At the back of Ditavan rises a rock, which the residents call “Qar” or Chechaqar, symbolizing Ditavan. There is a tradition that certain natural phenomena are associated with “Qar.” For instance, hail rarely falls in the village, which the villagers believe is because “Qar” draws it away.
Chechaqar is the highest point in the community, where a metal cross has been erected through the community’s efforts. Chechaqar got its name due to the checha-like stones typical of that area. From Chechaqar, there is a picturesque view of Ditavan and the neighboring communities. It is located on a forested height. The path leading to Chechaqar passes through the community and then through the forest.
The project is implemented within the framework of the EU4Culture program “we are our mountains”, funded by the European Union. The project is being implemented by the Municipality of Ijevan and the Urban Sustainable Development Fund.
Surb Gevorg Church was built in the 19th century. It is located on the western part of the village, on the right bank of the “Agrichay” river, in an elevated area.
Surb Gevorg Church is part of Armenia’s rich architectural heritage. It is known for its distinct architectural style, which includes features typical of Armenian churches built during that period. The church has a square base and features a dome, which is supported by cross-shaped windows and corner stones built into the walls.
These architectural elements help to distribute the weight of the dome evenly, ensuring the structure’s stability.
The church is characterized by its compact size and the use of local stone materials. The dome is placed on a hexagonal drum, which is itself topped with a conical spire, a common design in Armenian ecclesiastical architecture.
The church walls are decorated with cross-shaped windows. In the churchyard, there is also a commemorative khachkar (cross-stone).
The church was renovated in 2012 during the tenure of Catholicos Garegin II, sponsored by benefactor Armen Gyozalyan.
The project is implemented within the framework of the EU4Culture program “we are our mountains”, funded by the European Union. The project is being implemented by the Municipality of Ijevan and the Urban Sustainable Development Fund.
The S. Sargis Chapel in Yenokavan is an important religious and cultural landmark located in the Tavush Province of Armenia. Constructed in the 13th century, the chapel is dedicated to St. Sargis, a revered saint in the Armenian Apostolic Church known as the protector of soldiers, youth, and travelers. St. Sargis’s feast day is a significant event in the Armenian liturgical calendar, often celebrated with special services and festivities.
Architecturally, the chapel is a fine example of medieval Armenian design. It features a single nave structure, common among rural chapels of that period, with an exterior built from local stone that ensures its durability. The interior is modestly decorated, emphasizing spiritual over ornamental aspects. Notable within the chapel are khachkars, or cross-stones, which are intricately carved and characteristic of Armenian religious art. Over the centuries, the chapel has likely undergone various restorations to preserve its structural integrity and artistic features, maintaining its historical and cultural significance.
The S. Sargis Chapel serves as a popular pilgrimage site, especially on the feast day of St. Sargis when many visit to seek blessings, make vows, and participate in religious services. It is deeply integrated into local traditions and often hosts significant community events such as baptisms, weddings, and other religious ceremonies.
Situated in the picturesque village of Yenokavan, the chapel is surrounded by lush forests, rocky outcrops, and scenic views, providing a serene environment for visitors. The region is also a tourist attraction, with nearby sites like the Lastiver caves and waterfalls offering opportunities for hiking and exploration. These natural attractions, combined with the spiritual and cultural significance of the chapel, make Yenokavan a compelling destination.
Preservation efforts for the S. Sargis Chapel are part of broader initiatives to maintain Armenia’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Both local and international organizations contribute to these efforts through funding and expertise, ensuring the chapel remains a vibrant part of the community’s identity. The local community itself plays a crucial role in the chapel’s upkeep and preservation, actively participating in its maintenance.
Visitors to the S. Sargis Chapel are encouraged to respect its religious significance by dressing modestly and maintaining a respectful demeanor. The best time to visit is during spring and summer when the weather is pleasant and the surrounding nature is at its most beautiful. For a more enriching experience, guided tours can provide historical context and share local stories associated with the chapel.
In summary, the S. Sargis Chapel in Yenokavan is a site of profound historical, religious, and cultural importance. Its medieval architecture, integration into local traditions, scenic surroundings, and ongoing preservation efforts make it a noteworthy destination for both pilgrims and tourists.
The project is implemented within the framework of the EU4Culture program “we are our mountains”, funded by the European Union. The project is being implemented by the Municipality of Ijevan and the Urban Sustainable Development Fund.
The Saint George Church is located in the central part of the village of Berkaber. The church is a domed basilica with three naves, measuring 15 meters in length, 11 meters in width, and 14 meters in height. It is constructed from local stone and monolithic reinforced concrete. The building was originally designed by architect Meri Danielyan, with construction beginning in 1986.
However, construction halted after the collapse of the Soviet regime. Later, under the leadership of renowned architect Misak Melkumyan, recognized in the field of church construction, changes were made to the design volumes, adding a dome instead of the previous pitched roof. The revised design was approved by the Catholicos, and construction resumed on December 5, 2012, and was completed on August 5. The church was built in the center of the village with the sponsorship of diaspora benefactors Jirair and Siranush Kanelian, in memory of their beloved parents, Khachik and Nazeli Kanelian. The church was consecrated on October 18, 2013.
The project is implemented within the framework of the EU4Culture program “we are our mountains”, funded by the European Union. The project is being implemented by the Municipality of Ijevan and the Urban Sustainable Development Fund.
The Holy Sunday Chapel, located in Gandzakar village in Tavush Province, Armenia, is a historical monument built in 1286. It features traditional Armenian architectural elements and serves as an important cultural and spiritual site. The chapel is constructed from local stone and is surrounded by a medieval cemetery. It has undergone several renovations over the centuries to preserve its structure and significance.
The monument is located 2 km southeast of the village, in the Khojabazar settlement area, west of the Arabi gorge, on a hillside. The monument is standing and is also known as the Khchbazar Cross. It is constructed on a rock fragment 2 meters above the ground. The dating of its construction is confirmed by the inscription on the semi-circular frontal stone, which mentions the year 1286. It is a small domed structure with a square plan, a single apse, and a single altar. In the corners of the walls, about 1 meter high, are embedded four supports on which the arches of the roof rest, bearing the small dome with a cylindrical drum made of polished stone and a pointed roof. It has one entrance on the western side. The dome’s roof and drum are damaged. Around the chapel, on the plateau to the right of the Arabi gorge, is a cemetery with unpolished tombstones.
The project is implemented within the framework of the EU4Culture program “we are our mountains”, funded by the European Union. The project is being implemented by the Municipality of Ijevan and the Urban Sustainable Development Fund.
Achajur։ Aqueduct
In Achajur village of the Tavush region, there is a notable historical structure known as the Achajur Bridge. The aqueduct located in the Achajur community is a crucial part of the village’s irrigation system, dating back to the Soviet era of the 20th century. The construction of the aqueduct began in 1926 and was completed in 1931. It was put into operation in May 1931, coinciding with the launch of the Krivoy Hydroelectric Power Plant’s operations.
During the Soviet years, aqueducts were built over the canals of the Akhuryan, Aghstev, Hrazdan, Arpa, and Vorotan rivers. The Achajur aqueduct is a bridge supported by two pillars, which transports water from the Aghstev River to nearby areas. Previously, the primary purpose of the aqueduct was to supply water to the Krivoy Hydroelectric Power Plant. Now, the aqueduct also has agricultural significance.
Apart from its practical use, the aqueduct is also considered a cultural and historical landmark. It symbolizes the era of Soviet engineering and development projects, aimed at boosting local economies through increased agricultural productivity. Even today, the aqueduct continues to serve the community.
The project is implemented within the framework of the EU4Culture program “we are our mountains”, funded by the European Union.
The project is being implemented by the Municipality of Ijevan and the Urban Sustainable Development Fund.
Several residents of the village of Aknaghbyur have been photographed near the oak tree, which, according to tradition, was planted by Vardan Mamikonian on the eve of the Battle of Avarayr.
It has been passed down among the people that the oak tree was planted by Sparapet (Commander) Vardan Mamikonian in 450, one year before the Battle of Avarayr. In the summer of 450, a Persian army moved towards the banks of the Kura River, defeating the Caucasian Albanians on the way.
Vardan Mamikonian came to the aid of the Albanians with a small Armenian army. In the battle that took place in the field of Khałkhał, the Armenian army won a brilliant victory. On the way back home, the commander stopped on the left bank of the Aghstev River near the village of Aknaghbyur.
An elderly villager congratulated Vardan Mamikonian on the victory, saying:
• May your hand remain strong, and your name be immortal.
The villager handed an oak branch to the commander. Vardan Mamikonian smiled and, without saying anything or asking anything, began to dig a hole with his spear. He was helped by the minister Arshavir Kamsarakan. The oak of the commander grew strong and remained green for 1528 years. In 1978, the tree fell.
The project is implemented within the framework of the EU4Culture program “we are our mountains”, funded by the European Union. The project is being implemented by the Municipality of Ijevan and the Urban Sustainable Development Fund.
Aygehovit: Srvegh Monastery
Srvegh Monastery is located about 3 kilometers southwest of the village of Aygehovit, on the slope called “Under the Cross.” The monastery was built in the 13th century. It was one of the spiritual and cultural centers of the Kayan district in medieval Armenia.
The complex consists of two churches, residential and economic buildings for the monks. It is surrounded by a fortified wall, of which only the foundations remain. Outside the walls, in the vicinity of the monastery, there are remnants of other buildings, tombstones, and khachkars (cross-stones). Clay pipes for water conduction have been preserved, indicating that water was brought to the monastery from a few kilometers away, from the nearby mountains.
The main church, Saint Nshan, is of the domed hall type. The lower rows of the walls, about one meter high, are constructed with polished dark pink andesite stones. This is one of the few brick-built monuments in Armenia. An inscription, partially preserved, on the front of the altar stone mentions the name Saint Nshan. The exact date of construction is unknown, but it is assumed to be from the 12th-13th centuries. The walls contain intricately carved and inscribed fragments of khachkars (cross-stones) from different eras, all belonging to an older structure. A medieval cemetery surrounds the church.
The church has been renovated multiple times. The two corners of the eastern facade, the central part of the altar, the western door frame, the corner sections, and parts of the dome have been fully renovated.
Saint Astvatsatsin Church is located north of the main church. It is in ruins and is a single-nave hall type, built in 1889 by the village community under the leadership of Father Hovhannes. The walls contain fragments and entire khachkars. The floor features large tombstones. After the Kirants Monastery, it is the second brick-built church in that area from the medieval period.
The project is implemented within the framework of the EU4Culture program “we are our mountains”, funded by the European Union. The project is being implemented by the Municipality of Ijevan and the Urban Sustainable Development Fund.
The semi-emergency reality of the Sarigyugh Culture House
Sarigyugh is a border village, 2 kilometers from the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. Although Sarigyugh is a settlement with development potential and resources, the village still has many problems today, among which the dilapidated and dilapidated culture house is a worrying and problematic one. It was put into operation in 1984, and since 2007 it has already ceased its activities. The culture house has long been the center of cultural life for the residents of Sarigyugh and neighboring villages. Even today, the older generation of the village fondly remembers how the culture house once hosted distinguished artists and cultural figures of Armenia under its roof, what crowded events were held in the village. They could be compared only with events organized in the capital. The villagers proudly note that although the regional center was Ijevan, the pulse of cultural life ran through their village. everyone came to Sarigyugh to see and feel the incredible power of culture with their own eyes. Tavush Media followed the traces of the looting that turned the Sarigyugh Culture House into ruins in 2021. We had information that a fundraiser had been held, as well as that local self-government bodies had intervened.
Even today, the doors of the Culture House, which once had a vibrant and rich past, are not closed, but not because the cultural life is as vibrant as before, and there are queues of spectators at the entrance, but because the doors and windows of the building, as well as all the property, have been destroyed, disappeared, and only the rare preserved paintings on the moss-covered and half-ruined walls remind us of the building’s former splendor and glory. Moreover, if this continues and is partially evacuated and relocated, the building may be classified as a structure with an emergency status. Previously, a series of events were launched under the title “Sari FEST” to raise funds for the renovation of the Sarigyugh Culture House. The initiators hoped to raise the necessary funds for the renovation of the building through investors, donations, and former residents of the village living outside. Having learned about this, Tavush TV addressed the issue of the Sarigyugh Culture House back in early 2022, after which the attention of the community and related structures was directed to the speedy resolution of the issue. An active community initiative group was formed with the participation of the population. The group’s goal was to find solutions to the problem in cooperation with local authorities and other interested and concerned structures.
The Ijevan Civic Youth Center, as a community coalition and an organization implementing advocacy campaigns, began to study the issue and created a platform for dialogue between the population and local self-government bodies. Through the efforts of the initiative group and the community authorities, some renovation work was carried out in 2022: the roof of the building was covered, which could temporarily save the building from final collapse. However, the issue of installing gutters is still open, and therefore, rainwater poses a great risk to the building as before.
The young people of the village form an idea of the rich cultural past of the village only through the stories of their elders, but at the same time they cherish the hope that one day they will see beautiful events on the stage of their village’s cultural center and be proud of their village like the elders. And until then, the young people arrive from Sarigyugh to Ijevan every day to attend music, dance and a number of other group classes, and to participate in occasional concert events.
There is hope in Sarigyugh, some are sure that the problem will be solved very soon, the residents are willing to save the culture of their village, and they also assure that they will have a cultural Sarigyugh. Tavush Media also expresses confidence that it will keep the problems of this cultural center and many other problems in need of solution in the focus of its attention.
The story of musician Karine Alexanyan from Tavush
Musician and performer Karine Alexanyan, (from Tavush region, Voskevan village) shared with Tavush TV the story of her creative path, from the time when owning a guitar seemed like an impossible dream to today, when she inspires her own students.
Karine says that the advantage of creating outside of Yerevan is that her connection with nature has been very close, and it is this connection that has allowed her to ask questions and find answers in nature. In the words of her own song:
“Loneliness has led to deep self-knowledge,
And silence has pricelessly spilled its secrets…”
