Management of World Heritage Sites in Armenia

Context

Currently, three properties in Armenia are inscribed on the World Heritage List: Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley (2000), Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin (1996), Cathedral and Churches of Echmiatsin and the Archaeological Site of Zvartnots (2000).

The monastery of Geghard contains a number of churches and tombs, most of them cut into the rock, which illustrate the very peak of Armenian medieval architecture. The complex of medieval buildings is set into a landscape of great natural beauty, surrounded by towering cliffs at the entrance to the Azat Valley.

Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin are two monastic complexes that represent the highest flowering of Armenian religious architecture, whose unique style developed from a blending of elements of Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture and the traditional vernacular architecture of the Caucasian region.

The churches at Echmiatsin and the archaeological site of Zvartnots vividly depict both the spirituality and the innovatory artistic achievement of the Armenian Church from its foundation.

The development and implementation of the conservation strategy for the World Heritage sites are the overarching objectives. The project per se however will not consist in the World Heritage Centre producing and designing the conservation strategy for the World Heritage sites but in providing a high quality expertise, sharing international standards and experience, developing methodological guidance, detailed analysis and assessments, quality control, and onsite training to allow for the Ministry of Culture of Republic of Armenia to design and implement a conservation strategy for all World Heritage sites in Armenia.

Rationale and guidelines for the conservation interventions to address the special problems should be an important component. Such technical assistance by UNESCO will not only help both entities to establish the conservation strategy as a preparatory process to ensure the reinforcement of management mechanisms and capacities required to protect the Armenian World Heritage sites but to build capacity and develop the necessary in-country expertise to ensure sound implementation. The rational is not to outsource the design, but on the contrary to ensure as much as possible in country production and the capacity to do so. Furthermore, the design, development and implementation of the conservation strategy should also be used for training purposes and benefit other sites.  

 Outcomes
& Beneficiaries

The outcomes of the project will mainly benefit the Apostolic Church, the Armenian Ministry of Culture, relevant local authorities and heritage experts:

1. A comprehensive conservation strategy for restoration, rehabilitation and regeneration of the historical buildings of each World Heritage property in Armenia.
2. A rationale for conservation interventions and guidelines for future interventions.