Armenian Mirror-Spectator
9-10-04

Expanded Guide to Armenia, Karabagh
Stresses Ecology, Brims with New Info

By Daphne Abeel
Mirror-Spectator Staff

If you are traveling to Armenia and Karabagh or just want to browse
through an informative description of the region, the new and expanded
Stone Garden Guide to Armenia and Karabagh should be on your reading
list.

Even if you own a copy of Matthew Karanian and Robert Kurkjian’s first
guide, Edge of Time, you’ll want the current edition, which contains
much more information, additional colorful maps and photographs and
important information on Armenia’s ecology.

Karanian and Kurkjian have spent 10 years traveling in Armenia and
Karabagh. As the Foreword notes, `They have traveled, eaten and slept
at virtually every location they recommend, and their individual
educational backgrounds allow them to make excellent and insightful
commentary about the environmental issues within Armenia.’

Ronald Suny’s introductory chapter presents a concise history of
Armenia from 6000 BC, the earliest times, when the country was ruled
by kings, up to the present day, when Armenia exists as an
independent, democratic republic. Readers will also find brief
descriptions of the economy, architecture, politics, population and
religion.

Basic information, such as airlines, national holidays, embassy
locations, public transportation, safety, are covered in the chapter
on `Essentials.’

A special feature of the book is the chapter titled `Ecology,’ which
notes the consequences of independence and development which have
hampered Armenia’s environmental policies. Nevertheless, Armenia has
passed a number of laws to protect its water, air, flora and fauna and
to fight global warming.

Eco-tourists will welcome directions to Armenia’s forests, parks and
birding areas and the list of ecological tours and hiking
expeditions. At the same time, the authors make the point that
Armenia’s resources need more protection.

Diaspora organizations such as the Armenia Tree Project are helping
reforest the country, but, the authors point out, the Armenian
government also needs to champion conservation. There is a helpful
list of ecological organizations in Armenia at the end of the book.

The book is divided into several sections, beginning with Yerevan, and
covering central Armenia, the Lake Sevan area, northeastern Armenia,
northwestern Armenia, southern Armenia and Karabagh. Each section is
packed with up-to-date facts about what to see, how to get there,
restaurants and where to stay.

Whether you want to visit museums and more, you’ll find what you are
looking for here. Every map and brilliant color photograph contributes
to the reader’s knowledge.

Each section of the book contains highlighted paragraphs of
information on commonsensical aspects of Armenia that the reader and
traveler will want to know. For example, bring bottled water on long
trips, and pedestrians should be especially watchful of cars.

Karanian and Kurkjian have turned what was a basic, skeleton guide
into a full-fledged and researched and illustrative volume that is a
must for anyone considering a trip to the region. And it will still
fit into a handbag or coat pocket.

For further information on Armenia, Karabagh, contact Stone Garden
Productions, PO Box 7758, Northridge, Calif. 91327 or email
info@StoneGardenProductions.com.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress