May 25, 2010
We traveled to Amaras to see the site of the first Armenian school. The school was founded by Mesrob Mashdots, who invented the Armenian alphabet. At the site of the school, there is a monastery built in the 4th century by St. Greogoris, who is now buried underneath the monastery. Amaras monastery, was destroyed by the Mongols, Turks, and Azeris. On the ceiling of the school, Mesrob Mashdots wrote the
APC because when the students were tired, their heads would fall back, and they would see the Armenian alphabet.
Next we drove passed Shushi on the way back to Stepanakert. The population of Shushi is about 3000 residents and it is located on a white rock. The residents are famous for their Ishkahna Tsog (fish). The town is very prosperous. There were lots of battles in Shushi, and was liberated in 1992.
On the bus, we sing our Armenian songs, and recite poems. We enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains, fields, cows and other animals. We always have fun with all the other kids.
In Stepanakert, we visited the Fallen Heroes of Artsakh Museum. There were over 3000 photos of fallen soldiers from the battles in Artsakh against the Turk’s, Azeri’s, and Mongol’s. Seeing these photos made us feel very honored to be Armenian. Although it was sad to see how young some of the soldiers were when they died, we would not have Artsakh connected to Armenia without these battles.
After lunch in Stepanakert, we went back to visit Shushi where we stopped to see the Shushi Liberation Monument. This monument was a tank used during battle which sits on a white rock high above a cliff. Afterwards we visited a cathedral called ‘St. Ghazanchetsots’ or ‘All-Savior Church’ which was built in 1878. We were privileged to take a tour of the hidden confessional under the alter with the Deacon of the church. This room was built so that when you stand on a holy rug in the exact spot and speak, it feels like you are speaking directly to God. This allows the priest to ask God for forgiveness.
To end our day, we were invited to meet the president of Artsakh, Pago Sahakian. He spoke with us about how he governed, his dreams of building an airport, and the importance of the villages surrounding Stepanakert. It was our honor to visit the president. He sent us off with wishes that as adults we would return to Artsakh to help this country continue to prosper.
By Ani Aroyian and Reni Bedrosian