Exploring Armenia

Urban Exploring in Armenia, the former republic of CCCP

Exploring Armenia can be a fascinating experience, given its rich history, diverse landscapes, and unique cultural heritage. It all started at the airport, where I was waiting for my suitcase to arrive... which it didn't. Bumbed out and tyred I headed up with the team to the hotel, luckily I had my camera with me [always!!]

The following day, we dove right into a charming, compact industrial setting. Despite donning the same attire from the previous day... ugh... we found ourselves stepping into a space whose doors had been sealed for years, traversing through layers of accumulated dust. The aged textile factory revealed itself as a captivating sight, frozen in time.

Photogenic

Armenia is indeed a photogenic country with its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and historical sites. From the picturesque peaks of Mount Ararat to the ancient monasteries nestled in the mountains, Armenia offers plenty of opportunities for breathtaking photography. The vibrant markets, traditional architecture, and hospitable people also contribute to its photogenic charm. Whether capturing the beauty of its natural scenery or the intricacies of its cultural traditions, I found the beauty in decay in Armenia.

Armenia faced economic challenges during its early years of independence. However, the country has undertaken economic reforms and diversification efforts to improve its economic situation. The political landscape has experienced changes and developments since independence.

With a rich cultural heritage, including ancient architecture, literature, and traditions. The Armenian Genocide during World War I remains a significant historical event that has shaped the country's collective memory. The Armenian diaspora is spread across the world, particularly in countries like Russia, the United States, and France. The diaspora has played a crucial role in supporting Armenia economically and politically.

Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

One of the significant challenges Armenia faced after gaining independence was the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a long-standing territorial dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The conflict has its roots in the dissolution of the Soviet Union, when both Armenia and Azerbaijan gained independence in 1991.

Tensions between the two countries escalated into a full-scale war over Nagorno-Karabakh from 1988 to 1994, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement of populations. The conflict ended with a ceasefire brokered by Russia, but peace negotiations mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group, co-chaired by France, Russia, and the United States, have yet to yield a final resolution.

Periodic outbreaks of violence and skirmishes along the Line of Contact have persisted since the ceasefire, with major escalations occurring in 2016 and again in 2020. The most recent conflict in 2020 resulted in significant casualties and led to a ceasefire agreement brokered by Russia, effectively ending the fighting but leaving the underlying issues unresolved.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains a complex and sensitive issue, deeply rooted in historical, ethnic, and territorial grievances, with both Armenia and Azerbaijan continuing to assert their claims over the region. Efforts to find a lasting and peaceful resolution to the conflict remain ongoing, but the situation remains fragile, with the potential for renewed hostilities always present.

It involved a territorial dispute with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The conflict led to a war in the early 1990s, resulting in thousands of casualties and displacement of populations. A ceasefire was eventually reached in 1994, but tensions persisted untill this very day.