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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 purposeful 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
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