PRESS RELEASE
The Armenia Fund
Governmental Buiding 3, Yerevan, RA
Contact: Hasmik Grigoryan
Tel: +(3741) 56 01 06 ext. 105
Fax: +(3741) 52 15 05
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
19 March, 2008
Armenia Fund Will Upgrade Haghartsin Monastery With Donation from HH the
Ruler of Sharjah
Yerevan, March 19, 2008 – The Haghartsin Monastery Complex will enjoy major
renovation and infrastructure upgrade thanks to a princely donation by
His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE
Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
On March 17, an agreement specifying construction and renovation activities
was signed between the Armenia Fund and the H.H. the Sheikh, represented by
Mr.Varouj Nerguizian, an active member of the Armenian community of the
United Arab Emirates, and a close advisor to the Prince.
The project includes renovation of the access road to Haghartsin, the
installation of a water supply system, as well as the building of power
transmission and gas supply systems.
The project, at a total cost of around US $1,713,000 will bring significant
and essential upgrading to the entire area.
A similar agreement, for an undisclosed amount, was entered into earlier,
between His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and
H.H.Dr.Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, whereby the renovation of the
Church Complex of Haghartsin will be undertaken and supervised by the Mother
See of Holy Etchmiadzin, in accordance with the provisions of the Ministry
of Culture’s Monuments Department.
Construction and renovation will begin in April 2008. The 6 km road
connecting the monastery to the main road will be upgraded and asphalted.
Some sections of the road will be widened to provide space for tourism
support services. Parking and lighting will be added.
Modern water, power and gas supply systems will facilitate the maintenance
and operation of the monastic complex.
"Haghartsin is an architectural marvel, a favorite tourist spot, and a
religious center. This extremely generous, thoughtful and unexpected gift
will go a long way towards cementing the friendship and mutual respect
between the people and rulers of Sharjah, and the Armenians. We all believe
in the value of safeguarding the old, while we upgrade and renew the
monuments of our heritage so that they continue to be a part of our life and
culture for centuries more," said Vahe Aghabegians, Executive Director of
the Armenia Fund.
Mr. Nerguizian, General Manager of Bank of Sharjah, was entrusted with the
successful completion of this project after H.H. the Sheikh’s official visit
to Armenia two years ago when he first saw and was impressed by the beauty
and history of the monastery.
His Highness, who had received the Medal for Human Rights from UNESCO in
2003, has an extensive track record supporting cultural and educational
causes throughout the Emirates and elsewhere.
"We are grateful to His Highness, Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohamed Al Qasimi.
Among the Armenia Fund’s many programs and many donors, this project and
this particular expression of generosity will be remembered and used as an
example of the potential that our historic monuments represent. Even as we
renovate them for their cultural and spiritual value, the community
surrounding the complex will enjoy the economic advantages of a welcoming,
operating center. Armenia appreciates the Sheikh’s vision" said Mr.
Aghabegians.
Mr. Nerguizian confirmed that H.H. the Sheikh will attend personally the
official ceremony marking the completion of the renovation works of the
Haghartsin Church Complex.
###
The Armenia Fund