DOCSLIB.ORG

Bi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Bi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Bi-annual Environmental Monitoring Report Loans 2561 and 2729-ARM July–December 2016 ARM: North–South Road Corridor Investment Program, Tranches 1 and 2 Prepared by the “Organization for Implementation of North–South Road Corridor Investment Program” State Non-Commercial Organization (PIU) based on the monthly Environmental Monitoring Reports of the Project Management Consultant (PMC) This bi-annual environmental monitoring report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. (<3nFUhU_<UnU4 6ULU4lUn<U3hL uhauLsph tbn.[nnFuu3hIJ UnUqnh hnUqULUguUt, r'rUeUUqbn.nnFG3nFL,, 4lbSUqUL na Uftb{SnUghL r.,UAUUqbF.qntrGgnFL qLtuu{nn qnPUu.}hn sLonbL .ORGANIZATION FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF NORTH.SOUTH ROAD CORRIDOR INYESTMENT PROGRAM" STATE NON-COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATION CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (ruluur,ruLfr (Ll!puqulunLplnL!, <hn +374112)2O-1A 09, 20 l0 l0 4 Tigran Mets Str., Yerevan, Republic of Armenia Te ,1 : +374 112) 2a 10-09, 20-10 l0 / 2017 u2F To: Tomas Herz Sputruqnpurf qttuu4nn r.ftuutrurqbur Senior Transport Specialist a|rupnL ftlnrluru (bpgf tr ADB Un.qnh hLrrlup' 42145 Project number:42145 (tu1 (lnrufru-hruprutl r.uum ruh' 6rutrruqurphru;frfu Armenia: North-South Road Corridor rlfrguLgph trhp4pnLrftulfrtr dnuqhn, Spurtr2bp 1 h 2 Investment Program, Tranches 1 and 2 Unup\ru' 9fru urrl'1ru!ru;f tr pfu ruquh rqrutrru !rutr Subject: Bi-annual Environmental Monitoring ilnbfpnpfrtrqf hu2rlbm rln rp;nrtr, hnqf u-qb11n bdpbp Report July-December 2016 2016p. (upqbft (?nL[tuu (bpg, qupnL Dear Mr. Tomas Herz, qhg ebp 4fmrup!rJLrLL nL hu.ruLnurmdurUl brJ For your review and approval please find attached Lbp!ulLrgtrnLLI 2016p. h nLfiu-4b!LnbLIpbp Bi-annual Environmental Monitoring Report for dur rJLrtrur! uh urur{u6fr !fruu.rrJl Lu!ur1fr! FLur- july-December 2016. The ADB National qruhquL Luliu-rL LlnLirpnpfrtrqf h u2L{hLn L{nLp'1nLLp: Environmental Consultant has reviewed the report U2F LrqquryirL pLuq Lrhqu;Lu_r! LuL funphp4LrurnLtr and all her comments have been addressed. LlbpuLLulbl I hLr2r{bur{n LplnLLp l, hn pnlnfr unugLxnqnLpJnLLL bpL nL qfr LnnrlnLplnLLLbpp hLu2qh bL unULlu6: (upqrutrpnr{' Best regards, !r.qunuqbs3uL V. KARAPETYAN trL]rLr. C U$tLrtl prep by: G. Afyan LJ Cur qbl LrL M Badeyan url: www.northsouth am, e-mail: [email protected] Table of Contents Part I Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 5 1. Construction Activities and Project Progress During Reporting Period ............................................ 6 1.1 Tranche 1, Yerevan-Ararat M2 road section (PK 9+312-PK 28+900) and Yerevan-Ashtarak M1 road section (PK 18+370-PK 29+773): ........................................................................................ 6 1.2 Tranche 2 Ashtarak-Talin M1 road (PK 29+600-PK 71+500): ................................................. 7 2. Environmental Safeguards Staffing................................................................................................ 7 2.1 PIU External Impact and Resettlement Component ................................................................ 8 2.2 The PMC Environmental Safeguards Unit .............................................................................. 8 2.3 The Contractor’s Environmental Unit ...................................................................................... 9 Part II Environmental Management ........................................................................................................ 10 3. Environmental Safeguards Program ............................................................................................ 10 3.1 Compliance with National Safeguards .................................................................................. 10 3.2 Compliance with ADB Safeguards ........................................................................................ 10 3.3 Contractor’s Compliance with the EMP ................................................................................. 11 3.4 Approvals of the Site-specific environmental management plans for Quarries, Borrow Pits, Blasting works, Excavated Material Dumping, Topsoil Stockpiling, Concrete Batching Plants and Historical monuments ...................................................................................................................... 11 3.5 ADB Mission ......................................................................................................................... 12 3.6 Trainings and awareness raising orientation ......................................................................... 12 3.7 Archaeological Works Program ............................................................................................ 13 3.8 Grievance redress mechanism and Consultations ................................................................ 13 3.9 Communication .................................................................................................................... 15 Part III Environmental Monitoring ........................................................................................................... 17 4. Monitoring .................................................................................................................................... 17 4.1 Monitoring of the Compliance with EMPs in Tranche 2 (Ashtarak-Talin road Section). ......... 17 4.2 Instrumented Measurements and Monitoring of Environmental Parameters of Air Quality, Noise and Vibration, Water Quality. ................................................................................................ 17 4.3 PPMS Indicators .................................................................................................................. 18 4.4 Non-compliance Notices ....................................................................................................... 18 Conclusions and Recommendations ................................................................................................... 19 ANNEXES ANNEX A: The Status of Topsoil Stockpiling and Excavated Material Dump Sites in Tranche 2 ANNEX B: Summary Table on Status of Archaeological Excavations ANNEX C: Non-Conformances Detected During Monitoring Visits in Reporting Period ANNEX D: Status of Measurements on Dust, Noise, Water Quality And Vibration in Jul-Dec 2016 ANNEX E: Status of environmental permits and licenses ANNEX F: Extracts from Noise, Dust and Vibration Assessment Reports ANNEX G: MoC approval and community’s non-objection for the new temporary access road in Nerkin- Sasnashen ANNEX H: Post-Construction Environmental Audit Checklist for Tranche 1 List of Abbreviations ADB Asian Development Bank CEMP Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan EMP Environmental Management Plan EIA Environmental Impact Assessment IEE Initial Environmental Examination IES International Environmental Specialist NES National Environmental Specialist PMC Project Management Consultant organization PIU Project Implementation Unit MNP Ministry of Nature Protection MOTCIT Ministry of Transport, Communication and Information Technologies MoC Ministry of Culture SEMP Site Specific Environmental Management Plan TMP Traffic Management Plan EMR Environmental Monitoring Report Part I Introduction This Bi-annual Environmental Monitoring Report covers the time period from July to December of 2016. The Report was prepared with close cooperation with Project Management and Supervision Consultant (PMC), which is the joint venture of French “Safege” and Spanish “Eptisa” companies for T1 and T2. 1. The RA has selected the Bavra-Yerevan-Agarak route as the North-South Road Corridor to be rehabilitated, reconstructed and expanded and has appointed the “North-South road Corridor Investment Program PIU” SNCO (“NSRP” PIU SNCO) of the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Information Technologies (MOTCIT) to co-ordinate the work. The Program is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under a multi-tranche funding facility (MFF). 2. The MFF is designed to rehabilitate and upgrade national north-south roads to form a new, upgraded and expanded North-South highway. The main objective is to widen the existing 2-lane roads (often in poor condition) to become 4-lane divided roads along existing alignments wherever possible or to construct new alternate 2-lane roads where a single 4-lane road would not be feasible. 3. Tranche 1 Project is to improve two road sections of the North-South Corridor, namely, the M-1 section of road north from Yerevan to Ashtarak from km 18+370 to km 29+773 (Section 3 in the contract with Contractor) and the M-2 section of road south from Yerevan to Ararat from km 9+312 to km 47+400 (Section 2 in the contract with Contractor). 4. The Tranche 2 Project starts at km 29+600 in Ashtarak and end at km 71+500 close to Talin (Section 1 in the contract with Contractor). Two bypasses will be constructed in Agarak starting at km 29+934 to km 32+600, and in Ujan from km 36+600 to km 40+300. The Project will also have a new road alignment (8.95 kilometres) at Katnagbyur starting from km 59+950 to km 68+900
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 40 CHURCHES in 7 DAYS 7 DAY TOUR ITINERARY* DAY 1 Meeting
    40 CHURCHES IN 7 DAYS 7 DAY TOUR ITINERARY* DAY 1 Meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel and check-in. The first steps of your Pilgrimage will start from Katoghike Holy Mother of God and Zoravor Surb Astvatsatsin Churches, both dating back to the XIII century, situated in the centre of Yerevan. To get acquainted with the capital of Armenia, we will have a City Tour in Yerevan - one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the only one, that has a "Birth Certificate" - a cuneiform inscription, left by King Argishti I on a basalt stone slab about the foundation of the city in 782 BC, displayed at the Erebuni Fortress-Museum. Yerevan is often pegged as the "Pink City" because of the colour of the stones used to build much of the city centre. Another name of Yerevan is an "Open-air Museum", the reason of which you will understand upon your visit. We will start the City tour from visiting Cascade Monument which is about 450 meters high and 50 meters wide. A panoramic view from the top of Cascade opens up a breathtaking city view with Opera House, Mount Ararat, Swan Lake, Republic Square and posh Northern Avenue, along which you will walk down during the tour. We will also visit Matenadaran, which means a "book-depository" in old Armenian. Indeed, Matenadaran is the pride of Armenian culture, the world's largest storage of ancient manuscripts. In fact, it is a scientific research institute of ancient manuscripts which stores more than 17 thousand ancient manuscripts and more than 100 thousand ancient archival documents.
    [Show full text]
  • Environmental Assessment Report Armenia: North-South Road
    Environmental Assessment Report Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Document Stage: Draft Sub-project Number: 42145 August 2010 Armenia: North-South Road Corridor Investment Program Tranches 2 & 3 Prepared by Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) of Armenia for Asian Development Bank The environmental impact assessment is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Armenia: North-South Road Corridor Investment Program Tranches 2 & 3 – Environmental Impact Assessment Report ABBREVIATIONS ADB Asian Development Bank AARM ADB Armenian Resident Mission CO2 carbon dioxide EA executing agency EARF environmental assessment and review framework EIA environmental impact assessment EMP environmental management and monitoring plan IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature LARP Land Acquisition and Resettlement Plan MFF multi-tranche financing facility MNP Ministry of Nature Protection MOC Ministry of Culture MOH Ministry of Health MOTC Ministry of Transport and Communication NGO nongovernment organization NO2 nitrogen dioxide NO nitrogen oxide MPC maximum permissible concentration NPE Nature Protection Expertise NSS National Statistical Service PAHs polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PMU Project Management Unit PPTA Project Preparatory Technical Assistance RA Republic of Armenia RAMSAR Ramsar Convention on Wetlands REA Rapid Environmental Assessment (checklist) SEI State Environmental Inspectorate
    [Show full text]
  • (2) Series of Laboratory Soil Tests Were Conducted in This Preparatory Survey Stage
    Chapter 4, FR 4-3-5 Laboratory Soil Test (1) Outline Two (2) series of laboratory soil tests were conducted in this preparatory survey stage. One was to the disturbed soil samples of sandy loam and sand-and-gravel obtained from the test-pits excavated in the reservoir bottom and surrounding area, of which locations are shown in Figure 4-3.4.1 and Figure 4-3.4.8, under the purpose of grasping the characteristics of impervious materials and sand-and-gravels and examining the possibility of the soil’s imperviousness being improved by adding and mixing bentonite or cement. The other was the ones conducted additionally to study the details about the imperviousness improvement by mixing sandy loam or sand-and-gravel with bentonite or cement. The former one shall be called “laboratory test phase-1” in this report and the latter “laboratory test phase-2”. (2) Laboratory test phase-1 (a) Tests to impervious materials (sandy loam) 1) Physical soil test and standard compaction test The test results are summarized on the Table 4-3-5.1. Table 4-3-5.1 Summary of Physical Soil Tests and Standard Compaction Test to Sandy Loam Standard Atterberg Limit (%) Grain Size Distribution (%) Compaction ) ％ Wn ( Wn s (g/cm3) ρ WL Ip Ip Silt Silt Wp Clay Sand Gravel 2~75mm 2~75mm (g/cm3) Liquid Limit <0.005 mm <0.005 mm Content (%) Plastic Limit 0.075~ 2mm 0.075~ 2mm Plastic Index 0.005~0.075mm Optimum Moisture Maximum Dry Density Dry Density Maximum Specific Gravity Moisture Content 15TP-1u 2.64 13.11 22.5 17.1 5.4 0.9 34.9 31.2 33.0 1.60 21.2 15TP-1d 2.59 19.50
    [Show full text]
  • Years in Armenia
    1O Years of Independence and Transition in Armenia National Human Development Report Armenia 2OO1 Team of Authors National Project Director Zorab Mnatsakanyan National Project Coordinator-Consultant Nune Yeghiazaryan Chapter 1 Mkrtich Zardaryan, PhD (History) Aram Harutunyan Khachatur Bezirchyan, PhD (Biology) Avetik Ishkhanyan, PhD (Geology) Boris Navasardyan Ashot Zalinyan, PhD (Economics) Sos Gimishyan Edward Ordyan, Doctor of Science (Economics) Chapter 2 Ara Karyan, PhD (Economics) Stepan Mantarlyan, PhD (Economics) Bagrat Tunyan, PhD (Economics) Narine Sahakyan, PhD (Economics) Chapter 3 Gyulnara Hovhanessyan, PhD (Economics) Anahit Sargsyan, PhD (Economics) "Spiritual Armenia" NGO, Anahit Harutunyan, PhD (Philology) Chapter 4 Viktoria Ter-Nikoghosyan, PhD (Biophysics) Aghavni Karakhanyan Economic Research Institute of the RA Ministry of Finance & Economy, Armenak Darbinyan, PhD (Economics) Nune Yeghiazaryan Hrach Galstyan, PhD (Biology) Authors of Boxes Information System of St. Echmiadzin Sergey Vardanyan, "Spiritual Armenia" NGO Gagik Gyurjyan, Head of RA Department of Preservation of Historical and Cultural Monuments Gevorg Poghosyan, Armenian Sociological Association Bagrat Sahakyan Yerevan Press Club "Logika", Independent Research Center on Business and Finance Arevik Petrosian, Aharon Mkrtchian, Public Sector Reform Commission, Working Group on Civil Service Reforms Armen Khudaverdian, Secretary of Public Sector Reform Commission "Orran" Benevolent NGO IOM/Armenia office Karine Danielian, Association "For Sustainable Human
    [Show full text]
  • Div. XII/Comm. 46/PG International Schools for Young Astronomers – ISYA the 32Nd ISYA, at Byurakan Observatory, Armenia, 12 Sept
    Div. XII/Comm. 46/PG International Schools for Young Astronomers – ISYA The 32nd ISYA, at Byurakan Observatory, Armenia, 12 Sept. - 3 Oct. 2010 Excerpt from a report by Jean-Pierre De Greve, Chairman PG ISYA Introduction The 32nd ISYA 2010, held at Byurakan Observatory, Armenia, was characterized by a very large number of applicants (more than 100) from a large number of countries from the region. Because of the close connections between the observatory and research groups in France and Germany and the fact that for students of those countries grants were available outside the ISYA funding, it was decided also to accept a few students from these countries in order to enlarge the international character of the student body. The following organisations sponsored the ISYA programme: Armenian Astronomical Society (ArAS), Armenian National Academy of Sciences (NAS RA), Armenian State Committee for Science (SCS), Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory (BAO), German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst, DAAD), International Astronomical Union (IAU), Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters (NASL), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The IAU allocated funds provided by the NASL to cover the travel expenses of the participants (visa, insurance, and air fare, local transport, and cultural trips). BAO, ArAS, NAS RA, SCS, and UNESCO provided accommodation for students at the observatory hotel and for lecturers in Yerevan hotels, meals and coffee breaks during the school, as well as other expenses (social events, participants’ kits, administration expenses). DAAD provided travel grants for three German students. Location The Byurakan Observatory is one of the main observational centers of the former Soviet Union and an important observatory with modern facilities in the Middle East region.
    [Show full text]
  • Biannual Environmental Monitoring Report
    Environmental Monitoring Report Bi-Annual Report January to June 2015 Loans 2561/2729-ARM Armenia: North–South Road Corridor Investment Program–Tranches 1 and 2 Prepared by the “Organization for Implementation of North–South Road Corridor Investment Program” State Non-Commercial Organization (PIU) based on the monthly Environmental Monitoring Reports of the Project Management Consultant (PMC). This environmental monitoring report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. Table of Contents Part I Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 6 1. Construction Activities and Project Progress During Reporting Period ............................................ 7 1.1 Section 1 Ashtarak-Talin M1 road from Km29+600 to Km 71+500 (41.9 km): ......................... 7 1.2 Section 2 Yerevan-Ararat M2 Road from Km9+312 to Km47+400: ......................................... 8 1.3 Section 3 Yerevan-Ashtarak M1 Road from Km18+370 to Km29+773: ................................... 8 2. Environmental Safeguards Staffing...............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Agriculture and Food Processing in Armenia
    SAMVEL AVETISYAN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING IN ARMENIA YEREVAN 2010 Dedicated to the memory of the author’s son, Sergey Avetisyan Approved for publication by the Scientifi c and Technical Council of the RA Ministry of Agriculture Peer Reviewers: Doctor of Economics, Prof. Ashot Bayadyan Candidate Doctor of Economics, Docent Sergey Meloyan Technical Editor: Doctor of Economics Hrachya Tspnetsyan Samvel S. Avetisyan Agriculture and Food Processing in Armenia – Limush Publishing House, Yerevan 2010 - 138 pages Photos courtesy CARD, Zaven Khachikyan, Hambardzum Hovhannisyan This book presents the current state and development opportunities of the Armenian agriculture. Special importance has been attached to the potential of agriculture, the agricultural reform process, accomplishments and problems. The author brings up particular facts in combination with historic data. Brief information is offered on leading agricultural and processing enterprises. The book can be a useful source for people interested in the agrarian sector of Armenia, specialists, and students. Publication of this book is made possible by the generous fi nancial support of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and assistance of the “Center for Agribusiness and Rural Development” Foundation. The contents do not necessarily represent the views of USDA, the U.S. Government or “Center for Agribusiness and Rural Development” Foundation. INTRODUCTION Food and Agriculture sector is one of the most important industries in Armenia’s economy. The role of the agrarian sector has been critical from the perspectives of the country’s economic development, food safety, and overcoming rural poverty. It is remarkable that still prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union, Armenia made unprecedented steps towards agrarian reforms.
    [Show full text]
  • Genocide and Deportation of Azerbaijanis
    GENOCIDE AND DEPORTATION OF AZERBAIJANIS C O N T E N T S General information........................................................................................................................... 3 Resettlement of Armenians to Azerbaijani lands and its grave consequences ................................ 5 Resettlement of Armenians from Iran ........................................................................................ 5 Resettlement of Armenians from Turkey ................................................................................... 8 Massacre and deportation of Azerbaijanis at the beginning of the 20th century .......................... 10 The massacres of 1905-1906. ..................................................................................................... 10 General information ................................................................................................................... 10 Genocide of Moslem Turks through 1905-1906 in Karabagh ...................................................... 13 Genocide of 1918-1920 ............................................................................................................... 15 Genocide over Azerbaijani nation in March of 1918 ................................................................... 15 Massacres in Baku. March 1918................................................................................................. 20 Massacres in Erivan Province (1918-1920) ...............................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Dam Break Analysis for Aparan Reservoir, Armenia OPPDRAGSRAPPOR
    Dam Break Analysis for Aparan Reservoir, Armenia Per Ludvig Bjerke 1 2011 OPPDRAGSRAPPORT A OPPDRAGSRAPPORT Dam Break Analysis for Aparan Reservoir, Armenia Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate 2011 Oppdragsrapport A nr 1 – 2011 Dam Break Analysis for Aparan Reservoir, Armenia Published by: Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate Authors: Per Ludvig Bjerke Print: Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate Number of copies: 20 Cover photo: Aparan dam (Photo: Svein Taksdal, NVE) ISSN: 1503-0318 Abstract: This report is a part of the ongoing cooperation between Armstatehydromet (ASH) and Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE). A numerical simulation with Hec-Ras on the failure of Aparan Dam was carried out for two scenarios. The simulated results showed a peak discharge of respectively 625 m3/s and 4350 m³/s. The travel time of the flood wave from the Aparan dam to Ashtarak was 1 hour. Key words: Dambreak, Simulation, Hec-Ras, Armenia Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate Middelthunsgate 29 P.O. Box 5091 Majorstua N 0301 OSLO NORWAY Telephone: +47 22 95 95 95 Fax: +47 22 95 90 00 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.nve.no Januar 2011 Contents Preface..................................................................................................................... 4 Summary ................................................................................................................. 5 1 Introduction .......................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Armenian Tourist Attraction
    Armenian Tourist Attractions: Rediscover Armenia Guide http://mapy.mk.cvut.cz/data/Armenie-Armenia/all/Rediscover%20Arme... rediscover armenia guide armenia > tourism > rediscover armenia guide about cilicia | feedback | chat | © REDISCOVERING ARMENIA An Archaeological/Touristic Gazetteer and Map Set for the Historical Monuments of Armenia Brady Kiesling July 1999 Yerevan This document is for the benefit of all persons interested in Armenia; no restriction is placed on duplication for personal or professional use. The author would appreciate acknowledgment of the source of any substantial quotations from this work. 1 von 71 13.01.2009 23:05 Armenian Tourist Attractions: Rediscover Armenia Guide http://mapy.mk.cvut.cz/data/Armenie-Armenia/all/Rediscover%20Arme... REDISCOVERING ARMENIA Author’s Preface Sources and Methods Armenian Terms Useful for Getting Lost With Note on Monasteries (Vank) Bibliography EXPLORING ARAGATSOTN MARZ South from Ashtarak (Maps A, D) The South Slopes of Aragats (Map A) Climbing Mt. Aragats (Map A) North and West Around Aragats (Maps A, B) West/South from Talin (Map B) North from Ashtarak (Map A) EXPLORING ARARAT MARZ West of Yerevan (Maps C, D) South from Yerevan (Map C) To Ancient Dvin (Map C) Khor Virap and Artaxiasata (Map C Vedi and Eastward (Map C, inset) East from Yeraskh (Map C inset) St. Karapet Monastery* (Map C inset) EXPLORING ARMAVIR MARZ Echmiatsin and Environs (Map D) The Northeast Corner (Map D) Metsamor and Environs (Map D) Sardarapat and Ancient Armavir (Map D) Southwestern Armavir (advance permission
    [Show full text]
  • Oshakan Village - St
    26.09.2017, starting from 15:00, duration: 4-5 hours Yerevan - Oshakan Village - St. Mashtots Church - Ashtarak Town - Karmravor Church - Hovhannavank - Saghmosavank - The Armenian Alphabet Monument - Yerevan. Distance: 95 kilometers. Dinner at “Nor jraghats” (New water-mill) restaurant in Ashtarak gorge is included in the trip. Oshakan village/Mesrop Mashtots Church Mesrop Mashtots Church Oshakan is the village near Ashtarak Town in the Aragatsotn Province with population about 6000 people. There are many places of interest in Oshakan but the most important of them is St. Mesrop Mashtots Church. It was built between 1873 and 1879. Before that on its place was a chapel, constructed in 443. The church is famous of being the burial place of St. Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of Armenian alphabet. Several years ago 36 khachkars, traditional Armenian cross-stones, were placed in the yard of the church. These cross-stones are depicting the 36 original letters of Armenian alphabet, created by St. Mesrop Mashtots in 405 A.D. There are numerous archaeological and architectural monument within and around Oshakan such as cyclopean fortress (2nd millennium B.C.), castle (7th century B.C.), more than 1000 Urartian tombs, St. Zion church (7th century A.D.), an original monument (7th or 8th centuries) which marks the grave of the Byzantine Emperor Mauricius or his mother. Karmravor Church (7th century) Karmravor Church Karmravor (which means reddish) Church, a.k.a. Church of the Holy Mother of God, is the only church in Armenia which preserved its original tile roof. It is situated in Ashtarak Town, Araghatsotn Province.
    [Show full text]
  • Armenian Acts of Cultural Terrorism
    Iğdır Azerbaijani‐Turkish Cultural Association ARMENIAN ACTS OF CULTURAL TERRORISM History remembers, while Names changed Cafer Qiyasi, İbrahim Bozyel Kitab Klubu www.kitabklubu.org Baku – 2007 PREFACE It is a fact that the most important factor which enables nations to last out, is their cultural identity. It goes down in history that a nationʹs failure to hold on to its cultural values tenaciously would lead to a total frustration. As pointed out by one writer, ʹIf we shoot bullets through our past, a cannonade by our future gen‐ erations is next to come.ʹ Therefore, in order to succeed in living up to standards of a dignified life, one has to protect, maintain, and transmit his cultural heritage, which in turn builds a bridge between the past and the future. Regrettably, even around the turn of the century, terrorism remains a grim fact. It is excruciating to witness innocent people falling victims to terrorism. How‐ ever, what is more dangerous and utterly unpardonable is cultural terrorism. Fighting, plundering and arson have long been canonized as glorifying forms of action by some nations therefore it has been highly pertinent, in their view, to obliterate the cultural artifacts belonging to their adversaries which survived over centuries. Most probably, history will not excuse those nations that are committed to prove their dignity by destroying the cultural monuments of other civilizations. Dear readers, in its attempt to shed light on the question What is cultural terrorism?, this book constitutes a striking piece of document presented to the world public. You will be petrified to read about the cultural genocide exercised vigorously over Azerbaijani Turks by Armenian propagandists who unjustly misinform the world by spreading erroneous claims of ethnic genocide ‐alleged mass killings of Arme‐ nians in Ottoman Turkey in 1915.
    [Show full text]