Is there anything left of its former splendor after the fires of August? It was common knowledge that the unique Hosrov Reserve (Armenian: argelots – forbidden territory) had been transformed into a hunting ground for the country’s oligarchs, primarily by Tsarukyan with his tycoons and his patron, the former chief oligarch of the country, Robert Kocharyan.
Consider this: the argelots was established in the 5th century during the reign of King Hosrov of Armenia, a testament to a different level of morality. Certainly, it was not intended for some rogues to start destroying it after 15 centuries.
The devastation has been and continues to be extensive, affecting all aspects of flora and fauna. Unique plants and animals, many of which are listed in the Red Book, are being destroyed.
It should be noted that this situation is prevalent throughout Armenia. Forests and natural habitats, thousands of years old, are being wiped out. It’s clear to everyone that the fires that occurred in Armenia in August were orchestrated. This was even discussed on television.
Sadly, experience tells us that no one will be held accountable for these fires, just as no one was held responsible for previous actions. Such is the oligarchic system established by Levon Ter-Petrosyan and perfected by Robert Kocharyan.
These two have gotten away with everything and continue to do so thanks to their tactics of deception, arson, and organizing mass riots.
The current government is no better, judging by the state of the city where all green spaces and forests are being destroyed for their palace constructions.
They behave like nomads, who do not and cannot have a homeland.
Updated 2.09.2017 by Vigen Avetisyan.
Hosrov National Reserve – Armenia
Already in the fifth century, historian Movses Khorenatsi wrote about a nature reserve established by King Khosrov II Kotak. For 17 centuries, its nature has remained untouched.
The reserve spans over 22,196 hectares, hosting around 1,800 species of plants. This makes up a large part of all plant species in Armenia, including rare and endangered species of both flora and fauna.
70% of the reserve’s fauna is listed in the Red Book and is under observation. The landscape of the Khosrov Reserve is diverse.
There are approximately seven species of fish recorded in the reserve’s water bodies. It is like a miniature Armenia, complete with deep gorges, mountain ridges, dense forests, a river, and a lake.
Within the territory of the “Khosrov Forest” State Reserve, 7 km south of the famous Geghard Monastery, are the ruins of the 13th-century Ahchots Vank Monastery with the main church of Surb Stepanos.
The church must have been very beautiful, with stunning and abundant stone carving and a multitude of khachkars (cross-stones). Almost every stone has something carved into it.
It is the only Armenian church in the world where full-length images of the Apostles Peter and Paul are engraved.
Attached to the north wall of the Surb Stepanos church of the monastic complex is the Pogos-Petros (Paul and Peter) chapel, built by Vasak Khagbakyan in 1270.
The chapel is remarkable for the life-size carvings of the apostles Pogos and Petros on both sides of its portal.
The sculptures herald a new stylistic direction in Armenian sculpture of the 13th-14th centuries.
To the right of the entrance is depicted Petros, with long hair and beard, holding keys in his hand. To the left of the entrance is Pogos, also with long hair and a beard, his hands free.
The figures are positioned above the foundation of the door and seem to hover in the air. The apostles’ posture is relaxed, as if in gentle motion, with the figures facing each other.
Their solemn poses and relaxed gestures imbue the figures with a peculiar grandeur. The aesthetic perception of the figures is striking in its simplicity and richness, filled with inner harmony.
Material from: Alexander Bakulin
