Tourism in the Republic of Artsakh

Tourism in the Republic of Artsakh is the main and fastest growing branch of the Artsakh Republic economy. For the purpose of regulating the tourism sphere the Government of the Artsakh Republic adopted the Law on Tourism and Tourism Activities. The development of tourism in the Republic of Artsakh is carried out by the Tourism Department of the NKR Ministry of Economy. The region is currently populated mostly by Armenians and the primary spoken language is Armenian. It is located in the northeast of the Armenian Highland and mainly has a mountainous surface. It is famous for its rich and beautiful nature. The surface of Artsakh is divided by numerous mountain ranges. To the north are the ravines of Mrav, in the north-west the Eastern Sevan Mountains, in the west the Syunik Plateau, in the central part the Artsakh Ridge, from which a number of small mountain ridges are spread to the east. Artsakh is in a seismically active zone. The main policy objectives of the tourism sector are to promote international recognition of the independent state of the Artsakh Republic through tourism development, as well as to accelerate the process of increasing national income by becoming a popular tourist destination, resulting in increased employment in the tourism sector. This will be followed by an increase in the living standards of the population.

Khatchkars near Khatravank monastery in Vaguas village of Martakert province

In 2014 the number of tourists in NKR decreased by 12% compared to the previous year. However, the overnight stay of foreign tourists has increased, as has the number of visitors from Armenia [2]. According to 2015 data, the number of tourists increased by 40% compared to last year, reaching an economic peak.

As of 2015, 16,000 tourists from 86 countries (including Armenia) have arrived in Artsakh, spending about $6 million in Artsakh.

April 18 is officially marked as the Day of Tourism and Attractions in the Republic of Artsakh.

Historical sites

Tigranakert
Main article: Tigranakert of Artsakh

It is a ruined Armenian city dating back to the Hellenistic period. It is one of several former cities in the Armenian plateau with the same name, named in honor of the Armenian king Tigranes the Great (r. 95–55 B.C.)[1]

Dadivank
Main article: Dadivank

The monastery was founded by St. Dadi, a disciple of Thaddeus the Apostle who spread Christianity in Eastern Armenia during the first century AD. However, The monastery was first mentioned in the 9th century. In July, 2007, the grave of St. Dadi was discovered under the holy altar of the main church.[2] The princes of Upper Khachen are also buried at Dadivank, under the church's gavit.[3]

Karvachar

Events

Artsakh Wine Festival
Third Wine Festival in Artsakh

Artsakh Wine Fest takes place annually in Togh village of the Republic of Artsakh since 2014. The festival is held on the third Saturday of each September.[4]

The festival was initiated by the Department of Tourism and Protection of Historical Places of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Youth Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh and is aimed to develop tourism in Artsakh.[5] It is meant to restore Artsakh winemaking traditions. The festival provides a platform to the winemakers of Artsakh and Armenia giving them an opportunity to sell their products, exchange knowledge, promote their wine etc. The annual festival's program includes grape stomping, tasting of traditional Artsakh cuisine, exhibition of artworks, exhibition of ancient artifacts that belonged to the Melik Yegan's Palace, as well as an exhibition and sale of local wine, where one can find products from 5 different regions of Artsakh and Armenia. Traditionally, the festival is accompanied by Armenian national singing and dancing. The festival has evolved into a national holiday.[6]

Artsakh AirFest

Artsakh Airfest is the most anticipated event in Artsakh, full of positive energy and emotions. Artsakh's government organizes an air festival to promote tourism and aviation in Artsakh. On that day Stepanakert Airport becomes one of the most exciting places in Artsakh with flying machines in the air - flying airplanes, sky balls and paratrikes.

ARTSakh Fest

Harvest Fest

Pomegranate festival

See also

References
  1. Petrosyan, Hamlet L (2010). "Tigranakert in Artsakh," in Tigranes the Great. Yerevan, pp. 380-87.
  2. В старинном монастыре Нагорного Карабаха обнаружены мощи одного из учеников Иисуса Христа
  3. Georgia, Armenia and Armenia, by John Noble, Michael Kohn, Danielle Systermans, Lonely Planet, 2008 – 364 pages, p. 307
  4. "Գինու փառատոն Արցախում". Նորություններ Արցախից aparaj.am (in Armenian). Retrieved 2019-09-27.
  5. "Գինու փառատոն Արցախում". ԱրմԱր Լուրեր | Armenia News | Հայաստան և Արցախ (in Armenian). 3 March 2015. Retrieved 2019-09-27.
  6. "Տողում կայացել է արցախյան գինու 6-րդ փառատոնը. մասնակցում էին երեք տասնյակից ավելի գինեգործներ (լուսանկարներ)". artsakhpress.am. Retrieved 2019-09-27.
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