides. My dream is to organize a photo exhibition of his work or to create an album. My parents worked all their life together in a Research Institute. They are very fond of each other; they were regarded as an exemplary couple. As for traditions, the friends of my parents often gathered in our house; they were wonderful people, very interesting and welleducated. Natives of Tbilisi, such people are

face now almost gone. It was extremely interesting to listen to their conversations on a variety of topics. As for my upbringing, it was mainly done by my grandparents on the maternal side, since my parents always worked. My grandfather, by the way, was an Armenian by nationality, and my grandmother â&#x201D;&#x20AC; Russian. Thus, four nationalities are equally present in me. Like all Caucasians, my grandfather was a very welcoming and hospitable person, he loved to gather the whole family for the holidays and just for a family dinner, and it was a tradition in our family. This trait was apparently passed on to me from my grandfather, I am also very fond of the guests, and I have many friends in different countries. ? Where are your children now living, how often do they visit you? : My husband and I have four children, two of whom live in Georgia, two in Moscow. All of them are adults and have managed to create their own families. We have three grandchildren; expecting the fourth soon. Both our children and grandchildren visit us in Armenia, but not as often as desired. Arriving here from Georgia is, of course, easier and faster, and sometimes the girls and their families visit us for the weekend or on holidays. Our Muscovites visit us too, at least once a year. They all love it here. I try to travel

to Tbilisi, as much as possible. But that does not happen too often either. ? Interest in Armenia is growing every year with tourists from Russia. What do you think this was due to? : Today, many are drawn to Armenia: maybe this is to some extent due to the unstable situation in Turkey, Egypt, in the European countries, which the Russian tourists used to visit most often. But I noticed a pattern: once having been in Armenia, people want to come here again. The people, though they know that Armenia is a country of ancient history and culture, having been here and seen with their own eyes many unique architectural monuments, the mountains, waterfalls, healing springs, the symphony of stones â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one cannot

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Interview and well-preserved frescoes. But most of all, I am impressed by the lonely and almost abandoned churches, there the atmosphere of grandeur and simplicity is felt at the same time. One of such pearls of Armenia is, in my opinion, the monastery of Kobayr. It is very hard to reach, but the difficulty pays off when you see the stunning church with frescoes of the 13th century and the magnificent view of the valley. And I really like Jermuk. It is a picturesque place with pure air, forests, waterfalls, healing water. It is equally good there in summer and in winter. And the people there are wonderful. We love to go there as a family, it is a pity that we do not have the chance as often as desired. help falling in love with this country. To this are added the delicious fruits and vegetables, Armenian cuisine, hospitable people â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and this is a complete harmony. ? Do you have a favorite place in Armenia? In Yerevan? : It is difficult to say definitely, I like Yerevan as a whole, with its noisy and quiet streets, cozy cafes, parks and gardens, remarkable museums. The city has its own charm, it is nice that it is getting better every year. I am glad Yerevan is loved so much by the citizens. As for favorite places, there are a lot of them. If we talk about the historical monuments of Christian culture, perhaps from among the most visited tourist destinations, Geghard is closest to my soul. I also very much like Sanahin, Haghpat, and especially Akhtala monastery, with its amazing history

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Svetlana Merabovna, imagine yourself an artist and describe the Armenian autumn in all colors that you would put on the canvas. : Armenian autumn strikes with the variety of its vivid and rich colors. Perhaps this is the most beautiful time of the year in Armenia and the most comfortable because it lasts a long time. I associate Armenian autumn with the paintings of outstanding artists, recognized masters of color, Saryan and Minas Avetisyan (Minas); one cannot depict it better than they do.

Herher – Jermuk Hiking notes by Old Leo (Leonid Martirosyan)

A fter spending the night at the walls of the Mon-

astery of the Holy Zion (VIII century), which is located near the picturesque mountain village Herher (Gerger), and having dried our clothes and gear under the morning rays of the May sun, we began to prepare for the way through the reserve. Each time while passing there, I feel a kind of anxiety and excitement, associated with the responsibility for the group going with me. “Watch out for bears!” Every time I hear these instructions of the hospitable and friendly inhabitants of Herher. Kehrih translated from Armenian means “uncle”, mother's brother. This is how the locals call bears, with kindness and respect. And the trail, among the oaks and firs,went on like a serpentine up to the top of Pahakasar (Lookout Mountain). At the top, there stands a huge cross made of polished stainless steel and is, therefore, visible from afar. The day before, we watched on the opposite slope the lightning discharging in it. The show was on the verge of fantasy. It is a pity that the eyes cannot print out photos of the moments that they have captured. The cross remained standing and is majestically shining the sun. GATE 28

We are going through the reserve. We need to cross a small ridge and reach the old Jermuk tract. Frankly, I myself came up with this name; it is called simply “the old road” everywhere. But so far, I watch my step and look on both sides, and each time, before going around another hillside, I shout: “Ehe-heeey!” A girl walking with us in the group,is puzzled and asks why I do it.

traveling one and to build a new one, which makes a detour around the gorge. Yet, less than a hundred years ago, and since the Middle Ages, this road had almost a strategic importance, linking Gndevank Monastery, which is one of the cultural centers of Armenia, with the rest of the world. Until recently, the monastery was abandoned, but now it is finally reviving the traditions; it is once again inhabited by monks, who from morning till night, are at service. A slightly stretching rise leads us along the massive cliffs and the fast Arpa River. Here and there outcrops of rocks are towering, like guards and silent witnesses of all the sunrises and sunsets of life in these places. Somewhere between the projections, mountain stonework is seen under the road, indicating its considerable age. I am walking along this site with some trepidation and regret of the fact that our journey is coming to an end. And also, it was a pity to see along the way architectural monuments, out of which once spring water flowed, but which are dry now. These are still more silent witnesses of the Soviet era, out of which rusty pipes have been pulled out by “sani“Didn’t they explain it to you? ... It scares bears tary assistants” for raw metal; now they are sadly away”, says the more experienced tourist woman. accompanying the travelers and tourists. But out of all the fauna we only see eagles, P.S. I believe that these springs will beresteadily and majestically soaring above us. And we stored soon. Don’t the forests rise again from feel like shouting to the sky: “Oh great Kite, we're their ashes and the churches from their ruins?! of the same blood, you and I. Can you see Baluor- Someday they will again meet us with blessed where the wolfpack left to?” and invigorating coolness. It could not be otherNo, wolves are not found here, but in a year of wise! After all, this is Armenia, and the spirit of famine they can appear anywhere. creation is alive here. Our passage along the boundary of the reserve was, this time too, without unexpected encounters. We went out on the old road and somewhat in an hour, we got to the beautiful monastery of Gndevank founded by Princess Sofia in the XX century. It is from here that there begins the ribbon of a road, erased from the history. It is not yet quite beyond civilization and the monastery can be reached by car. But then – only on foot or riding a two-wheeled or four-legged friend. In the Soviet era, by this road that runs along the picturesque gorge, people traveled to the Armenian health resort town of Jermuk. But due to frequent landslides, they decided to freeze this Find us online at: www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

MTV.AM: Armenia develops its musical potential On July 7 MTV.AM, the Armenian music television, held a large celebration of its 9th anniversary on the 13th floor of the Opera Suite, 44 Sky Bar

More than a hundred people gathered on the

occasion of the birthday of MTV.AM, including representatives of show business, partners, and just friends, among them singers Aghvan Papoyan, Nick Egibyan, Narek Baveyan, Anushik Alaverdyan, Karen Mamikonyan, the band “Detq”, Naira Manucharyan, Vigen Hovsepyan, Grisha Grigoryan, Olga Ayvazyan, film director Aramayis Hayrapetyan, TV anchor Vruyr Tadevosyan, bloggers Anush Manukyan and Yerevan / Yerevanciner, as well as partners of the TV channel: the company “Rostelecom”, representatives of the hotel Opera Suite, Armenia Wine, “Armenia Tourism” magazine, the tour operator “Yerevan Travel”, Armenian Information Center, photo atelier “Marashlyan”, Catali Event House, Rossi Cakes and others. The master of ceremony was Babik Barsamian.

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And Karina Arustamyan and Hovsep Eremyan, Grigor Kyokchyan, Dalita, Vardan Badalyan, Haik Durganyan, Oksana Baburian of Voices of Artsakh, Gevorg Ayvazian (duduk), folk singer Masis Hunanyan, Gaya Arzumanyan and Seno sang and played popular pieces. Sedrak Ghushchyan, Commercial director of the company “Rostelecom Armenia”, congratulated the TV channel and said: “Although MTV. AM broadcasts for only a couple of months in the packages of “Rostelecom”, it has already taken the 17th place among the 150 TV channels. And this is all despite the fact that MTV. AM is on channel 148, but is rated on the 17th.” “MTV.AM is about young, perky, bright people, in love with Armenia”, said Emma Marashlyan, director of the photo atelier “Marashlyan”,

adding that “Armenia develops its musical potential, and MTV.AM is a quality product for broadcasting and for a loyal audience.” Also Hayk Markosyan, President of the Armenian Information Center, congratulated the channel on its birthday: “All that we now see, hear and witness, took its beginning from the distant year of 1990 when there emerged the idea to make Armenian culture more popular in the world”. In his turn, Ashot Arakelyan, Director of Domino production, congratulated MTV.AM, saying that he was very happy when he was contacted by representatives of the channel, and expressed a desire to broadcast concerts of the “Gohar” Symphony Orchestra, of which he is a co-producer.

The music critic Armen Manukyan, a regular contributor to the newspaper “Voice of Armenia” and a member of the World Association of Jazz Journalists, also spoke at the event. He congratulated the TV channel and wished it to have further development in this sphere. On the eve of the event in the newspaper “Voice of Armenia” an interview with the music editor of the channel, Ani Hovhannisyan was published. The director of “Armenia Travel” magazine, which is a partner and media sponsor of the event, Lilit Hovhannisyan noted that in tandem – the channel, the magazine and the tour operator “Yerevan Travel” – are doing everything to popularize Armenian music and culture in the

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world, to make it more accessible for Armenians living abroad, and not only. Armen Harutyunyan, Director of “Yerevan Travel”, the 1st tour operator in Russia for Armenia, also wished the TV channel a happy birthday and noted that it is always pleasant to travel with music, and so let that be the very music of MTV.AM. MTV.AM was created on 07. 07. 2007 and is a division of “ODAK Group”. The TV channel itself is based in Moscow. It is the office of the TV channel that is located in Yerevan and gathers the information, contacts musicians and producers̛ centers. This important responsi-

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bility lies with the music editor Ani Hovhannisyan. Then all this information is systematized and sent to Moscow for broadcasting. “Today almost the whole world watches our channel: more than two thousand cities in Russia, CIS and the Baltics, France, Italy, Germany, and the United States,” Ani Hovhannisyan said in an interview with “Voice of Armenia”. “The audience, covered by the channel MTV.AM, has substantially expanded recently. Today it numbers more than 350 thousand viewers worldwide. One can watch MTV.AM both on TV and on the Internet.”

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MOUNTAIN

TEGHENIS

The road to the mountain Teghenis (2851) is a great opportunity for those who want to be on one of the mountain peaks, who like hiking and yet are not willing to climb the steep way: you just walk quietly and enjoy the beautiful landscape, gradually gaining altitude. And there is much to look at around Teghenis. Armenian Geographic team, led by Tigran Shahbazyan, has seen both the relaxing summer Teghenis and at winter, stern and unapproachable.

ne of the Armenian mountains that we decided to climb О is called Teghenis. For many, this name is associated with

Tsakhkadzor and the mountain in this resort town, where there is a cable car. But no, it's a great blunder into which travelers are led by lovers of tourism who have managed to print huge amounts of paper booklets with misleading information. The mountain in Tsakhkadzor is called Tsaghkunyats. The blogger Vahe Martirosyan (vahemart) conducted a small study, the aim of which was to identify the correct names of these two mountains. Based on the book of G.I. Anokhin “Lesser Caucasus” (1981), the tourist map of Tsakhkadzor (1988), Topographic Map of the General Staff: Sheet K-38-126 (1973), and the map of Kotayk marz (Kotayk region) (2008), he came to the following conclusion (I quote): “We know from the geography of Armenia that from the middle of the Pambak

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We and our mountains ridge, in the South-East direction with the apex of Devasar (also Devetash, 2862 m.) there begins the ridge of Tsaghkunyats (the highest peak being Tsaghkunyats, 2820 m). And near Aghveran from Tsahkunyats ridge – with the apex of Arkaitsler (also Shahel, 2687 m), there begins Teghenyats range, its highest peak being Teghenis (2851 m). From among the sources of information, the most accurate one is the map of the General Staff, which is taken as the basis. There the mountain near Tsakhkadzor is called Tsaghkunyats, as evidenced by information from the authoritative book of Anokhin. Thus, the mountain on the slope of which stretches Tsaghkadzor is called Tsaghkunyats (which can be translated as That of Flowers, because of the abundance of alpine flowers growing there). Now on Teghenis. In the popular tourist guide about Tsaghkadzor, released in 1988, there already occurs the title Teghenis, which is wrong. In connection with the occurrence of the error, I can assume the following. On the topographic map of the General Staff, next to mount Teghenis (near Aghveran), we see the placename of Alibek, either as the name of the gorge or as the name of the ruins ─ Khalifa Alibek. It is possible that the local people call mountain Teghenis as Alibek. On the other hand, the mountain Tsaghkunyats (near Tsakhkadzor), is referred to by the citizens of Tsaghkadzor, and especially the old-timers, as Alibek. This makes two Alibeks, hence the confusion. Cartographers who did not know this, confused the two Alibeks and respectively the two mountains, and the mountain Teghenis near Aghveran smoothly “moved in” to Tsakhkadzor. In the modern map of Kotayk region (2008) mount Tsaghkunyats is referred to as Teghenik (2846 m), which is also wrong. So, once again, the mountain on the slope of which stretches Tsaghkadzor is called Tsaghkunyats”

...The road to Teghenis is long and picturesque. The main points of our route can be described as follows: beginning of the road – village Buzhakan, after 3 kilometers – a stop in the forest, at the Teghenyats monastery, then we pass by the mountain pasture dwellings of the shepherds, where last year we were cordially treated to a simple meal by the Armenian “hovivs” (shepherds) and to stories of their lives; we did not even notice how we reached the mountain peaks, without too much difficulty – the main thing is to be used to long walking. After lunch at the top of the Teghenis ridge, we went further – to the lake Tsaghkunyats and down to Aghveran, covering all in all 21 km. Teghenyats Monastery is a miracle of medieval Armenian architecture, hidden in the dense forest: after all, the monks knew where to live in harmony with God and themselves, as well as with forests, mountains, and skies. The first mention of the monastery is found in sources dating back the VIII century. In the X-XIV centuries, Tegenyats became one of the famous cultural and educational centers. ...A couple of kilometers more in the forest – and before us there stretch broad foothills,

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Мода We and our mountains with their alpine meadows, mountain pastures, peacefully grazing cattle. If you are lucky, you will also meet shepherds. Generally, I have started to associate Armenian shepherds with the heart of Armenian mountains – they are the ones who can tell the story of every pebble, every elevation, beautifully seasoning it with village legends that are certainly transmitted by word of mouth. They tell it with pleasure, savoring every word – the main thing is that the listeners be grateful. And the table spreads like a magic tablecloth; the food on it is rather modest, that is true, but it is given wholeheartedly – as the saying goes, you are welcome to all we have such as it is. We keep on the path, enjoying the sun, the birds singing, the aroma of herbs and flowers, encountering on the road mushroom pickers and herbalists. In fair weather, one can clearly see in the distance Aragats, Azhdahak, and other iconic mountains. There is a road leading towards the top of Teghenis, because that height has been “conquered” by a radar tower. The workers of the tower are driving up there on a gray grunting “UAZ”, and offer us a ride. But we, as befits hikers and mountain climbers, go on foot. At the top – the traditional group photo, lunch, and a short afternoon nap, which will give us new strength – after all, we still have a long way back. We are walking along Teghenis ridge. Rocks, mountain fragments, as if posing for portrait, are

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frozen in the forms of various monsters. They are so broken, tragic and full of the pride of eternity. You experience several interesting sensations along the way: firstly, you feel to some degree like a ruler, walking along the ridge and seeing at the bottom villages, roads, forests, where another life is going on, seemingly so far away, and secondly, you learn how tiny and insignificant you are against the backdrop of this mountain element, when you are looked down at haughtily by stone monsters that seem to be saying: “You will pass, and I'll stay.” ...Lake Tsaghkunyats can be called magical. It lies at the foot of a small nameless hill that is beautifully reflected in the blue water: if you take a photo at a certain angle, it can then be turned upside down, and you will wonder where the top and bottom are, after all. Near the lake, in some places you can pick urts (thyme), and not the common varitety, but lemon-urts. We went to the forest road down to Aghveran. A delightful place to relax. This place smells like barbecue, fish, and potatoes – all mixed with the intoxicating clean and fresh air on the bank of the babbling mountain stream. But the most vivid impression for me was the three flags of one pension: Armenian, Russian and Ukrainian flags, and the silent gesture of my Russian friend – the Russian flag was slightly at half-mast, and he raised it up...

Tourism Armenia is among the best countries for a visafree holiday according to Life The list of countries that are visa-free for Russians numbers about 70 states. This includes both the uncharted Vanuatu and Niue, located in Oceania, and everyone’s favorite Vietnam and Thailand. Life selected the best destinations for vacation and provided instructions for using the visa-free countries: how to get there, what to see and how much it costs. Nothing superfluous, only useful tips. Everyone will find something to taste: to swim and sunbathe in Montenegro, explore attractions in Macedonia or enjoy gourmet food in Armenia. Every year these countries are visited by millions of Russians (Kazakhstan was visited by 3.1 million tourists in 2015, and Georgia – 650 thousand. They were among the top 15 most popular destinations). Life advises travelers to visit Armenia, particularly Tatev monastery, to take a ride on the world's longest reversible ropeway, enjoy Armenian shish kebab, admire the biblical Ararat, and the singing fountains in Yerevan, as well as to see how they make Armenian cognac. In a memo for the tourist are the prices for airplane tickets and transport, as well as the best time of the year to visit the country. Among other countries, the publication also presented Kazakhstan, Morocco, Georgia, Macedonia, Mongolia, Serbia, Montenegro and Iran.

CNN Travel: Armenia - in the ranking of the fifteen best wine countries of the world

A special fund will work at developing the Armenian brand of wine

The well-known journalist, writer, photographer and traveler John Malathronas lives in London and often travels around the world, and thus, publishes articles in CNN Travel. This time, the author of 15 books dedicated his observations to wine. The Italians say “food without wine is like a day without sunshine.” John Malathronas has compiled something like a wine map of the world, in which he included the top 15 must-visit cities, as well as countries that are associated with the divine drink. Armenia has a special place in the list of these places. After praising the French Bordeaux (all the five worldfamous castles ─ Margaux, Mouton Rothschild, Latour, Lafite, HautBrion), Greek Santorini, Spanish, German, American, Argentinian, Brazilian, Italian (Tuscany), Canadian, Chilean, South African, Portuguese wines, the author concludes his article with a note about Armenian wines.

In the near future a new structure will start its operations Armenia ─ the Fund for the Development of Viticulture and Winemaking, whose main purpose is to promote the local wine production in foreign markets, reports the Armenian Agency of economic information “ARKA”. As Robert Makaryan, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, announced at a press conference, the Fund was established by the Government's decision of 23 June this year. Created in collaboration with public and private sectors, the fund will be engaged in the sphere of problem solving, it will enhance the quality of competitive Armenian wine. At present, almost 80% of Armenian wine exports go to the Russian market (about 1.15 million liters in 2015). According to official statistics, over the past year, wine production fell by 4% to more than 5.9 million liters.

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Iranian tourists again prefer to spend their vacations in Armenia

Experts expect an influx of tourists from Iran to Armenia in connection with the abolition of the visa regime between the countries. According to estimates of the Ministry of Economy, on average, every Iranian tourist spends between 800 to 1500 dollars during the stay in Armenia. The number of tourists from Iran to Armenia, is increasing again after the recession in 2012-2013, said Mekhak Apresyan, Head of Tourism Department, Ministry of Economy of Armenia. In 2015, 144 thousand Iranian tourists visited Armenia, which is by 24% more than in the previous year. In the first quarter of 2016,40% more tourists came to Armenia from Iran than in the same period of the previous year, despite the fact that during this period the visa regime continued to operate between the two countries. A similar increase in the number of Iranian tourists was recorded in 2009, when the fee for a visa was reduced.

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St. Sarkis Cathedral, Seat of the Araratian Pontifical Diocese S

t. Sarkis is one of the most revered saints in Armenia and a national hero, who gave his life for the Christian faith. He was buried by Christians in the city of Ami, and then Mesrop Mashtots moved the relics of the holy martyr toKarbi-Ushi (near Ashtarak), where a church was built. Also, this saint is revered as the patron saint of lovers, so in this church one can attend weddings. Seeing a wedding is considered good luck by many nations. Historically, during the period of early Christianity, at this place there was a monastery, comprised of three churches ─ St. Sarkis, St. Gevorg, and St. Hakob – as well as the building of the Vicariate, the parish school,a garden, and other buildings. The Church of St. Sarkis was the Diocesan Headquarters, and the monastery served also as Bishop’s apartments. During the earthquake in 1679 the monastery complex was completely destroyed and then re-built in the same place during the reign of Catholicos Nahapet Edesatsi (1691-1705).

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On a steep cliff at the edge of the gorge of the River Hrazdan, stands the Church of St. Sarkis. A visitor, who has just arrived in Armenia, can hardly help noticing on the way from the airport this cathedral, located on a sacred place for Armenians. And such avisitor can hardly help visiting this temple of God.

The present church of St. Sarkis was rebuilt during 1835-1842. By its architectural solution, it was the most unsightly among the churches of Yerevan. Its appearance and interior did not meet its purpose as the Seat of the Araratian Pontifical Diocese. During the reign of Catholicos of All Armenians Vazgen the First, the Church was completely rebuilt and renovated. In 1972, according to the design of the architect Rafael Israelian, work began on its fundamental reconstruction. The old church building was basically preserved, all the fronts were covered with orange tuff (tufa). The work, started by Israelian, was continued by architect ArtsrunGalikyan. During 1971-76, the interiorwas completely renovated,a gallery for the choir was built on the west side; the construction of the bell tower was completed in 2000. The renovation and reconstruction works of Saint Sarkis Church were carried out on the donations of Sarkis Kyurkchyan and his children, benefactors from London, as evidenced by the inscription on the western wall. Find us online at: www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

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Odzun Church

he church, being a domed basilica, is located T on the central hill of the village of the same

name. It is entirely constructed out of felsite (petrosilex), with the exception of the interior decoration out of basalt. In the north-eastern side of the church, there is a monument-headstone. According to Christian tradition, the tombstone faces the east. The monument was erected on a stepped substructure. It is a double arch arcade made of polished stone. Under each of the arches, there is a four-meter rectangular stele, on each side of which, images are carved along the whole length. On the western and eastern edges, Gospel narratives are depicted, narratives about the spread of Christianity in Armenia, and on the northern and southern edges â&#x201D;&#x20AC; geometric and floral subjects. Each facet is bordered by nonrecurring patterns. There is a version that two of the stele-belfries were built in memory of the Catholicos Hovhannes III. The Church of the Holy Virgin of the Monastery of Odzun was endangered by cracks and roots of plants that had sprouted on the roof and the walls

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Odzun church is located on a plateau above the canyon of the river Debed near the town of Alaverdi in Lori region (historical province of Gugark). Precise data on the date of its construction have not been preserved, but based on the general construction of the church, the interior decoration, certain architectural features, it is dated to the middle of the VI century. The monastery has repeatedly been subjected to reconstruction, the last time in 2014. In the XIX century, two of the belfries were built in the eastern part of the church.

in the humid climate. In many areas, the mortar was completely washed away. The delay of the restoration could have meant the destruction of the temple due to exposure, the probability of which is very high in the earthquake-prone region. Restoration work, which started in May 2012, was completed in the autumn of 2014. The structure was reinforced by internal reinforcement; interference in the appearance has been limited to cosmetic corrections â&#x201D;&#x20AC; the cleaning of the walls and the replacement of that mortar that had lost its properties. During the preparatory work, ornament fragments and samples of VI century tiles were found, along with objects of ancient life. In addition, under the roof of the dome, a wine bottle had survived, with a note on the results of repairs conducted in 1889. The document was submitted to the Matenadaran Institute of Ancient Manuscripts for restoration and study. Odzun Monastery is considered as one of the pearls of Armenian architecture of the early Middle Ages, but because of its remoteness, one can rarely find tourists here. Find us online at: www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

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Armenia

Medieval

fortress-castle

Amberd T he historic complex of Amberd consists of the castle of VII century, built by the Kamsarakanprinces, and of Vahramashen Church of the XI century. It is located at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level. In X-XIII centuries Amberd fortress was the ancestral house of the Pahlavuni princes. Armenian builders approached the task rationally and wisely, using the existing protection factors, provided by nature, so the majority of castles and churches were built on inaccessible cliffs, rocky lands; it took the enemy a great difficulty to reach those places. Meanwhile, the underground passages of the fortress could lead to a valley, a forest, a village, a temple... Amberd Fortress was built out of large basalt rocks on cliffs,bounded by deep gorges, at the bottom of which there run two mountain rivers Arkashen and Amberd. The fortress walls are reinforced by semicircular towers. Inside, the castle is divided by a longitudinal wall into two halves â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one adjacent to the tower, served as a corridor, the other had five rooms arranged in a row. This layout was probably the same on all of the three floors. The ceilings of the castle were flat, made of wooden beams; from the side of the settle-

The Armenian land is rich in ancient and medieval churches and cathedrals, but there are not so many extant fortresses, which, of course, used to be numerous, because Armenia had to defend itself against the Romans and the Parthians, then the Byzantines, Persians, Tatar-Mongols, and Turks. One of them is the castle-fortress of Amberd, towering over the gorge on the southern slope of Mount Aragats, impressing with its grandeur and history.

ments, there was a door, locked with a stone slab, which was protected from onslaughts by thick beams. Gratings made out of iron bars protect the few windows from uninvited guests. Above the entrance, in the thickness of the walls, slots were made, out of which they showered the attackers with a hail of arrows and stone balls. Water supply was carefully thought out and quite reliably arranged. Water came into the fortress from the mountain springs that were higher up the slope of the mountains. GATE 44

Nearby there is the ring of overflow dams that used to hold water after the snow melted, and supplied the fortress with it. Considering possible sieges, they built two reservoirs in the fortress. And in extreme cases, the inhabitants of Amberd could use the underground passage down to the river Amberd. During excavations, bronze lamps were found here, as well as incense burners and mortars, fragments of earthenware, perfume bottles out of painted Egyptian glass, and other artefacts of the era.

In 1026, at the command of the famous prince Vahram Pahlavuni, the church Vahramashen was erected in the fortress. Probably dating from the same time is the small bathhouse, which was preserved in the ruins near the castle and was discovered by archaeologists in 1929. It consisted of two small rooms, topped with domes without a drum, with light holes in the upper parts. From the side of the furnace, the bath was adjoined by a two-storey building, destroyed by fire â&#x20AC;&#x201C;the dwelling of the bath attendant. In thed welling of the bathhouse attendant,weapons and tools of his craft were found.

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Amberd

History gave archaeologists in Amberd bath yet another remarkable discovery. With furtuher excavations below the floor boards, in the room with the pond, there was found the burial of one of the clowns who were to entertain Prince Pahlavuni while he was relaxing in the bath. Next to him the bones of a rooster were found – an inseparable companion of jesters in both the East and the West. Amberd withstood many sieges before it was captured and destroyed by the Seljuk hordes in XI century. On how Armenians defended their fortress, you can read in the novel “Gevorg Marzpetuni” by Muratsan. Men, women and children, regardless of their status and rank, took part in the defense. And the com-

mand was often taken by the priests who went into battle with a prayer. “In the castle, meanwhile, they prepared for defense, wrote Muratsan. First of all fuel reserve was increased. Passages were made under the walls through which it was possible to burn the turtle and destroy the mobile tower. Blacksmiths started forging iron hooks. Women prepared rag balls and dipped them in boiling fat and resin. The soldiers dragged all of it onto the walls and towers.” At the end of XIV century Amberd was finally devastated by the troops of Tamerlane and until 1936 it remained in an abandoned state, after which restoration work began. GATE 46

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Music

The composer of all time

The name of the composer Mikael Tariverdiev (15 August 1931 Tbilisi ─ June 24, 1996, Sochi) is well known to the Russian audience of several generations. Tariverdiev wrote music for 132 films and numerous performances, as well as more than 100 songs and romances (love songs), 4 ballets, 4 operas, vocal chamber works, a symphony, 3 concerts for organ, 2 concerts for violin and orchestra, and a concerto for viola and string orchestra, and more. On the 85th anniversary of the composer's birth, by courtesy of Vera Tariverdieva we are publishing excerpts from the autobiography of Tariverdiev “I just live.” He passed away too early, on the rise of his creative life, but will stay with us for all times.

***

The blue sky of my childhood, the sky of Tbilisi, hot summer, air filled with the smell of the southern grass and so thick that it seems one can cut it into slices. And mother. Mom, who is walking towards me. I feel breathless and I do not see her face – only the radiance emanating from it. The house, in which I was born, once belonged to our family entirely, or rather to my mother's family. Ancient, constructed in the shape of the letter “n”, it always seemed enormous to me. When I saw it much later, it seemed to me smaller. Or was it just that I became an adult? It was a nice house, even for Tbilisi, one with three floors, with a large courtyard, where there were a fountain and a huge mulberry tree. From the house, there descended down to the river a park of about a kilometer in length. Near the house, there was a church or rather a chapel. In a nutshell, a family nest. The Akopovs – my mother's surname – were well known in Tbilisi. One of my mother's uncles had once been city mayor. And there was also a dissolute uncle. He was considered extremely frivolous and was constantly subjected to condemnation, even though he was quite a harmless man. When he went to have a good time, went to booze, he hired three carriages. He himself drove one of them, the other drove his hat, and the third – his cane. Even I heard the indignant stories about his behavior. Strangely, in Tbilisi, there still exist numerous people from the past, from the old life, as it were. In many ways, they were the ones setting the tone in the city, even in Soviet times. In Georgia, the word for “comrade” has not replaced the word for “sir”. The aged were often addressed as “batono”. And the old names are still respected. GATE 48

names

***

I became involved in music almost by accident. It was just that our neighbors had a grand piano. I used to visit them and “play” the piano so often that the neighbor couldn’t help blurting out once: “Let your dad buy you a piano.” So it all started... My main dream was to learn how to write down the music. A curious thing. When I learned notation, I realized a law: the first stage of training or skill is when you record music, and it proves much poorer and much less interesting than you imagined and played. The next step is when you record the music you have invented, and it sounds just as you imagined it. And it is much later when you record the music you composed, and it sounds more interesting than you imagined. But I realized that many years later. My mother took everything very seriously. If you are to study, so you do. And I had a new passion – reading. I read everything, without stopping, I was trying to trick my mother and Marusya. I placed a book on the lectern and improvised something under it. Mom came home from work and asked Marusya: – Has he played? – He has played. After all, while working in the kitchen, she really heard my “exercises”. As a result, I developed a pretty good technique. It is just that I read a lot...

***

I studied in the class of Aram Khachaturian. The atmosphere that this amazingly talented and cheerful person created around himself, contributed to our liberation and creativity. He taught us to create not according to the usual, well-established canons, as it was in other classes, where the music was written with the direct participation of professor. He gave us complete freedom of action. And although the atmosphere in the institute was still tense, and echoes of the resolution of 1948 on formalism and cosmopolitanism still hovered in the air, Khachaturian, who himself had recently undergone withering criticism, tried to develop in each of his students a sense of their own style, their own perception of the world . No, the classes were not regular. Khachaturian was already a famous composer; and he traveled a lot around the country and overseas on tours as the conductor for his works. He was a wonderful composer, but,

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Music anti-popular, of cosmopolitanism – together with his great colleagues Shostakovich and Prokofiev, nevertheless sought from us the desire to look for our individuality.

***

frankly, he was terrible a conductor. I was told by the musicians that their main task, as he stood behind the conductor’s stand, consisted in not looking at his baton because he was putting them out. But amazingly, the orchestra, conducted by him, sounded perfect. Apparently, the charm of his music, and that of his personality, magically influenced the orchestra. His concerts were always extremely interesting. Khachaturian never learned any pedagogy. And yet, in my opinion, he was one of the best teachers of composition. Being a great musician himself, a completely unique personality, he tried to develop our independent thinking. Practically all of his students became active composers. And all of them were very different, with their own styles. He used to tell us: a young composer is like a vessel, at the bottom of which there is the precious liquid of talent. The rest of this vessel is filled with plain water. One needs to write a lot so as this water – others’ influences, secondary associations – could be discharged through the scores, and then your pen will reach the bottom of the vessel, the precious liquid, which is called individuality. How much of it is there? What is it like? Is there any of it? All of this can be found out only when the water of unoriginality has gone away. It's amazing how this man, who had very recently been slandered, humiliated by the ugly decree and by the harassment of his colleagues, who had scattered collections of recent works – all of them ready to print, demagnetized films, a man wrongly accused of formalism, of being GATE GATE50 8

Vera and I met in 1983. At “Moscow Autumn”. It was the only time when my work – the First Concert for Violin and Orchestra – featured in the program of the Union of Composers Festival. Tchaikovsky Hall. Morning rehearsal for the evening concert. The day before she had called me on the phone and asked me to write about Rodion Shchedrin's new work for organ called “Musical Offering” for the newspaper “Soviet Culture”, where she worked as a music columnist. I appointed her to meet after the rehearsal. I had previously heard her name and read her articles; she had quite a scandalous reputation in musical circles: “Better not to get involved.” Even at that time she had a cheeky writing. She was respected, she was a real professional. I imagined her as a thick musicologist, advanced in years. And when I saw her for the first time, I got surprised at her naive childlike appearance. However, I very soon realized that the naive appearance was somewhat misleading. Rather, she was a kind of Mr. van Schoonhoven from “Journey of dilettantes”: “And do you want to be in your own blood?” A few days later there was Vilnius, Music Festival, where Gregory Zhislin played my first violin concerto. Vera was there, too. Vilnius, fog, a strange feeling that we know each other for a long time. The feeling of fear lest I startle something. The desire to tame. We, as the Fox and the Little Prince, first sat down at a distance. We came to the meeting place at the same time... I had a lot of women. There remained only one. And the wives were cousins. Or weren’t they? Rather, they were not. I do not remember anyone; I could not remember how the former women looked like, what their names were. For the first time, I was not alone. And for the first time I had a feeling of fear. I had never been afraid of anything. There was such a desire to extend the feeling of joy and flying! It seemed to us that only joy awaited us.

HAYKMELKONYAN: “PEOPLE DO NOT BELIEVE THAT ALL THIS WAS PHOTOGRAPHED IN ONE SMALL COUNTRY– ARMENIA” Hayk Melkonyan was born in 1970 in Yerevan. He is a professional photographer and mountain guide. For nine years he worked as a photojournalist and photo editor at “Yerevan” magazine. Now he works as a manager for the development of tourism and as a mountain guide on the ropeway “Wings of Tatev”. His works have been published in the “National Geographic” magazine, “Geo”, “Conde Nast Traveller”, in the electronic journal “Интересный мир” (“An Interesting World”). He writes stories and travel notes. He has had two solo exhibitions in Moscow, dedicated to Armenia, and three ─ in Yerevan.

GATE 52

Art

What is the work of artist / photographer / creator necessary for? And what goals should one pursue in the process of one’s activities?

The most important goal is to share. To share what you have seen, something that, quite possibly, was unseen and unnoticed by anyone before, to share your viewpoints and even your soul, because if it's your mission, your vocation – it cannot be otherwise, and, of course, to create something new. Contact photographer: +374 77 71 73 82 ajdahag@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/hayk.melkonyan.1

What is the art of photography about?

You can simply press the button and get a picture, but you can also put your soul in it and make it unrecognizable, unique and exclusively “yours.”

Tell us about your heroes. Who cannot ever be the hero of your photos?

My heroes are the unmatched Nature, ordinary people living under the sky, and their creations ─ historical and cultural monuments. I hope my heroes will not include politicians and people like them.

Describe your creative method in a few sentences.

The method is very simple: it is necessary to live with it and in it ... otherwise, it will be a fraud, a dramatization. If you are filming the cold or the heat, you should feel those states yourself, rather than photograph them from the comfortable passenger compartment of your car. Any photo is a small story about something. And to make the story truthful, it is necessary to experience it. Find us online at: www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

The photo

Tell us about your favorite places in Armenia. Is it possible to develop photo tours in our country?

I love practically all of Armenia, but Zangezur is my special love. This is a land of critical height, temperature, and mood differences. It is a place where everything is changing every second, where the harsh mountains can be either supportive or merciless to you depending on the thoughts with which you have approached them. Everything is special there... even the air and the stars... I already have several theme photo tours; all I need to do is find an audience for them. To my mind, exhibitions about Armenia are the most suitable method for their promotion.

Over the past few years, you have had a few exhibitions in Armenia and Russia. Who is your audience and how do they respond?

The responses are quite similar â&#x201D;&#x20AC; enthusiasm and the desire to see everything with their own eyes. Another common featureis surprise: many do not believe that all of it was photographed in a small country, literally, a point on the map, in Armenia. And what is important and particularly pleasant for me is that people are getting warmer and closer to my country, and then they visit it. And tourism, in my opinion, is not just a business; it is the art of making friends. GATE 54

TUFEN

IAN

H E R I TAGE HOTE L S

Jazz

Yerevan –

City of Jazz! Armen Manukyan, journalist, critic, and musicologist, a member of the World Association of Jazz Journalists, writes about the history of Armenian Jazz on the pages of our magazine.

78 years.

Is that much or little for the development and formation of a genre of art in a country? Compared with centuries of painting or, for example, sculpture, it is certainly but a moment. Yet when you consider that the notion of jazz itself came to light a little more than a

State Jazz Orchestra of Armenia, 1938 hundred years ago, then 78 is quite a lot. And so, that is exactly as much as the existence of this genre marks in Armenia this year. And although in the early ‘30s, in the wake of the rising interest in new music, in Armenia there already existed bands, playing a kind of jazz in the Palaces of Culture, at dances, in movie theaters. The first jazz band is considered to be the State Jazz Orchestra of Armenia, led by the composer and cellist Artemy Ayvazyan, and conducted by Tsolak Vardazaryan; it was created in 1938, on the direct orders of the government. Yerevan Jazz Orchestra then became the first in the Caucasus to be officially recognized and to be named “Jazz”. The establishment of the State Jazz Orchestra of Armenia played a significant role in the GATE 56

development of jazz music throughout the Soviet Union: following the example set by it, jazz bands began to emerge in many Republics. In a short term, the orchestra gained popularity throughout the Soviet Union and has been recognized as one of the best Soviet bands. It is not fortuitous that the band was the only one in the Soviet Union, not to be dissolved during the persecution of jazz in the late ‘40s, although since the beginning of the era of “straightening the saxophones” and the struggle against kowtowing to the West, the

Konstantin Orbelyan during a tour in America; Orbelyan is the second from the right. Leftmost ─ George Avakian name of the orchestra was after all changed from “jazz” to “pop”. In 1956, the band, led already by Konstantin Orbelyan, was able to realize the principle of combining the means of modern jazz

Armenia and national melodies. Armenian Jazz began to gradually go on the international scene. In 1975 the orchestra was the first among the Soviet jazz bands to visit the United States, the home of jazz ─ and gave 25 concerts in major American cities. Today, the artistic director and conductor of the State Jazz Orchestra of Armenia is Armen Hyusnunts, a great saxophonist, composer, and arranger. Under his leadership, the orchestra has created a dozen of thematic programs, consisting of several hundred pieces. This orchestra is an indispensable participant in all major jazz events in Armenia and often goes abroad on concert tours. In the late ‘50s - early ‘60s, a jazz fever started in Armenia. In each educational institution, enterprise and even taxi parks, small jazz combos arose that played at student festivals and dances.

Tatevik Hovhannisyan One of the most memorable jazz events in the mid-‘60s was a concert organized by the pianist Levon Malkhasyan. This concert was held within the walls of Yerevan Pedagogical Institute and aroused great interest among the Yerevan jazz fans. In those same years, the MalkhasyanBakunts-Tutunjyan trio was formed, which later proved one of the most popular trios. A bit later appeared the star of Tatevik Hovhannisyan – a unique singer whom the Soviet press called “Ella from Yerevan”, and the Western media ─ “the first lady of Soviet jazz.” The start of the ‘80s was marked by the appearance on the Armenian jazz scene of two great pianists - David Azarian and Artashes Kartalyan. Speaking about Armenian jazz musicians, who are still active today, we cannot help mentioning the pianist Tigran Hamasyan; the pianist and singer Vahagn Hayrapetyan; the

Joss Stone bands: Armenian Navy Band, Time Report, Birds, Chiko & Friends, and many others. In April 1968, Yerevan hosted the first official jazz festival, which was attended by the bands that existed at that time in Yerevan. The success of the festival was stunning and was described by all the local newspapers. The next jazz festival was held in Yerevan in 1985. It was the All-Union Forum “Jazz Panorama of Yerevan-85”, which was attended by musicians both from Armenia and from other Republics of the Soviet Union – Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Georgia, Azerbaijan. A similar event took place the following year ─ “Jazz panorama of Yerevan-86”. Unfortunately, the situation, created in the country in the late ‘80s, did not allow to continue a full jazz life. The revival of jazz in Armenia began only in the second half of the ‘90s. There was launched the first independent FM radio station, which in addition to pop and rock music, also regularly broadcasted jazz. The number of clubs where jazz was played in the evenings increased. In 1997, an old cafe in the center of Yerevan was rebuilt and turned into a jazz café called “Poplavok”. And in 1998, an International Jazz Festival was held in Yerevan. It was a great event for the entire republic! Then the festival was attended by the participants of the quartet

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Jazz “Night Ark” founded by the American performer on the oud Ara Dinkjian; the vocal quartet “New York Voices”; one of the founders of Soviet jazz, saxophonist Georgy Garanian; and singer Sergey Manukyan from Moscow. A year later the legendary Chick Corea came to the Yerevan festival. The next festival was held only in 2005. During the whole year of 2008 Armenian musicians and jazz fans celebrated a big anniversary – 70 years since the birth of jazz in Armenia. Only ten years later, in 2015, thanks to the initiative of Kamo Movsisyan, the founder of

Dee Dee Bridgewater the club “MEZZO” and “MEZZO PRODUCTION” producing center, the Armenian Association of Jazz was established, which immediately set to work and organized a renewed Yerevan Jazz Festival. The headliner of that festival was the virtuoso bassist and singer Richard Bona. The organizers promised to hold the festival regularly, and so they did. Thus, from 13 to 16 October this year, the capital of Armenia will host the Second Yerevan Jazz Festival. The organizers decided to dedicate every festival to a significant jazz person with Armenian roots. So, this year's festival is dedicated to the legendary producer George Avakian. In his honor, lectures will be made, there will be radio and television broadcasts, a film will be shown, dedicated to the great innovator of jazz, trumpeter Miles Davis, who owes much to George Avakian for the development of his career. And among the very participants of the festival, besides, naturally, the Armenian GATE 58

Kamo Movsisyan, Sergey Manukyan musicians – Levon Malkhasyan ensemble, Armen Tutunjyan trio, Orchestra of the Public Radio led by Yervand Yerznkyan and young jazz musicians – there will also be guests from abroad. These include Tavitjan Brothers Trio from Macedonia; the Rostov-born singer Alina Yengibaryan, winner of last year's competition of the festival in Montreux; Tallana Gabriel, a German singer now living in the Netherlands. The festival will be opened in the Concert Hall of the Sport and Concert Complex by jazz diva Dee Dee Bridgewater, with the participation of the State Jazz Orchestra of Armenia led by Armen Hyusnunts; and on the last day, the modern blues star Joss Stone will perform there. In addition to the concerts, there will be a free screening of films on the subject of jazz, workshops, meetings with musicians. The first channel of the Armenian Public Television will headline the event; and issues of the televisiondiary of the festival have been scheduled. European Jazz Network Editor Francesco Martinelli is also expected to arrive, and there will be the presentation of his new book. One of the days of the festival will be held on the stage of Aram Khatchaturian Concert Hall, and another ─ in the open air, in the sculpture park of the Cafesjian Center for the Arts. So do not be surprised if suddenly, while walking in the center of the capital of Armenia, you hear the sounds of hot jazz! Yerevan loves jazz and is ready to listen to it anytime and anywhere!

Event

n October 28 in the new building of AGBU the tourism forum Welcome to Armenia will take place. The main topics of the round tables and speeches are various types of tourism and their development: eco-tourism, health tourism, educational, sports, hiking, biking, skiing, extreme tourism (mountain climbing, diving), pilgrimages, archaeological and rural tourism. For the first time, there will be raised the theme of religious tourism in Armenia, which is famous for the huge number of religious monuments, recognized as world heritage. Representatives of several ministries will make speeches at the forum. Mayors of tourist cities will present the timing and trends of tourism development in their cities, as well as new projects for investment. The forum will be attended by international companies, which are engaged in the development of the tourism sector in Armenia, the entire range of tourist companies – airlines, hotels, restaurants, travel agencies. The event is organized by the company BPA (Business Partners of Armenia) headed by Direc-

tor General Vruyr Penesyan. BPA is holding the business forum Invest Armenia for the second year. The organizers plan to hold the business forum Welcome to Armenia annually.

Organizer: BPA office ─ Armenia, Hotel «Marriott», 2nd floor, tel .: + (374 10) 56 41 76 general partner

Platinum partner

Partner ─ hotel

Informational partner The first tour-operator of Armenia in Russia

GATE 60

Partner ─ Law Firm

Partner ─ Resort in Yenokavan

Tsaghkadzor Marriott Hotel is located in the picturesque valley among the mountains and the forests in Armenia. The hotel complex provides everything for the unforgettable holiday (including pool and Hamam). Luxurious setting for relaxation and business meetings surrounded by primordial nature will make your stay in the ski resort of Tsaghkadzor an unforgettable pleasure. We are always happy to welcome you at Tsaghkadzor Marriott Hotel.

2, 4/1 Tandzaghbyur str., Tsaghkadzor Tel.: +(374 10) 29 41 41 mhrs.evntk.reservation@marriotthotels.com www.tsaghkadzorMarriott.com

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

In summer - Sevan, Jermuk, Dilijan, Tsaghkadzor, Ijevan, Aghveran. 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 70, 72.

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 AD.

Which is the oldest church in Armenia?

The oldest church in Armenia is the Echmiadzin Cathedral Church built in 301-303 AD.

GATE 62

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 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 one the biggest repositories of ancient manuscripts in the world. There are over 20 thousand ancient manuscripts and over 500 thousand archive documents stored in Matenadaran. Along with the Armenian manuscripts, there are also manuscripts in Russian, Hebrew, Latin, Arabic, Syriac, Greek, Japanese, Persian and other languages. The collection of Matenadaran includes the smallest and the biggest Armenian manuscripts.

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.

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.

FAQ 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.

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 base-up 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.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

85 63

TRAVEL GUIDE

2 Amberd

Garni Gorge

Odzun Church

Аrmenia SIGHTS OF INTEREST 1. Garni Gorge .................................................. page 16 2. Herher – Jermuk .......................................... page 28 3. Church of St. Sarkis ...................................... page 40 4. Odzun Church ............................................. page 42 5. fortress-castle Amberd ............................. page 44 6. Khndzoresk.................................................. page 82

Khndzoresk

Embassies ARGENTINA

LITHUANIA

BELARUS

UAE

BULGARIA

POLAND

BRAZIL

RUSSIA

GREAT BRITAIN

ROMANIA

GERMANY

SYRIA

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: 2/2 Babayan str. Теl.: + (374 11) 777772 Fax: + (374 11) 777773 uaeyerevan@emiratesembassy.am

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

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

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

USA

GREECE

Address: 1 Amerikyan str. Tel.: + (374 10) 46 47 00 Fax: + (374 10) 46 47 42 webmasteryerevan@state.gov www.usa.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: 10/2 Zarobyan str. Tel.: + (374 91) 48 57 63 spain_consulate@yahoo.com

CANADA

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

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

LITHUANIA

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

MALTA

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

GEORGIA

TURKMENISTAN

EGYPT

UKRAINE

NAGORNO KARABAKH

INDIA

FRANCE

SAN MARINO

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

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

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

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

Czech Republic

IRAN

MOROCCO

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

SERBIA

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

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

ITALY

SWITZERLAND

SLOVENIA

AUSTRIA

THAILAND

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

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

CHINA

BELGIUM

URUGUAY

LEBANON

INDONESIA

ESTONIA

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

KAZAKHSTAN

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 68

SPAIN

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

Consulates

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: 75 Nar-Dos str., apt. 28 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: 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

RESORT

Create memories for a lifetime in “Panorama Resort” – the first “de luxe” grand resort in Yerevan. We invite all those who like comfort, warmth and elegance. Relax and enjoy your stay in the hotel spa, which offers an impressive selection of all kinds of services and facilities. It offers 2-3-4-room suites, a restaurant, bar, lounge, conference room, swimming pool, tennis court, gym and free WiFi. Truly royal facilities at amazing rates!

G.Hovsepyan 24/3 Str., Nork-Marash, Yerevan, Armenia, Теl.: +(374 60) 275 737 info@panoramayerevan.com, www.panoramayerevan.com

Museums HISTORY MUSEUM OF ARMENIA 4 Hanrapetutyan str., Yerevan. foundation year: 1919 Tel.: +(374 10) 58 27 61 Working days: Tue. - Sat. working hours: 11:00 - 18:00 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: 11:00 - 17:00 Fee: 500 AMD. Web: www.аkhachaturian-м.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

“ARAME” ART GALLERY 33/1 Mashtots ave., bld. 3 Tel.: +(374 10) 50 00 97 Working days: Mon. - Sun. working hours: 11:00 - 20:00 Entrance: Free.

GATE 70

Theatres MHER MKRTCHYAN ARTISTIC THEATRE 18 Khorenatsi str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 01 99, 58 60 24 Foundation year: 1986

Villa “Jrvezh Dilijan”

HAMAZGAYIN THEATRE 26 Amiryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 94 15, 50 10 60 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 77) 99 11 49 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

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 MARIONETTE 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

GATE 72

This guest house is located in one of the most picturesque places in Dilijan, on the bank of the river and is surrounded by pine forests. Due to the mild climate and healing mineral springs, miracles happen to people who come here for treatment and rest. The guest house “Jrvezh Dilijan” is known for its excellent cuisine, the food is prepared with organic products from the nearby villages. Those interested in history can visit the Monastery of Haghartsin (10 ─ 13 centuries), Goshavank (1213 centuries), lake Parz (Parzlich) and other places. Kamo 146, Dilijan, Armenia Теl.: +374 (55) 099 402 e-mail: lhambaryan@gmail.com www.jrvezh.net

NATIONAL ACADEMIC THEATRE AFTER GABRIEL SUNDUKYAN 6 G. Lusavorich str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 76 70, 52 57 72 Foundation year: 1921

The best apreciation of our work is the guest who comes back

80 Burnazyan str., 0008 Yerevan Đ˘Đľl.: +374 (10) 456213, +374 (77) 567439 E-mail: info@areghotel.com, www.areghotel.com

Stores brandy

souvenirs

brand shops

365 Wines 40a Acharyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 93) 70 20 80

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

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

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

VERNISSAGE Tashir street, Northers Ave., Yerevan

ADOLFO DOMINGUEZ MARINA RINALDI 3 Tsiternakaberd highway, Yerevan 41 Mashtots str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 46 04 06 Tel.: +(374 10) 54 59 56

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ARMAS WINES Nor Yedesia, Aragatsotn Province Tel.: +(374 11) 77 37 74

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 2 Government house, 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

flowers

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 37 Tigran Mets ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 99) 05 77 25 YEREVAN CITY 10 Tigran Mets ave., Yerevan 60/2 Komitas ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 28 73 PARMA 79а, M. Baghramyan Ave., Yerevan 3/85 Northers Ave., Yerevan 9 Khorenatsu str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 27 27 99 KAISER 158/8 Andraniki str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 11) 74 86 86

shoes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

jewelry DE LAUR 39/12 Mashtots ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 11) 99 55 77 Mercuri 50 Mashtots ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 60 00

GATE 74

ECCO 6/6 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 36 14 GEOX 6/15 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 22 34

MAX & CO 39 Mashtots ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 24 20

MEGASPORT 40/1 Sayat-Nova str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 11) 51 98 98 MEXX 26 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 46 23 MOTHERCARE 51/53 Hanrapetutyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 67 05 NIKE 62 Hanrapetutyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 08 70

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

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

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

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

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

ORSAY 17 Abovyan str., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 10) 54 46 36

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

PETER AND PAUL 19 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 21 15

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

PUMA 52 Teryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 73 37

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

RIO SPORT 3 Tsitsernakaberd highway, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 46 04 06

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

RIO GALLERIA 8 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 50 18 01

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

STEFANO RICCI 3 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 65 28

LA COQUETTE 41 Mashtots str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 94 94

ZILLI 58 Baghramyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 20 20 50

LA GALLERIA 3 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 70 27 07 LC WAIKIKI 18 Mashtots ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 50 43 05 Alisa fashion Tashir street, Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 91) 80 05 44 MANGO 21 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 00 11 MAXMARA 41 Mashtots ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 59 57

mall DALMA GARDEN MALL 3 Tsiternakaberd highway, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 46 11 11 Yerevan MALL 34/3 Arshakunyats Ave., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 11) 88 88 88 Rossia MALL 16 Tigran Metsi Ave., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 11) 20 05 00

“HyeLandz Eco Village Resort” – №1 eco-vacation in Armenia “Old world charm with modern facilities, that’s what HyeLandz Eco Village Resort is all about! Well- equipped rooms in different style cottages, a beautiful conference room which, includes a smart board and an excellent sound system in an ecologically clean environment, exquisite Mediterranean, Armenian cuisine, what more could you ask for? In addition, the organic fruits, vegetables and greens which are grown in our gardens and orchards as well as our warm hospitality and professionalism make it worthwhile for you to come and enjoy your family gathering, corporate event or any kind of celebration at HyeLandz for a most unforgettable time!”

2nd str., village Geghadir, Armenia, Kotayk Region, Теl.: +(374 98) 33 33 22, +(374 98) 33 33 99 info@hyelandz.com, www.hyelandz.com

Banks banks

air companies

clubs

casinos

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AreximbanlGazprombankGroup 6/10 Northern Avenue, Yerevan Теl.: +(374 10) 51 40 40

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

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

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

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

UKRAINE AIRLINES 31/3 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 11) 61 20 00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AIR ARABIA 68 Baghramyan str., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 10) 22 40 20

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

entertainment

ARMBUSINESSBANK 48 Nalbandyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 59 20 20 ARMECONOMBANK 23/1 Amiryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 20 07 ARMENIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK 21/1 Paronyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 59 14 00 ARNSWISSBANK 10 V. Sargsyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 44 19 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 PROMETEY BANK 44/2 Hanrapetutyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 17 05 UNIBANK 12 Charents str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 13 20 HSBC BANK ARMENIA 66 Teryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 51 50 00

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 YEREVAN TRAVEL 1 Baghramyan str., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 77) 92 20 24 Caravan 50а Mashtots ave., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 10) 52 92 92 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 Yerevan Travel 1 Baghramyan str., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 77) 92 20 24 Elitebus 8 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 90 00 Globus Bus V. Kostanyan str., Echmiadzin Tel.: +(374 77) 00 00 39

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STOP MUSIC CLUB 7 Moskovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 07 80 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 91 Teryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 96) 25 12 12

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 OF 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 GOLD’S GYM 40/1 Komitas ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 32 20 10 prolife Vazgen Sargsyan 26/1, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 588 533

The territory of Sanahin Bridge Hotel features a restaurant, a garden, and a front desk. The hotel is located in the center of the town of Alaverdi. Guests can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Sanahin Bridge hotel offers spacious rooms and suites, decorated in neutral tones and furnished with modern furniture. Each room is soundproofed. Among the facilities are flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. The price at the Sanahin Bridge includes continental or full English breakfast. The onsite restaurant serves local specialties. The hotel has a shared lounge bar, a tour desk, and a shop; free parking is also provided.

1 / 12 Gayi Str., Sanahin Sarahart district, Alaverdi, Lori region, Đ˘Đľl.: +(374 253) 3 17 17, +(374 91)35 39 38 sanahin.bridge@mail.ru www.sanahinbridge.am

Restaurants ARMENIAN HOUSE 13 Leo str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 99) 53 92 68 Working hours: 09:00-24:00

HAVANA 1/6 Leningradyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 38 06 06 Working hours: 09:00-24:00

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

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

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

KAPELLA PUB 31/12 Moskovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 21 72 Working hours: 12:00-24:00

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

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

anoush 7/1 Amiryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 11) 99 00 00 Working hours: 07:30-24:00

The Coast 2 Tаmanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 95) 30 10 00 Working hours: 12:00-24:00

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

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

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

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

Lebanon 3 Tamanyan str., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 10) 56 18 94 Working hours: 12:00-23:30

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

TSIRANI HOME 5 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 11) 85 09 50 Working hours: 09:00-02:00

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

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

Vinograd 62 Hanrapetutyan str., Yerevan Тel.: +(374 77) 52 03 57 Working hours: 12:00-24:00

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

Dolmama 10 Puskin str., Yerevan, Теl.: +(374 10) 56 13 54 Working hours: 11:00-24:00

Mamulyan and friends 69 Koghbatsi str., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 10) 50 50 30 Working hours:11:00 -23:00

TOSPIA 30/3 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 60 00 07 Working hours: 10:30-24:00

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

MARTINI ROYALE 16 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 54 01 01 Working hours: 10:00-02:00

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

IN VINO 6 Saryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 52 19 31 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

HIGH REST 21/1 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 11) 21 21 11 Working hours: 11:00-24:00

Tbiliso 52 Leo Str., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 55) 61 00 61 Working hours: 11:00-24:00

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

tAVERN YEREVAN 91 Teryan str., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 10) 508 800 Working hours: 11:00-24:00

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

Noyan 9/15 Parpetsi Str., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 10) 53 50 30 Working hours: 10:30 -23:30

BELLAGIO 2 Myasnikyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 56 38 38 Working hours: 24/7

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

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

BRAVO 13 G. Kochar str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 27 06 10 Working hours: 12:00-24:00

CAFE´ BLANC 37 Mashtots str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 50 20 12 Working hours: 11:00-23:00

NAVASARD 4 G. Marzpetuni str., vlg. Garni Tel.: +(374 94) 10 18 17 Working hours: 09:00-24:00

Beerevan 26 Abovyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 11) 50 51 01 Working hours: 10:30-24:00

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

BEL ETAGE 31 Stepan Zoryan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 50 07 51 Working hours: 11:00-24:00

OLD KHARBERD 3 Amiryan str., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 10) 52 00 89 Working hours: 11:00 -24:00

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

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

MANGIARE 18/2 Vardanants str., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 43) 60 07 00 Working hours: 08:00-24:00

TAO 10 Tumanyan str., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 10) 54 09 99 Working hours: 11:00-23:00

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

GEGARD Geghard Highway Tel.: +(374 99) 32 22 42 Working hours: 10:00-24:00

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

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

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Armenian Georgian European Italian French Arabian Persian Chinese Japanese

Thai Ukrainian Continental Czech Mexican Lebanese Brazilian

pizzerias DIAMOND 2 Byuzand str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 54 34 34 Working hours: 10:30-24:00 DOKA PIZZA 26 Sayat-Nova str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 58 65 45 Working hours: 24/7 BELLA ITALIA 4/7 Alek Manukyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 57 33 99 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 PIZZA PEPPINO 23 Mashtots ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 53 11 99 Working hours: 09:00-01:00 PIZZA HUT 1 Northern ave., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 50 15 03 Working hours: 10:00-24:00 TASHIR PIZZA 29 Komitas str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 51 11 11 Working hours: 10:00-24:00

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

“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)

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

“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

“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 “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 “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

“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 “HASU” dental clinic Rostomi str. 29-189, 1st floor, Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 55 86 98 Working days: Mon. - Sat. Working hours: 09:00-22:00 Web: www.hasuclinic.am “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 “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

“slavmed” 4/8 alley, 3 Baghramyan str., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 32 22 11 Working days: Mon. - Sun. Working hours: 24-hours Web: www.slavmed.am

“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

"JH DENT" DENTAL CLINIC 20 Sebastiai St., Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 26 56 40 Working days: Mon. - Sat. Working hours: 9:30-21:30

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

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“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 “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

Plastic Surgery in Armenia Aram Boroyan is a plastic surgeon with an experience of more than 15 years. He graduated summa cum laudefrom Yerevan State Medical University, and specialized in plastic surgery. Aram Boroyan performs a wide range of operations in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Nara Vardapetyan is a plastic surgeon with experience of more than 10 years. She specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face, especially the nose, as well as in non-surgical procedures, such as injections of botulinum toxin and fillers.

In their practice, Aram Boroyan and Nara Vardapetyan are experienced professionals, who have had numerous trainings at leading medical centers in Europe. Aram Boroyan and Nara Vardapetyan use in their practice the most up-to-date equipment and the latest techniques in plastic surgery and cosmetology, and thus achieve the desired results.

COSMETIC SURGERY: ● face-lift ● eyebrowlift ● blepharoplasty ● rhinoplasty ● arm lift/brachioplasty ● hip lift/femoroplasty ● liposuction ● abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) ● facial implants ● breast reduction ● breast enlargement

● breast lift

● plastic ears (droopy ears) ● removal of small tumors ● scar correction ● removal of wrinkles by introducing gel based on hyaluronic acid ● contour gel injections ● lip augmentation ● lipofilling (fat injection) ● botulinum toxin injections

RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY: reconstructive surgery for congenital and acquired

defects (including those after cancer surgery) in the head, neck, trunk, extremities.Treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids, elimination of posttraumatic and post-burn contractures. Operations on vascular malformations, the restoration of the antilobium, breast reconstruction after mastectomy, reconstruction of tendons and muscles, removal of pigmented spots, of benign and malignant tumors of the skin. Operations on the curvature of the nasal septum. Microsurgical restoration of nerves, blood vessels, tendons, restoring of amputated limb segments, replacement of tissue defects with own tissues. Congenital and acquired pathology of the hand and fingers.

14 Titogradyan Str., Yerevan, Armenia Medical center "Erebuni" Моb.: +(374 91) 41 80 80, +(374 91) 60 26 80 Е-mail: info@boroyan.com www.boroyan.com

A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE PASTAND

THE PRESENT The suspension bridge in Khndzoresk, stretching from one side of the gorge to the other.which has connected the old village, abandoned in the middle of the last century, to the new one, is popular not only among locals but also among tourists from various countries, although its history is relatively recent.

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Khndzoresk

The bridge was built in 2011 within

just one year. In the last year's competition by “Armenia Tourism”, it was awarded the first prize in the category of “Tour-project of the year.” It would seem that it was not much of a thing – just a bridge, well a bridge across a gorge, but no: in fact this is howengineer Zhora Aleksanyan realized his dream of connecting the past and the present. He was born and up to 9 years lived in the old Khndzoresk (translated from Armenian –a village of apples), in the small cave town, and then, when it was decided to move the inhabitants to a new location, he found himself in New Khndzoresk, and then inGoris. Zhora recalls how his father, then the head of the

Armenian people, Mkhitar Sparapet, who had helped residents escape from the yoke of the Persians and from the Turkish invaders. Then the boy was astonished; he remembered that once he used to live here, but he had not been there for so long, that it seemed as if it was in another life, not in his. Perhaps that is when the dream was born to combine these worlds, but, as a boy, he did not knowhow ... In Soviet times, Zhora was the chairman of the collective farm, and then everything fell apart. “I did not take anything from the Soviet Union”, says the master. I look at his strong calloused hands, he smiles and continues the story: “When the Union ceased to exist, I built a mill, then a grain processing factory ... and all of

village, moved the stones from the old home, and laid them in the new one, as if trying to keep in touch with the ancestors, because in the house that was on the other side of the gorge, had lived several generations of Aleksanyans. Zhora tells how, as a schoolboy, while on a tour on the other side, he visitedin the old Khndzoreskcemetery the grave of the national hero of the

it – with my own hands – Ipersonally twisted each bolt. The plant became popular. And when there was money, I decided to build and to give.” By the way, during the Karabakh War, Zhora Aleksanyanprovided food for the battlefront. The creation of financial resources brought his dream of connecting the past and the present closer to execu-

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Armenia tion. “Of course, building a bridge over a deep gorge is not an easy task, but desperate dreamers can shoulder anything”, says Alexanian. So, Zhora, being a mechanical engineer by profession, drew the layout and began to look for allies – in the first place, high-altitude welders. Surprisingly, it was accomplished quickly, probably because the master himself was pursuing a good purpose, which found a response in the hearts of the people. A year later, the bridge was ready. They gathered the people, made a small opening. Then Zhora built a ladder, and his friend – a café and a viewing platform. Now, near the bridge, you can often see people whose childhood began on the other side of the gorge. Zhora himself drives herethree or four times a day, sitsin silence, ponders, and each time he sees the bridge as if for the first time and is surprised by the possibility of getting ina few minutes to the other side of the gorge, where he once spent his childhood. “Why is homeland so sweet?” He asks me and he responds: “Because it is homeland! And my

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homeland began exactly with Old Khndzoresk”. And I will conclude with the very words of our conversation with Zhora: “Yes, dreamers can shoulder anything.”

Hotel “Capital” is a small, cozy, comfortable place where you can spend your vacation, where you can feel far from the noise of the city, while being in the center of Yerevan, the capital ofArmenia. Since it is located in Aygedzor ─ one of the most picturesque places in Yerevan, here you can admire the amazing views of the valley from the room window or the balcony. Our guests enjoy modern personal service, and we are always happy to help tourists in any matter.

Aygedzor 53 B, Yerevan, Armenia Теl.: +(374 10) 277 878, +(374 91) 27 78 78 Fax: +(374) 10 27 78 78 info@capitalhotel.am www.capitalhotel.am

most POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN ARMENIA AND IN KARABAKH

The statement that Armenia is a very attractive country for tourists is not unfounded: every year the interest towards the country grows attracting more and more visitors to both Yerevan and most remote parts of the country, famous for its numerous attractions. It’s interesting, but the first time tourists come to Armenia with caution, falling for the popular belief that it’s not safe in the country due to the long lasting Karabakh conflict, which of course, is not true. However, they come here for the second time answering the call of the heart, and the third time they make sure to visit Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh Republic), which is no less famous for its rich history, attractions and hospitality. Right before the opening of the tourist season, we decided to present the 15 most popular tourist destinations in Armenia and Karabakh.

Yerevan – the capital and the largest city of Armenia both by its size and by population. It is one of the ancient cities of the world, as old as Rome and Babylon, Cartage and Nineveh. Until 1936 Yerevan was known as Erivan in the Russian transcription. The popular destinations in Yerevan include The Cascade, History Museum of the city of Yerevan, Art Gallery, the Republic Square, Matenadaran named after Mesrop Mashtots, Tsitsernakaberd, Theatre of Opera and Ballet, Sergey Parajanov House Museum, Aram Khachatryan House Museum, Erebuni Fortress, Saint Sargis Church, Saint Zoravor Church, Saint Astvatsatsin Church, Saint Katoghike Church, etc.

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Mihr’s temple in Garni – a pagan temple dating back to the 1st century A.D. dedicated to Mihr, the god of Sun, Heaven’s Light and Truth. It is situated 28 km from Yerevan in Kotayk region in the Valley of Azat River, not far from Garni.

3 Zvartnots (the church of celestial angels) – a church of early medieval Armenian architecture –is located not far from Yerevan and Vagharshapat (Echmiadzin). According to the Armenian historian Sebeos, Zvartnots was built by the order of CatholicosNerses III the Builder (641/642 ‒ 661/662), who was planning to move his residence from Dvin to Vagharshapat. In his book “Armenian Studies” KamsarAvetisyan writes: “Zvartnots is dedicated to celestial angels, because in Armenian “zvartun” previously meant also “an angel”. So Zvartnots means “Temple of the Angels.” In 2000, the ruins of the church and the surrounding archeological territory were included in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage.

HOTEL & RESORT

If you are looking for a place for elegant rest and relaxation, welcome to hotel “Elegant”! Your stay in our hotel is the best way to forget about the everyday life and get closer to the nature. The hotel is located in a cozy corner of nature where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery of mountains and pure rivers. The hotel’s jewel is its garden with junipers, white cedars and acacias.

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11 Tandzaghbyur str., 2310 Tsaghkadzor Теl.: +374(60) 750 005, +374(99) 750 005 info@eleganthotel.am www.eleganthotel.am

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Geghard, Geghardavank (Armenian: “Monastery of a spear”), also the old name Ayrivank is used (“Cave Monastery”) — a monastery complex, a unique architectural construction. The monastery is located approximately 40 km northeast from Yerevan. The monastery was founded in the 4th century at the place of a sacred spring arising in a cave. It is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name of the monastery complex comes from the Longinus spear which was the lance that pierced the side of Jesus Christ as he hung on the Cross, allegedly brought to Armenia by Apostle Jude, called here Thaddeus, and stored amongst many other relics. Now it is displayed in the Echmiadzin treasury.

Etchmiadzin Cathedral (Armenian: “The coming of the only-begotten”) — the mother church of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Pontifical Residence of the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians between 303 ‒ 484 and since 1441. The Cathedral is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Educational institutions of the Armenian Church are also located there. The original wooden cathedral was built in 303 (soon after Armenia adopted Christianity as a state religion). The core of the current building was built of stone between the 5-7th centuries. The belfry was built between 1653 ‒ 1658 and the sacristy in 1869.

Jermuk – a spa city located in Vayots Dzor region of Armenia. The city is situated on the banks of Arpa River, to the north of the Kechut water basin, on the Plato west of the Zangezur mountain range. The distance from Yerevan is 175 km. Jermuk is a balneotherapeutic and mountain climatic health resort. During the Soviet times, the city was a famous resort. The famous mineral drinking water “Jermuk” is produced in the city. Jermuk waterfall is also here. Not far from the city, there are medieval cave complexes. The climate in the city is moderately continental. Average temperature in February is −7°С and in July — +19°С.

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Khor Virap (Armenian: “deep cell”) — a monastery of the Armenian Apostolic Church located in Armenia close to the Turkish border at the foothill of Ararat Mountain. The monastery is famous for its location, as right from here one of the magnificent views to biblical Mount Ararat opens up. The monastery is built on the underground prison where the Armenian King Trdat III kept St. Gregory the Illuminator incarcerated for about 15 years before he (Trdat III)turned to Christianity (in 301). The hill of Khor Virap is located on the place of the ancient Armenian capital Artashat built by King Artashes I (circa 180 B.C.), the founder of the Artashesyan dynasty.

ARMENIA WELLNESS

SPA HOTEL

JERMUK

Armenia Health Spa sanatorium meets all international standards with respect to the traditional features of the resort zone and up-to-date medical technologies. It is a must to be in a comfortable atmosphere during the healing process. Our sanatorium will provide the best that would complement your pastime: a first-class health-improving hotel complex with comfortable rooms and infrastructure – bar, WiFi connection as well as excursion programs to medieval Christian monuments. In 2011 “Armenia” sanatorium was awarded with a Diploma for “Best Service”

2 Myasnikyan str., Jermuk, Armenia Теl.: +374 (60) 37 97 77 +374 (0287) 2 12 90 Fax: +374 (0287) 2 14 19 jermukarmenia@yahoo.com www.jermukarmenia.com

Noravank (Armenian: “New Monastery”) – a monastery complex, built in the 13th century 122 km far from Yerevan on the step of a narrow curving gorge of the Arpa River not far from the Armenian city of Yeghegnadzor. The gorge is famous for its hanging red rocks, towering behind the monastery on the territory of which the two-storey church of Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Virgin) is located with narrow cantilever stairs. Sometimes the monastery is called Amagu Noravank to distinguish it from Noravank Monastery located near the city of Goris. Amagu is the name of a small settlement, which used to stand over the gorge. During 13-14th centuries the monastery became the residence of Syunik bishops.

Tsaghkadzor – a modern ski resort, located in the picturesque valley at 1845 m above sea level, 50 km northeast from Yerevan. During the Soviet era, Tsaghkadzor was known as one of the best resorts in the country. Numerous health spas, hotels and sports grounds were built there. Numerous Soviet sports teams used to train in Tsaghkadzor before international competitions. Tsaghkadzor is a popular place for both winter and summer tourism. The main sightseeing of the city is Kecharis Monastery dating back to the 11 th century.

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Tatev, ropeway called “Wings of Tatev”. Tatev (Armenian: “give wings”) – is an Armenian monastery complex dating back to the 9-13 th centuries, situated in Syunik region 20 km far from the city of Goris. It is a part of a huge tourist complex, which also features the hermitage called Tatevi Anapat, Tatev, ropeway, the natural bridge called Satani Kamurj and many other sightseeing. It was established in 895 ‒ 906 and has been the religious center of Syunik since the 19 th century. Tatev ropeway called “Wings of Tatev” is the longest two-way ropeway in the world stretching 5,7 kilometers. The highest elevation point of the ropeway is 320 meters over the river Vorotan.

Sevan – a lake situated at 1900 m height, the biggest lake in the Caucasus. It is a picturesque resort with numerous hotels, guesthouses and restaurants for visitors of different categories. The lake is the only huge guaranteed source of drinking water in Armenia. Among the historical monuments, the most important one is the monastery Sevanavank located on the peninsula close to the city of Sevan. Another monastery is located on the western slope of Ayrivank. In Artsvanist village on the shore of the lake the famous monastery Vanevan, dating back to the 10th century is located. On the shore of the lake village Noraduz is situated famous for its huge cemetery of khachkars with more than 900 khachkars of different eras and styles.

S PA RES O RTS

The recently opened hotel “Nairi Spa Resorts” will delight many not only with the service, but also with its location – in the wooded mountains of Hankavan, far from civilization. The hotel offers its guests 32 elegant, spacious and wellequipped rooms, cottages with 10 rooms for friendly family groups. Swimming pool, gym, billiards and more. Have you heard of the hot mineral springs of Hankavan?! We have all of that in our hotel! “Nairi Spa Resorts” is an island of harmony, luxury, comfort, stability and health!

2310 Armenia, 3 building, 1 Str., Hankavan village, Tel .: + (374 98) 345 678; + (374 11) 345 678 Sales and marketing: Amiryan St., 4/7 Building, 5th Floor, Room 19 (in “Imperium Plaza” business center building) info@nairisparesorts.am, www.nairisparesorts.am

Dilijan ‒ a spa city in Tavush Region of Armenia known as a mountain climatic and balneological resort. It is located on the river Aghstev (the right tributary of the Kura River). The city is famous for traditional Armenian architecture. From almost all sides it is surrounded by the territory of Dilijan Reserve – one of the richest ones in all South Caucasus. Dilijan has always been home to numerous Armenian artists, composers, scientists and directors. Today the city is considered as one of the cultural centers of Armenia. The city is especially proud of its musical school and college since many of their students later enter Yerevan State Conservatory. The city and its surrounding areas feature many rest houses such as the Composers’ House, Cinematographers’ Union House, etc.

Shushi – a city in Nagorno Karabakh. It is situated in the Karabakh Mountains at an altitude of 1368 above sea level, on Stepanakert-Goris highway, 11km south from Stepanakert. The ancient fortress-city of Shushi has been the administrative, religious, cultural and educational center of the region for several thousands of years. The village Shusho/Shusha in NagornoKarabakh is mentioned in Armenian manuscripts of the 15th century. According to Brokhaus and Efron Encyclopeic dictionary, Shusha was founded in 1752 by Panah-Ali Khan. The Great Encyclopedic Dictionary and the Institute of Geography RAN also mention the foundation date of the city as 1752. According to the Great Soviet Encyclopedia, Shusha was founded in the middle of the 12th century as a fortress to protect the Karabakh khanate.

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Tigranakert – an ancient city in Artsakh province of Greater Armenia, one of the four ancient Armenian cities with the same name supposedly established by Tigran II in the 1st century B.C. The excavations of the city are carried out by Artsakh expedition of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia led by Hamlet Petrosyan, Doctor of Historical Sciences. The place is known among the locals as “Tkrakert” or “Tarnakert” (local pronunciation of “Tigranakert”. In December 2008 at the government, session of Nagorno Karabakh Republic it was decided to recognize Tigranakert as a Historic-Cultural reserve.

Gandzasar (Armenian: “Mountain treasure”), Gandzasar Monastery —an Armenian monastery, a significant statue of the Armenian culture, an acting monastery of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Monastery got its name from the mountain that the locals used to call Gandzasar due to its silver mines (Arm, “gandz”-treasure, “sar”-mountain). It is situated on the left bank of the river Khachen, not far from village Vank in Nagorno-Karabakh. According to a legend, in the burial vault of the temple the head of John the Baptist severed by Herod is buried, brought here from Cilician Armenia during the Crusades. Thus the church was named as St. Hovhannes Mkrtich (St. John the Baptist).

2/5 Abovyan str.,

Jermuk

“Hyatt Place Jermuk”: Top-grade in everything

The history of the hotel chain “Hyatt” (Hyatt Hotels Corporation) begins with the distant 1957, in Chicago. A few years ago the hotel “Hyatt Place Yerevan” was opened in the Armenian capital, and last year “Hyatt Place Jermuk” opened its doors in the picturesque resort town of Jermuk, known since Soviet times for its healing waters.

Сonstruction

of the high-class hotel in Jermuk began in late 2009 and was completed in 2015. Now “Hyatt Place Jermuk” is one of the favorite places to stop and rest for tourists from different countries. Armenians too stay here and improve their health. Recently the magazine “ArmeniaTourism” and tourists of the 1st tour operator in Armenia to Russia “Yerevan Travel” visited the new hotel and assessed the quality of services at the highest level. GATE 94

The hotel has 92 comfortable rooms of different categories ─ standard, suites and presidential. All rooms feature the large “Hyatt” bed, a comfortable sofa, a desk, the rooms are equipped with WI-FI and cable internet, there are coffee and tea facilities, a fridge, a hair dryer, a safe, an iron and an ironing board. The hotel also has a café-gallery, a café-bar, grocery store, round-the-clock gym, outdoor pool, sauna, children's playroom, six meeting rooms, and a free parking lot in the vicinity.

Opera The farewell of the Prima Ballerina with the scene also staged the ballet performance “Cinderella” by Prokofiev.

The Prima Ballerina of the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre after A. Spendiaryan, Honored Artist of the Republic of Armenia, Jacqueline Sarhoshyan will bid farewell to the stage in October. On the stage of the main theater of Armenia, with the participation of the actress herself and her colleagues, the gala farewell night of Jacqueline Sarhoshyan will take place. Life and stage career of the actress Jacqueline Sarhoshyan was born in Yerevan on January 26, 1975. In 1993 she graduated from the Yerevan School of dance, specializing as “ballet dancer”. Since 1991, she has worked in Yerevan National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet after A. Spendiaryan. Since 1997, she has acted as the leading soloist of the theater. In 2012, she introduced the ballet "Yeraz" (“Dream”), acting as the choreographer and author of the libretto. She has performed on tours in the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, Turkey, Syria, Egypt, Bahrain, Monaco and a number of CIS countries. In 2010, she was awarded the medal “Movses Khorenatsi”, and in 2013 - the title of Honored Artist. Activity abroad With her husband, soloist of the State Dance Ensemble “Barekamutyun”, and the coach Karen Manikyan, Jacqueline Sarhoshyan has been teaching for several years at the dance school “Gayane” of the Lebanon Regional Board of “Hamazkayin” Union, where, along with a number of works, she GATE 96

“Yeraz” of the actress Jacqueline Sarhoshyan recalls how the modern ballet “Yeraz” was created on her own choreography and staging. “I never liked to stand still, ─ she says. I like to keep up with the times. Classic performances have always had their place, but I wanted something new. I got acquainted with the composer and doctor, Eduard Hambardzumyan at the presentation of his disc. In the process of communication, the idea of a modern ballet performance was born. I wrote the libretto and asked the composer to add a few pieces of music: that is how our collaboration began. In every woman's life there occurs the very strong love, the betrayal, the disappointment ...And I will not deny that some of the parts in this performance are based on my life. That is how the ballet performance “Yeraz” was created and staged. The audience loved it, and it became one of the most popular works of our theater.” It is necessary to leave in time... About the decision to bid farewell to the scene, the Honored Artist of the Republic of Armenia says: “My decision is final. You must be able to leave in time and gracefully. I bid farewell to the stage, but I will continue to use my skills and knowledge for the benefit of my theater and my country. The wonderful world of ballet will stay with me forever. Ballet – that is life, lifestyle, language, a method of expression, body gymnastics, acting skills, routine, beauty, tenderness, and finally, the utmost art.”

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

% 0 1

ONE - DAY TOURS Transportation

hour

up to 3 per.

up to 4-7 per.

up to 8-18 per.

Excursion in city Yerevan

Garni Temple - Geghard Monastery

Garni Temple - Geghard Monastery Sevan Lake - Monastery Sevanavank Sevan Lake - Monastery Sevanavank Sevan Lake - Monastery Sevanavank - village Noratus - Monastery Ayrivank Sevan Lake - Monastery Sevanavank Tsaghkadzor - Church Kecharis Sevan Lake - Monastery Sevanavank - Dilijan - Monastery Haghartsin - Monastery Goshavank Tsaghkadzor - Church Kecharis Tsaghkadzor - Church Kecharis - Sevan lake - Monastery Sevanavank - Dilijan - Monastery Haghartsin - Monastery Goshavank Monastery Khor Virap Monastery Khor Virap - Areni village - Monastery Noravank Monastery Khor Virap - Areni village - Monastery Noravank - Jermuk Monastery Khor Virap - Areni village - «Wings of Tatev»* ropeway - suspension bridge Khndzoresk Monastery Khor Virap - Areni village - «Wings of Tatev»* ropeway - Karahunj «Wings of Tatev»* ropeway Echmiadzin (Cathedral, church Hripsime, Gayane) - the ruins of Zvartnots temple Echmiadzin (Cathedral, church Hripsime, Gayane) - the ruins of Zvartnots temple village Oshakan Echmiadzin (Cathedral, Church Hripsime, Gayane) - the ruins of Zvartnots temple Amberd fortress 6

- guides speaking several languages * The ticket of the Wings of Tatev isn’t included in the price, will of the client

you can order online

700

Echmiadzin (Cathedral, Church Hripsime, Gayane) - the ruins of Zvartnots temple - The prices include: Sardarapat - car with the driver

HOTEL

WELCO

Hotels Royal Tulip Grand Hotel Standard Single Standard Double Deluxe Double /Single Junior Suite Senior Suite Junior Presidential Suite Senior Presidential Suite Breakfast

24 rooms 48 rooms 11 rooms 11 rooms 7 rooms 1 room 1 room Smorgasbord

Address: 14 Abovian str., 0001, Yerevan Теl.: +(374 10) 59 16 00, Fax: +(374 10) 59 16 66, sales@hotelyerevan.com, www.royaltulipgrandhotelyerevan.com/en Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor swimming pool

Conference hall (80) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

DoubleTree by Hilton Yerevan City Centre King Guest Room Twin Guest Room King Accessible Guest Room King Deluxe Room Two Queen Beds Deluxe Family Room King One Bedroom Suite Breakfast

106 rooms 40 rooms 3 rooms 9 rooms 12 rooms 6 rooms Smorgasbord

Address: 4/2 Grigor Lusavorich str., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 11) 55 53 33, Fax: +(374 11) 553 355, еvnye.hotel@hilton.com, www.yerevancitycentre.doubletree.com Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor swimming pool

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Conference hall (250) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

Yerevan National Deluxe Standard Superior Deluxe Corner Studio Junior Suite Senior Suite Presidential Suite Breakfast

52 rooms 8 rooms 5 rooms 6 rooms 2 rooms 1 room Smorgasbord

Address: 4/3 Amiryan str., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 10) 57 40 00, +(374 10) 54 70 01, info@hotelnational.am, www.hotelnationalarmenia.com Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor swimming pool

Conference hall (40) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

Tufenkian Historic Yerevan Standard Executive Suite Junior Suite Breakfast

72 rooms 9 rooms 5 rooms Smorgasbord

Address: 48 Hanrapetutyan str., Yerevan, 0001 Теl.: +(374 60) 50 10 30, +(374 60) 50 10 10, info@tufenkian.am, www.tufenkian.am Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor swimming pool

Conference hall (50) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

Find us online at: www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

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Hotels Panorama Resort Two Bedroom Apartment Three Bedroom Apartment Four Bedroom Apartment Breakfast

10 rooms 8 rooms 4 rooms Smorgasbord

Address: 24/3 G.Hovsepyan str., Nork-Marash,Yerevan Tel.: +(374 60) 27 57 37, info@panoramayerevan.com, www.panoramayerevan.com Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor swimming pool

Conference hall (60) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

Nova Economy Single/Double Standard Single/Double Superior Deluxe Junior Suites Breakfast

8 rooms 20 rooms 8 rooms 1 room Smorgasbord

Address: 10/5 Sayat-Nova Ave. Yerevan Tel.: +(374 10) 60 00 50, Fax: +(374 10) 60 00 70 info@novahotel.am, www.novahotel.am Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor 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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Yerevan SD David hotel Double Triple Family Deluxe/Luxe Breakfast

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

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

Conference hall Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard store

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Capital Single Double Superior Deluxe Executive Deluxe Junior Suites Breakfast

4 rooms 5 rooms 2 rooms 2 rooms 2 rooms Smorgasbord

Address: 53 B, Aygedzor str., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 10) 27 78 78, +(374 93) 76 76 99, info@capitalhotel.am, www.capitalhotel.am Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor swimming pool

Conference hall Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

Find us online at: www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

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Hotels 14th floor Business Double Deluxe Double Luxe Family Suites Breakfast

2 rooms 4 rooms 2 rooms 1 room Smorgasbord

Address: 4/6 Amiryan str., 0010, Yerevan Теl.: +(374 60) 56 00 00, Fax: +(374 60) 56 00 09, info@14hotel.com, www.14hotel.com Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor swimming pool

Conference hall Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

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Areg Single Double Family duplex Triple rooms Junior Suites Breakfast

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

Address: 80 Burnazyan str., 0008, Yerevan Теl.: +(374 10) 45 62 13, Fax: +(374 10) 45 61 27, info@areghotel.com, www.areghotel.com Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor 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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Region HyeLandz Eco Village Resort Double standard Twin standard Twin deluxe Triple standard Triple deluxe Two-bedroom unit Three-bedroom suite Junior suite in Log Cabin Presidential suite in Log Cabin Junior suite in North Wing Breakfast

1 room 3 rooms 4 rooms 1 room 1 room 1 room 1 room 2 rooms 1 room 4 rooms Based on menu

Address: 2nd str., 2216 village Geghadir, Kotayk region Теl.: +(374 98) 33 33 22, +(374 98) 33 33 99, info@hyelandz.com, www.hyelandz.com Restaurant Sauna Conference hall (50) Laptop rental Bar Massage Gym Free Wi-Fi Disco Exchange Cinema hall Internet-café Indoor swimming pool Laundry Safe Billiard Outdoor swimming pool Valet service Car rent Playground

Мina Single Double Twin standard Luxe Family Breakfast

6 rooms 12 rooms 22 rooms 1 room 2 rooms Smorgasbord

Address: 169 Mashtoc str., Goris city, Syunik region Теl.: +(374 99) 03 01 19, +(374 284) 3 01 19, hotelminagoris@gmail.com, www.hotel-mina.am Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor swimming pool

Conference hall Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

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Find us online at: www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

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Hotels Marriott Standard 12 rooms Deluxe 50 rooms Suite 2 rooms Royal Suite 1 room Cottage Standard 35 коттеджей Breakfast Smorgasbord Address: 4/1, 2 Tandzaghpyur str., Tsaghkadzor, 2310 Armenia Теl.: +(374 10) 29 41 41, mhrs.evntk.reservation@marriotthotels.com, www.tsaghkadzorMarriott.com Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor swimming pool

Conference hall (350) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

Nairi Spa Resorts Single Double Senior Suites Cottages Junior Suites Duplex Breakfast

13 rooms 16 rooms 3 rooms 10 rooms 11 rooms 2 rooms Smorgasbord

Address: 3 bld., Hankavan 1st street, 2310, Kotayk region Теl.: +(374 98) 345 678, +(374 11) 345 678, info@nairisparesorts.am, www.nairisparesorts.am Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor swimming pool

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Conference hall (60) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

Region Best Western Paradise Standard Single Standard Double Deluxe Double /Single Junior Suite Senior Suite Family Room Breakfast

8 rooms 16 rooms 26 rooms 1 room 1 room 4 rooms Smorgasbord

Address: 156 Kamoi str., Dilijan, Tavush region Теl.: +(374 77) 288 247; +(374 77) 299 216, sales@paradisehotel.am, www.paradisehotel.am Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor swimming pool

Conference hall (150) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

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Аghveran Ararat Resort Standard Double Standard Twin Double King Double with terrace Superior Deluxe Luxe Breakfast

13 rooms 7 rooms 2 rooms 1 room 14 rooms 5 rooms 2 rooms Smorgasbord

Address: 11 Antarain, Arzakan, Kotayk region Теl.: +(374 60) 65 06 06, +(374 95) 65 06 06, info@aghveranararat.am, www.aghveranararat.am Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor swimming pool

Conference hall (60) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

Find us online at: www.armeniatourismmagazine.ru

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

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Hotels Sanahin Bridge Single Standard Double Standart Double Deluxe Triple Family Luxe Breakfast

1 room 1 room 1 room 1 room 1 room Continental

Address: 1/12a Gayi Str., Sanahin Sarahart district, Alaverdi, Lori region Теl.: +(374 253) 3 17 17, +(374 91)35 39 38, sanahin.bridge@mail.ru, www.sanahinbridge.am Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor swimming pool

Conference hall (35) Gym Cinema hall Safe Car rent

Laptop rental Free Wi-Fi Internet-café Billiard Playground

Sauna Massage Exchange Laundry Valet service

Central Double Superior Deluxe Breakfast

3 rooms 3 rooms Continental Address: 12/3 Shahumyan str., Jermuk, Vayots Dzor region Теl.: +(374 98) 55 52 20, +(374 93) 17 77 70, central.hotel@inbox.ru Restaurant Bar Disco Indoor swimming pool Outdoor 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

Feedback The photographs screaming with pain did not leave my wife and me indifferent

would like to cordially thank “YEREVAN ITRAVEL” for organizing the vacation for my

Tsitsernakaberd. The terrifying text and the photographs screaming with pain did not leave my wife and me indifferent. I had studied a little the history of your people before but had no idea that such barbarity could take place as late as the 20th century. Of course, that is not a sight for the faint of heart, but tourists and guests in your country need to know about it. Then, having already left the capital, we went on a four-day country tour and visited still more quite important and beautiful places

family (myself, my wife and my son) from 1 to 11 August in Armenia. The journey began with a seven-day, as it were, group tour, but because in addition to the three of us no one else arrived at this time, the tour became individual from the very beginning – something that we were naturally happy about. We have been assisted up to the end of the tour by our personal driver Vladimir with his decent car and by our personal guide Rafael. Both men worked so professionally, each in his field, that they made possible for us to fully enjoy the beauty of Armenia, to learn more about its history, culture, and to see the main attractions. The tour program was drawn up competently enough. First, we got acquainted with the country's capital city Yerevan, and everything that was within a short distance (Garni, Geghard, Vagharshapat, Amberd, Sevan, Tsaghkadzor). In this series of tours particularly astounding was the Memorial to Armenian Genocide Victims, of the Republic (KhorVirap, Noravank, Tatev, Goris, Jermuk, Dilijan, Haghartsin, Goshavank). Due to the driver Vladimir we managed to arrive in time to get to the cable car “Wings of Tatev” and to fly over the amazingly beautiful mountain scenery, and then to see the Tatev monastery at sunset. It is an indescribable sight. And our guide Rafael, a very well-read person, always told interesting facts about the places where we found ourselves. Moreover, each tour, instead of being built on a pre-written script, as at school, was a lively, cheerful conversation

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Armenia with jokes and a constant dialogue between the trip participants. The next day, on our way back, we stopped at a very picturesque town called Jermuk. It is a bit like our Kislovodsk ─ healing springs, mountains with hiking trails for walking, pure air and, of course, the picturesque Jermuk waterfall, like an old man with a gray beard covering the rock. The road lay to Lake Sevan through Selim Pass. Another landscape, beautiful in its own way, with serpentine roads and velvety mountains. After passing along the shore of Lake Sevan, we stopped for the night in a very nice and green area ─ Dilijan city, the birthplace of comrade Khachikian ─ played by Frunzik Mkrtchyan in the comedy “Mimino”. I especially want to mention the picturesque hotel “Old Dilijan”, which we just did not want to leave. So we canceled our return to Yerevan and stayed at this beautiful and peaceful place for one more day, then immediately went out to the airport. What else was particularly memorable in our journey to Armenia except for the things I have listed?

The first is the hospitality and kindness of the people that we met on the streets, in restaurants, shops, hotels. When they learned that we were from Russia, they genuinely smiled and struck up a conversation, and it was clear that their attitude toward us was warm and cordial. The second is the beauty of the mountain landscapes, which is why I, in fact, came to this country. And the third is, of course, delicious food and drinks of Armenia. It is no secret that they like to eat and drink well in Russia. We were pleased with the variety of dishes, as well as the breakfast and lunch included in the tour.

Everything was so delicious and satisfying that we did not even want to have supper. Only fruit. We were there in the best season, which allowed us to discover to the full extent the appetizing fruits grown in Armenia ─ peaches, apricots, figs, blackberries etc. As well as dried cherries, plums, sloe, cherry and shujukh/churchkhela, which were sold in large quantities outside the city, in the places we visited. And, of course, the famous Armenian cognac “Ararat”, mulberry vodka from Nagorno-Karabakh and “Areni” wine, which we brought home after tasting and treated our family to them. We can only regret that in Russian stores one can very rarely find foods and beverages from Armenia. Thank you all for the beautiful fairy tale, in which we found ourselves thanks to your work. See you! Dmitry Kuzmin

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This time our charming and picky gastronomical guide Yelena Khachaturyan spotted the newly opened restaurant, TOSPIA. She went there to assess their food and the service

Gastronomical guide by

Yelena KHACHATURYAN Restaurant TOSPIA was recently opened, in April of 2016, and is conveniently located on Tumanyan 30, right in the heart of Yerevan. It is a unique project, where traditional Armenian dishes are served in very authentic surroundings, which is clearly reflective of the cultural and national heritage of Armenia. You will find yourself immersed in history, while discovering dishes from Eastern and Western Armenia. TOSPIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen is in a never ending process of reviving ancient recipes which were served to Armenian kings, princes and noble families. This beautiful three-story building is adorned with stained glass, has a comfortable microclimate and the personnel is polite and well trained. This mix of various factors is not only attracting tourists and local gourmets but also diplomatic missions from various countries. Upon taking a short tour of the restaurant I was pleasantly surprised to see replicas of Armenian civilization artifacts: the oldest carpet in the world; the oldest map which shows Armeniaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location, and murals from various Eastern and Western Armenian monasteries. Tushpa (Tosp in Armenian transcription)- was the 9th century BC capital of Urartu, later becoming known as Van. The ancient ruins, in fact, are located just west of Van and east of Lake Van in the Van Province of Turkey. Each design element is carefully researched and recreated. You can enjoy live Armenian music here during the weekends.

MENU Tospia’s menu has a great selection of dishes from which to choose. The menu itself is a minibook which tells you a culinary story of Armenia. I was enchanted by the menu which included mouth- watering dishes from the chef: beef with plum sauce, pork with cherry sauce, lamb ribs baked in exquisite sweet and sour sauce, Sevan crayfish tails with rice and also a spicy crayfish soup in coconut milk. There is a great variety for salad lovers and a few typically local favorite ones are worth mentioning: red bean salad with greens and onions, lentils with dried apricots with “aveluk” (mountain spinach) and walnuts. There is a detailed description and photos in the menu of the historic origins for those authentic Armenian dishes that deserve a special attention: Harissa, Dolma and Ghapama. The main meal variety is rich withbeef, pork, chicken and veggie dishes. The desire to try everything is overwhelming but I decided to try a few that were recommended by the restaurant manager. A total pleasant surprise was a Tospia salad made with crayfish tails, sweet pepper, broccoli, tomatoes and garlic. This recipe is exclusive of the restaurant. When it came to mains, I was served a delectable dish also called Tospia, which was a delicious mix of beef rolls stuffed with walnut pieces and served with asparagus. Dessert was a refreshing fruit lavash with dried fruits, nuts and honey.

WINES Wine list includes the best varieties of Armenian wines ─ KARAS, KATARO, KOOR, Old Areni, as well as, homemade dry wines. Average dinner check ─ AMD 3,000 ─ AMD 6,000 per person.

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hotels

Hotel “Aragats” is at the service of those who

like authentic recreation If you like authentic recreation, close to nature, where clean mountain air fills the lungs with oxygen, where waterfalls, mountain lakes, and rivers give relaxation, where natural springs give living water, and the table groans with ecologically pure, delicious foods, and you have come to Armenia in search of these “curiosities”, then you should definitely opt for the hotel “Aragats”, which was opened in August 2016.

not-too-large, cosy hotel (26 rooms: sinTgle,hedouble, family suites) is located in 40 km

from Yerevan, on incredibly beautiful foothills, at an altitude of 1850 meters above sea level, in the village of the same name, Aragats, near the town of Aparan. On the one hand,one can contemplate the two peaks of the majestic fourpeaked Aragats, the East one, and the North one, which is the highest point in Armenia – 4095 meters and on the other – Araler mountain. Many GATE GATE114 8

legends and beliefs are connected with these mountains, and you can learn about them from just anyone you meet here. Comfortable rooms with panoramic mountain views, decorated in soft color combinations and furnished with comfortable furniture, being located in a quiet courtyard, away from the busy roads, but at the same time near the capital, and many attractions – all of this will make your stay relaxing and interesting. All rooms have TV and Wi-Fi. Next to the building of the hotel is quite a large courtyard, enclosed by a fence. Here you can sit in the evening, when the heat subsides, or sit in the sun during the day if you come to Armenia in spring, summer or autumn. A large playground for children and a picturesque garden with an equipped area. In winter, you can go to the mountains for skiing or snowmobiling. Well, as for the barbecue and homemade bread (lavash and matnakash) baked in a tonir, it can be enjoyed at any time, regardless of the season.

Armenia

Armenian, Caucasian and European cuisine can be tasted in the luxurious dining area on the ground floor, not inferior to the standards of a good restaurant, or in the restaurant â&#x20AC;&#x153;Three Friendsâ&#x20AC;? close to the hotel. At the request of guests, meals and drinks can be served in your room. Notable is the tea out of various herbs and berries collected on the foothills of Mount Aragats and Araler. The hotel features a large meeting room for up to 150 people, with the selection of the optimal equipment, as well as a large spacious lounge with sofas, coffee tables, and a TV. At the hotel operates a laundry service, including self-service. At any time, you can address your questions to the reception employees, who are multi-lingual.

They can arrange a tour to the mountains, to the attractions in the area, renting of snowmobiles or skis, and in general, you can turn to them for any matter. And a bit of useful information and historical references. The climate in the area is mountainous, temperate. Winter is long, harsh and summers are hot and relatively humid. The average temperature in July varies from +17 to +18 degrees, in January from -6 to -8 degrees. The annual precipitation is 450 - 600 mm. Previously Aparan was called Kasakh. The first mention of the area dates back to the second century. History has brought us various names of the area: Kasakh, Abaran, Upper Aparan, Bash Abaran, Bash Aparan, Paraznakert, Kasakh. Once Kasakh was the center of the province Nig in Ancient Ar-

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hotels

menia, the residence of the Gntuni princes. This place is famous for a large number of man-made and natural monuments. Extant is the Kasakh basilica (Surb Khach of Kasakh), built in the IV century. Also, the ruins of the fortresses and castles belonging to the Ararat state testify to the age of the district. On the left side of the Aparan-Spitak highwayis the cemetery of the I century BC, and not far from it – Aparan Fortress of II century BC. Here was the city that the king Trdat I gave to the princely house of Gntuni. consisting of more than 1,700 small crosses. It is worth recalling that Armenia adopted Christianity as a state religion in 301 AD. And the idea of the architect Andranik Sargsyan is that the number of small crosses in the composition that collectively make up a single cross will increase parallelly with the years since the adoption of Christianity in Armenia. Besides, these crosses “sing” because they are made of hollow tubes, and when in contact with the wind, they start to buzz. Symbolic is also the height of the stone chapel, which serves as a Among the new sites on the foothills of pedestal for the cross –it is 301 cm high. CanMount Aragats is the “Alley of Letters” out of dlesticks are placed at the foot of the Cross. tufa. It was opened in 2005 on the 1600 th anni- Around the “Open Altar of Hope”, erected versary of the Armenian alphabet, which was near the cross, there is enough space to accreated by the enlightener, missionary and commodate more than 200 thousand persons. Bible translator Mesrop Mashtots. Armenians And thisis by far not the full list of interestand guests of the country gladly seek out their ing and noteworthy places on Aragats foothills. letters and are photographed on their back- Hotel “Aragats” is waiting to show you what a ground. Next to the “Alley of the Letters” is real exclusive holiday on the ancient Armenian towering a 33-meter cross (corresponding to land is. the number of earthly years of Jesus Christ), GATE GATE116 8

KYUFTA Ingredients: Ground meat (kyufta) – 1 kg Onions – 0, 1 kg Cognac – 0,05 l Eggs – ½ Flour – 1 tbsp. Ingredients for Spelt/emmer wheat (achar) – 0, 3 kg the garnish: Onions – 0, 2 kg Butter – 0, 2 kg Salt Red pepper, ground

Cooking method: To the meat for kyufta, add the finely chopped onion, flour, egg, cognac. Mix the mass well. Beat the meat with both hands, until it turns into a dense homogeneous mass. Out of 1 kg of this mass, form 2 balls and cook in boiling salted water for 30 - 40 minutes until ready. For a side dish, cook the spelt. Separately, fry in butter the onion chopped in half-rings, add sliced mushrooms. Fry until golden brown. Add cooked spelt, salt, pepper, butter. Serve with ready kyufta. Before serving, pour melted butter over the kyufta.

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Try this dish, which you can even make at home, in the restaurant, “Salon”!

8, Abovyan str., Yerevan Теl.: +(374 11) 44 33 33

Welcome to Armenia! Hotel â&#x20AC;&#x153;Araratâ&#x20AC;? will provide all conditions for making your stay with us unforgettable. All this is thanks to the good conditions, a stylish interior and first class service. We hope that you will like it here and will feel the world-famous Armenian hospitality.