Tigranakert fortress may open doors soon - archaeologist

The head of the archaeological team conducting excavations in Tigranakert (the ancient Armenian capital on the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh) says they expect to open the historical city’s fortress in the near future.

“We are hopeful to open the fortress’ main entrance, which promises not only a magnificent architectural sample but also, I think, records about the city. In the central district’s Christian Square. we have unveiled the second church where we had unearthed a crypt under the Koran,” Hamlet Petrosyan told reporters on Friday, commenting on the results of the excavation.

He said they invited three foreign experts to collaborate with the team last year in an effort to raise worldwide awareness of the historical Armenian site. “Tigranakert needs to gain recognition today, so by inviting foreign specialists, we will raise awareness of the city in those countries as well. Apart from their academic significance, archaeological excavations are also important in terms of raising the society’s attention. All Armenians have been involved in the process. The excavations in Tigranakert are very important, as we need attention not only by the scientific circles but also ordinary people,” he explained.

Petrosyan said 30,000-40,000 people annually visit Tigranakert to see the ancient site.

“And in spite of all that, there is absolutely no attention by either the authorities or the political parties. The same indifference we see on the part of the National Academy of Sciences. Yes, they do not hamper our activities or reject us, but there is no enthusiasm about that invention which bears witness to the Armenians’ presence in those territories in the early Christian period,” the archeologist noted.