Armenia Photo Gallery

Nature and landscapes
Architecture
Khachkars
Recent history in pictures
Everyday life
Culture and science
Recreation and sports

Note: Most photos below are from a larger Exhibition devoted to the 15th Anniversary of Armenia's Independence. They are the works of several professional photographers living and working in Armenia. Permission from the authors should be acquired to use the photos.

(Please note that the page with photos can be enlarged to view details by pressing the Ctrl and + buttons on the keyboard or by holding the Ctrl button and rolling the wheel on the mouse.)

Nature and landscapes

Khor Virap on the background of Mt. Ararat ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan} A Volcano Crater                                       ^{Photo by Zaven Sargsyan} A Stone Cascade in the Garni Gorge ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan}

Ruins of the Amberd Castle                        ^{Photo by Alexander Khachunts} The Sevan Peninsula                               ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan} Vayots Dzor                                            ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan}

Yerevan and Mt. Ararat                                  ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan} The Village and Church of Areni               ^{Photo by Hrayr Baze} A Colony of Water Birds                       ^{Photo by Rouben Mangassaryan}

The Tatev Monastery                                     ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan} One of Numerous Archaelogical Excavations at the Agarak village                    ^{Photo by Rouben Mangassaryan} The Grandma and Grandpa of Karabakh ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan}

Architecture

Ruins of the Zvartnots Temple, 7th century AD ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan} Garni Temple 1st century AD                     ^{Photo by Hakob Berberyan} A Scene of Yerevan at Night                       ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan}

A Bird's Eye View of the Holy See of Echmiadzin                 ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan} Republic Square at Night, Yerevan          ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan} The 1915 Genocide Memorial at Tsitsernakaberd    ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan}

Bird's Eye View of the Republic Square, Yerevan                ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan} The Sports and Concert Complex, Tsitsernakaberd     ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan} A Construction Scene in the Capital City ^{Photo by Tigran Mehrabyan}

The Kecharis Monastery                                    ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan} The Aram Khachaturyan Philharmonic Hall ^{Photo by Zaven Sargsyan} Echmiadzin Cathedral in Spring               ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan}

Khachkars (Cross-stones)

Khachkars are unique examples of Armenian art. They were made to mark a memorable event (a victory in war, building of a church, significant donation etc) or erected as gravestones. They range from very simple designs to intricate masterpieces, sometimes referred to as needleworks. It is said that despite their vast numbers no two khachkars are identical in design and ornaments. All pictures of khachkars below are by Martin Shahbazyan.

Recent (1988-2007) History in Pictures

In 1988 Armenia is hit by a devastating eartquake, which kills 25,000 people and leaves 500,000 homeless, affecting one-quarter of the country.

^{Photo by Rouben Mangassaryan} ^{Photo by Rouben Mangassaryan} ^{Photo by Hayk Biandjyan}

From 1989 Armenians stand up for Independence and for the solution of the Karabakh problem, a historical Armenian land, presented to the neighbouring Azeris by the Bolshevik rulers of the Soviet Union. Independence is gained in 1991.

Hundreds of thousands gathered in protests.     ^{Photo by Rouben Mangassaryan}

The Armenian tricolour.                                 ^{Photo by Hakob Berberyan}
Celebrating Independence.                            ^{Photo by Hakob Berberyan}

In response to the legitimate demand of the population of Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan unleashed a full scale war against the peaceful population ...

In Sevakavan village after the usual bombing. ^{Photo by Rouben Mangassaryan} No wonder everyone in Karabakh had to take up arms ^{Photos by Rouben Mangassaryan} .... and stay alert to protect their families and homes. ^{Photo by Rouben Mangassaryan}

... and imposed blockade on the Republic of Armenia. The energy crises lasted till 1995, ending only when the Karabakh defence forces won the war and Azerbaijan was forced to agree to a ceasefire.

This was the lot for most children                   ^{Photo by Rouben Mangassaryan}
... and all others                                                ^{Photo by Rouben Mangassaryan}
... and the nature.                                                   ^{Photo by Hrayr Baze'}

The victorious soldier ^{Photo by Hakob Berberyan}
Shushi: the joy of victory and peace ^{Photo by Souren Hovsepyan} Ensuring peaceful skies ^{Photo by Felix Aroustamyan}

Evereyday Life

Baking lavash, the traditional Armenian bread ^{Photo by German Avagyan} Christening babies ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan} Saying prayers ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan}

Celebrating Vardavar, an ancient feast ^{Photo by Nazik Armenakyan} The feast of Trndez ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan} Blessing of the Holy Oil ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan}

Early fishing at Lake Sevan The Famous Armenian Brandy ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan} Everyone gets a fair share ^{Photo by Rouben Mangassaryan}

Culture and Science

Not all carpets come out this big ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan} A lot of passion in the dances ^{Photo by Karen Mirzoyan} Consecration of the newly elected Patriarch ^{Photo by Felix Aroustamyan}

Cutting edge technology. ^{Photo by Alexander Khachunts} Experimenting with the abundant sun ^{Photo by Hakob Berberyan} At the famous Byurakan Observatory ^{Photo by Hakob Berberyan}

Recreation and sports

Once the most loved sport, football is regaining strength     ^{Photo by Hakob Berberyan} Wrestling is the sport Armenians have always been good at                ^{Photo by Hakob Berberyan} Enough natural snow and mountain slopes for everyone              ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan}

Water sportsare new but popular at Lake Sevan                   ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan}
Wind-surfing remains a tough sport but is attracking more adventurous young people ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan}
Aqua-park at Lake Sevan                            ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan}

Canoing club at the Yerevan Lake (Reservoir)             ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan} One of the brand new ski-lifts at Tsakhkadzor ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan} A new sport gaining popularity                   ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan}

The young champion                                       ^{Photo by Karen Mirzoyan} Lots of fun at in Tsakhkadzor for several months                 ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan} Getting there                                                        ^{Photo by Martin Shahbazyan}