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issue 2, year XVII, 2010 |
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SERZH SARGSYAN, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA EXCLUSIVELY FOR "EUROPE 2001" MAGAZINE
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H. E. MR. EDWARD NALBANDYAN, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA: OUR FOREIGN POLICY IS BASED ON BRIDGE-MAKING APPROACHES
Interview by the Press Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia
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H. E. SERGEY MANASARYAN, AMBASSADOR OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA TO BULGARIA: OUR TWO NATIONS ARE "DESTINED" TO FRIENDSHIP
Interview by Valentin Kostov
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ARMENIA: A COUNTRY PROFILE
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BILATERAL RELATIONS BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
By the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, "Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia" Department
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On 23 December 1991 Bulgaria recognized the independence of the Republic of Armenia. Bulgaria’s relations with Armenia are traditionally friendly. The two countries develop their relations on the basis of bilateral and reciprocal cooperation in all fields of mutual interest. Cultural relations are based on the Cultural Collaboration Agreement. Bulgarian is taught in the State Linguistic University and in one high school in Yerevan, while Armenian is taught in the Sofia University and in eight high schools in Bulgaria.
INVESTMENTS AND STRATEGIC MARKET
By Maria Angelova
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The Government of Armenia considers the investment policy as one of the key aspects of its economic development course. The attraction of private investments, including FDI, will stimulate economic development in the industrial and other sectors of economy.
To attract transnational corporations to enhance the role of Armenia in globalizing world economy is among the main objectives of Armenia.
A serious achievement is that Economic Courts were separated and now are specializing in adjudicating on economic cases. It gives additional confidence to foreign investors by providing quick, effective and qualified settlement of the investment disputes.
Armenia has concluded Free Trade Agreements with Russia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine
HISTORICAL NATION, REBORN REPUBLIC
From sources of the Embassy of Armenia in Sofia
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Armenians are among the most ancient inhabitants of Caucasus, living there for thousands of years. Armenians do not call their country Armenia but Hayastan after the name of the ancient pagan god Hayk. The region was called Armenia for the first time by the Persians approximately 2600 years ago.
Through the centuries Armenia had periods of great development (like during the reign of Tigrane the Great when Armenia spread out to three seas) and foreign rule (the Roman, Persian, Byzantine Empires, as well as the Ottoman Empire and Russia, later USSR). But it still managed to survive. On 23 September 1991 Armenia declared its independence from the collapsing Soviet Union.
THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE
From sources of the Embassy of Armenia in Sofia
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Armenian is a complex and beautiful language. Except for a few transitions during the 10th-12th centuries and in the 19th century, it has been continuously used for more than 1500 years as it was first created, borrowing traces of words and expressions from Hindu, Persian, Arabic, Greek and Latin along the way. Armenian has its own unique alphabet, devised between 401-406 AC by Mesrop Mashtots (361-440 AC). Until that time, most written versions of Armenian were in Greek. The first sentence written in Armenian was "To know wisdom and gain instruction; to discern the words of understanding..."
ARMENIANS IN BULGARIA
By Vartanush Topakbashyan, Åditor-in-chief of Yerevan Weekly
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Proofs for the first Armenians who lived in the lands of Bulgaria date back to VII-IX century. After all, Bulgarians and Armenians used to live for three centuries within the boundaries of one empire (Byzantine) and for another five centuries within the boundaries of another one - the Ottoman Empire. At the end of XIX and the beginning of XX centuries some of the Armenians who had settled down in Bulgaria gave their considerable contribution to the development of the national economy of the country. Many of the first factories were established by Armenians. In general they are well known as good at delicate, fine crafts - goldsmith’s trade, silk trade, carpet-weaving, watchmaking, etc. As a whole Armenians in Bulgaria do not feel like foreigners. They are inseparable part of the ethnic diversity of Bulgaria.
2010: YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN CULTURE IN BULGARIA
By Maria Angelova
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After a Year of the Bulgarian culture was held in Armenia in 2009, 2010 is the Year of Armenian culture in Bulgaria. During the whole year cultural events will present Armenian arts, music, history, photography and traditions to Bulgarians. The culmination will be between 1 and 5 June. For only five days you will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the Armenian culture. Although many Armenians live in Bulgaria, it turns out that their culture is slightly known.
CLOSE TO ARARAT
By Silva Nalbantyan-Hacheryan
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They say that every Armenian should go to Armenia at least once in a lifetime. The author of the article does it and tells about her trip.
The first thing to see in Armenia when coming by plane is Mount Ararat. On a clear day you can see the mountain peak very distinctively, as if it greets you. On the way to the hotel you pass a bridge. On its both sides you can see two cognac factories - another symbol of Armenia.
The pink city - this is the way Yerevan will remain in your mind. All the buildings here are made of pink tufa, which creates the unique charm of the capital, in addition to the original architectural design made by Alexander Tamanyan.
You cannot help loving the land of Ararat and its people. They are merry, with a sense of humour and self-irony, hospitable and with a very warm attitude to Bulgarians.
THE HEART OF ARMENIAN CHRISTIANITY - THE OLDEST AND SAINT ECHMIADZIN
By Goran Blagoev, Bulgarian National Television
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It is said for Armenians that first they accepted the Christian faith in their hearts and then they made it their state religion. That is why you should not be surprised when you get to know that the heart of the Armenian Christianity was blessed by the presence of the Saviour himself, although four centuries had passed since he had ascended into heaven. This is the nation which was the first to raise Christianity up to state religion being at least 10 years ahead of the Roman Empire.
THE OLDEST ARMENIAN CHURCH IN BULGARIA
By Maria Angelova
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For Armenians the church is not only religion or faith. It is a holy institution due to which they exist today. The Armenian Church has done a lot for preserving the literature and culture of the nation. The first thing which every Armenian does when he finds himself in an unknown place is to look for the local Armenian church. It is the connection between Armenians from different countries.
In 2010 the Armenian Apostolic church "Surp Astvadzadzin" (Saint Mary) in Silistra celebrates its 390th anniversary. It is the oldest Armenian church in Bulgaria and it is unique among the Armenian churches all over the world.
YEREVAN
By Maria Angelova
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In a few years Yerevan will celebrate an anniversary - 28 centuries since it was founded. It was built in 782 BC and it is among the most ancient cities of the world. Even Rome is 29 years younger than the Armenian capital. Today Yerevan is a bustling, modern city, impressing with the mixture of active city life and a clear sense of history and ancient roots.
Yerevan is situated between 3100 and 4000 m altitude, on the banks of Hrazdan River. It is also said that Yerevan is among the European capitals with the highest number of statues, which suggests that Armenians are not people who forget their past.
The nightlife and cultural schedule of the city are very rich and you cannot be bored there.
THE HINDLIYAN’S HOUSE: ECLECTICISM OF WESTERN AND ORIENTAL STYLE
By Maria Angelova
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At the end of XVIII and the beginning of XIX century the rich Plovdiv tradesmen decided to show their wealth and for a very short time they turned the three hills in the city centre into a fairytale spot of gorgeous houses. One of the most beautiful among them, preserved until today, is the house of the rich Armenian merchant Stepan Hindliyan. This house is a fascinating mixture of architectural styles, furniture and landscapes from Europe and the Orient. Some documents prove that the trade affairs of the father of Stepan Hindliyan reached as far as India and it is supposed that it is where the family name derives from. Stepan himself not only had relations with distant lands but turned his home into a gallery of close and exotic spots from all over the world.
AVET TERTERYAN: WHERE THE MUSIC BEGINS
By Tsvetana Paskaleva
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Tsvetana Paskaleva presents the Armenian composer Avet Terteryan (1929 - 1994) through the memories of his wife Irina.
Terteryan’s music is particular, it is easily distinguishable. Avet Terteryan is among the ambassadors of Armenian culture all over the world. Unfortunately, his music is not well-known in Bulgaria, although there was an interest expressed as far back as 1975’s Tbilisi festival "Trans-Caucasian spring". Terteryan said: "Music - these are the vibrations of the Universe. I don’t compose music, I just record it".
THE ARMENIAN WORLD OF LUSIK AGULETSI
By Tsvetana Paskaleva
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"Times give birth to the artist," likes to say the most colourful and vivid painter and ethnographer in Armenia Lusik Aguletsi. "In my paintings there is nothing but colour and part of my soul, which I leave on the canvas while I lay the paint on it."
Her home with its interior reminding of a museum is one of the city sights of Yerevan. If a foreigner is a guest there, he is particularly honoured. The place is a desired spot for friends where they are always offered exquisite national dishes.
ART IN ARMENIA
From sources of the Embassy of Armenia in Sofia
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The article presents a review of the contemporary Armenian arts including architecture, classical and folklore music, painting and naming some of the most famous artists.
TO SEE, HEAR AND TASTE ARMENIA
By Maria Angelova
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Armenians have succeeded to preserve their unique culture for many centuries, keeping alive the traditions of the Old world and making them part of the modern life. You should get to know the traditions of Armenia at a few levels - see the exquisite carpets and art objects, hear the unique sound of the duduk, taste the national cuisine. And after that you will have known just a very small part of them.
THE SPORT WITH HIGHEST NATIONAL RATING
From sources of the Embassy of Armenia in Sofia
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Undoubtedly Armenia is among the leading world nations in chess. In the past as well as today Armenian chess players prove their skills and take the first places in championships and Olympiads. One of the best present-day players is Levon Aronyan, presently ranked fifth in the world.
FAMOUS PEOPLE FROM ARMENIA
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IVAN AYVAZOVSKIY
HOVHANNES TUMANYAN
ARAM HACHATURYAN
VICTOR HAMBARDZUMYAN
ARNO BABADJANYAN
CHARLES AZNAVOUR
TIGRAN PETROSYAN
ARTHUR ABRAHAM
PHOTOATELIER PRESENTS: THE ARMENIAN TRACE IN THE BULGARIAN PHOTOGRAPHY
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FIRST INTERNATIONAL PHOTOSALON "THE WILD"
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LITART PRESENTS:
AVETIK ISAHAKYAN
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EGISHE CHARENTS
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PARUYR SEVAK
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RADOST DASKALOVA
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ATELIER PRESENTS:
VIOLETA RADKOVA: BETWEEN THE EASEL AND THE STAGE. 35 YEARS PAINTING AND THEATRE.
By Ognyan Stamboliev
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TSONKO GENOV: THE SHADES OF SENSES
By Dochka Kisyova-Gogova
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| Translated by Maria Angelova |
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