Challenges within communities are often visible to all; however, their systematic analysis and the clear prioritization of needs are frequently lacking. To address this gap, the “Civil Youth Center” NGO organized a workshop in Armenia’s Tavush region, bringing together representatives from several local communities.

Representatives of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Armenia also took part in the workshop, presenting the mission’s mandate and key areas of activity. During the sessions, participants conducted a community-based problem mapping exercise, identifying social and infrastructural challenges, with particular emphasis on security and peacebuilding concerns. Group discussions led to the definition of priority areas and highlighted issues requiring urgent attention at the community level.

Participants underscored the importance of women’s engagement in security-related processes, emphasizing that their involvement in community development and long-term stability must be consistent and institutionalized.

Addressing local challenges begins within the communities themselves—through active civic participation, a strong sense of responsibility, and a shared commitment to collaborative action.

Friendly ties and joint initiatives with sister cities from different countries are highly valued by the Ijevan community. On November 26, Ijevan hosted a delegation from its sister city, Rustavi, Georgia. The visit took place at the invitation of the Ijevan Municipality and aimed to strengthen the friendly, cultural, and partnership relations between the two cities.

The visit was organized with funding from the Austrian Development Agency and within the framework of the Council of Europe’s cross-border cooperation program “Democratic Development, Decentralization, and Good Governance in Armenia, Phase 2.” The program focuses on developing community capacities, improving the quality of governance, and expanding international partnerships. In this context, the cooperation between Ijevan and Rustavi is entering a new stage, highlighting the mutual interest of both cities in joint initiatives.

The delegation visited the Ijevan Wine-Brandy Factory, where they were introduced to the production processes. After the tour, a meeting was held with representatives of Ijevan’s business, culture, and tourism sectors, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors for experience exchange, development of new projects, and stimulation of economic activity.

Continuing an established tradition, the day ended with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony at the Mother Armenia Memorial Complex in Ijevan — a gesture symbolizing the strong friendship and long-term cooperation between the two cities.

On October 24, at around 08:30 a.m., a Mercedes car and a Hyundai bus collided in the administrative area of Tavush village, on the Ijevan–Berd highway.

As a result of the collision, the bus veered off the roadway and ended up in a forested area.

According to the Ministry of Health, 11 people were injured in the accident and transported to the regional medical center, where they received the necessary medical care.

The condition of 10 of the injured is reported as moderate, while one person remains in serious condition.

What does a person need to feel complete? Sometimes, all it takes is someone who listens, understands, and helps uncover one’s inner potential. Guided by this idea, a Psychological and Educational Counseling Center has been established at the YSU Ijevan Branch. Its core mission is to help individuals find inner balance, overcome psychological challenges, and live a harmonious life.

The center is unique in its format within the Tavush region, offering knowledge-based psychological services for children, adults, families, and organizations. Visitors can receive individual counseling as well as participate in educational and personal development programs.

Beyond counseling, the center also serves as a practical training platform for psychologists and psychology students, providing opportunities to deepen theoretical knowledge and gain real-life experience through workshops and research projects.

At the heart of the center lies the concept of psychological well-being. YSU Ijevan Branch aims to foster a culture of psychological support in Tavush and promote the development of emotional intelligence. This center represents a path toward self-awareness, mutual understanding, and inner harmony — paving the way for a more balanced and mindful society.

In order to increase the level of participatory governance, as well as the influence of residents on decision-making in the community, the Ijevan Municipality launched the participatory budgeting process, through which the residents of the Ijevan community were given the opportunity to present ideas and programs related to the community, which could be brought to life as a result of the population’s vote. 10 million drams were allocated for the implementation of the idea.

5 idea-programs were proposed under the “Participatory Budgeting” program, of which Gor Petrosyan’s proposal received the most votes, namely to renovate Myasnikyan Street in Ijevan.

Myasnikyan Street has not been renovated for more than 30 years, as a result of which it is in a deplorable state and creates difficulties for both traffic and residents. The goal of the project is to create a safe and well-maintained street that meets modern standards.

During the 44-day Artsakh War, numerous devoted and selfless soldiers and officers inscribed their names in the military chronicles in golden letters. Among them were National Hero, Colonel Tatul Ghazaryan, and Lieutenant Colonel Armen Ohanyan. October 19 is the day of remembrance for these commanders.

At one of the northeastern military units, soldiers and officers paid tribute to the memory of the defenders of the homeland.

At the “Mother Armenia” Memorial Complex in Ijevan, state officials, family members of fallen servicemen, and community residents laid flowers in memory of all our compatriots who fell throughout history. Walking past the names of the fallen heroes brings back memories, moments, and a deep sense of gratitude directed toward the devoted defenders of the homeland.

During the 44-day Artsakh War, forty brave servicemen from the Ijevan military unit heroically fell on the battlefield. Among them were the commanders—Colonel Tatul Ghazaryan and Lieutenant Colonel Armen Ohanyan.

National Hero Colonel Ghazaryan led the battle not from a command post but on the front line, alongside his soldiers. He took the fire upon himself and gave his life defending the section of Artsakh entrusted to him. Lieutenant Colonel Armen Ohanyan’s example inspired many to continue his mission with determination—standing at the border, where, as he used to say, “our common homeland begins.”

A great patriot, caring, devoted, and selfless—this is how these servicemen, who gave their lives to their country, are remembered five years later. They knowingly chose death and became immortal.
Let us remember them today, tomorrow, and always.

On October 13, a concert by the Vanadzor Chamber Orchestra took place at the Ijevan Culture House, featuring talented students from regional art schools and colleges.

During the concert, both classical and contemporary works were performed. The audience warmly received the performances of both the orchestra and the young musicians.

The concert was organized within the framework of the “Vanadzor Chamber Orchestra in the Regions” program, which launched in October and includes six cities across Armenia. The aim of the program is to encourage the participation of talented regional students in concert life and create a platform for collaboration between young musicians and professionals.

The initiative is implemented with the support of the grant program of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports. Projects like this not only promote cultural activity in the regions, but also provide young talents with opportunities to perform on major stages and gain valuable experience.

At the WKO Open World Championships 2025, held in London, Armenia was represented by the WKO Armenia national team, which performed successfully on the international stage. Narek Matinyan earned the title of World Champion, proudly raising the names of Armenia and Tavush Province.

Narek is from the village of Lusadzor, studies at Ijevan Basic School No. 1, and has been practicing Aikikendo Karate for four years. A disciplined and goal-oriented young athlete, he is a source of pride for his coaches and a role model for his classmates.

Today, Narek was welcomed back at Ijevan Basic School No. 1 in a festive and warm atmosphere. Students, teachers, and guests congratulated him on this remarkable achievement, emphasizing that Narek’s victory is not only a personal success, but also a source of pride for the entire community and the nation.

Narek Matinyan’s success is a testament to the fact that hard work, determination, and faith in oneself inevitably lead to victory.

This year, the village of Azatamut in Tavush Province is celebrating the 55th anniversary of its founding. Although it is officially classified as a village, its appearance—with apartment buildings and cottages—resembles that of a town.

Azatamut was established in 1970 as a settlement built around a bentonite clay factory. Initially, it was named after the settlement adjacent to the factory. In 1978, the settlement was renamed Azatamut, a name with historical significance. In November 1920, the 11th Red Army entered Armenia from Azerbaijan through this area and subsequently Sovietized the republic. The settlement was given the name “Azatamut,” meaning “Gateway to Freedom,” to commemorate that event.

According to the last Soviet census of 1989, the population of Azatamut was around 4,000 people. However, following the partial shutdown of the bentonite factory, the settlement experienced emigration.

Azatamut is located 11 km northeast of Ijevan, the regional center, at an elevation of 580 meters above sea level. The Ijevan–Berd highway passes through the village.

Today, this border village is fully gasified and has a reliable water supply. At 55 years old, Azatamut continues to live and develop, preserving its unique character and important role in the community life of Tavush.

On September 23, at 23:44, the Crisis Management Center of the Tavush Regional Rescue Department received an alert that a traffic accident had occurred on Independence Street in the city of Ijevan, with casualties reported, requiring the assistance of rescuers.

A firefighting-rescue unit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs Rescue Service’s regional department was dispatched to the scene.

It was found that near one of the buildings on Independence Street, vehicles of the brands “Mercedes-Benz” and “Vaz” had veered off the roadway and crashed into trees.

Before the rescuers arrived, three casualties had been transported to a medical center by local efforts.

Rescuers extricated the driver of the “Vaz” vehicle and handed him over to the ambulance crew, after which he was hospitalized.