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Nagorny Karabagh (Mountainous Karabagh)
On the top of a hill a unique monument named <<We and
our mountains>> or <Grandmother and Grandfather>> is
located. This is a red-tuff monument of a man and a
wife. They are in their national taraz (clothes). It
seems that they are standing from immemorial times and
are the witnesses of centuries-old history of
Artsax. It empresses the society of Artsax, the brave
and purpusful characters of the people and their deep
love towards their motherland. This is one of the
wonderful places of Armenian mountainous land. Armenian
medieval historians with admiration described the nature
of this wonderland. Tourists, visited here, testified
that by the beauty of its nature it is equal of
Switzerland. The main part of this land are mountains,
the highest is Gyamish (3724m). One third of the
territory are forests where different wild animals live.
It is quite obvious that such land must boasts with its
architectural monuments, many of which are masterpieces
of Armenian architecture.
Gandzasar (Treasury mountain)-The main temple
dates back to the 13th century, which was anointment in
1240 by 700 priests. According to the testimonies of the
historians here used to be another small church, which
was ruined and this big one was built in order to serve
bigger authorities. This is a spiritual center of Nagory
Karabagh. The episcopal residence of Aghvan patriachate
was here. It had a rich manuscript depository and a
school. In the 18th century it became main center of
liberating movements.
Amaras-this is one of the ancient Christian
churches of Armenia. It was built by Grigor the
Illuminator just after the adoption of Christianity in
301. The first school of Nagorny Karabagh was founded
here just after the creation of Armenian alphabet (405)
by Mesrop Mashtots-the creator of Armenian alphabet.
Shusi- Shusi is administrative center of
Nagorny Karabagh. The most impressive is its position,
as all the village is located on the edge of canyon.
Standing near the main church you just wonder how the
enemy could conquer this city. Shusi temple was built on
a hill surrounded by 6-8m height gates. The main church
Amenaprtich dates back to the 19th century. This is one
of the biggest churches of Armenia.
Dadivank-According to tradition this church was
built in the place of the grave of Dadi, who was died in
the first century A.D. during the preaching of
Christianity. In the 5th century this was resident
of episcopes. In the 12th century during the Arabian
invasions this was used as fortress. The survived
building of the complex date back from 12th-13th
centuries. This complex is rich with inscriptions
and beautiful ornaments. The complex include different
kinds of churches, temple and xachkars.
As you notice more then16 centuries are between
the symbol monument of Karabagh (20th century) and
Amaras church (4th century), and during these
long-lasted years population of Nagorny Karabagh
struggled, was tempted to different terrible temptations
for their motherland and independence. Though now days
their aim (Join to Armenia) hasn't been solved totally
but there is no doubt that people due to the strong
characters, courage and deep love to their motherland,
will fulfill their centuries-old aim.
Now days we can enter this land without any
prohibitions. But unfortunately the tourists need
entrance visa, which is very easy and they can get it
just near the border paying approximately 20$. It lasts
very short and in order you don't get bored you can
visit Ethnographical museum just near the border,
where you can see different kinds of carpets and other
samples of Armenian arts. There is no prohibitions for
tourists and Armenians, except some parts which belong
to Aderbedgan.
For more details please have a look at
History of Nagorny Karabagh |
