Tuesday,
Gyumri Mayor Avoids Political Crisis
• Satenik Kaghzvantsian
Armenia - A session of the Gyumri city council, December 29, 2023. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s Civil Contract party dropped its objections to
the 2024 municipal budget of Gyumri on Tuesday more than one month after pulling
out of a power-sharing agreement with the city’s mayor. Mayor Vardges Samsonian representing the Balasanian Bloc failed to push the
budget drafted by his administration through the city council late last month. The bloc unofficially led by Samsonian’s predecessor and local businessman
Samvel Balasanian does not have a majority in the council. The draft budget was rejected by council members representing not only Civil
Contract but also two political groups in opposition to Armenia’s government. It
was passed unanimously on Tuesday after being amended in accordance with
proposals submitted by all three factions. It now calls for 5.7 billion drams
($14 million) in local government spending. Knarik Harutiunian, who leads Civil Contract’s group in the Gyumri council, said
it voted for the budget even though there are still “some shortcomings in the
document.”
“We will try to give the Balasanian Bloc a chance to govern adequately so that
the people of Gyumri do not suffer,” she said. The bloc had teamed up with Civil Contract to install Samsonian as mayor in the
wake of the last municipal election held in October 2021. As part of their
power-sharing deal, two Civil Contract figures became deputy mayors of Armenia’s
second largest city. Three dozen other members of Pashinian’s party were also
given posts in the municipal administration. All those officials stepped down after Civil Contract unexpectedly announced on
December 6 the end of the deal. It said it does not want to be part of “shady
governance,” implying that Balasanian is continuing to pull the strings in
Gyumri. Commentators suggested at the time that the ruling party will try to
gain control of the municipality despite holding only 11 seats in the 33-member
city council. Karen Malkhasian, the local leader of the opposition Aprelu Yerkir party, noted
that the Gyumri mayor has become far more cooperative and responsive towards
other factions after the failure of his first attempt to push through his budget
proposal. Yerevan Again Laments ‘Regression’ In Baku’s Stance
• Nane Sahakian
Armenia - Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan gives a press conference in Yerevan,
. Կիսվել
Azerbaijan has reversed in recent weeks progress made in peace talks with
Armenia, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan insisted on Tuesday. “Unfortunately, after this positive step of December 8 [prisoner exchange] we
saw that Azerbaijan is not continuing with its constructive stance, to say the
least,” he told a news conference. “That manifested itself through both the 7th
Azerbaijani proposals on the [Armenian-Azerbaijani peace] treaty and the
Azerbaijani president’s latest interview. There was a significant regression and
even a blow to the peace process on a number of key issues.”
Mirzoyan complained on January 10 about “some regression” in the latest
Azerbaijani proposals on the peace treaty submitted to Yerevan. He said Baku is
reluctant to explicitly recognize Armenia’s borders through that accord. In televised remarks aired hours later, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev
renewed his demands for Armenia to open an extraterritorial corridor to
Azerbaijan’s Nakhichevan exclave. He also demanded Armenian withdrawal from
“eight Azerbaijani villages” and again dismissed Yerevan’s insistence on using
the most recent Soviet maps to delimit the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian rejected Aliyev’s demands, saying that they
amount to territorial claims. Mirzoyan likewise said on Tuesday that Azerbaijan
wants to redraw its long border with Armenia. “I want to stress that nobody has the authority to draw a new border,” he said. “We remain determined in our position that during the delimitation process our
relevant commissions should reproduce borders drawn on legal grounds prior to
the break-up of the Soviet Union.”
Mirzoyan made clear that Pashinian’s government remains committed to its “peace
agenda” despite what it sees as a risk of an Azerbaijani invasion of Armenia. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, expressed on Monday
serious concern about “the latest territorial claims by President Aliyev.”
“Any violation of Armenia’s territorial integrity would be unacceptable and will
have severe consequences for our relations with Azerbaijan,” Borrell said after
chairing a meeting of the foreign ministers of EU member states. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry was quick to reject the criticism. A ministry
spokesman accused Borrell of “distorting” Aliyev’s statements and inciting
“bellicose and aggressive policy against Azerbaijan.”
Armenian Car Re-Exports Hit New Record In 2023
Armenia - Car carrier trailers line up near a customs terminal outside Gyumri,
March 13, 2023
Armenia’s re-export of mostly second-hand cars more than doubled last year as
local traders continued to take advantage of Western sanctions imposed on Russia
over its war in Ukraine. Armenian government data shows the total value of those exports rising to almost
$533 million in January-November 2023 from $217 million in the same period a
year earlier. This growth was particular rapid in the first half of the year when used cars
became the country’s number one export item. It appears to have somewhat slowed
in the following months after the Russian government imposed higher duties on
imports of such vehicles. The sanctions include serious restrictions on trade with Russia. Also, Western
automakers pulled out of the Russian market following the outbreak of the war in
Ukraine in February 2022, pushing up the prices of new cars and forcing many
Russians to switch to cheaper used models. Car traders from other nations,
including Armenia, rushed to capitalize on the market opportunity. According to Armenia’s State Revenue Committee (SRC), the number of cars
imported to the South Caucasus country jumped nearly six-fold to almost 45,300
in 2022. The SRC has been struggling to cope with long lines of cars formed
outside its s main customs terminal processing imported vehicles. They include not only used cars but also brand new ones. The SRC reported sharp
rises in taxes collected from local dealers of carmakers such as Mercedes-Benz
and Toyota in the first-half of 2023. Both Mercedes-Benz and Toyota stopped
directly supplying their cars to Russia after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Armenia has also been re-exporting consumer electronics and other
Western-manufactured goods to Russia. This is the main reason why its exports to
Russia tripled in 2022. The re-exports prompted concern from EU and especially U.S. officials about a
year ago. They pressed the Armenian authorities to comply with the Western
sanctions. The authorities introduced in May mandatory government licenses for
shipments of microchips, transformers, video cameras, antennas and other
electronic equipment to Russia. According to the Armenian government’s Statistical Committee, exports to Russia
rose by 50 percent to $3.2 billion in January-November 2023. Armenia’s overall exports reached a new record high of almost $7 billion. This
includes $2.1 billion worth of what the Statistical Committee describes as
precious stones and metals and jewelry items. Rough diamonds imported from
Russia and re-exported to other countries, notably the United Arab Emirates, are
believed to account for a large part of that figure. Reposted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2024 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc. 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
Author: Ani Basmajian
Nicolas Anelka visits Armenia for new football academy project
15:26,
YEREVAN, JANUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. Nicolas Anelka, the French professional football manager and retired player has arrived in Armenia.
At a meeting with young footballers at the Khoren Hovhannisyan Football Academy on Wednesday, Anelka announced plans to open a new football academy in Armenia.
“We want to open a new football academy here. I know that your country has big football potential. Besides our plans to open an academy, we also intend to work in textile production for children. Major football opportunities are opening here for us. I am sure that there are very good kids here, but we must work with them. Becoming a football player is their big dream, and why not, maybe we can give them that opportunity” Anelka said.
The former French footballer told the children at the academy to enjoy each training session and go out to the field with excitement. He arrived in Armenia at the invitation of the French-Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI France Arménie).
Photos by Hayk Manukyan
RFE/RL Armenian Service – 01/16/2024
Tuesday,
Ruling Party Figure Less Upbeat On Peace With Azerbaijan
• Shoghik Galstian
• Karlen Aslanian
Armenia - Gevorg Papoyan.
The deputy chairman of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s Civil Contract party
said on Tuesday that he is less optimistic about a peace treaty between Armenia
and Azerbaijan after statements from Baku made in recent weeks.
Gevorg Papoyan insisted at the same time that the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace
process is not deadlocked. He linked the current state of that process to
preparations for Azerbaijan’s snap presidential election slated for February 7.
“As long as there is a possibility to talk, negotiate and exchange proposals … I
will not speak of such a situation [deadlock,]” Papoyan told reporters. “But I
must say that at least I am not as optimistic as I could have been.”
As recently as in December, Pashinian and his political allies reported major
progress made in Armenian-Azerbaijani talks and said the peace treaty could be
signed soon. However, subsequent statements made by Azerbaijani President Ilham
Aliyev and his top aides exposed lingering serious differences between the
conflicting sides. In particular, Baku renewed its demands for an
extraterritorial corridor that would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhichevan
exclave through Armenia.
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan spoke on January 10 of “regression” in
the latest Azerbaijani proposals on the treaty sent to Yerevan. Mirzoyan
indicated that Baku is reluctant to explicitly recognize Armenia’s borders
through the peace deal. For his part, Pashinian said on January 13 that Aliyev’s
demands amount to territorial claims to Armenia.
Armenian opposition leaders portray these developments as another vindication of
their warnings that Pashinian’s declared “peace agenda” is on the contrary
increasing the risk of another Armenian-Azerbaijani war.
Armenia -- Levon Zurabian at a news conference in Yrevan, May 27, 2021.
Levon Zurabian, the deputy chairman of former President Levon Ter-Petrosian’s
Armenian National Congress (HAK), said on Tuesday that Aliyev never gave up the
idea of the so-called “Zangezur corridor” and is planning to try to open it by
force.
“The fact is that Aliyev is gearing up for a new war,” Zurabian told RFE/RL’s
Armenian Service.
“We mainly hear claims about peace from Pashinian, who I strongly believe is
trying to present the situation in a way that corresponds to his propaganda
goals but has nothing to do with reality,” he said. “Our authorities don’t
understand what’s going on in international politics. They don’t understand
ongoing processes and dangers.”
EU Again Warns Azerbaijan Against Attacking Armenia
Armenia - European Union monitors patrol Armenia's border with Azerbaijan.
The European Union on Tuesday again warned Azerbaijan against invading Armenia
following Baku’s renewed demands for Yerevan to open an extraterritorial
corridor to the Nakhichevan exclave.
“The EU has been using every opportunity to pass clear messages to Azerbaijan
that any violation of Armenia’s territorial integrity would be unacceptable and
will have severe consequences for our relations,” the EU foreign policy
spokesman, Peter Stano, told the Armenpress news agency.
“We remain firm and steadfast in this stance,” Stano said, commenting on
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s latest statements on the conflict with
Armenia.
Aliyev said last week that Azerbaijani people and cargo transported to and from
Nakhichevan through Armenia’s Syunik province must be exempt from Armenian
border checks. He also demanded Armenian withdrawal from “eight Azerbaijani
villages” and again dismissed Yerevan’s insistence on using the most recent
Soviet maps to delimit the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian rejected Aliyev’s demands, saying that they
amount to territorial claims to Armenia. Pashinian also accused Baku of
undermining prospects for the signing of an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty
strongly supported by the EU and the United States.
The EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, issued the same warning to Baku in
November as the 27-nation bloc decided to deploy more observers to Armenia’s
volatile border with Azerbaijan. The EU launched the monitoring mission in
February 2023 with the stated aim of preventing or reducing ceasefire violations
there.
EU officials have so far not elaborated on the “severe consequences” for
Azerbaijan. They resisted calls to impose sanctions on Baku even after last
September’s Azerbaijani military offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh that forced the
region’s practically entire population to flee to Armenia.
Some analysts linked their stance to a 2022 agreement to significantly increase
the EU’s import of Azerbaijani natural gas. The head of the European Commission,
Ursula von der Leyen, described Azerbaijan as a “key partner in our efforts to
move away from Russian fossil fuels” when she signed the deal in Baku.
Armenia Reports First Delivery Of ‘Delayed’ Russian Weapons
• Ruzanna Stepanian
Armenia -- The Armenian Defense Ministry building, Yerevan.
After repeated delays, Russia has delivered to Armenia the first batch of
weapons envisaged by bilateral defense contracts signed after the 2020 war in
Nagorno-Karabakh, according to senior Armenian lawmakers.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and his political allies have repeatedly
complained about those delays amid Armenia’s worsening relations with Russia.
Deputy Defense Minister Hrachya Sargsyan said in early December that Yerevan
paid Russia’s state-owned arms manufacturers $400 million but has still not
received any military equipment so far. He too declined to specify the types of
weaponry that are listed in those contracts.
Andranik Kocharian, the chairman of the Armenian parliament committee on defense
and security, said late last week that some of those weapons have been delivered
to Armenia.
“[The Russians] are giving us something, not on a scale anticipated by us in
line with the volume of the signed contracts,” Kocharian told Armenian Public
Television. “But I’m sure that things will be sorted out in the process.”
Gagik Melkonian, another pro-government member of the parliament committee,
confirmed on Tuesday the first delivery of the Russian weapons, saying that it
was carried out “recently.”
Speaking to RFE/RL’s Armenian Service, Melkonian claimed to be unaware of what
exactly was supplied to the Armenian army. The Armenian Defense Ministry also
did not shed light on that.
Armenia -- Gagik Melkonian speaks to RFE/RL, February 8, 2019.
Russia’s ambassador to Armenia, Sergei Kopyrkin, acknowledged late last month
“issues” in the implementation of Russian-Armenian arms deals. He implied that
Russian defense companies have not fulfilled their contractual obligations on
time because of having to manufacture more weapons for the Russian military
embroiled in the continuing war with Ukraine.
“But these are working issues that are resolved in the dialogue between relevant
agencies of Russia and Armenia,” Kopyrkin told the TASS news agency. The two
sides are now also “discussing new agreements in the field of military-technical
cooperation,” he said without elaborating.
Russia has long been Armenia’s principal supplier of weapons and ammunition. But
with no end in sight to the war in Ukraine and tensions between Moscow and
Yerevan continuing to grow, the Armenian government is increasingly looking for
other arms suppliers.
Since September 2022 it has reportedly signed a number of defense contracts with
India worth at least $400 million. In October 2023, it also signed two arms
deals with France. Pashinian and members of his political team say that this is
part of their broader efforts to “diversify” Armenia’s defense and security
policy. They regularly accuse Moscow of not honoring its security commitments to
its South Caucasus ally.
Reposted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2024 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
Asbarez: Prelate’s New Year And Christmas Dinner a Great Success
Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan leads the procession of clergy in prayer
“The Church Is Considered the Greatest Armenian Miracle,” Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan
The Prelate’s Traditional New Year and Christmas dinner at the Holy Cross Armenian Cathedral’s Baghramian Hall in Montebello on January 6 was a great success with hundreds of community leaders, organizational representatives and parishioners in attendance.
Western Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan, who hosted the event, told those gathered that while individuals may come and go, but the church, “the most remarkable Armenian miracle,” is and will remain unwavering.
He attributed his successes, blessings, and achievements throughout his four-year tenure as the Prelate of the Western Prelacy, to the church, while acknowledging that any human faults and shortcomings solely belong to him. The Traditional dinner was organized by the Western Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary and more than 450 guests attended the dinner.
This year’s Prelate’s Traditional New Year and Christmas dinner was hosted by benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Evelina Sarian. Master of Ceremonies was Reverand Father Karekin Bedourian who greeted the guests and invited all to start the program.
On behalf of the Western Prelacy Ladies Auxilary Sosse Eshgian, welcomed the guests and wished an enjoyable evening for all. Prelacy Executive Council Secretary George Chorbajian, delivered a message on behalf of the body.
The Prelate led the procession of the clergy, who entered the hall chanting Christmas hymns, uplifting the guests, who were holding candles.
The traditional wine and consecrated bread ceremony took place. Prelate Donoyan bestowed his blessings upon the tables and conveyed his well wishes for New Year and Christmas.
A video message by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, was shown. The pontiff conveyed his New Year and Christmas well wishes to the Prelate, the guests and the community at the start of a new year.
Greg Hosharian and his band offered a delightful musical performace during the traditional dinner. The entertainment continued throughout the dinner featuring performances by an extraordinary artistic performance from Ms. Armine Vartanyan, Mr. Hovhannes Balyan, Mr. Arman Beglarian, and Mr. Berj Karazian, with the accompaniment of Ms. Armenuhi Terterian on the piano.
The focus of Prelate Donoyan’s message was to provide an annual assessment and accounting of the activities of the Western Prelacy. The attendees were briefed on the achievements recorded by the Western Prelacy during the previous year, which included the accomplishment of delivering $2,750,000 in humanitarian assistance and various other initiatives. H.G. Bishop Donoyan expressed his reflections and words of thanks and gratitude to the Western Prelacy clergy, the Religious and Executive Councils, national delegates, parishes, the Ladies Auxiliary, staff, friends, and guests and benefactors, donors and the evening’s sponsors for their valuable support.
In his message, the Prelate also expressed his appreciation and gratitude commanding the contributions made towards the construction of Hacob and Hilda Baghdassarian Preschool and Holy Archangels Church in Crescenta Valley. He first acknowledged the generous contribution from Hilda Baghdassarian and her children, Gevik, Peter, and their families, in memory of their late husband and father, Hacop Baghdassarian, and in honor of their mother, Hilda Baghdassarian. He then recognized the contributions made by Mr. and Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian, in memory of their father, Melkon Melkonian, and in honor of their mother, Angel Melkonian. Prelate Donoyan also expressed his appreciation and presented a special memento as a token of gratitude to the Sarians for their generosity in hosting this year’s New Year and Christmas dinner. He commended Mike and Evelina Sarian for their unwavering support to the Prelacy, the Holy See of Cilicia and the Church and their commitment to support various Western Prelacy humanitarian programs.
The traditional New Year and Christmas dinner dedicated to the Prelate, which is the only fundraising event organized by the Western Prelacy, came to an end as he led the atendees in signing of the “Protector,” “Cilicia,” and “Pontifical Anthem.”
Music: Khachaturian Trio: We are presenting Armenian culture in the world
CTGN, China
Jan 11 2024
Khachaturian Trio was founded in 1999. Since 2008, the trio has been named after the world-renowned Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian. It consists of pianist Armine Grigoryan, violinist Karen Shahgaldyan and cellist Karen Kocharyan. They have toured over 100 cities across 30 countries and regions. In an exclusive interview with CGTN's Cui Yingjie in Beijing, the musicians discussed the unique charm of Armenian culture and how music serves as a bridge of communication.
Watch video at https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-01-11/Khachaturian-Trio-We-are-presenting-Armenian-culture-in-the-world-1qfY7qlW0gw/p.html
Also at
The stone sermons of Armenian Khachkars are a cross-stitch in time
Forbes India
Jan 8 2024
Clad in the volcanic garb of tuff and basalt, Armenia's pastoral architecture eschews the traditional cruciform design, echoing Mount Ararat. Within their walls, a tapestry of artistry unfolds, with painted frescoes and intricate stone carvings narrating Biblical tales. In a world where religion was often a source of conflict, Armenia took a refreshingly progressive approach, becoming the first nation to officially adopt Christianity in 301 AD. To spread the word, they didn't rely on firebrand sermons or imposing cathedrals; instead, they turned to art, creating a unique form of religious _expression_ – the khachkar. In Armenia, where time seems to pause, 50,000 stone tablets with their surfaces chiselled with a Celtic cross, inscriptions, interlocking laces, botanical motifs, and biblical figures whisper primordial tales, beneath celestial skies.
Hamlet Petrosyan, a senior Armenian historian, archaeologist, and anthropologist divulged, "The erection of khachkars began in the middle of the 9th century when the Bagratuni dynasty gained political independence. The cross was an open-air monument, and if the territory did not belong to you, the Arabs strictly forbade their use, and only with the wave of independence did the erection of cross-stones begin. Before the 9th century, there were crucifixes on various churches, on the apses of churches, on their windows, and on their pediments, and as a rule, early Christian monuments ended with winged crosses. But they were not khachkars. A khachkar is a slab that is specially designed only for cross-formation."
Timeless sentinels inspired by the art of obelisk carving, these khachkar cross-stones, hailed as “Intangible Cultural Heritage” by Unesco in 2010, have etched their presence onto the Armenian landscape for centuries. khachkars, are carved on a variety of stones, ranging from the natural black stone to yellow-reddish tuff to the Basalt. Ruben Ghazaryan, a khachkar-maker, who honed his craft at the 13th-century Noravank monastery, works with the soft, felsite stone, a name synonymous with Momik, a famous medieval master architect. Whereas, Bogdan Hovhannisyan, another veteran khachkar-maker maintains the centuries-old tradition of khachkar carving at his workshop in Vanadzor, by carving on gypsum stone.
Babik Vardanyan, 42, a khachkar-maker whose ancestors were Kartash masters, shares, "My father started khachkar making in the 1970s. This was the Soviet period when Christianity was banned and most of the churches were closed. During this period, my father began to make khachkars, which were ordered mainly as tombstones. In the last 20 years, I have made over 200 khachkars, and each one of them is unique and has its distinct history. A khachkar is handmade. I use a cutter and a hammer. In ancient times, when there was no saw, people smoothed and moved the stones by hand, that's why they were also called kartash (kar means stone in Armenian and tash/tashelis to smoothen, hack or prepare) masters. Now, of course, there are also electric tools that facilitate the processing of stone, but at the same time, human hands give soul to stone. On average, I work on each khachkar for 1-1.5 months, and making of more complex khachkars, takes three-six months."
At the heart of every khachkar, a cross asserts its dominance, while beneath it, a rosette or solar disc gleams with celestial fervour. Intricate knots of stone intertwine like Celtic braids. The rest of the stone canvas is a chronicle of nature's bounty, an idyllic tableau unfolding with a grapevine ballet, where slender tendrils pirouette amidst leaves, and pomegranates, with their ruby crowns, glisten with the promise of prosperity. The pièce de résistance, however, is the cornice, a sculpted crown that elevates the khachkar from a mere monument to a masterpiece. Upon this sacred stage, biblical scenes and revered saints come to life in stone, their timeless stories etched into the very fabric of the khachkar.
The priests equated the cross to a benevolent tree that offered refuge to the entire world. Inspired by this metaphor, artisans, with their nimble hands, transformed these divine symbols into enduring stone sculptures, while illuminators, with their artistic finesse, brought them to life on the pages of sacred texts. The deep-rooted notion of a world as a garden, long ingrained in the Armenian psyche, found a new home in the Christian cross, which initially confined to a rigid square, metamorphosed skyward, transforming into a tree of life.
Also read: More than just a craft, in Armenia carpet-making is a tapestry of the country's rich heritage
Hamlet Petrosyan sheds light on the pagan influence of ancient khachkars and clarifies, "Christianity was a revolution. Pagan symbols were not used on cross-stones. There are several dragon stones (vishapakars), Artashesian stele-boundary stones, and Urartian inscribed stones, which have been turned or transferred into khachkars. In other words, people saw that it was a suitable monument, it was already elaborated, they took it and either scratched the signs or writings on it or re-carved it and turned it into a khachkar." A Vishap, a peculiar carved idol often referred to as a dragon stone was displayed near water sources, considered sacred in pagan belief systems. Vishaps were even erected at sites of pagan worship. As Christianity gained traction and paganism waned, khachkar designs gradually shed their pagan influences, reflecting the changing religious landscape.
Sevak Arevshatyan, a 35-year-old historian from Yerevan, who has documented thousands of khachkars in a relentless pursuit of cultural preservation says, "Prior to the development of the khachkar in the mid-9th century, a variety of freestanding crosses were prevalent in Armenia. During the Middle Ages, when an individual performed a meritorious act for the community, such as establishing a village, constructing a church or bridge, or bridging a stream, they would commemorate and document that deed as a lasting tribute in the form of an inscription on the khachkar. In 1200, a khachkar was erected on the occasion of the victory of the joint Armenian-Georgian forces against the Seljuk-Turks, in Aragatsotn province." He adds, "Today and as before, Armenians consider the khachkar exclusively a part of their own culture, the identification of the Armenian nation through the khachkar is so obvious that when you see a khachkar outside the borders of Armenia, you immediately notice that there is an Armenian here."
Timeless sentinels inspired by the art of obelisk carving, these khachkar cross-stones, hailed as “Intangible Cultural Heritage” by Unesco in 2010, have etched their presence onto the Armenian landscape for centuries. khachkars, are carved on a variety of stones, ranging from the natural black stone to yellow-reddish tuff to the Basalt. Ruben Ghazaryan, a khachkar-maker, who honed his craft at the 13th-century Noravank monastery, works with the soft, felsite stone, a name synonymous with Momik, a famous medieval master architect. Whereas, Bogdan Hovhannisyan, another veteran khachkar-maker maintains the centuries-old tradition of khachkar carving at his workshop in Vanadzor, by carving on gypsum stone.
Babik Vardanyan, 42, a khachkar-maker whose ancestors were Kartash masters, shares, "My father started khachkar making in the 1970s. This was the Soviet period when Christianity was banned and most of the churches were closed. During this period, my father began to make khachkars, which were ordered mainly as tombstones. In the last 20 years, I have made over 200 khachkars, and each one of them is unique and has its distinct history. A khachkar is handmade. I use a cutter and a hammer. In ancient times, when there was no saw, people smoothed and moved the stones by hand, that's why they were also called kartash (kar means stone in Armenian and tash/tashelis to smoothen, hack or prepare) masters. Now, of course, there are also electric tools that facilitate the processing of stone, but at the same time, human hands give soul to stone. On average, I work on each khachkar for 1-1.5 months, and making of more complex khachkars, takes three-six months."
At the heart of every khachkar, a cross asserts its dominance, while beneath it, a rosette or solar disc gleams with celestial fervour. Intricate knots of stone intertwine like Celtic braids. The rest of the stone canvas is a chronicle of nature's bounty, an idyllic tableau unfolding with a grapevine ballet, where slender tendrils pirouette amidst leaves, and pomegranates, with their ruby crowns, glisten with the promise of prosperity. The pièce de résistance, however, is the cornice, a sculpted crown that elevates the khachkar from a mere monument to a masterpiece. Upon this sacred stage, biblical scenes and revered saints come to life in stone, their timeless stories etched into the very fabric of the khachkar.
The priests equated the cross to a benevolent tree that offered refuge to the entire world. Inspired by this metaphor, artisans, with their nimble hands, transformed these divine symbols into enduring stone sculptures, while illuminators, with their artistic finesse, brought them to life on the pages of sacred texts. The deep-rooted notion of a world as a garden, long ingrained in the Armenian psyche, found a new home in the Christian cross, which initially confined to a rigid square, metamorphosed skyward, transforming into a tree of life.
Also read: More than just a craft, in Armenia carpet-making is a tapestry of the country's rich heritage
Hamlet Petrosyan sheds light on the pagan influence of ancient khachkars and clarifies, "Christianity was a revolution. Pagan symbols were not used on cross-stones. There are several dragon stones (vishapakars), Artashesian stele-boundary stones, and Urartian inscribed stones, which have been turned or transferred into khachkars. In other words, people saw that it was a suitable monument, it was already elaborated, they took it and either scratched the signs or writings on it or re-carved it and turned it into a khachkar." A Vishap, a peculiar carved idol often referred to as a dragon stone was displayed near water sources, considered sacred in pagan belief systems. Vishaps were even erected at sites of pagan worship. As Christianity gained traction and paganism waned, khachkar designs gradually shed their pagan influences, reflecting the changing religious landscape.
Sevak Arevshatyan, a 35-year-old historian from Yerevan, who has documented thousands of khachkars in a relentless pursuit of cultural preservation says, "Prior to the development of the khachkar in the mid-9th century, a variety of freestanding crosses were prevalent in Armenia. During the Middle Ages, when an individual performed a meritorious act for the community, such as establishing a village, constructing a church or bridge, or bridging a stream, they would commemorate and document that deed as a lasting tribute in the form of an inscription on the khachkar. In 1200, a khachkar was erected on the occasion of the victory of the joint Armenian-Georgian forces against the Seljuk-Turks, in Aragatsotn province." He adds, "Today and as before, Armenians consider the khachkar exclusively a part of their own culture, the identification of the Armenian nation through the khachkar is so obvious that when you see a khachkar outside the borders of Armenia, you immediately notice that there is an Armenian here."
The cross itself emerged as the valiant protagonist, seamlessly merging with the stone stele, and underwent a remarkable transformation by the seventh century. Its surroundings were gradually relegated to the background. As the khachkar emerged as a singular stone monument, it embraced a vector-like form, directing all attention towards the images etched on a single flat surface. This shift marked a significant departure from the stele's more restrained aesthetic, allowing for a more intimate connection between the faithful and the divine. The intricate details, now visible at eye level, fostered a deeper engagement with the sacred imagery. The 12th to the 14th centuries marked the golden age of khachkar carving, a period when Armenian artisans reached the zenith of their artistic mastery. But, like a melody interrupted by a jarring note, the Mongol invasion of the late 14th century threw a wrench into this artistic crescendo. The art of khachkar carving took a nosedive, its once-brilliant flame flickering amidst the chaos. Yet, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, khachkar carving made a glorious comeback in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Across the annals of history, certain cross stones even ascended to the status of saints. These venerated stones were believed to avert cataclysms, mend ailments, and grant wishes. For warriors facing the perils of battle, St Gevorg khachkars whispered unparalleled bravery and invincibility. The 'Cross of Fury,' could appease divine wrath and ward off the dreaded quartet of drought, hail, earthquakes, and epidemics. And St Sargis stones tablets held the key to eternal bliss for star-crossed lovers. Among the countless works of exquisite craftsmanship that adorn khachkar carvings, three masterpieces rise above the rest. The first, the 1213 khachkar of Geghard, the second, the Holy Redeemer khachkar of Haghpat, carved in 1273 by the maestro Vahram, and finally, the khachkar in Goshavank, crafted in 1291 by the deft hands of Poghos.
Across the annals of history, certain cross stones even ascended to the status of saints. These venerated stones were believed to avert cataclysms, mend ailments, and grant wishes. For warriors facing the perils of battle, St Gevorg khachkars whispered unparalleled bravery and invincibility. The 'Cross of Fury,' could appease divine wrath and ward off the dreaded quartet of drought, hail, earthquakes, and epidemics. And St Sargis stones tablets held the key to eternal bliss for star-crossed lovers. Among the countless works of exquisite craftsmanship that adorn khachkar carvings, three masterpieces rise above the rest. The first, the 1213 khachkar of Geghard, the second, the Holy Redeemer khachkar of Haghpat, carved in 1273 by the maestro Vahram, and finally, the khachkar in Goshavank, crafted in 1291 by the deft hands of Poghos.
"From the archaeological point of view, the biggest discovery was the excavation of Saint Stepanos Monastery in Artsakh, where we found 30 khachkars from under the ground, all of them mostly from the 12th-13th centuries. Their recording and preservation are dealt by the Department of Cultural Heritage Research. We also have a big project with Harutyun Khachatryan from Paris, where we are engaged in the digitization of these works, and have already finished Gegharkunik, Kotayk, and Aragatsotn provinces," tells Hamlet Petrosyan to Forbes India.
Among this celestial chorus of stone stands the venerable granddaddy of them all, the oldest khachkar known to humankind, carved in 866, in Artsakh, Vaghuhas village, in the cemetery of the "Eghtsu Ktor" chapel. Hamlet Petrosyan, however, reveals, "There is a pedestal of the oldest dated khachkar, from the year 853, which is located in Saint Hakobavank monastery of Artsakh. Later, that pedestal was placed on the wall, however, unfortunately, the khachkar was not found." He adds, "The khachkar dating back to 876 which is of Hortun village of Ararat province, now transferred to Vedi city, ranks second in its antiquity. And, the khachkar of Queen Katranide I, wife of King Ashot I Bagratuni, in Garni, carved in 879, is the 3rd-oldest khachkar of its kind.”
Among this celestial chorus of stone stands the venerable granddaddy of them all, the oldest khachkar known to humankind, carved in 866, in Artsakh, Vaghuhas village, in the cemetery of the "Eghtsu Ktor" chapel. Hamlet Petrosyan, however, reveals, "There is a pedestal of the oldest dated khachkar, from the year 853, which is located in Saint Hakobavank monastery of Artsakh. Later, that pedestal was placed on the wall, however, unfortunately, the khachkar was not found." He adds, "The khachkar dating back to 876 which is of Hortun village of Ararat province, now transferred to Vedi city, ranks second in its antiquity. And, the khachkar of Queen Katranide I, wife of King Ashot I Bagratuni, in Garni, carved in 879, is the 3rd-oldest khachkar of its kind.”
Today, the tradition of khachkar carving lives on, with dedicated artisans in a few Armenian cities continuing to breathe life into these timeless masterpieces. Narine Poladian, 28, a Lebanese-Armenian khachkar artist who runs a studio in Gyumri, and uses medium soft tuff native to Armenia to carve cross-stones, says, "I often add my personal touch to my khachkars combining Christian symbolism with Armenian artistry." Poladian says that the style of khachkars has evolved. "Earlier, the khachkars were only a cross, then the artists started to add designs and parts of the Bible. It can take up to 45 days to carve a large khachkar. "It's a lot of work," she says. "But it's also very rewarding to see a finished khachkar that I've created with my own hands. I want to keep this tradition alive to be enjoyed by the future generations," she adds.
Arevshatyan, who came to appreciate the profound psychological impact of khachkars with time says, “Unlike the imposing grandeur of churches, these humble stone monuments, offer a more intimate form of spiritual connection for villagers, allowing them to commune with God. The presence of the artist's name on certain khachkars is believed to reflect the prestige associated with commissioning the work of the most renowned masters. In my explorations, I found myself inspired by Momik, as well, Kiram, whose prolific output of over 80 khachkars stands as an unmatched record in the history of khachkar making."
Arevshatyan, who came to appreciate the profound psychological impact of khachkars with time says, “Unlike the imposing grandeur of churches, these humble stone monuments, offer a more intimate form of spiritual connection for villagers, allowing them to commune with God. The presence of the artist's name on certain khachkars is believed to reflect the prestige associated with commissioning the work of the most renowned masters. In my explorations, I found myself inspired by Momik, as well, Kiram, whose prolific output of over 80 khachkars stands as an unmatched record in the history of khachkar making."
In his concluding statement, Babik Vardanyan told us, "Because of the Cross, the stone becomes cross-stone-khachkar, and all my beliefs, faith and emotions are completely reflected in carving the Cross. When my children see me working in the studio, they also sometimes come and start working on the canvas. I think that maybe the day is not far when they will want to continue my work. Love is genetically transmitted, isn't it?"
From the halls of the British Museum to the bustling galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, these stone sentinels have found a home as an enduring legacy of Armenian culture. So, the next time you travel to a distant corner of the world, keep an eye out for a khachkar. These stone ambassadors may surprise you, standing amidst the unfamiliar sights and sounds, reminding you of the interconnectedness of our world. and the enduring power of art to transcend borders.
From the halls of the British Museum to the bustling galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, these stone sentinels have found a home as an enduring legacy of Armenian culture. So, the next time you travel to a distant corner of the world, keep an eye out for a khachkar. These stone ambassadors may surprise you, standing amidst the unfamiliar sights and sounds, reminding you of the interconnectedness of our world. and the enduring power of art to transcend borders.
https://www.forbesindia.com/article/lifes/the-stone-sermons-of-armenian-khachkars-are-a-crossstitch-in-time/90703/1
Aurora’s Sunrise on PBS
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Armenia and France Discuss Strengthening Relations and Progressing Peace Talks author
Jan 7 2024
In a recent meeting between Alen Simonyan, the Speaker of the Armenian Parliament, and Bertrand Bouyx, the head of the French delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and a Member of the French National Assembly, a broad spectrum of topics were discussed. This discussion aimed to boost Armenia-EU relations and progress the dialogue on Armenia-EU visa liberalization, amongst other key issues.
Simonyan lauded the enduring positive relationship and collaboration between the Armenian and French delegations in PACE. He expressed his gratitude towards the France-Armenia parliamentary friendship group, which boasts 97 members and consistently supports Armenia.
(Read Also: France Condemns Violence Against Armenian Community in Jerusalem)
The meeting explored potential ways to strengthen bilateral economic ties and maintain the momentum of democratic reforms in Armenia. Bouyx noted Armenia’s commitment to democracy, even in the face of significant challenges. He highlighted Armenia’s ratification of the Rome Statute as a testament to the nation’s significant strides towards upholding democratic values.
(Read Also: Armenian Police Force Faces General Knowledge Crisis: Interior Ministry Report)
Regional issues, particularly negotiations for a peace treaty with Azerbaijan, the release of Armenian captives held by Azerbaijan, and the normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkiye, were also discussed. Bouyx assured France’s continued friendship and support for Armenia during these challenging times. Vice Speaker Ruben Rubinyan, the head of the Armenian delegation to PACE, also attended the meeting.
The discussions also noted the ongoing negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan to sign a peace agreement, restore communications, and address issues related to passport and customs control modalities. The safety of Armenian passengers and cargo traveling through Azerbaijan was raised, along with the potential involvement of third countries or international organizations such as Russia, Iran, and the EU.
Asbarez: Armenia’s Public TV Claims Etchmiadzin Did Not Want Karekin II’s Message to be Aired
Catholicos Karekin II delivers new year message on Dec. 31
Armenian Public Television on Wednesday claimed that the Holy See of Etchmiadzin did not want Catholicos Karekin II’s annual new year message to be aired, saying a church official had contacted the network with a request to not air the video of the pontiff’s speech.
In a statement issued on Wedenday, Armenia’s Public Television Board said that a Reverend Vahram Melikyan had contacted the channel asking that they not use the video of the Catholicos.
“On December 31, the Public TV Company planned to broadcast the address of the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II in one of the most watched segments, at the time set aside for the official addresses this year. The speech of the Catholicos should follow the speech of the President of Armenia, who is the head of the state according to the Constitution,” said the public TV’s statement.
“December 31, Father Vahram Melikyan, on behalf of the Mother See, informed the Council of the Public Broadcaster that they disagreed with the time scheduled for the messages and demanded not to broadcast or use the video recording of the Catholicos’ message, whose copyright belongs to the Mother See,” added the statement.
In its statement, the Public Broadcasting Board said that it was satisfied with the verbal communication from the Holy See, but did not indicate whether the Board officially reached out to Etchmiadzin for confirmation.
“This year, at the last minute, the Public Television Company informed, without any reason, that His Holiness’ New Year’s message will not be broadcast before midnight, as was traditionally customary,” the church’s Etchmiadzin-based Mother See said late on Sunday. It said it rejected the state-controlled broadcaster’s offer to air the message during an earlier news program, Azatutyun.am reported.
Safdie Architects group suspends invovlement in controversial Armenian Quarter project in Jerusalem, following TNA investigation into Israeli settler links
The New Arab
Dec 28 2023
Architecture firm tasked with designing hotel in Jerusalem's Old City is suspending its work on the project due to settler links revealed by TNA investigations
Safdie Architects, the firm tasked with designing a luxury hotel in the Armenian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, announced it has suspended work on the project "after becoming aware of the controversy surrounding the land lease agreement this summer". This follows The New Arab's investigative series, the Armenian Quarter Files, which revealed links between representatives of a company involved in the project and the extremist Israeli settler movement.
The controversy centers around Danny Rothman, a "mysterious" Australian Jewish investor that TNA profiled in August 2023.
In July 2021, Mr. Rothman, through his company Xana Gardens, concluded a deal with the Armenian Patriarchate for the lease of around 13% of the Armenian Quarter in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem to construct a luxury hotel.
Information about the deal was kept hidden from the Armenian community until April 2023, when some local residents found out their homes were included in the land deal.
Indignation over the potential displacement of members of the declining Jerusalem's Armenian community led to the defrocking of Baret Yeretzian, then-director of the Department of Real Estate of the Patriarchate.
In its Armenian Quarter Files, TNA revealed links between representatives of Xana Gardens and extremist members of the Israeli settler movement.
These settlers, armed with guns and dogs, confronted the local Armenian community on November 4-5, after the Armenian Patriarchate announced it has canceled the deal.
TNA was also able to expose links between these settlers and current Israeli politicians, such as minister of national security Itamar Ben-Gvir and Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Arieh King.
In a 19 December statement published by the UK NGO Business & Human Rights Resource Centre (BHRRC), Safdie Architects stated that they "were startled when we learned of the objections by members of the Armenian community, which arose after many months of working on [the project]".
Established by Moshe Safdie in Montreal in 1964, the firm is most famous for designing Marina Bay Sands, an integrated resort in Singapore and the city-state's most notorious landmark.
According to their statement, Safdie Architects were brought onto the project by One&Only Resorts, the hospitality firm allegedly tasked with managing the hotel after its construction.
Dubai-based Kerzner International, which owns the One&Only brand, has so far failed to respond to allegations of its involvement in the project, according to BHRRC.