What six months in Armenia revealed to this photography duo

National Geographic
May 9 2026

What six months in Armenia revealed to this photography duo

In this landlocked country in the South Caucasus, the culinary culture and winemaking traditions are rooted in the land and shaped by a millennia-old history.


Story and photographs by Bernd Jungbauer and Jessica Jungbauer
Published May 9, 2026

Armenia’s dining culture is shaped by its agricultural heritage of high-altitude farming.


Armenia’s proud national identity is vividly reflected in its cuisine. Lavash, a thin flatbread included on Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, is traditionally made by women and baked in a clay oven.

Gata is another popular bread; it’s sold sweet and decorated outside medieval Geghard Monastery in Kotayk province.

Fresh herbs such as tarragon feature heavily in Armenian dishes, alongside apricots, pomegranates and walnuts.

The intense flavours of the seasonal produce are shaped by the country’s high-altitude landscape, which bursts into vibrant shades of green during summer.

Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 CE, but cross-cultural influences are visible in landmarks such as the 18th-century Blue Mosque in Yerevan.

The country’s winemaking has ancient roots, too, dating back over 6,000 years, with the world’s oldest winery found in Areni province.

Armenia’s first artisan cheese producer, Mikayelyan Family Farm, wraps cow’s cheese in vine leaves, celebrating the country’s connection to viticulture.

Restaurants also blend tradition with innovation: fettuccine-like arishta noodles are still beaten by hand at Tsaghkunk Restaurant & Glkhatun.

Known for their generous hospitality, Armenians typically raise a toast to family, friends and good health when sharing a meal. And, while the country respects tradition — as symbolised by the Mother Armenia monument (right) overlooking Yerevan, which represents peace, unity and strength — this isn’t a place defined by its past.

A new generation of chefs, producers and winemakers is honouring Armenia’s heritage while bringing it into the future — from modern coffeeshops, like Afrolab in Yerevan, to cultural institutions such as the Wine History Museum of Armenia in Sasunik village.
See all the photos at https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/what-six-months-in-armenia-revealed-to-this-photography-duo


Verelq: PAP members paid tribute to the Great Patriotic War

On the instructions of the chairman of the “Prosperous Armenia” party, Gagik Tsarukyan, today in more than 100 settlements of the Republic of Armenia, the representatives of the party paid tribute to the memory of the heroes who died for the defense of the homeland in the Great Patriotic War and Artsakh.

Many events were organized in accordance with the Council of the Day, in which the veterans of the Great Patriotic War also took part. Wreaths were laid and flowers were bowed in the large and small communities of all marzes of the republic in memory of the fallen and victorious heroes.

The purpose of the initiative implemented on the instructions of Gagik Tsarukyan was to emphasize once again the importance of preserving historical memory, respect for heroes and patriotic upbringing of the young generation. Such events are not only a tribute to our heroes, but also an important message to future generations so that the value of peace and the price of victory are never forgotten.

Verelq: And who is Nicole, what merit does she have to evaluate the Artsakh movement?

And who is Nicole, what are her values, what is her merit before the state and the motherland, to evaluate the Artsakh movement, was it right, was it wrong, what is Artsakh… and so on… and so on.

Why do you get under his agenda, legitimize it, why do you make his agency theses an agenda for discussion?

There is nothing to add. he knows the media agenda very well, he sets the agenda for you, he follows the instructions of his superiors and he gets things done.

Every time, again and again.


Political scientist Alen Ghevondyan




Armenpress: Developed, secure, democratic Armenia is the greatest tribute to

Armenia10:35, 9 May 2026
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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan released a statement on May 9, Victory and Peace Day, saying that Armenians made a significant contribution to the fight against fascism during World War II and stressing the importance of condemning fascism in all its manifestations.

In his message, Pashinyan stated that Armenia is celebrating May 9, 2026, under conditions of peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He noted that for the past two years, there have been neither casualties nor injuries resulting from Armenia-Azerbaijan gunfire.

Below is the full statement published by the Prime Minister’s Office.

“Dear people, dear citizens of the Republic of Armenia,

Today marks the Day of Victory of the Soviet Union and the Western Allies in World War II, which is celebrated in our country as Victory and Peace Day.

In World War II, civilized humanity said no to fascism. The Armenian people made a significant contribution to this struggle, with more than half a million Armenians fighting against fascism in the Soviet and Western Allied armies, as well as in underground resistance groups. That struggle and contribution have been highly appreciated in many countries.

We are celebrating the 81st anniversary of the victory over fascism under difficult international conditions. We are obliged not to forget the disasters fascism brought upon humanity and to condemn this phenomenon in all its manifestations.

Today we bow our heads before all the martyrs who gave their lives to save humanity from fascism. We also pay tribute to all the countries and peoples who fought against fascism.

Dear people, dear citizens of the Republic of Armenia,

We celebrate May 9, 2026, under the conditions of peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan. For two years now, there have been neither casualties nor injuries resulting from Armenia-Azerbaijan gunfire. Our border settlements live in an environment free from shootings. This is the most important achievement our country has recorded for the first time since independence.

Our task today is to properly safeguard the peace we have achieved and make it stronger and more reliable every day. The established peace is a historic opportunity for our country to reach an unprecedented level of security, prosperity and development.

Today we are confidently moving along that path, and a developed, free, secure, prosperous and democratic Republic of Armenia is the greatest tribute to the memory of all the martyrs of our people throughout history, as well as the service we must provide to our citizens and future generations.

We will pay that tribute, we will provide that service.

Glory to the martyrs, and long live the Republic of Armenia.”

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Armenian Parliament Speaker sends congratulatory message on Victory and Peace

Armenia11:31, 9 May 2026
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Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia Alen Simonyan sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of Victory and Peace Day.

The message, published by the Parliament’s press service, reads:

“May 9 is a day of remembrance, respect, and peace. Today, we remember and pay tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives in the fight against fascism. The Armenian people also made a significant contribution and a dignified participation in that struggle: tens of thousands of Armenians fought on different fronts and as part of the Allied Forces for the peaceful future and freedom of humanity.

Today, in a complex and unstable geopolitical environment, it is more important than ever to preserve peace, strengthen statehood, and continue building a secure, democratic, and stable Armenia. Although the peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan is now a reality, it also requires care and attention.

Congratulating on Victory and Peace Day, I wish the Republic of Armenia peace and prosperity, so that from now on we’ll speak about wars only in the context of the past and history.

Glory to martyrs!”

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May 9 is an occasion to revalue peace: President Khachaturyan

Armenia12:30, 9 May 2026
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May 9 is one of the most important days in our history and collective memory, uniting the ideas of victory, remembrance and peace, President Vahagn Khachaturyan said in his message on Victory and Peace Day.

“On this day, we pay tribute to all those who selflessly fought to liberate humanity from fascism during World War II. Their courage and endurance became the foundation of the victory that changed the course of history.

The Armenian people participated in that struggle with dignity. Tens of thousands of Armenians fought on various fronts, suffered heavy losses, yet continued the struggle with unwavering determination for a peaceful and secure world. The exploits of Armenian soldiers and military commanders remain an important page in the history of the global victory.

May 9 is also an opportunity to revalue peace. Today, the world continues to face numerous challenges, and more than ever it is necessary to uphold solidarity, mutual respect and the principles of peaceful coexistence among peoples.

It is our duty to value the lessons of the past and contribute every day to building a peaceful, secure and dignified future.

“Honour and gratitude to all veterans and to the memory of the victims of war. May peace and prosperity always accompany our people and homeland.

Happy Victory and Peace Day,” the message reads.

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Armenia, Azerbaijan agree on draft document on border delimitation

Azerbaijan14:19, 9 May 2026
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The Commission on the Delimitation of the State Border and Border Security between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the State Commission on the Delimitation of the State Border between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia, have agreed on a draft document related to border delimitation work, Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan said in an interview with News.am.

“They describe the procedure and are more technical in nature, but are nevertheless important, because we must continue to act in accordance with these documents. The documents are public and, in both countries, must be approved through domestic procedures,” Grigoryan noted.

The deputy prime minister also touched upon the process of delimiting the section adjacent to the planned Trump route in Armenia.

“Whenever it becomes necessary to specify the crossings related to the Trump route, we will delimit those sections separately. I do not think it will be a lengthy process,” Grigoryan emphasized.

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We live in real peace — President Khachaturyan

Armenia14:45, 9 May 2026
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President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan said the May 9 holiday is about peace.

“Today’s holiday is about peace. We live in a peaceful Republic of Armenia,” the president said.

President Khachaturyan also answered a question about how stable the established peace is.

“We live in real peace,” Khachaturyan said.

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No country relations developed at another’s expense — deputy minister on defe

Armenia15:05, 9 May 2026
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Armenia is not diversifying its defense sector by developing relations with one country at the expense of another, Deputy Defense Minister Arman Sargsyan told reporters.

He noted that Armenia should continue developing relations with as many countries as possible, including European and other states that want peace to prevail in Armenia and try to contribute to the development of the country’s defense capabilities.

“Relations with any country are not developed at the expense of any other country,” Sargsyan said.

Commenting on defense cooperation with India, Sargsyan described it as “excellent,” noting that it is aimed at strengthening Armenia’s defense capabilities.

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Azerbaijan sends another batch of petroleum products to Armenia — media

Azerbaijan15:21, 9 May 2026
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Another batch of Azerbaijani petroleum products has been sent to Armenia, according to Azerbaijani media.

“Eight wagons loaded with 479 tons of diesel fuel have been sent to Armenia from the Balajary station. As of today, a total of 8,500 tons of diesel fuel, 979 tons of AI-92 gasoline, and 2,955 tons of AI-95 gasoline have been sent from Azerbaijan to Armenia,” according to media reports.

At the same time, 27,000 tons of grain, 4,000 tons of fertilizer, 133 tons of aluminum, and 68 tons of buckwheat were transported from Russia to Armenia via Azerbaijan.

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