Vayots Dzor Region is rich in cultural and historical heritage. Now we have many centuries of cultural values, lithographs due to which we get acquainted with our ancestors, the epic as well as the historical and cultural achievements. The Regional Service of NCSO parallel to the preservation of monuments by means of open classes and other cultural events carries out their popularization. Recently the employees of the Regional Service organized an open class for pupils of the Region and spoke about Noravank, the monastic complex in Khachik village, the church St. Astvatsatsin (St. Virgin), which was situated in Ulgyur, the birthplace of Momik (it was built by Momik in memory of his parents), the monastic complexes of Shativanik and Arates, churches of Yeghegis, the church St. Sion of Herher. The responsible of the Regional Service presented also the rich cultural heritage of Martiros village noting that the village is rich in ancient stones, the villages of Verin Lake and Aghkhach which are rich in miraculous gravestones. By the way the village has its “passport” which is a cross stone established in 1283. The other part was devoted to the necessity of preserving intangible cultural heritage. Considering that this year the “European Heritage Days” are being held under the title “Heritage and communities” the employees of the Regional Service told about the life in Vayots Dzor. Many household customs have been inherited and transmitted from generation to generation but unfortunately the number of which today is significantly reduced. Many household items, such as churn, hackles, spinning wheels, pots and swallowed, mowing accessories, a variety of tools have become museum exhibits. Tonir and hearth hare almost out of use, a number of traditional dishes have been forgotten as well. On the initiative of the Deputy Head of the Regional Service of Vayots Dzor Hamlet Yeghiazaryan the employees of the Regional Service of Vayots Dzor explored the life in rich traditions of the old village Martiros. It was found that the elderly continue to prepare such dishes (which have nearly been forgotten) as “kyalagyoshe”, “balajike”, “borani” and so on. Among these dishes there is a dish which people called “Karshem of Martiroses”. “Karshem” is some sort of vegetable, which was traditionally enjoyed by neighbours, relatives and friends creating a unique festive mood.
