Traditional Armenian barbecue nice propaganda tool

The Pan-Armenian Barbecue Festival, which kicks off on September 8 in the north-eastern town of Akhtala (Lori region), is a nice propaganda tool, according to an organizer.

At a news conference on Wednesday, Nune Manukyan, the director of the Areni Festival foundation, said the event can be considered a success despite a possible criticism.

“And if our opponents interpret it under a negative light in an attempt to prove that it is theirs, if they speak [of the event], be it though with criticism, that proves our success,” she said.

“Our national dishes need elucidation, first of all for ourselves. And this is a common phenomenon in Europe which always provides coverage of its national festivals. This is, of course, a very good occasion for boosting tourism,” said Sedrak Mamulyan, the president of an NGO dealing with the preservation and development of the Armenian culinary traditions.

The festival, which was launched in the northern town in 2008 as part of the Northern Gates program, is aimed at boosting tourism.

According to the organizers, tourists from Georgia, Germany and the Czech Republic have expressed a desire to attend the event.

Mamulyan said thirteen restaurants registered with their organization are participating in the festival, together with a group of individuals.

The organizers will offer prizes in three nominations – Best Taste and Smell, Best Design and Best Idea.

This year’s event will be of a commercial nature, with all barbecues being offered for purchase.

Mamulyan said they will launch a draw, promising prizes to the successful participants.

The festival program also includes a cultural part. Several benefactors had last year expressed willingness to renovate the dome of the St. Astvatsatsin Church of Akhtala. The repairs, expected to last two years, will cost 293 million Drams (about $ 732,000).

The monastery of Akhtala is a 10^th-century fortified construction which played a major role in protecting the north-western regions of Armenia (Gugark). It is among the most well-preserved places of warship on the territory of the present-day Armenia. The main church at the compound is famous for its highly artistic frescoes, which cover the inside walls, the partitions, and the bearings of the building. The modern name of Akhtala was first recorded in a royal decree of 1438. The etymology of the name is believed to be of Turkic origin, meaning white glade.