Tuesday, 28 July 2015
PM Inspects Progress in Aghdzk Community Archeological Excavations
On July 28, Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan visited Aghdzk community (former Dzorap) in Ashtarak region of Aragatsotn Marz of Armenia, where he familiarized himself with the course of archaeological excavations.
Note that excavations had been conducted periodically in Aghdzk community, but all of them went incomplete. During a visit paid to Aghdzk community last year, the Premier was briefed on the pace of excavations and learned of the status of some 4th century-dated structures - a chapel, a basilica and the mausoleum of Arshakuni (Arsacid) Kings. Hovik Abrahamyan pledged financial support and ordered to renew excavations.
Hakob Simonyan, the supervisor of excavations at the mausoleum of Arshakuni Kings, briefed the Prime Minister on the results of the first stage of the excavations, his expedition’s findings and recommendations on follow-up excavations.
In an interview with news reporters, Hovik Abrahamyan said the Government is concerned about the conservation of historical monuments, and they will find ways to help bring the excavation to completion. The Premier highlighted the preservation of Armenia’s exceptional cultural and historical heritage both as a means for educating younger generations in the spirit of patriotism and developing tourism in the country.
Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan said that as instructed by Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, an archeology development program has been drafted and submitted to the Government. The program is of scientific and educational relevance, which seeks to pick out the most outstanding monument in each region to serve as a hub for educational and tourism-oriented programs.
The list of archeological and cultural monuments in Aghdzk community features 14 facilities – an architectural ensemble of the 4th century, the mausoleum of Arshakuni Kings, which dates back to 364 AD, the remains of a 4th-century church, a cemetery of 2-1 millennia BC and so on.
During the visit, the Head of Government talked to Aghdzk residents, who introduced the problems faced in their community.
