PRESS RELEASE
“YERKIR”, UNION OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
FOR REPATRIATION AND SETTLEMENT
47 Bagramyan ave., ap. 10/A, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel. +(374 1) 26 28 75
Web:
Contact: Robert Tatoyan, rob@yerkir.org

AN EXCAVATION OF MONASTERY COMPLEX LOCATED NEAR THE VILLAGE OF KNARAVAN OF
NEW SHAHOUMIAN DISTRICT OF MKR STARTS ON AUGUST 6, 2004

Yerevan, Armenia. – On August 6, 2004, the excavation project of Hantapert’s
Unnamed Monastery complex, situated in New Shahoumian Region of
Mountainous Kharabagh Republic, started.

The works are carried out by the initiative of YERKIR, Union of
Non-Governmental Organization for Repatriation and Settlement and
sponsorship of Hartounian family (New Jersey, USA).

The mission of the project is to prepare a detailed study of the monastery
complex, to excavate the surrounding area, and elaborate the project of
restoration of one of its churches.

The expedition group, comprised of the first ranking archeologists of
Armenia and Artsakh are: Mr. Hamled Petrossian, Archeologist and group
leader, Mr. Vartkes Safaryan, Archeologist and Ms. Louda Kirakossian,
Architect.

The preliminary report shows that the monastery complex is from 10-14th
century. The expedition group will continue its mission until August 30,
2004.

The Monastery is located in the same vicinity as Village of Knaravan, built
by YERKIR and sponsored by The Hartounian Family. Knaravan is dedicated to
the memory of late Knar Hartounian.

In fall 2004, Knaravan Village will be home to more than 15 families with a
school for the children. A health clinic and a city hall will be built by
the end of the year.

For detailed information on the monastery and the Knaravan Village, please
visit To get better acquainted with YERKIR and its
projects, please visit