Month: June 2017

Tourism: Stunning Armenia

George Mamian
Gulf Times, Qatar
June 7 2017
Stunning Armenia

By T N Shaji

Wednesday، 11:14 PM

Republic of Armenia is a country of ancient monasteries, and former Soviet Union, in the Caucasus region between Asia and Europe. With beautiful mountains, especially the Mount Ararat, relaxed pace of life and welcoming residents, stable weather and lower crime rate, Armenia is a perfect tourist destination. The cheapest flights to Armenia provided by some leading airlines include Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Fly Dubai, Atlasglobal and MEA.

One of the reasons why tourists prefer to spend their holiday in Armenia is very affordable prices. The national currency in Armenia is dram (AMD), which exists in the form of banknotes and coins. Most often during the daily expenses, Armenians use banknotes of 1,000 or 5,000 dram and coins of 200 and 500 dram.


There is a wide range of both luxury restaurant cafes offering fast food. In fast food chains, visitors can have a full meal and pay only 1,500-2,000 AMD ($3-4), in the national restaurants the dinner will cost from 5,000 to 15,000 AMD ($10-30) or higher that depends on the prestige and selected dishes.
The cuisine reflects the history and geography where Armenians have lived as well as incorporating outside influences. In Armenia, there is a restaurant for each taste like Armenian national cuisine, Lebanese cuisine, Middle Eastern cuisine, Indian cuisine, Georgian cuisine, Special Halal menu, homemade food, European, continental and snack menu.
Visa procedures are also simplified as part of promoting tourism in Armenia. The citizens of the UAE with all types of passports are exempt from the requirement to obtain a visa to enter the Republic of Armenia up to 180 days per year. The citizens of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman can obtain Armenian entry visa.
Citizens of India, who have residence permit in Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman can obtain Armenian entry visa also on the border of the Republic of Armenia. 
If the tourists do not want to use roaming during their stay in Armenia, Armenian operators’ SIM cards can be purchased in any book stall for 1,000 drams ($2). Rates operators (Beeline, Orange, VivaCell -MTC) are different, but on average we can say that one minute of talk within Armenia will cost 20-30 drams ($0.04 – 0.06).
Climate of Armenia is markedly continental. Summer is dry and sunny, lasting from June to mid-September. Winter is short and quite cold with plenty of snow. In the mountains, the average summer temperature ranges between +10 and +22C, and in the winter temperatures range between +2 and -14C. In plain lands the average January temperature is -5C, and July temperature is +25C. 
Armenia boasts some of Europe’s most stunning views, with the peak of Mount Ararat dominating the country’s skyline. The mountain is Armenia’s national symbol despite its peak lying just over the Turkish border. Armenia is home to countless beautiful monasteries and they are often found in areas of truly outstanding natural beauty. Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, is one of the most rapidly developing cities in the whole of Europe as the nation continues to embrace tourism. 
The following are some of the key attractions in Armenia.


Yerevan
By far the largest city in Armenia, the capital Yerevan is a great place to start for anyone wishing to explore Armenia. The city is home to the grand Republic Square, while climbing the Cascade to see the city’s monument to Soviet victory in the Second World War is a must. Yerevan is a deeply historic city and visiting the Armenian Genocide Memorial is a must to learn more about the nation’s troubled past. Vernissage flea market is worth visiting too – it is open at the weekend – while a walk through the Hrazdan gorge is also very attractive. Much of what Armenia has to offer can be explored during day trips from Yerevan, which is known as the City of Cafes. Yerevan is also home to Blue Mosque, which is the only mosque in the whole of the country, as well as Levon’s Amazing Underground World, which is one of Europe’s most unusual attractions.


Shikahogh State Reserve 
The second largest forest reserve in Armenia, Shikahogh State Reserve is so unspoiled that large parts of it remain unexplored to this day. The forest is believed to be home to animals including leopards, bears, wild goats and vipers and it is also thought that Shikahogh State Reserve has about 1,100 species of plants, although its fauna has not yet been fully explored. The reserve also has a number of very beautiful waterfalls to enjoy.


Lake Sevan
Lake Sevan, found in the heart of Armenia, is the country’s largest lake and a beautiful place to visit. The lake is surrounded by some stunning monasteries – the most impressive of them being arguably the Sevanavank Monastery – providing a glorious scenic backdrop to a relaxing trip. Windsurfing is among the recreation activities available at the lake, which also has a wide choice of excellent seafood restaurants along its shore. Lake Sevan has a number of popular beaches and, as the country has no coastline, this is the best place in Armenia to sunbathe, with Sevan Bay and its surrounding mountains providing spectacular scenery.
The lake is considered to be one of the largest fresh water lakes in the world at an altitude of 1,897 metres above sea level.


Dilijan national park 
Armenia has four national parks and Dilijan national park may be the most beautiful of the lovely quartet. The park, which was only established in 2002, is famous for its medicinal mineral water springs, as well as its natural monuments. Many of Armenia’s more important cultural locations can be found within the grounds of the park, such as Haghartsin Monastery, Goshavank Monastery and Jukhtak Vank, as well as Matosavank Monastery. The Aghestev and Getik river basins are also both within the boundaries of Dilijan national park.
Dilijan is also a resort town with mild climate, fresh air in the northeast of Yerevan. It is famous for its amazing surroundings, called the “Armenian Switzerland” by the locals, due to the densely forested valleys and mountains with alpine meadows around. It is an excellent centre for walking.


Noravank 
Monasteries are one of Armenia’s defining characteristics and the example at Noravank is one of the most beautiful in the whole country. Sheer brick-red cliffs shield the monastery, which was built in the 13th century. Noravank is famous for its Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) church; while the story goes that the monastery was saved by God himself when Armenia was conquered by the Mongols hundreds of years ago. Noravank would be an extremely good tourist location in Armenia where thousands of people visit every year. 


Tsaghkadzor 
Armenia’s mountainous scenery makes it ideal for winter sports and the country’s best ski resort can be found at Tsaghkadzor in the heart of the country. Ski lifts are paid for by the ride and are among the most affordable in Europe. Tsaghkadzor boasts some of the finest hotels in the country, while the resort also has one of the nation’s biggest entertainment centres in the form of the Senator Royale casino complex. Tsaghkadzor also has the Kecharis Monastery, which is one of Armenia’s most important religious complexes, dating back to the start of the 11th century.


Upper Azat Valley 
The Upper Azat Valley is one of Armenia’s World Heritage Sites, partly due to the incredible Geghard Monastery for which the region is most famous. The main chapel was built 800 years ago but the history of the monastery goes all the way back to the fourth century, when it was founded by Gregory the Illuminator. 


Geghard Monastery
It is a monastery which is hewn out from a cave. The monastery had been originally named Ayrivank meaning the “the Monastery of the Cave”. The monastery is included in the Unesco World Heritage list. The name commonly used for the monastery today, Geghard, or more fully Geghardavank meaning the Monastery of the Spear.


Garni Pagan Temple
The temple was built by Armenian King Tiridates and was dedicated to the God of Sun Mithra. Garni is the only Hellenistic temple existing nowadays in Armenia. The stairs of the temple are made huge and high which means that every human being climbing up the stairs is condescending to the God. The place is attractive for the wonderful natural rocks, formed of regular cylinders. This composition is called “Symphony of Stones” which one can find anywhere else in the world.

Book: ‘Turkish journalist’s novel on Armenian Genocide, ‘My Beautiful Deads’

Emil Lazarian 
 Aravot, Armenia
June 7 2017


‘Turkish journalist’s novel on Armenian Genocide, ‘My Beautiful Deads’

Turkish journalist Ozlem Ertan has written a novel called “My
Beautiful Deads” (Turkish: Benim Güzel Ölülerim). It was published
last week by Ithaki Publishing House, which is one of the best
publishing houses in Turkey. As the author noted, the novel is about
Armenian Genocide, Kurds in Turkey and these days problems.

““My Beautiful Deads” is a fantastic novel and I’ve used a magical
style and language in this book. This novel is important because it is
the first fantastic novel about Armenian Genocide. There are two
worlds in my book: the world of the dead and the living. Armenian
priest Garabed is one of the main characters in my novel. Garabed
Vartabed lost his family and witnessed many tragedies in 1915.
Afterward, he was killed by a murderer”, Ozlem Ertan introduced the
novel.

As she says, Garabed usually plays duduk and remembers his hometown
Dikranagerd (Diyarbakır).

Book: Updated version of “History of Armenia” by Movses Khorenatsi presented at YSU

Liana Toganian
Panorama, Armenia
June 8 2017

The presentation of the updated version of “History of Armenia” by Movses Khorenatsi (translated by Gagik Sargsyan) was held today at Yerevan State University (YSU) Faculty of Oriental Studies.

 Head of Chair of Iranian Studies Vardan Voskanyan and the representative of the initiating group Karen Igityan delivered a speech.

The organizers stated that the book had been supplemented with colored historical maps and illustrations of Italian painters of 15th century. They also mentioned that the number of references had been updated in correspondence with current scientific requirements.
The book is addressed to the large audience and aims to present Armenian History not only within scientific framework, but also, more impressively introduce the events of those times with the help of colored illustrations.

The idea of the book publication belongs to deceased representative of Armenian community of Pyatigorsk Hrat Sarkisov. He attached great significance to publication of Russian-language books about Armenian history and thereby dissemination of historical facts about Armenia within both Armenian community and Russian-speaking people of other nationalities.

The organizers mentioned that Alla Ter-Sarkisyanc (Doctor of History, Russion historian and ethnographer), Valeria Esayan (Candidate of Philology), Varsenik Hayrapetovna (Candidate of Pedagogy, Victor Akopyan (Candidate of History, Associate Professor), Gohar Arustamova (Armenian language teacher in Armenian school of Pyatigorsk) and Karen Ghazaryan (Historian) have worked on the updated version of the book.

ANKARA: Turkey rebuffs US resolution condemning Washington incident

Andranik Taslakhchian 
Daily Sabah, Turkey
June 8 2017


Turkey rebuffs US resolution condemning Washington incident

DAILY SABAH
ISTANBUL


Turkey has rebuffed a U.S. House of Representatives resolution that
condemned the Washington incident, and accused legislators of steps
that "distort and politicize" matters. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
Hüseyin Müftüoğlu in a statement said yesterday that the resolution
was "against the spirit of alliance and partnership" between Turkey
and the U.S.

"The U.S. House of Representatives last night put on its agenda and
passed an undue resolution that was previously voted by the House
Foreign Affairs Committee. The steps taken by the U.S. legislative
branches to distort and politicize the matter are not constructive,"
the statement said.House Republicans and Democrats unanimously
approved a measure Tuesday that underscored their fury over Washington
incidents during President Erdoğan's meeting with U.S. President
Donald Trump in May.

The incident took place when a group of PKK supporters and some
protesters carrying Armenian flags started shouting slogans against
Turkey and President Erdoğan at the Lafayette Square Park, just north
of the White House.

Later, when Erdoğan arrived at the embassy building, protesters
continued the insults, shouted slogans and threw water bottles
prompting some Turkish citizens and the head of the president's
security detail to step in.

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier cited the U.S.
authorities' failure to take precautions as the main reason behind the
incident.

BAKU: Armenian FM outraged by Russian journalist’s question on occupation

Emil Karabekian
APA, Azerbaijan
June 8 2017

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, who is paying a visit to Italy, has held a press conference with his Italian counterpart Angelino Alfano.

 

During the conference, Nalbandian was outraged by a Russian journalist asking “When is Armenia going to withdraw its troops from the occupied Azerbaijani region?” The Armenian minister replied, saying, “I’m sorry for the questioning side. It’s been written from either your editorial office or Baku,” APA reported citing Turkish newspaper Marmara Gazetesi.

 

Nalbandian also claimed that Azerbaijan has ignored the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs’ proposals.

 

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict entered its modern phase when the Armenian SRR made territorial claims against the Azerbaijani SSR in 1988.

 

A fierce war broke out between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. As a result of the war, Armenian armed forces occupied some 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory which includes Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent districts (Lachin, Kalbajar, Aghdam, Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan), and over a million Azerbaijanis became refugees and internally displaced people.

 

The military operations finally came to an end when Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in Bishkek in 1994.

 

Dealing with the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the OSCE Minsk Group, which was created after the meeting of the CSCE (OSCE after the Budapest summit held in December 1994) Ministerial Council in Helsinki on 24 March 1992. The Group’s members include Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia, the United States, France, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Belarus, Finland and Sweden.

 

Besides, the OSCE Minsk Group has a co-chairmanship institution, comprised of Russian, the US and French co-chairs, which began operating in 1996.  

 

Resolutions 822, 853, 874 and 884 of the UN Security Council, which were passed in short intervals in 1993, and other resolutions adopted by the UN General Assembly, PACE, OSCE, OIC, and other organizations require Armenia to unconditionally withdraw its troops from Nagorno-Karabakh.

 

Tourism: Armenia is becoming a popular GCC travel destination

Emil Lazarian
Trade Arabia
June 7 2017

Air Arabia's flights to Armenia are fast filling up as the destination has become popular for GCC families, especially Indian citizens living in the Gulf, thanks to the latest visa-on-arrival policy that the country implemented earlier this year.

Armenia appeals to a wide spectrum of holiday-goers, from thrill seeking adventurers to those looking for more family-orientated trips, Yerevan is an exciting destination for many groups.
 
Situated at the centre of the natural beauty that is the Caucasus Mountain Region, Armenia’s natural surroundings make it a highly attractive option for the likes of backpackers and the more adventurous traveller.
 
Air Arabia commenced operations to Armenia in 2013 and, today, flies to Yerevan four times a week from Sharjah. Flight times are approximately three-hours, with the route being served by an Airbus A320.
 
In addition to flights, the carrier's tour operating division, Air Arabia Holidays, also offers holiday packages at affordable rates, while maintaining a level of flexibility that allows passengers to tailor their trip to their unique requirements.
 
A country steeped in history, Armenia features landscapes that are punctuated with breath-taking mountains, forests, lakes and waterfalls. With historic sights and ancient architecture also among its many appeals – as well as having one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world – Armenia offers countless sightseeing opportunities and cultural experiences, making it a unique holiday destination for GCC residents.
 
Air Arabia currently operates flights to 125 destinations in 35 countries from five hubs across the Middle East and North Africa.    - TradeArabia News Service

  

Unseen Armenia: Janfida

Yeghisabet Vorskanian
Armenia Weekly
June 7 2017

By Joseph Dagdigian on June 7, 2017 in Special Reports

Janfida is a village on Armavir province’s south central border with Turkey. From the village, Mount Ararat is clearly visible through the summer haze.  Nearby, atop a hill, are the ruins of Urartu’s ancient Argishtikhinilli fortress (776 B.C.). Immediately south of the village is the security zone along the Armenian-Turkish border which is patrolled by CIS (primarily Russian) forces; the Arax river being the actual border.

The entrance to Janfida village (Photo: Joseph Dagdigian)

Ancient civilizations here are attested by Urartian artifacts found in or near the village, and by early medieval Armenian artifacts discovered in 1990. Just outside the village, in what was a medieval Armenian and Kurdish cemetery, khachkars (cross stones) were found from the 7-8th century. Just across the nearby Arax river, in what is now Turkey,  my map shows a number of churches, which are undoubtedly Armenian.

A medieval khachkar (Photo: Joseph Dagdigian)

During past centuries, much of the Armenian population here was forced to leave due to invasions by Turks and Persians who fought over this territory. Later Russia occupied this region. From 1828-1830 many displaced Armenians returned here to what became Russian Armenia, part of the Russian Empire, thanks to provisions of the Treaty of Turkmanchay. This treaty terminated the Russo-Persian war of 1826-1828 and guaranteed the right of Armenians to return to their homeland. This treaty, negotiated by Russian playwright and diplomat Alexander Griboyedov, played an important role in restoring the demographics of Caucasian Armenia. A statue of this hero stands on Tigran Metz street in Yerevan, with a village in Armenia’s Armavir province named in his honor as well. While still in Persia he was killed by a mob.

Mount Ararat from Janfida village (Photo: Joseph Dagdigian)

During the Armenian Genocide and its aftermath, many of the survivors found refuge in Caucasian Armenia. This included many of the ancestors of Janfida’s current families, whose origins are in Van, Mush, Sasun, and other Western Armenian regions. Initially these survivors sought refuge near Lake Sevan, but later moved to Janfida, closer to their ancestral villages, intending to return at the conclusion of WWI. But that was not to be.

Statue of Alexander Griboyedov, Tigran Metz street, Yerevan (Photo: Joseph Dagdigian)

In the early 1940s, at the onset of WWII, many Kurds who remained here decided to relocate to Turkey, across the Arax river. Though the border was closed, they somehow managed the move.

Janfida village (Photo: Joseph Dagdigian)

Turkey, though “neutral” during most of WWII, was sympathetic to Germany. Shortly before the end of the war, Turkey hypocritically sided with the allies. It was believed, however, that Turkey might take advantage of the war to invade Soviet Armenia. Though this did not happen, preparations were made for such an eventuality.  On the opposite side of Janfida village from the Turkish border, there remains concrete bunkers with tank turrets on top—their barrels pointing towards Turkey.

WWII bunker and tank turret, Janfida village (Photo: Joseph Dagdigian)

From 1941-1945, 121 citizens of Janfida, out of a total population of about 1,400, fought in WWII. Of these, 87 died. Additionally, many were wounded. In memory of the large sacrifice this village made during the war, noted sculptor Ara Sargsyan sculpted a memorial statue, which stands in the village center, next to the St. Garabed (2014) Church.

Memorial to WWII martyrs, statue sculptured by Ara Sargsyan (Photo: Joseph Dagdigian)

The memorial’s sculptor was born near Constantinople displayed enormous artistic talent in his youth. In the aftermath of the genocide, while studying art in Europe, he was a clandestine Nemesis operative and friend of Arshavir Shiragian, helping impose justice on those responsible for the Armenian Genocide. Concealing his Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF)-Nemesis activities, he moved to Soviet Armenia where he played a key role in establishing Armenia’s artistic institutions. While recovering from a non-life-threatening injury in the hospital he unexplainably died, likely the work of the KGB, who likely discovered his previous activities and considered him dangerous, although he participated in no anti-Soviet activities.

At the onset of the Artsakh (Karabagh) liberation movement, a detachment of Janfida volunteers, the “Black Panthers”, served in Artsakh. Sixteen of these volunteers sacrificed their lives during the struggle. Others chose to remain in Artsakh establishing a village with the same name, Janfida, in Artsakh’s Kashatagh province.

Memorial to WWII martyrs and St. Garabed church (Photo: Joseph Dagdigian)

Janfida’s current population is around 3,500, and unlike many other villages, is stable, with only a few choosing to leave the village. The economy is based on growing apricots and cherries, with some wheat grown as well. Three hundred students are enrolled in Janfida’s school system with 90 children in kindergarten. Roads to the village are good. We traveled via train from Yerevan’s Sasuntsi Davit station to Armavir, the center of the province, and from there by cab to nearby Janfida. The train fare was less than a dollar and took about an hour.

The name “Janfida” is a commonly used term for irregular Armenian freedom fighters; heroes. It appears the name was used prior to 1900 but exactly when or under what circumstances the name was adopted is unknown.

The area around Armavir city contains much of interest. There is the Sardarabad museum and war memorial, the ancient Metsamor archaeological site and museum, the ancient Urartian fortress of Argishtikhinili atop a nearby hill, and when in season the local apricots are amazingly sweet. And there is Janfida village—its history, and its people.

Tourism: Armenia eager to develop adventure tourism

Alex Nanijanian
ARKA, Armenia
June 7 2017

YEREVAN, June 7. /ARKA/. Zarmine Zeytuntsyan,  the head of the State Tourism Committee, an affiliation of the Armenian Ministry of Economic Development and Infrastructure, met today with representatives of travel agencies specializing in adventure tourism to discuss creation of a working group that will be engaged in zoning of areas for adventure tourism in Armenia.

According to her, adventure tourism is interesting for Armenia not only because of  a big  potential, but also because of easily accessible information about it.

She said a study revealed that about 80% of travelers looking for adventure tourism learn all the necessary information through social media, especially from Facebook and YouTube.

According to statistics for 2010-2011, $263 billion were spent on adventure tourism all over the world. The average age of tourists is about 35 years, who spend $900-$100 for one trip. Most of the travelers are men who travel both with families and with friends. -0-

Sports: Chris Eubank Jr to fight Arthur Abraham at Wembley Arena in first defence of IBO super-middleweight title

Christine Harutyunian 
standard.co.uk
June 6, 2017 Tuesday 11:04 AM GMT


Chris Eubank Jr to fight Arthur Abraham at Wembley Arena in first
defence of IBO super-middleweight title

by Richard Parry


Chris Eubank Jnr will look to defend his IBO super-middleweight title
against Arthur Abraham.

The fight is expected to take place at Wembley Arena on Saturday July
15, with ITV once again set to televise the event.

The broadcaster screened Eubank Jnr's victory over Renold Quilan in
February which handed the 27-year-old the title, but the Brit now
faces a different proposition in Abraham.

Born in Armenia before moving to Germany at the age of 15, Avetik
Abrahamyan - better known as Arthur Abraham - is a former three-time,
two-weight world champion.

Holding both German and American citizenship, the 37-year-old is a
heavily experienced operator, with 51 bouts to his name compared to
Eubank's 25.

A fight against a boxer ten-years his senior is comparable to Anthony
Joshua's bout with Wladimir Klitschko in April, but Eubank is
considered a heavier favourite.

But since losing his last world championship to Gilberto Ramirez, and
deciding against retirement, the 37-year-old has seen an upturn in
form.

It will be Abraham's first fight in the UK, and though the underdog
going into this fight, Eubank cannot take anything for granted.

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.standard.co.uk_sport_chris-2Deubank-2Djnr-2Dto-2Dfight-2Darthur-2Dabraham-2Dat-2Dwembley-2Darena-2Din-2Djuly-2Din-2Dfirst-2Ddefence-2Dof-2Dibo-2Da3557966.html&d=DwIBaQ&c=clK7kQUTWtAVEOVIgvi0NU5BOUHhpN0H8p7CSfnc_gI&r=LVw5zH6C4LHpVQcGEdVcrQ&m=L30cPM010Tx64ROYaoK_WBs-22XF2ZfGX1u6-XswB1w&s=ntFAZaijFYXO697ydoTnf3Hhk6bkOVb1P76DolbpbZs&e=

Sports: 8 boxers to represent Armenia at European Boxing Championships

Janet Ekmekjian
Panorama, Armenia
June 7 2017

The Armenian national boxing team is holding a training camp at Olympavan, preparing for the European Boxing Championships 2017 to be held in Kharkiv, Ukraine on 15-25 June, Armenia’s Boxing Federation told Panorama.am.

Davit Torosyan, head coach of the national boxing team, has revealed the names of the Armenian boxers who will take part in the European tournament. Namely, eight Armenian athletes – Artur Hovhannisyan (49kg), Narek Abgaryan (52kg), Karen Tonakanyan (60kg), Hovhannes Bachkov (64kg), Gor Yeritsyan (69kg), Arman Darchinyan (75kg), Narek Manasyan (91kg) and heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan – will represent Armenia at European Boxing Championships.