Expedition Overview
Over the course of three weeks in October and November 2017, CyArk traveled to Armenia as part of the MyArmenia program which was funded by USAID and implemented by the Smithsonian. CyArk trained 20 Armenian participants in the digital documentation of heritage sites as well as new skills to create meaningful outputs from the data collected in support of tourism, education and heritage conservation. CyArk completed the documentation of Noravank Monastery in the Vayots Dzor region. The data collected was used to create highly accurate digital representations of the sites so that they can be experienced by people in Armenia and around the world.
My Armenia Program with CyArkCyArk
Introducing the Noravank Monastery
Located in a narrow gorge cut by the Amaghu river, the Noravank monastery complex played an important role in the history of this region. The site features two main churches dedicated to Saint Astvatsatsin and Saint Karapet and many of the sculptural and architectural details are beautifully preserved. Noravank was also the residence for the Orbelian princes (a notable Armenian family from the Syunik region. Today Noravank serves the local community of Vayots Dzor. Rituals are held within the premises but in the past Noravank was closed off. Monks would pray, study and perform research here but the site would not have been open to the public. Noravank today serves like a history book, when you study the monastery you understand how Armenia changed over time.
Khachkar - Armenian stone crosses
Khackars or Armenian stone crosses are one of the important cultural traditions in Armenia and were recognized by UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. It was customary for khachkars to be donated to the church in memory of a living or deceased relative for the salvation of their soul. Oftentimes the stone bears an inscription and are surrounded by other designs including rosettes, interlaces and other floral motifs. A characteristic of Medieval Christian armenian art, the first khachkars appeared in the 9th century, during the time of Armenian revival after liberation from Arab rule however the peak of the khachkar carving art was between the 12th and the 14th centuries.
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This project was completed as part of the My Armenia Program funded by USAID and implemented by the Smithsonian
