CULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF GNISHIKADZOR VALLEY PRESENTED FOR BEING INCLUDED IN THE UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST

ARMENPRESS
Jan 28, 2009

YEREVAN, JANUARY 28, ARMENPRESS: The cultural landscape of
Gnishikadzor valley has been presented for being included in the
UNESCO world heritage list. From Armenian cultural monuments Sanahin
and Haghpat monastic complexes, Geghardavank with Azat river valley,
church complexes of Etchmiadzin Mother Cathedral – Hripsime, Gayane,
Shoghakat and Zvartnots temple have found place in this list.

Head of the Agency of protection of historical and cultural monuments
of Armenian Culture Ministry Artyom Grigorian told Armenpress that
the Gnishikadzor’s "nomination’ differs from others because nature
is actively involved here, that’s to say creation by the nature and
people are harmoniously juxtaposed.

"There are natural landscapes here, for example the wheat fields,
gardens of grapes, water carrying system, which are also liable to
protection", A. Grigorian noted. Nearly 120 historical and cultural
monuments are registered in the cultural landscape of Gnishikahogh
valley including the Noravank monastic complex, Areni church, Bears’,
Mizrov caves, etc.

"If previously UNESCO used to involve concrete objects, historical
and cultural monuments in its list, now landscapes and environments
are also included", – head of the agency informed.

He noted that the final decision of being involved in the World list
belongs to UNESCO World heritage committee.

At present 851 famous monuments of world importance from 141 countries
are involved in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage, 36 of
which are in China.