At the Dilijan Hovhannes Sharambeyan Art School, the 2024-2025 academic year has been summed up. The traditional graduation exhibition will remain open until September 1, giving visitors the opportunity to get acquainted with the works of the school’s students.

More than 400 students study at the school, of whom 39 successfully graduate this year. Throughout the year, the school’s students have actively participated both in various national and international competitions and festivals, earning certificates of honor, diplomas, and medals. These achievements testify both to the pedagogical potential of the school and to the dedication and hard work of the students.

Even today, the Dilijan Art School continues to remain one of the most important cultural and educational centers of the region, inspiring new generations to live and create through art.

“Dance expresses the characteristics of each nation, especially its manners and level of civilization.” On July 29, the “M” dance ensemble’s report concert took place in Ijevan.

The students of the ensemble decorated the Fountain Square in Ijevan with national, Armenian-folk, and various dances.

The voice of the Tavush Media report was read using artificial intelligence; by the way, AI tools are in the “arsenal” of Tavush Media.

The “Knights of Vardanants” sports and cultural center, located at the intersection of Verin Karmiraghbyur and Norashen villages, continues to welcome children and adults of the region – but now in renewed conditions. The center has undergone large-scale re-equipment and renovation. All this became possible through the support of the “Tsili Tsov” Local Action Group established within the EU-funded and UNDP-implemented “LEADER” program.

“The “Knights of Vardanants” educational complex was built in 2015-2016 with the funds of Armenian-American philanthropist Tigran Sahakyan and operated until 2020. Later, with the younger members of our family, we decided to restart and reopen the center, probably mainly because, after the war, we wanted to focus on youth and keep them in the region. We started working with small means, but soon realized that substantial resources were needed. We learned about the Tsili Tsov local action group and decided to present our business plan not only from a business perspective but also with the goal of uniting youth and creating active youth groups in the region. Thanks to the grant, we were able to expand our property, acquire new tables, umbrellas, a new pump, and water filters, which are very important for ensuring the safety of children in the pool and maintaining the clarity, cleanliness, and purity of the water, as well as many other materials needed for the swimming pool’s operation,” noted program beneficiary Nelli Alikhanyan.

The renovated swimming pool has become a new address for a healthy and active life for the community’s residents, as the swimming classes give children and youth the opportunity to engage in sports and develop their physical abilities.

“The “Tsili Tsov” Local Action Group, created based on the “LEADER” methodology, is an important platform where the public, private, and civil society sectors of Berd community come together. It promotes a new bottom-up approach, making the voice of local actors heard. The swimming pool initiative itself is innovative, as previously, children in Norashen and Verin Karmiraghbyur did not have access to swimming lessons. It is an institution, and as a result of our cooperation, the area established by the ‘Knights of Vardanants’ organization will now also serve as a venue for the “Berd AgroFest” festival, which we hope will become an ongoing initiative,” concluded Nara Papyan, Chair of the “Tsili Tsov” Local Action Group NGO Board.

Today, the center has become a new hub of recreation and activity for the villages of the region. The trainings organized here bring together children and youth, form new friendships, and create an environment of community interaction – bringing liveliness, movement, and joy to the communities.

In the mountains of the Noyemberyan community of Tavush Province, the “Mother Earth” festival has already been held for the fourth year. Beginning in 2022, this festival uniquely unites tradition and innovation, bringing together both locals and guests arriving from various corners of Armenia and abroad.

The festival lasts for two days and one night—with outdoor camping in tents and cabins—under conditions of unforgettable rest and active recreation. With a diverse and multifaceted program, the festive days are filled with cultural and educational events.

During the festival, the following are organized:

• Thyme gathering, accompanied by live guitar and flute music and a small food break,

• Outdoor baking of the traditional “terteruk” (also called nazuk, sali, hasali, psali – the sweet has several names in Tavush),

• Thyme tea drinking around the campfire to the sounds of the guitar,

• An exhibition-sale of local produce, handicrafts, and artworks,

• Master classes in various professions and skills.

The philosophy of the festival weaves together the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, the pleasant and the useful, giving everyone the opportunity to engage with our beautiful culture. The “Mother Earth” festival contributes to the development of tourism and local businesses, promotes the recognition of the region, and values the Mother Earth as homeland and as the highest value.

It is noteworthy that, thanks to the thyme gathering events held alongside the festival, it has already spontaneously received the name “Thyme Festival,” which has been gladly and joyfully accepted by participants. It is expected that over the years, the “Mother Earth” festival will become an important annual pan-Armenian event, offering visitors a spiritually and aesthetically enriching experience.

In border communities, each new production site is more than just a workplace. It is a sign of confidence that it is possible to live, work, and develop one’s own community here without fear of tomorrow. Funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the “Empowering Local Actors for Development in Lori and Tavush Regions” program, which promotes community participation in local development processes, supports the establishment of production capacities and the creation of new partnerships.

Hasmik Kocharyan, head of FAO’s “LEAD” program, notes:

“Within the EU-funded ‘LEAD’ program, the Food and Agriculture Organization provided equipment to the ‘Eco Garden’ company, which resulted in job creation for our compatriots forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh. This cooperation created a model where international, public, and business sectors joined forces to solve social issues, and yes, this is a format that can be replicated in other communities, especially border ones, if financial resources are available.”

The “Eco Garden” production company operating in border village Aygedzor received new work equipment within the program framework, which directly increased the efficiency of the production process.

The company, engaged in canned food production, cooperates with more than 100 farms, procuring fruits, berries, wild herbs, and vegetables. The new tools will allow it to expand production, reach up to 200 or more suppliers, and also create new jobs, including for residents displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh.

According to program experts, this is only the beginning: the LEAD program aims to create an environment where local self-government bodies, the private sector, and international organizations work together for community development.

Astghik Hakobyan, head of the Berd community, notes:

“The cooperation between the community, private companies, and international organizations is an effective and important process aimed at community development. Our cooperation with the FAO is quite close, and seeing its positive activities in the community, we have provided office space. As a result of this cooperation, the ‘Eco Garden’ company has been provided with a number of tools.”

The need for work equipment in the production workshop was strongly felt, and now thanks to them, economic activity in Aygedzor will become more noticeable.

Vardavar is one of the most beloved and anticipated celebrations in Tavush, which for the third time now has found its unique expression in Koghb. Thousands of people from Tavush, different regions of Armenia, and abroad chose the path of water and came to Koghb, becoming part of the year’s most emotional event.

July 25, 2025. The village of Koghb awakens with the mood of Vardavar. The start of the celebration was classical – a symphonic concert evening served as the first event of the festival. Initiated by the “Koghb” Foundation, “Koghb Vardavar” is about culture, art and craft, tourism, and good and vibrant energy. The three-day festival, which this year carried the title “Symphony of Water,” stood out with several highlights, one of which was the joint concert of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, “Garik & Sona” band, and Nemra.

Arman Barseghyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the “Koghb” Foundation, noted:  “Every year we try to raise the bar, striving to add new components based on the lessons of the previous year and, as a result of improving the quality of the event, to ensure greater participation and scale each year. This year is no exception. From the start of the festival, it became clear that we have achieved the desired progress in organizational work. This year our festival is joined by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra. The mere fact that performers of such caliber participate in the event is already a big deal, since, unfortunately, concerts of such high-quality orchestras are rare in the region,” said Arman Barseghyan.

The scent and aroma emanating from Koghb’s football field filled the festival zone. Gastro pavilions and master classes in national cuisine once again highlighted the power of the Armenian traditional table, which was followed by an awakening of the sporting spirit – Olympic taekwondo demonstration performances. Art was breathing in every corner of Koghb – film screenings, literary conversations, creative workshops; in bright musical and recreational zones, everyone could find an activity to their liking.

The ritual of Vardavar came to life also through a theatrical performance, eventually signaling the start of the traditional water splashing. Everywhere there was high energy, thousands of smiles, appreciation for the land and homeland and those standing behind them, a renewed culture, and, most importantly, the strength and importance of traditions, experienced by people who felt their unity. This became the cornerstone of the event.

The impressions of Vardavar celebrated with Tavush-style grandeur are abundant, serving each time as a reason to smile and, why not, to visit here. Next Vardavar, you might find yourself in Koghb – in this purity, this warmth, and in the heart of these people.

On July 25, from 10:00 to 15:00, an exercise on “Organization of warning, shelter and evacuation of the population in case of an “Air-raid” warning siren” will be held in Itsakar settlement of Berd community of Tavush province, during which a civil defense siren will be used at 12:00.

Please do not panic.

On July 21, at 14:03 an emergency call was received to Tavush Regional Crisis Management Center that grassland had been on fire in Koti village: there was a chance of fire spreading.

One fire unit from the Fire and Rescue Squad of Regional Rescue Department and one fire unit from Koti Fire and Rescue Squad of Taush Preservation of Special Objects of the Collective Center of the Civil Protection Forces of the Civil Protection Department of the Rescue Service of the MIA of RA dispatched to the scene.

The fire in the field was localized at 15:59 and extinguished at 16:33. About 8 ha of grassland was burnt: the rescuers managed to managed to prevent the fire from spreading to the forest.

The rescuers managed to managed to prevent the fire from spreading to the adjacent house. One tractor and one truck participated in the firefighting activities.

Seven residents of Koti village and five employees of the Eco-Patrol Service participated in the firefighting activities.

“His mission was to serve the Motherland.” Henzel Baghdasaryan

Henzel Sashik Baghdasaryan was born on June 9, 1981, in the village of Paravakar, Tavush region. He was the third son of Sashik and Rosa Baghdasaryan. Since childhood, he stood out for his lively and inquisitive character. He was the youngest in the family, and there was always love and warmth around him.

From 1988 to 1998, he studied at Paravakar Secondary School. During the Artsakh movement of the 90s, the still young Henzel, standing next to the devotees of the Motherland, helped unload ammunition. In those years, his great love was singing. Having no musical education, he learned to play the accordion on his own and after years he was already singing and playing excellently.

After graduating from school, Henzel was drafted for compulsory military service in Artsakh. During his service, he distinguished himself as the best marksman, and was awarded certificates of appreciation.

In 2005, he decided to continue his service by entering contract military service. He approached the mission of defending the homeland with great responsibility. During his service, Henzel was awarded numerous medals. In 2006, he successfully completed a special sniper course in Yerevan, after which he was more often absent from home, on duty and participating in important tasks.

The profession of a scout-sniper was not only a job for him, but also a title. Over the years, Henzel underwent numerous trainings, the last of which was in China in 2019. Upon returning, he continued his service in the special forces, participated in the Tavush battles. For 16 years, he was the fear and terror of the enemy. They say that he hit two targets with one bullet…

On September 17, 2020, Henzel was on vacation. 10 days later, the 44-day war begins. He could not stay at home; he immediately joins the fighting. On October 5, in Jrakan, Henzel Baghdasaryan fell heroically, defending his homeland until his last breath. His body was found only 5 months later…
The life and biography of Henzel Baghdasaryan are about dedication, courage, and patriotism.

“From a young age, Arayik was very playful, caring, warm and humane. Arayik was special…”

“The Heroes” program tells the story of Arayik Edilyan, a Tavush resident who died in the 44-day war.
His dedication to life and resilience were also transmitted during his service. Arayik performed his duties excellently in the artillery division.

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BIOGRAPHY
Arayik Ararat Edilyan was born in 1995 in the city of Ijevan, Tavush region. Since childhood, he has stood out for his versatile abilities. He studied at Ijevan Primary School No. 1, then high school. His love of music led him to a music school, where he played various musical instruments. However, Arayik was not only an art lover, he also loved sports: wrestling and kickboxing.

This dedication to life and resilience were also transferred during his service. Arayik performed his duties in the artillery division excellently.

On October 2, 2020, when the war was already underway, Arayik, without hesitation, left for Artsakh to join the defense of Mataghis. On the battlefield, he quickly mastered the skills of an artilleryman, fought equally, doing not only his own job, but also the work of the officers. Eyewitnesses remember him as a warrior who not only fought, but also sang, maintaining the fighting spirit of the army.

On October 13, Arayik Edilyan became immortal, forever becoming one of the heroic sons of our people. Private Edilyan was posthumously awarded the  “Combat Service” Medal.