A cluster bomb fired from the Smerch missile system was found near the residential buildings in the Bryusov district of Stepanakert, the capital of Artsakh, the State Service of Emergency Situations reported on Saturday.
“The sappers will neutralize it on the spot soon. Although the sound of the explosion will not be loud, we urge you not to worry if you hear it,” it said.
17:24, 7 April, 2021
YEREVAN, 7 APRIL, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 7 April, USD exchange rate up by 1.47 drams to 536.58 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 5.60 drams to 637.67 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.08 drams to 6.92 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 1.50 drams to 741.50 drams.
The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.
Gold price up by 402.45 drams to 30097.73 drams. Silver price up by 13.66 drams to 431.98 drams. Platinum price up by 436.20 drams to 21064.02 drams.
Crosses etched in mysterious abundance across the walls of Christianity’s most sacred church were long assumed to be graffiti, but they may be the work of mediaeval masons paid to carve them by pilgrims, research suggests.
Revered in Christian tradition as the site of Jesus’s crucifixion and burial, Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre usually bustles with worshippers and clergy. That has made study of the sacred markings difficult.
But renovations in 2018 at one of its chapels featuring thousands of the close-bunched and hand-engraved crosses gave Israel’s Antiquities Authority and Hadassah Academic College Jerusalem an opportunity for research.
In coordination with the Armenian Orthodox Church, which controls the chapel, the scholars used digital cameras and three-dimensional imaging to map out, compare and date the crosses.
“This unique phenomenon always baffled us: Is it graffiti of the pilgrims, or rather, something else?…,” said Amit Re’em, Jerusalem regional archaeologist for the Authority.
“We saw that all of them (crosses) have the same depth and even the marking of the mason,” he said, provisionally dating them to the 15th century.
“Maybe two or three hand artists made these crosses,” Re’em said. “…So it’s not graffiti, it’s something more organised.”
He suggested an intercessionary purpose.
“Let’s say that you are an Armenian pilgrim, so you pay something to the priest, you pay something to this special artist and he carved for you, for the benefit of your soul and your relatives’ souls, …a special cross in the most sacred place for Christianity on earth,” Re’em said.
Father Samuel Aghoyan, the Armenian superior at the Holy Sepulchre, saw benefits to the church from the research, especially as it struggles to emerge from COVID-19 lockdowns and prepares for Easter.
“Now there are no pilgrims here, (but) still their spirit is here, we know, I believe in that,” he said.
YEREVAN. – Presiding Judge Anna Danibekyan of the Yerevan general jurisdiction court trial of the criminal case against Armenia’s second President Robert Kocharyan, former CSTO Secretary General Yuri Khachaturov, former Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan, and former Deputy PM Armen Gevorgyan on Tuesday refused to terminate the criminal prosecution under Article 300.1 of the Criminal Code, despite the Constitutional Court decision on this article.
The court adjourned, and the next hearing was set for April 12.
The reason for rescheduling today’s hearing was the prosecution’s absence from the courtroom.
As reported earlier, this was the first court session after the Constitutional Court declared Article 300.1 (overthrow of the constitutional order) of the Criminal Code in conflict with Articles 78 (principle of proportionality) and 79 (principle of certainty) of the Constitution, and therefore invalidated it on March 26. It is not clear what kind of “overthrow” is in question, given that the aforesaid article was adopted under one constitution, and they had tried to amend it under another constitution.
The defendants are charged under this article of the Criminal Code.
In fact, the court shall terminate these defendants’ criminal prosecution under the said article, as well as of others who are charged with similar charges in this criminal case.
Following the start of another political crisis in Armenia, the future for the country in the mountainous Caucasus region looks unclear. The latest events have seen thousands taking to the streets to call for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation. Following a tumultuous 2020 with the Nagorno-Karabakh war, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic stagnation, political tensions are high. Pashinyan has faced mounting protests and calls from the opposition to resign since the six-week armed conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia last year. At the heart of this turmoil, is the Russia-brokered ceasefire, which has seen Russian soldiers deployed as peacekeepers and resulted in Armenia ceding control of parts of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts.
What is clear, is that the war and loss of Nagorno-Karabakh have exacerbated socio-economic issues in Armenia and have proven a catalyst for social division. The question now lies in Armenia’s future. How should those within the Republic of Armenia look forward? Until now, the focus of the Armenian state and diaspora has largely been on the past. However, energy and focus must now be directed toward the future of Armenia and creating a unique, successful country. To achieve this, cooperation between state, community, and diaspora is essential.
The war and COVID-19 have accelerated every existing issue in the region, making it clear that in order to emerge from the other side, a more solid long-term strategy for the country is required. Strategic investment in developing countries can have a hugely positive impact on local economies. Impact investment has proven to be successful in a number of developing countries because of its long-term focus on strengthening local economic and social environments. Its core emphasis is on the merger of commercial and social ventures and promotion of investment into companies, organisations, and funds that will generate a positive social and environmental impact.
In Armenia, a country long held back by its landlocked location and geopolitical constraints, impact investment could be used to spur both an economic and societal flourish. Ruben Vardanyan is a champion of developing a long-term strategy and has been driving impact investment in Armenia and Russia for over thirty years. Vardanyan, along with Noubar Afeyan, an American-Armenian entrepreneur, inventor, and philanthropist, have implemented partnership projects that have transformed the socio-economic environment in Armenia. Twenty years ago, they began a joint life-long journey to initiate the Armenia-2020 project by creating anchor projects.
Their foundation, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative along with Vardanyan and Afeyan’s other pioneer projects; the IDeA Foundation, UWC Dilijan, and FAST Foundation, have all helped build sustainable initiatives that promote positive long-term socio-economic impact and preserve Armenian identity. Numerous philanthropic projects have been implemented – with the aim to aid the development of a more coherent and thriving economic and social ecosystem in Armenia. The Armenia-2020 initiative called on Armenians to discuss the future of their country and formulate a project plan of how that vision could be achieved. Armenia-2020 and Armenia-2040, both involved large-scale research and the decision to follow the concept of holistic development.
Multi-purpose breakthrough projects are being used to promote Armenia as a future regional hub for healthcare, technology, and education. UWC Dilijan is Armenia’s first international boarding school, welcoming students from over 80 countries. The school, part of the Scholae Mundi Foundation, has played a wider role in the development of Dilijan – it is a key employer and helped Dilijan prosper economically. The FAST Foundation was launched in 2016 and drives technological innovation in Armenia and the region. The anchor projects implemented all have long-term and tangible benefits. Recently, FAST announced a new project in collaboration with the British Council. The project part of SciNova will focus on the commercialisation of science – in order to promote science as a lucrative career path for young Armenians.
Vardanyan and Afeyan’s strategy for impact investment has recently been studied in a new book by Blair Sheppard, head of global strategy at PwC. In his book, Ten Years to Midnight: Four Urgent Global Crises and their Strategic Solutions, Blair Sheppard sets out the most urgent global challenges and what he believes are their key solutions – rebuilding and reinvigorating institutions. At its core is a simple idea, one that believes if globalisation is to truly work, we need strong local economies and ecosystems. Blair Sheppard underlines the components used by Vardanyan and Afeyan in Armenia and argues they should be used more widely in the country and as a blueprint for how other countries can develop on a local level, allowing them to go on to become a global actor.
The formula used by Vardanyan, Afeyan, and partners in Armenia, covered in Sheppard’s book, highlights a change in how we should address investment in developing countries. It emphasises the successes that have been made in Armenia, and what more can be done. If their calls for further engagement and discussion are listened to, Armenia has the potential to quickly and successfully develop – especially with the large swathes of talented diaspora, who could provide counsel and financing. Being a small country makes you vulnerable, but it also gives you the power to change things quickly, to change them for the better. The holistic approach to impact investment should be reflected across other projects in Armenia. For a country to truly work towards sustainable development, the evidence shows that long-term investment, partnership, and independence is far more successful than the traditional triad of help, charity, and advice.
“Moments ago, the Constitutional Court of Armenia issued a judgment, declaring Article 300.1 of the Criminal Code to be contrary to the Constitution and invalid. This Article was the pivot of the criminal investigation into the alleged overthrowing of the constitutional order former President Robert Kocharyan had been charged with,” the official facebook account of President Kocharyan said.
“The defense team of President Kocharyan, authoritative international organizations had provided expert opinions over the unconstitutional nature of this case since the first day of Kocharyan’s illegal detention. As a result of this unconstitutional case, President Kocharyan has been deprived of liberty for 537 days,” the statement said.
To remind, Armenia’s Constitutional Court declared Article 300.1 of the country’s Criminal Code, under which former president Robert Kocharyan is charged, to be unconstitutional.
Defense Army has published new list of 192 servicemen killed in Karabakh war.
As of March 22, the Defense Army’s list included names of 2,652 killed servicemen.
Besides, the total number of the bodies found since the ceasefire reached 1,518.
Master basket weaver Arthur Petrosyan sits and works on a project. (Photo by Narek Harutyunyan, My Armenia Program)
In the summer of 2020, the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage’s My Armenia Program partnered with Armenian publication Yerevan Magazine to publish a special issue highlighting community-based cultural heritage tourism in the country. Over the next few months, the Center will publish English translations of the articles to Smithsonian Voices.
During this difficult time in the region, we hope these stories shine a light on the resilience of the Armenian people by showcasing their vibrant, diverse cultural heritage.
Seeing the Historical and Cultural Monument of Beekeeping in the Yeghegnadzor Regional Museum
The Museum of Yeghegnadzor has approximately 9,000 objects, ranging from prehistoric times to the 20th century. Most of them present the history of the region—the instruments of the Bronze and Stone Ages, jewelry, earthenware, and rugs, among others. The main treasure of the museum is perhaps the 14th-century khachkar (cross-stone) by the renowned Momik. That being said, the beehive (referred to as moloz [Armenian: մոլոզ] in the local dialect) dating to the 19th century is no less magnificent. Made from the fresh branches of a willow tree, this beehive was discovered in Shatin village. This is the very place where it is best to embark on a honey journey.
A nineteenth century beehive at the Yeghegnadzor Local Lore-Museum. (Photo by Areg Balayan, My Armenia Program)
Making a Beehive with your Own Hands in Yegheg
Born and raised in Yeghegnadzor, Arthur Petrosyan started a new brand in the town called Yegheg. The branches of the willow growing on the Arpa River banks get soft and flexible in the hands of Master Arthur, eventually becoming woven baskets. These baskets, made from natural material, can be used both as home decoration and as jug and wine bottle encasements, bread plates, or boxes for storing things.
Arthur also explores some of the history of his craft. After seeing the moloz beehive made from willow branches at the Yeghegnadzor museum, he reproduced it at his workshop. Currently, he helps all workshop visitors so that they also may master that craft. Of course, visitors may take home the baskets that they weave with their own hands.
Enjoying Pakhlava with Honey at Mirhav
Many countries of the region have been proclaiming themselves the birthplace of pakhlava for many years. We think that it does not matter where it was invented, but rather where it is the tastiest. From this point of view, Goris may take the top spot. Using the recipe she inherited from her aunt who lives in the village, the chief manager of the hotel-restaurant Mirhav treats visitors to a delicious pakhlava. It is so successful that many people know Mirhav for this signature desert. One of the keys to this success is the natural honey produced in the mountains of Goris. Most importantly, this pakhlava may not only be ordered, but also prepared with your own hands (and then tasted by all means).
Yeghevnut’s beeswax cream. (Photo courtesy of the My Armenia Program)
Making a Cream with Beeswax in Yeghevnut
Numerous popular traditions regarding beekeeping are associated with the medicinal properties of the use of beeswax. It has been used for a variety of health problems for centuries. Grandpa Grisha, a beekeeper with 50 years of experience, remembers it all very well. Based on the popular tradition using beeswax to wounds and skin cracks, his daughter-in-law, Anush, created a cream that is used very effectively to treat various parts of the feet, and especially the sole.
People used to melt beeswax and apply it on skin cracks, which was rather painful due to its heat. Anush has improved that method. She adds sunflower, olive, sea buckthorn oils, or other essential oils to the melted beeswax. They soften the beeswax and make it viscous. This cream is convenient to use; firstly, it does not hurt the wound, and secondly, it is more effective. The cream can also be used for skin care; it cleanses the skin and gives it a velvety softness.
Anush co-founded the Yeghevnut hotel where you can also try various cooking classes.
Master potter Vahagn holding a clay jug. (Photo by Narek Harutyunyan, My Armenia Program)
Practicing Pottery with the Use of Beeswax at Sisian Ceramics
Pottery master Vahagn Hambardzumyan and his wife, artist Zara Gasparyan, established Sisian Ceramics. Today, they work together in the south of Armenia, developing and preserving Armenia’s cultural heritage of pottery. Sisian Ceramics explores the roots of Armenian pottery, ancient technologies, and types of decorative art. Visitors to the workshop may see how Vahagn heats the clay item at temperatures of 100 to 120 degrees Celsius. He melts the beeswax under the same temperature and applies a thin layer of it to the surface. Then, he fills the interior with the beeswax and quickly empties it. The objective is to make the object waterproof, and not only that: beeswax prevents the clay from absorbing moisture and makes the object more beautiful. Moreover, the works covered in beeswax are easier to wash.
BeeArt Exclusive’s jewelry at the My Handmade Armenia Festival, 2018. (Photo courtesy of the My Armenia Program)
Shopping for Original Bee-like Jewelry
Finally, visitors may return home after a visit to the village of Rind, where they may purchase the jewelry inspired by beehives. The designer and maker of the jewelry is Varazdat Asatryan. It is not surprising that his brand is named BeeArt Exclusive. The collections of BeeArt feature a combination of natural materials such as wood, precious stones, and metals. The result is a harmonious combination of distinctive rings, earrings, and pendants.
About My Armenia
The My Armenia Program, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Smithsonian Institution, works to increase and share knowledge about Armenian cultural heritage and build capacity to support the long-term vitality of Armenian cultural sites and practices. Through My Armenia, the Smithsonian seeks to support cultural sustainability by documenting Armenia’s historic and living cultural traditions, sharing this knowledge with global audiences, and supporting the development of local resources and capacity to safeguard this cultural heritage for future generations.
About Yerevan Magazine (EVNmag)
Launched in 2011, Yerevan Magazine is one of the most popular print magazines in Armenia. Known for its high quality, edgy design, and free distribution at more than sixty hotspots in Yerevan (in cafes, restaurants, pubs, and more), EVNmag has become required reading for many Yerevantis—just like coffee in the morning. Even as print magazines fight to stay relevant in an increasingly digital world, with five to seven editions a year and 4,000 copies each, EVNmag remains a beloved and reliable news source covering life in Yerevan.
The Yerevan Magazine issue covering My Armenia was released Friday, August 14, 2020. Armenian versions of these articles can be found online on their website, Facebook, Instagram, and .