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This narrative takes you on an urban exploration mission to a Soviet-era intercontinental radio station in Armenia, intertwined with an unexpected discussion about the Duga radar. Discover the site’s historical significance, its role in Cold War-era broadcasts, and its current enigmatic state. < Back From Duga Radars to Intercontinental Radio Rebroadcasting Station in Armenia This narrative takes you on an urban exploration mission to a Soviet-era intercontinental radio station in Armenia, intertwined with an unexpected discussion about the Duga radar. Discover the site’s historical significance, its role in Cold War-era broadcasts, and its current enigmatic state. I still vividly recall the day I first stepped into this place. Although I had known about it, my habit of procrastination kept me away until now. On this urbex mission with a French photographer Damien, I found myself unexpectedly drawn into a conversation about the Duga radar. For those unfamiliar, the Duga radar , also known as the " Russian Woodpecker, " was a Soviet over-the-horizon radar system from the Cold War, designed for early missile detection and intelligence gathering. Built in the 1970s near Chernobyl, Ukraine, the massive structure stood approximately 150 meters tall and 700 meters long, emitting a distinctive tapping sound on shortwave frequencies that earned it its nickname. In the territory of the Intercontinental Radio Station When Damien was telling about Duga, in the distance, the towering antennas of an intercontinental radio station were visible. I asked Demien, "Why did you suddenly start talking about Duga? Did you see something similar?" He replied, “No… What should I see?” Pointing towards the horizon, I showed him the antennas. "Wait, what's that?" he asked. I replied, "Man, it’s no coincidence you remembered Duga. Let's check this out!" The entire territory was densely covered with a complex network of antennas We soon found ourselves exploring this remarkable site, partially active and filled with control boards of otherworldly design. This intercontinental radio station, established in 1965, once rebroadcast to the Middle East, Turkey, the Caucasus, and Central Asia using high-power 1000 kW transmitters with directional and omnidirectional antennas. The control rooms were a true paradise—a dream destination for every urban explorer. During Soviet times, this station jammed Western broadcasts such as “The Voice of America” while propagating communist ideology across the Middle East and Afghanistan. Even today, the radio center continues to transmit unknown content to other countries, with its massive tube equipment still running hot, a testament to its enduring presence and mysterious purpose. I’m Suren, a professional urban explorer in Armenia. I offer unique urbex tours to abandoned, hidden, and off-the-map places you won’t find in guidebooks. Want a custom itinerary? Contact me on WhatsApp or Telegram . Project Gallery You May Also Like The Forgotten 50 cm Cassegrain Telescope of Byurakan Observatory Destroyed Soviet Mosaics and Frescoes in Armenia Inside the Eerie Corridors of an Abandoned Russian Fortress Soviet Bus Stops in Armenia Urbex Tours in Armenia – Photo Gallery The 53 cm Schmidt Telescope at Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory Exploring an Abandoned Rest House with Impressive Bas-Reliefs A Spaceship on Earth: The Soviet-Armenian Echo of the Futuro House Previous Next

Armenia's unique culture and warm hospitality make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an enriching experience. By familiarizing yourself with these basic Armenian phrases, you'll not only enhance your ability to navigate the country but also connect with the locals on a deeper level. So, pack your bags, learn a few words, and get ready to explore the beauty of Armenia! < Back Hello in Armenian and other useful phrases Armenia's unique culture and warm hospitality make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an enriching experience. By familiarizing yourself with these basic Armenian phrases, you'll not only enhance your ability to navigate the country but also connect with the locals on a deeper level. So, pack your bags, learn a few words, and get ready to explore the beauty of Armenia! Here are some useful Armenian phrases that will help you navigate your way around Armenia, make a huge impression on locals and make useful connections! Hello – Barev dzez - (formal) - Բարև ձեզ Hello – Barev - (informal) - Բարև Goodbye - (Hajoghutyun) Հաջողություն Thank you – Shnorhakalutyun - (formal) - Շնորհակալություն Thank you - Apres - (informal) - Ապրես Yes - (Ajo) Այո No - (Voch) Ոչ Politeness is highly valued in Armenian culture. Using "please" and "excuse me" demonstrates respect and consideration. Please - (Khndrum em) Խնդրում եմ Excuse me - (Neroghutyun) Ներողություն How are you? - (Inchpes eq) Ինչպե՞ս եք I am fine - (Hianali) Հիանալի Welcome! - (Bari galust) Բարի գալուստ What is your name? - (Inch e dzer anuny) Ի՞նչ է ձեր անունը My name is... - (Im anunn e) Իմ անունն է... I am from Paris - (Es Parizic em) Ես Փարիզից եմ I don’t understand - (Chem haskanum) Չեմ հասկանում Where is the bus stop? - (Vortegh e kangary) Որտե՞ղ է կանգառը Where must I get off? - (Vortegh petq e ijnem) Որտե՞ղ պետք է իջնեմ An AI-generated image of a blackboard with the inscription 'Barev' (Hello) on it! Where is the bathroom? - (Vortegh e zugarany) Որտե՞ղ է զուգարանը Help! - (Ognutyun) Օգնություն I’m sorry - (Nereceq) Ներեցեք I don’t speak Armenian well - (Es hayeren lav chem khosum) Ես հայերեն լավ չեմ խոսում Could you speak slower, please? - (Khndrum em khoseq aveli dandagh) Խնդրում եմ խոսեք ավելի դանդաղ What time is it? - (Zhamy qanisn e?) Ժամը քանի՞սն է Where is…? - (Vortegh e?) Որտե՞ղ է How much does this cost? - (Inch arzhe?) Ի՞նչ արժե Do you accept credit cards? - (Duq yndunum eq kredit carter?) Դուք ընդունու՞մ եք կրեդիտ քարտեր I'm hungry - (Es qaghcac em) Ես քաղցած եմ Could I have the menu, please? - (Menyun ktaq?) Մենյուն կտա՞ք I would like to order… - (Uzum em patvirel) Ուզում եմ պատվիրել It's very tasty - (Shat hamegh e) Շատ համեղ է Can I have the bill, please? - (Hashivy kareli e?) Հաշիվը կարելի՞ է Is there Wi-Fi here? - (Wi-Fi ka?) Wi-Fi կա՞ What is the Wi-Fi password? - (Wi-Fi – I gaghtnabary kaseq?) Wi-Fi - ի գաղտնաբառը կասե՞ք Could you help me, please? - (Ogneq khndrum em) Օգնեք խնդրում եմ I’m looking for… - (Es pntrum em) Ես փնտրում եմ I’m lost - (Es korel em) Ես կորել եմ Do you speak English? - (Engleren khosum eq?) Դուք խոսու՞մ եք անգլերեն I need a doctor - (Es bzhshki kariq unem) Ես բժշկի կարիք ունեմ Is this the bus for…? - (Ur e tanum ays avtobusy) Ու՞ր է տանում այս ավտոբուսը Where can I find a taxi? - (Vortegh karogh em taxi gtnel) Որտե՞ղ կարող եմ տաքսի գտնել Could you call a taxi for me? - (Karogh eq im pokharen taxi kanchel?) Կարո՞ղ եք իմ փոխարեն տաքսի կանչել Where’s the nearest ATM? - (Vortegh e motaka bankomaty) Որտե՞ղ է մոտակա բանկոմատը Is it safe to camp here? - (Ajstegh apahov e gisherel?) Այստեղ ապահո՞վ է գիշերել I’d like this - (Es tsankanum em) Ես ցանկանում եմ It’s too expensive - (Shat tank e) Շատ թանկ է Show me on the map! - (Tsuyts tveq qartezi vra) Ցույց տվեք քարտեզի վրա Can I try it on? - (Karogh em pordzel?) Կարո՞ղ եմ փորձել Where can I buy a…? - (Vortegh karogh em gnel) Որտե՞ղ կարող եմ գնել What’s the weather like tomorrow? - (Inch eghanak e linelu vaghy) Ի՞նչ եղանակ է լինելու վաղը I’d like to go to… (Es ktsankanayi gnal) Ես կցանկանայի գնալ Stop here, please - (Kangneq aystegh khndrum em) Կանգնեք այստեղ խնդրում եմ I lost my wallet - (Es korcrel em dramapanaks) Ես կորցրել եմ դրամապանակս Everything is ok - (Amen inch lav e) Ամեն ինչ լավ է Knowing numbers is crucial for basic transactions, such as shopping and ordering food. Basic Numbers: One - Մեկ (Mek) Two - Երկու (Yerku) Three - Երեք (Yerek) Four - Չորս (Chors) Five - Հինգ (Hing) Six - Վեց (Vets) Seven - Յոթ (Yot) Eight - Ութ (Ut) Nine - Ինը (Iny) Ten - Տաս (Tas) Remember, a little effort goes a long way. Even if you don’t pronounce everything perfectly, locals will appreciate your effort to communicate in their language. Enjoy your trip to Armenia! 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This tour offers rare access to a working radio center, including control rooms, transmission halls, and original control panels with a striking futuristic design that still feels ahead of its time. For enthusiasts of Soviet history and industrial tech, it is a living Cold War relic. Towering shortwave masts and mediumwave antennas create a vast, almost apocalyptic landscape—resembling a scene from science fiction. During the Soviet era, the station both jammed Western broadcasts such as Voice of America and transmitted Soviet programming and ideology across the Middle East and Afghanistan. < Back A Unique Tour to Armenia’s Hidden Cold War Radio Center This tour offers rare access to a working radio center, including control rooms, transmission halls, and original control panels with a striking futuristic design that still feels ahead of its time. For enthusiasts of Soviet history and industrial tech, it is a living Cold War relic. Towering shortwave masts and mediumwave antennas create a vast, almost apocalyptic landscape—resembling a scene from science fiction. During the Soviet era, the station both jammed Western broadcasts such as Voice of America and transmitted Soviet programming and ideology across the Middle East and Afghanistan. The facility was commissioned on October 18, 1965, when its first radio broadcast went on air. Construction and expansion of the broadcasting infrastructure continued until 1974, while major modernization projects were carried out almost until the collapse of the Soviet Union (1987–1990). Area: The antenna fields cover an enormous territory of approximately 713 hectares (1,760 acres). Structure: The technical complex consists of three main transmission halls housing shortwave (SW) and mediumwave (MW) transmitters. Status in the USSR: During the Soviet era, the radio center was among the largest and most technologically advanced long-distance broadcasting facilities in the entire Soviet Union. Thanks to its elevation of approximately 1,925 meters (6,315 ft) above sea level, the station enjoys excellent conditions for transmitting radio signals across vast distances. Modern Operations and International Broadcasting Unlike many abandoned Soviet radio centers, this facility remains fully operational. Its powerful transmission infrastructure is leased to international broadcasters that take advantage of its unique geographical location, allowing signals to reach large parts of Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Broadcasting to Russia: In recent years, the station's high-power medium wave transmitter has been used to broadcast Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty programs to the European part of Russia. Middle Eastern Broadcasting: Kurdish and Turkish opposition radio programs, including Radyoya Dengê Gel, were transmitted from here, making the station a frequent target of signal jamming attempts. International Services: Through Encompass brokerage services, the site also carries Radio Erena broadcasts aimed at Eritrea and the Horn of Africa, as well as programs from Japan's NHK World. Tour Details Departure from Yerevan: 8:00 AM Distance from Yerevan: approximately 100 km (about 1.5 hours by car) Time spent at the site: approximately 2–2.5 hours Return to Yerevan: around 2:00 PM For more details or to book a tour, feel free to contact me directly via WhatsApp or Telegram for a quick response! Project Gallery You May Also Like A Unique Tour to Armenia’s Hidden Cold War Radio Center From Yerevan to Mount Aragats Tour to Armenia’s Particle Accelerator Climb Mount Artanish & Explore Sevanavank Monastery Urbex Tour to the Trophy 1m Schmidt Telescope at Byurakan Observatory Hiking from Lake Parz to Gosh Village Urbex Tour to ROT54 – Explore Armenia’s Most Fascinating Abandoned Place Hike Armenia by choosing the popular Smbataberd trail Previous Next

If you are someone who loves cars, especially historic ones, then this museum is for you! While in United Arab Emirates, don’t hesitate to visit and explore its vast collection of rare and luxurious cars. I loved it and strongly recommend it to fellow car enthusiasts! < Back A Visit to Emirates National Auto Museum If you are someone who loves cars, especially historic ones, then this museum is for you! While in United Arab Emirates, don’t hesitate to visit and explore its vast collection of rare and luxurious cars. I loved it and strongly recommend it to fellow car enthusiasts! During my trip to Dubai, I asked my brother to take me to this museum. Luckily, he hadn’t been there himself, so it was also an interesting experience for him. The next day, we set off for the museum. At the time, I didn’t anticipate writing a blog post about it, so I didn’t take many photos, but I’ll attach whatever I could find on my phone to this article. Here is some brief information about the museum: https://video.wixstatic.com/video/103e0a_8181248b5ae64b1c85752250a0ab7ff5/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 Here we go... The car museum, shaped like a pyramid, can be found in Al Dhafra, just a short 45-minute drive from Abu Dhabi city. It boasts a collection of over 200 cars belonging to His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, including off-road vehicles, classic American cars, and the Sheikh's iconic Mercedes rainbow collection. Fans of the BBC television programme Top Gear may spot some familiar vehicles among them. The car that has earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records One particularly noteworthy exhibit is a car that has secured a place in the Guinness Book of Records: The largest motorized model car, an oversized replica of a Willy Jeep at a scale of 4 to 1. Crafted by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan (UAE), it was measured at the PYRAMID museum of cars in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on November 3, 2010. Notably, visitors can also marvel at an 1885 steam-powered Mercedes. The museum welcomes visitors every day from 9 AM to 5 PM. At the time of writing this article (March 16, 2024) tickets cost AED 50 (approximately 14 USD), and children under 10 enter for free. Gallery You May Also Like How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade From Stendhal Syndrome to Suren Syndrome Tirinkatar Sacred Valley: Armenia’s High-Altitude Valley of Dragon Stones How to Choose a Local Guide in Armenia Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan Gallery of Mineral Waters in Jermuk

Mount Azhdahak, standing at 3,597 meters, is the highest peak of the Geghama Mountain Range and one of Armenia’s most popular hiking destinations. This extinct volcano, located in the heart of the country, offers an unforgettable hiking experience with breathtaking landscapes. On a clear day from the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Sevan, Mount Ararat, Mount Aragats, Mount Ara, and more. This guide provides essential details on how to climb Azhdahak and explore the stunning trails of the Geghama Mountains. < Back Hiking Guide to Climbing Mount Azhdahak Mount Azhdahak, standing at 3,597 meters, is the highest peak of the Geghama Mountain Range and one of Armenia’s most popular hiking destinations. This extinct volcano, located in the heart of the country, offers an unforgettable hiking experience with breathtaking landscapes. On a clear day from the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Sevan, Mount Ararat, Mount Aragats, Mount Ara, and more. This guide provides essential details on how to climb Azhdahak and explore the stunning trails of the Geghama Mountains. I'm Suren, a professional tour guide in Armenia who has been exploring the country's stunning landscapes since 2014. Many travelers prefer guides who provide their own transportation. I drive a reliable Mitsubishi Pajero 4, well suited for Armenia’s rugged terrain and off-road routes. (See the photo and more details below.) After camping on the shore of Lake Nazeli, the next day I drove my Pajero all the way to the foot of Mount Azhdahak, leaving less than an hour’s hike to the summit. We then started our hike. Over the years, I’ve guided groups on a wide range of trips — from easy hiking trails in Armenia to demanding mountain summits, remote off-road adventures, and explorations of abandoned places. My strong local knowledge and hands-on experience make me a solid choice for anyone interested in hiking in Armenia or discovering hidden gems such as ancient volcanoes, crater lakes and waterfalls. As for Mount Azhdahak, it deserves a special mention — it’s the most requested destination among my guests, and I know it like the back of my hand. In this comprehensive article, I'll share practical and useful advice on how to climb Mount Azhdahak. About the Geghama Mountains and Azhdahak The Geghama Mountains, also known as the Geghama Ridge, extend between Lake Sevan and the Ararat Plain, covering a length of 70 km and a width of 48 km. The range's average elevation is approximately 2,500 meters, with Azhdahak as its highest peak at 3,597 meters. A group photo at the top of mount Azhdahak Azhdahak features a stunning crater lake at its summit, formed by melting snow, creating a mesmerizing sight, particularly in summer when snow patches linger on the slopes. Another notable crater lake is located on the nearby Tar (Red Ridge) volcano. The second-highest peak of the range is Spitakasar, at 3,560 meters above sea level. Aerial photo of mount Azhdahak Climb Mount Azhdahak. Route 1 or The Classical Route The most common route to Mount Azhdahak begins in Geghard village, but don’t rush—off-road terrain starts here, leading up to the foot of Mount Paytasar. If you're not in peak physical condition, it's best to drive as close as possible to Azhdahak to minimize the hiking distance. However, keep in mind that beyond Paytasar, the road can become slippery and treacherous in rainy weather, making the route particularly hazardous in wet conditions. Distance from Yerevan (Republic Square) to Geghard Village: 37 km (~1-hour drive) Off-road Distance: 14 km (requiring a high-clearance 4WD vehicle) Starting Point: Foot of Mount Paytasar Trail Length: 5.5 km (one way) Elevation Gain: 600 meters Difficulty: Moderate As you hike around Lake Akna, it provides a fantastic backdrop From the trailhead, the ascent leads hikers through breathtaking landscapes filled with unique flora and fauna. On a clear day, the summit of Azhdahak unveils a majestic panorama—not only of Lake Sevan but also of the surrounding mountains, including the distant peak of Mount Aragats. The route is an out-and-back trail. After the hike you can explore ancient Armenian petroglyphs scattered near mount Paytasar. An optional off-road journey can take visitors to Dragon Lake, home to ancient Vishaps (Dragon Stones). Alternative Routes to Mount Azhdahak Route 2: Via Lake Akna Another starting point for climbing Azhdahak is Lake Akna, offering a longer and more challenging ascent. To take this route, you first need to reach Sevaberd village, where the off-road journey begins, leading up to Lake Akna. The advantage of this approach over the Paytasar route is the opportunity to witness the stunning beauty of Lake Akna along the way. However, the trade-off is a significantly longer hike—at least 4.5 km more. I typically choose this route for multi-day trekking adventures. Distance from Yerevan to Sevaberd village: 35 km (~1-hour drive) Off-road Distance to Lake Akna: 11 km (requires a 4WD) Starting Elevation: 3,030 meters Hiking Distance: 10 km (one way) Camping Option: Stay overnight at Lake Nazeli (3,100 meters, 5 km from the summit) This route requires careful planning, especially if hikers do not have a dedicated driver, as returning to the starting point will involve a long trek back. As you hike along the crater of Mount Azhdahak, breathtaking views unfold before you. In the distance, you can see Aragats, Armenia’s highest peak. Route 3: Via Lake Nazeli For a more direct yet challenging approach, hikers can start from Lake Nazeli (3,100 m). The journey begins with a drive to Geghard village, where the off-road adventure starts. From there, you have two route options: Take the direct path to Mount Paytasar, then continue past the mountain toward Vishapasar and Lake Nazeli. First, reach Dragon Lake, then follow the route leading to Lake Nazeli. Camping on the shore of lake Nazeli Once you reach the shore of Lake Nazeli, it’s highly recommended to spend the night there. Use that day for acclimatization and to stretch your legs with an ascent of Mount Spitakasar (the White Mountain) — a rewarding experience on its own. By the following day, you’ll be well prepared to take on Azhdahak. Distance from Yerevan to Geghard village: 37 km (~1-hour drive) Off-road Distance to Lake Nazeli: ~20 km (high-clearance 4WD needed) Hiking Distance: 5 km (one way) Hiking Time: ~2.5 hours Lake Nazeli, as seen from the nearby cliffs The off-road journey to Lake Nazeli is demanding, especially beyond Mount Vishapasar, where rugged, rocky sections make the drive challenging. However, the lake itself is a breathtaking destination well worth the effort. Aerial photo of mount Azhdahak By the way, when off-roading to Azhdahak, you won’t have to worry about getting stuck— the terrain is rocky rather than muddy or clay-rich, which can easily trap vehicles. Alternatively if you are with a driver you can start your hike from the foot of Mount Paytasar and descend to Lake Nazeli. Recommended 3-Day Trekking Itinerary For those who want a more immersive experience in the Geghama Mountains, a three-day trek is ideal: Day 1: Visit Lake Akna, climb Mount Aknasar, and camp on the lake’s shore. Day 2: Climb Mount Azhdahak, descend to Lake Nazeli, and camp overnight. Day 3: Climb Mount Nazeli (3,312 m), visit Dragon Lake, and return to Yerevan. On the way back, visit Geghard Monastery, Garni Temple, and the Symphony of Stones, a remarkable natural basalt formation. On the shore of lake Nazeli Essential Tips for Hikers Physical Preparation: While no technical climbing skills are required, a good fitness level is essential due to the altitude and rugged terrain. Weather Considerations: The Geghama Range has unpredictable weather. Layered clothing, a poncho, a windproof jacket, and sun protection are highly recommended. Navigation: The trails are not marked. A GPS device or hiring a local guide can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Respect for Nature: The region is home to diverse flora and fauna, including mountain foxes and rare birds. Hikers should follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the environment. Locals: During the warm season, the Geghama Mountains are inhabited by shepherds, primarily Yazidis, a national minority in Armenia known for their hospitality. They always appreciate a warm greeting. However, Yazidi women are generally unaccustomed to cameras, so it is advisable to ask for permission before taking their photo. Took this photo of Yazidi shepherd Mirza while he was demonstrating his rearing skills Whether you choose a single-day climb or an extended trek, Mount Azhdahak and the Geghama Mountains promise an unforgettable adventure through Armenia’s breathtaking volcanic landscapes. Remember, your hikes in Armenia won’t be complete unless you’ve climbed Mount Azhdahak! For a private guided hike to Mount Azhdahak, feel free to contact me on WhatsApp or Telegram . 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Armenian carpets, celebrated for their intricate designs and cultural significance, are timeless masterpieces that encapsulate centuries of craftsmanship and artistic expression. With distinctive features woven using the Armenian double knot and vibrant red filaments derived from Armenian cochineal (Vordan Karmir), these carpets serve as cultural symbols and storytellers. < Back Armenian Carpet - A Tapestry of Culture and Tradition Armenian carpets, celebrated for their intricate designs and cultural significance, are timeless masterpieces that encapsulate centuries of craftsmanship and artistic expression. With distinctive features woven using the Armenian double knot and vibrant red filaments derived from Armenian cochineal (Vordan Karmir), these carpets serve as cultural symbols and storytellers. In Armenian, carpets are referred to as "karpet" (Armenian: կարպետ) or "gorg" (Armenian: գորգ). While both terms are synonymous, "karpet" is commonly used for non-pile rugs, and "gorg" denotes a pile carpet. The Armenian word "gorg" is first mentioned in written sources in the 13th century. https://video.wixstatic.com/video/103e0a_3154ba37462247c2881e0415736cb51f/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 An Armenian woman is weaving a carpet! You can meet them during a working process when visiting Sardarapet Memorial Complex The art of Armenian carpet and rug weaving traces its roots to ancient times. Unfortunately, due to the fragile nature of carpets, very few examples have survived. Marco Polo, in his accounts of Armenia, praised the rich traditions of Armenian carpet weaving, stating, "The best and handsomest carpets in the world are wrought here, and also silks of crimson and other rich colours." These rugs were woven using the Armenian double knot, and the red color resulted from Armenian cochineal (Vordan Karmir), a dye made from beetles native to Armenia. However, the technology for obtaining an everlasting red color from Vordan Karmir has been lost over the centuries. Armenian carpets for sale in Yerevan Vernissage Market Armenian rugs boast a bold color palette derived from nature—rich reds, blues, greens, ochres, and nuanced variations. Historically, carpet weaving was a major traditional profession for Armenian women, and in Karabakh, prominent carpet weavers included men. The oldest extant Armenian carpet, dating to the early 13th century, hails from the village of Banants near Gandzak. The first time that the Armenian word for carpet, gorg, was used in historical sources was in a 1242-1243 Armenian inscription on the wall of the Kaptavan Church in Artsakh. The Pazyryk Carpet Excavations in Armenia have revealed rug fragments dating back to the 7th century BC or earlier. However, complete rugs from this period are scarce. The oldest surviving knotted carpet is the Pazyryk carpet, discovered in a frozen tomb in Siberia, dating from the 5th to the 3rd century BC. It is currently housed in the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. Despite being claimed by various cultures, many experts consider this square tufted carpet, nearly perfectly intact, to be of Armenian origin. By the Middle Ages, Armenia emerged as a significant carpet exporter, reaching distant places like China. In many medieval Chinese artworks, Armenian carpet designs were prominently featured, often depicting clear Christian crosses. During the Genocide, numerous expert carpet weavers perished, precious carpets were stolen and thousands of Armenian children were orphaned. Some of these orphans ended up in northern Beirut, where Dr. Jacob Kuenzler, a Swiss missionary, established a rug factory. This facility aimed to teach young orphans, mainly girls, the art of rug weaving, providing them with skills for a sustainable future. Consequently, "orphan-rugs" were created for a brief period in this factory. The most famous among them, known as the Armenian Orphan rug, was presented to the White House in 1925 as a gesture of gratitude and goodwill toward the American people. Depicting a Biblical Garden of Eden with various animals and symbols, this rug measures 12 feet by 18 feet and boasts an impressive 4 million knots. It is said to have been crafted by 400 orphans over 18 months from 1924-1925. The 30th president of the United States Calvin Coolidge inspecting the Armenian Orphan Rug President Coolidge graciously accepted the offering, expressing in a letter of appreciation that the rug would hold a place of honor in the White House as a daily symbol of goodwill on earth. The gift garnered nationwide media coverage at the time. After Armenia came under Soviet rule, carpet making in the Caucasus and Central Asia underwent a transformation. The Soviet Union took a commercial approach, sponsoring production and shifting carpet making from a primarily home craft to a commercial enterprise. While rural areas maintained some family traditions, commercial carpet makers faced restrictions on religious themes. Armenian rug designs evolved during this period, with some portraying Communist leaders in "Soviet carpets." Following the Soviet Union's collapse, carpet making persisted in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. Private companies and home workshops saw a revival. Some weavers embraced the traditional approach, incorporating rug motifs from Armenian churches, manuscript art, and cross-stones. After the first Nagorno-Karabakh War, workshops were established to aid displaced Armenians in finding employment. Today, weavers in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh uphold the ancient methods, techniques, and designs, showcasing the resilience of Armenian carpet-making traditions despite the nation's tumultuous history. In conclusion, Armenian rugs stand as a unique and beautiful expression of culture and tradition. Rug weaving is integral to Armenian households, adorning walls, beds, tables, and floors. They highlight the skill and creativity of Armenian artisans, reflecting the country's rich cultural heritage. For those seeking a beautiful and sustainable addition to their homes, an Armenian rug is an excellent choice. Gallery You May Also Like How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade From Stendhal Syndrome to Suren Syndrome Tirinkatar Sacred Valley: Armenia’s High-Altitude Valley of Dragon Stones How to Choose a Local Guide in Armenia Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan Gallery of Mineral Waters in Jermuk

During and after World War II, thousands of German prisoners of war were transported to Armenia, where they participated in various labor projects. The total number of prisoners of war in Armenia amounted to around 16,160. Among them was the renowned Austrian zoologist, ethologist, and ornithologist Konrad Lorenz, who later shared the 1973 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Nikolaas Tinbergen and Karl von Frisch. < Back Konrad Lorenz's life as a prisoner of war in Armenia During and after World War II, thousands of German prisoners of war were transported to Armenia, where they participated in various labor projects. The total number of prisoners of war in Armenia amounted to around 16,160. Among them was the renowned Austrian zoologist, ethologist, and ornithologist Konrad Lorenz, who later shared the 1973 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Nikolaas Tinbergen and Karl von Frisch. In 1941, Konrad Lorenz, already a professor of psychology at the University of Königsberg, was conscripted into the Wehrmacht. He was assigned the role of a military psychologist. Under the supervision of Rudolf Hippius, Lorenz conducted racial studies on humans in occupied Poznań. The objective of these studies was to examine the biological characteristics of "German-Polish half-breeds" to ascertain whether they shared the same work ethics as "pure" Germans. The extent of Lorenz's involvement in the project remains unclear, but the project director, Hippius, referred to him as an "examining psychologist" on multiple occasions. It was in 1943 or 1944 (Lorenz himself doesn't remember for sure) that he witnessed transports of concentration camp inmates, and with this evidence before his own eyes, he at last "fully realized the complete inhumanity of the Nazis." Konrad Lorenz as a Soviet POW in 1944 In 1944, Lorenz was transferred to the Vitebsk field hospital. There, in a concrete bunker close behind the front line, he worked as a field surgeon. Then, when the Russians launched an attack westward, he was captured on June 24. When gathering information about Konrad Lorenz’s life in Armenia, I consulted a book about his biography written by Alec Nisbett, although the author provided limited information about his life as a POW. Luckily in my research, I also came across doctor Werner Straube's memoirs, which detailed their life as prisoners of war in Armenia. The text below consists of excerpts from his memoirs. After Werner Straube was captured, he was first taken to a large assembly camp. From there, he was transported to Brno, a camp with around 500 men, where they used to do road construction work. The transports were real starvation transports. They never had enough to eat or drink. Their comrades died of typhus, dysentery, diphtheria. At that time, German doctors were wanted. And so, medical student Straube registered as a doctor for the first time there. Later, Straube was taken to the Kober (probably in Lori Region or Armenia – Armenian Explorer) camp. After he had held the post of camp doctor there for about six months, a transport arrived from Kirov, and with this transport came Konrad Lorenz. Konrad Lorenz actively supported Straube with delousing from day one. Then they divided work: He took over the outpatient clinic, and Straube was responsible for the very primitive camp hospital. They took care of hygiene and delousing together. Malnutrition was a problem not only for prisoners but also for militants guarding them. The garrison officers were also always sick. So the officers of the garrisons also became Konrad's patients. As a result, he naturally had good contacts with the them, and his word carried weight with them. Konrad used his authority to warn guards not to mistreat prisoners and reminded them of the Geneva Convention. He did not shy away from using this argument, even though the Russians had not signed the Geneva Convention. The “Russian Manuscript” The Odyssey of the Russian Manuscript, which he famously took home with him has practically already begun to be written down. Konrad used this manuscript after his return home again and again as a basis for his scientific work. It was later lost, was found again in 1992 and then by Konrad's daughter, Agnes von Cranach, published as a Russian manuscript. Night after night Konrad sat and wrote. It was quiet and he was undisturbed. And always, when he finished a chapter, he said to me: “Werner, study this chapter and recite it to me.” I did that: I read the text, I thought of it I wrote down a few key words and then gave him the content in a free lecture presented. Konrad wanted to check whether his didactics were good. He has explained to me: “I don’t just write for scientists. I want ordinary people to read it as well. You should understand what comparative behavioral research is. What ethology is. What evolution is. I want to interpret that for a wide audience, not just scientists.” The humanist... Konrad was a personality with immensely many facets. For example, he was an excellent connoisseur of Goethe. He could recite long passages from many of his works by heart. He also always had some Faust verses ready that were appropriate to a situation. If the situation was somehow critical, for example, he used to say: " “Zu diesem Schritt sich heiter zu entschließen und wär' es mit Gefahr, ins Nichts dahin zu fließen”. He constantly had other Faust quotes on the tip of his tongue. He considered me as his diligent student and often said: "So, listen Werner. If you want to exist in your later life as a doctor, then you must have a good memory. You must be able to speak freely, and above all, it is important that you practice your memory here in this misery. If you don't strain your brain cells, you will somehow atrophy. Write down the Faust text that I have." ...and delousing The delousing clinic played a significant role in the camp. Namely, no one who had come with a transport from Kirov was allowed to be sent to work without having been deloused beforehand. The delousing system was quite something. The clothes were hung inside, and one had to be extremely careful not to let them fall onto the heated pipes on the floor. Otherwise, the entire delousing system would have gone up in flames and exploded. That had already happened to me once and should not happen again. Therefore, we paid great attention to ensuring that the comrades hung their clothing in such a way that they did not come into contact with the heating coils. Konrad operated the system always cheerfully and with great enthusiasm. He sat on a felled tree stump nearby and repeatedly stoked the fire. And it gave him great pleasure when he saw through the inspection window how the lice suddenly became restless and crawled towards the window. Then the lice burst, and not only the lice but also the nits were killed. It was a hundred percent delousing that we achieved in this way. The psychologist and lifesaver Konrad Lorenz, it must be said, passed his test as a doctor under extreme living conditions with flying colors, solely through his psychotherapeutic help and treatments. Through his work, of which I am one hundred percent certain, he gave many of his comrades courage again and restored their will to live. Through him, they began to believe in returning home again. Konrad lifted many out of depression, including myself. Perhaps that was his greatest achievement as a doctor behind Soviet barbed wire. And solely through that, he earned great merit for the wartime generation. I also count myself among those whose lives he saved. After a period of hunger in early March 1947, we were served a so-called Kascha soup with meat after about eight days. I was hungry as a bear and ate a whole pot of this Kascha with mutton. However, the mutton was spoiled. In a state of dystrophy [malnutrition] and dehydration [exsiccation], I also got diarrhea and lost even more fluid. And when there was no more fluid left, my kidneys stopped functioning. So I became unconscious, could no longer get up due to weakness. Konrad saw me lying like that, saw my nose getting sharper, my pulse getting faster, how I was visibly deteriorating, and said: "Good Lord, he's dying, that's it." And then he acted and performed a real medical feat: He went to the kitchen and filled a bucket with five liters of water. We also had a packet of Dextropur in the infirmary, pure glucose. With 500g of pure glucose and the water, he made a five percent solution, boiled it on the stove, and let it cool. When he came back to me with it, I was practically fading away. As he leaned over me, I looked at him again and said, "Konrad, I'm a poor devil." Then I sank into unconsciousness, while he performed the great feat of finding a vein in me, although all the veins had collapsed. After some searching, he finally managed to position a single needle in a vein in my right arm and fix it with a small strip of plaster. He sat down beside my bed with a ten-cubic-centimeter syringe from the infirmary and repeatedly drew ten cubic centimeters and injected it into this cannula, 24 hours straight. And lo and behold, after about 24 hours, I woke up again. In between, however, I had a near-death experience: I saw a glorified blue sky and an infinite expanse of trees, white blooming like cherry trees. The splendor and abundance of light and the infinite peace that lay over that landscape have remained in my memory. When I suddenly opened my eyes again in the early hours of March 11, 1947, Konrad's face was above me. At a time when I was closer to death than ever before, I saw the face of my fatherly friend Konrad Lorenz as the first thing after waking up again. And since then, I am convinced that although imprinting is otherwise only possible in early youth, at that time, an imprinting took place in me at the advanced age of twenty years. Fight against scarcity Konrad's skills as a doctor gradually earned respect from the Russians as well. In the Chalturin camp, he recognized an illness among prisoners of war that the Russians had misdiagnosed: Our comrades suddenly experienced paresthesia [tingling, numbness of limbs] and subsequent paralysis due to malnutrition and vitamin deficiency, which were so severe that several even suffered respiratory paralysis and died. The Russians believed that these comrades were suffering from toxic diphtheria. Even in cases of toxic diphtheria, paresthesia and irreparable paralysis can occur, they knew that very well. However, Konrad was able to convince them that it was polyneuropathy [damage to certain nerve pathways] due to a vitamin deficiency, with vitamin C deficiency being predominant, according to his statements. The Russians took action and procured vitamin C, which was then administered in the camp. And behold, the paresthesia and paralysis disappeared. The prisoners became capable of working again, and Konrad Lorenz was the great miracle doctor. He spoke with the Russians and told them that he was also a scientist and was involved in a new science, ethology, or comparative behavioral research. And he asked them to allow him to put down on paper what he knew about his science so far, so that he would not waste any time of his life. I knew that he had last held the chair of Immanuel Kant in Königsberg, one of the most prestigious chairs that German universities had to offer. He was visibly proud of that. But he also told me that he was unfortunately drafted into the Wehrmacht too early and then came to Posen, where he worked in a hospital, and later went to Vitebsk for frontline service as a doctor. What was extraordinary was that he was integrated into the fighting troops and was captured. He later explained this to me: The Russian soldier who captured him stood with a loaded rifle next to him. But after he realized that Konrad was defenseless, he experienced what is known as inhibition of killing. He couldn't shoot the unarmed Konrad Lorenz and instead asked him to stand up and come along. It was solely due to this circumstance, the inhibition of killing of a Red Army soldier, that he owed his life. He mentioned this episode to me several times: "That was the sore point in my life," he used to say, "I was almost shot back then, and no one would have cared about me anymore. But as it happened, I made it through, and fate took its course." It must be known that the supply of prisoners of war in Armenia was particularly difficult because the Armenians themselves did not have much to eat. This also meant that the supply did not work out. From February until shortly before Konrad arrived in the camp, the prisoners of war were fed exclusively on flour. They simply put sacks of flour in the camp, and we had to figure out how to deal with it. In other words, we had flour soup in the morning, flour dumplings for lunch, and flour porridge for dinner. Without any meat or vitamin supplements, this led to a disaster. The comrades suffered from the so-called flour malnutrition. They became dystrophic and soon suffered from the severe form of dystrophy, called edematous dystrophy. Their legs swelled, their skin burst, there were secondary infections of ulcers on the legs, so many became unable to work. Therefore, we tried to improve the vitamin content by adding dandelions and herbs that grew along the roadside. We also cooked large amounts of nettles into the soup, but of course, this could not achieve the desired effect in the long run. The avitaminosis [vitamin deficiency disease] also caused many comrades to become night-blind. The so-called hemeralopia [night blindness] played a significant role at that time. At night, none of the sick comrades could leave the shelter and go to the latrine without being led by another comrade, to prevent them from falling into the latrine or running into the barbed wire fence. Because approaching the barbed wire immediately triggered an alarm, and the Russians started shooting. Additionally, the night's rest was always disturbed by the yelling of the Russian guards, who shouted to each other and sang songs. So we were constantly hungry. And this hunger had to be fought in some way. Something had to be organized. Konrad Lorenz was one of the most inventive and successful organizers when it came to combating hunger. For example, from time to time, cows were slaughtered on a meadow outside the camp. Then we temporarily had a few pieces of meat in our soup. The large marrow bones were left behind. Konrad saw this and asked if he could have the bones. The Russians wondered what he was planning to do with the bones. Konrad had a large iron bucket brought from the forge and then smashed the bones with an iron pestle. Once they were small enough, he threw them into a pot and boiled them in the kitchen. When the broth cooled, he skimmed off the bone fat and filled it into cans. The fat had to be stored cool to avoid becoming rancid shortly. We buried it in a shady spot near the infirmary – that was our refrigerator. However, I said, "Konrad, we are not used to fat at all anymore. If we eat the fat, we'll probably get stomach cramps and diarrhea." However, he stubbornly replied, "I'll try it anyway!" – And behold, it didn't take long before he had diarrhea and had to run to the latrine constantly. He even persuaded me to give it a try. I only did it once, and I had a similar experience. But after Konrad tried it several times, he kept the bread with the bone fat for himself. He survived through that acute phase of hunger. But he also did not scorn other "additional food." Once a Russian officer passed through the camp, who had shot a buzzard. Konrad saw the dead bird and asked, "What are you going to do with the dead buzzard?" The Russian replied, "I'll throw it away, I only shot it for my pleasure." Konrad asked, "Can I have this buzzard?" To which the Russian replied, "If you want it, you can have it." As soon as the Russian officer was gone, Konrad plucked the bird, removed its innards, singed it, dissected it, and fried it in the kitchen. He ate it up completely. It agreed with him well, and he didn't have diarrhea afterwards. He wanted to share some with me, but of course, I felt disgust and declined. It was similar with the snake: One of our comrades brought a snake, about one meter long, which he had killed from the construction site. He showed it to Konrad because he knew he was a zoologist, someone who knows about animals. Konrad took the snake, skinned it, dissected it, fried it, and ate it up. Even this "snake feast" agreed with him. The next miracle that completely perplexed the camp community and the Russians, including the officers, was the experiment with the lizard: We had a lizard population in the camp. The animals liked to sunbathe on the basalt cones in the camp. I can still remember exactly how Konrad sat on these basalt cones for several days, observing the lizards until he must have known each one individually. Anyway, he managed to catch a lizard. He got a box, put the lizard in it, and then went to the Russian guard and called the officer who had given him the buzzard. He asked him if he would like to come and see an experiment. The officer came and brought several guards with him. It was around noon, so there were prisoners in the camp as well, and Konrad called them over too. Then he showed us his lizard experiment: He took the animal out of the box, put it on the table in the infirmary, and stroked the lizard with his hands. The lizard made a leap and landed on its back. Everyone was amazed. The Russians even stepped back. They had never seen anything like it, let alone considered it possible. After a while, Konrad stroked the lizard again. It made a leap and was back on its feet. That was the last straw. The Russians ran away. They pushed their caps back and said about Konrad, he was in league with the devil. So Konrad Lorenz was always a topic of conversation. The Austrian professor, they said, wasn't he a great man, who knew how to get by. The food was often so bad that we thought we wouldn't survive. So when I finally learned the Faust verses, we organized recitation evenings. We invited the officers and all interested people. Konrad and I then performed Faust, or rather, we interpreted it. Of course, Konrad could do that too; he wasn't just a Faust interpreter, he was also a Goethe interpreter. The listeners were enthusiastic and repeatedly asked us to perform again. While we played, while we spread intellectual nourishment, they forgot their hunger just as much as we forgot ours. Bad news from home One day, a comrade from the German camp administration came and brought Konrad a postcard. He read this card, and I saw how he changed color and somehow slackened while reading it. I observed this from very close and knew right away that there must have been something special on this card, even before Konrad said to me, "Werner, my father has passed away." He was deeply shaken. Then he handed me the card. I read this card, written by Konrad's wife Gretl, myself. Konrad then took it back, went to the infirmary, lay down on his straw sack there, and was unresponsive until late into the night, mourning deeply for his father. He would have loved to see his father again. His father had been especially proud of him when he finally managed to be appointed to the chair of Kant in Königsberg. I also know that his father had visited him in Königsberg and even stayed there for a while. After receiving the news of his father's death, Konrad held proper memorial sessions for his father for seven days. During this time, he did not continue writing his Russian manuscript but devoted himself entirely to thoughts of his father. During this phase, he also told me about the contents of the book "I Was Allowed to Help" that his father had written. Not only to me, but also to other listeners, including some officers we had gotten to know a little better. When he finished his eulogy, often late into the night, he always quoted verses from Faust: "If, as a young man, you honor your father, then you would gladly be received by him. If, as a man, you increase knowledge, your son can achieve a higher goal." and "Oh, fortunate is he who still can hope to emerge from this sea of error. What one does not know, one needs; and what one knows, one cannot use." The camp doctor... It was a special trait of Konrad's that he did not withdraw as a professor but, on the contrary, integrated himself into the camp community as a doctor. He took over the infirmary. I deliberately said, "Konrad, you run the infirmary, then you have constant contact with our people. They not only tell you about the complaints they have at the moment, but they also tell you how they have been treated at their workplaces. Whether they have been beaten, whether their performance has been recognized, or whether they have been degraded." He took note of all this with an open ear. And it was essential that there was a listener. This was often more important than distributing any pills, which we had in very limited numbers anyway. Even when the Russians came, they usually demanded medication, although the medicines in the infirmary were actually intended for our prisoners of war. But they were the masters and sometimes demanded, for example, sulfonamides, which were very rare, if they had pneumonia or something similar. Our comrades were then naturally lacking them. But for Konrad, a patient was first and foremost a patient, whether prisoner or Russian, that is, the oppressor. In such moments, it did not matter. And precisely because he never made a distinction, he was so respected by the Russians. They respected him. So he was successful with his comrades, but also with the Russians. Unfortunately, during the heavy work that our comrades had to do in building the power plant, there were also instances of abuse: beatings with rifle butts, but also kicks led to injuries. The injured comrades were brought to our camp. When a prisoner was beaten so severely that several ribs were broken, both Konrad and I intervened and called in the camp commander. We made it clear to him that this man had been beaten and abused at the workplace for no reason. Konrad did not mince words. He said, "We are prisoners of war. We are defenseless here. But the war is over. The Geneva Convention prohibits the mistreatment of prisoners of war. What you are doing violates human rights." We could hear references to the Geneva Convention on various occasions from him. And he also said to me, "Werner, it's better if you are consistent and accuse the Russians when they do something wrong, then they will have more respect for you than if you cower before them." I followed this later in other camps. I had lost my fear of the Russians. And by appearing in a certain way and referring to the Geneva Convention, I achieved more than I could have by submissive behavior. Once, we severely reprimanded the Russians. There was a forge nearby. There was a blacksmith in a dark room with almost no ventilation. In the middle was the anvil where the iron was forged, so it naturally smoked heavily. The draft was completely insufficient, and this comrade was brought to us into the camp two or three times half unconscious with chronic carbon monoxide poisoning. After repeatedly pointing this out to the Russians, at least a larger exhaust was broken into this forge. Also, many comrades had accidents during the underground work because safety measures were not observed at all. Many had no helmets and no headgear at all. The equipment they worked with was more than primitive. Bone fractures and severe head injuries were commonplace. Konrad had to come to terms with this as the camp doctor in Sevan. ...und Zoologe But in Sevan, the zoologist in him also came to the forefront. The camp was located on a plateau. Therefore, there were plenty of birds, as he later told me: starlings, sparrows en masse, and even larks. Anyway, with the help of some comrades and wire he obtained from the construction sites, he made several cages and then caught a young starling, two house sparrows, and a crested lark. He had dealt with starlings before. And now he wanted to tame this starling. So he put it in the cage, then carried the cage into a closed room, opened it there, and let the starling fly. He had a long stick with him, with which he threatened the star whenever it left the cage. Eventually, the star realized that if I fly back into the cage, I won't be threatened anymore. He repeated this experiment so many times until the star was tamed. When he later took it to Yerevan, all he had to do was raise the stick, and behold, the bird returned to its cage. In addition to the star, which he named Friedrich and which later went down in the history of ornithology, he also brought his two house sparrows and the crested lark in the cage to Yerevan. In the camp in Arabkir, the cages were hung on the south side and played a significant role for the prisoners of war. Those who suffered from dystrophy and those who were unable to work were sitting in the camp with nothing to do. So they amused themselves by catching flies for the birds. Thus, the starling, the crested lark, and the sparrows there were well-fed, and the prisoners of war had their entertainment. When we had lunch break and there was no infirmary, Konrad and I regularly met. Then he let the starling fly. He simply opened the door, and the starling flew out. It was lively and flew to the gutters, to the telegraph poles, and circled over the camp. This naturally attracted many spectators. Not only the prisoners of war but also the Russian guards came and watched as the starling flew around. But as soon as Konrad raised the stick, the bird either returned directly to the cage or boldly landed on his master's head or shoulder. In addition to the laughter of the prisoners of war, you could then hear the Russians cursing. The Russians liked to curse, not only when something didn't suit them but also when they were amazed. And when the starling sat on Lorenz's head, I could hear them say repeatedly: Well, the professor really has a bird! Reality in Yerevan The bodies of deceased comrades had to lie for three hours and were not to be touched. Then they were picked up and taken to a shed for dissection. Every corpse in Yerevan had to be dissected. To my great fortune, when I was in Prague, I had participated in a dissection course once. So I could dissect. I had to work with very primitive instruments, but it worked. Next to me stood a Russian captain doctor who inspected the exposed organs, kept records, and of course, indicated the cause of death. The cause of death was clear in very many cases: the patients had starved. But this could not be documented in the records. There it said died of tuberculosis, of pneumonia, and the like. Death by starvation as such was not allowed to be documented. It naturally affected me greatly to have to dissect my comrades under the most primitive conditions while rats jumped around me. At that time, Konrad kept saying, "Werner, you will survive this too." Every time I returned exhausted and depressed from such a dissection, he lifted me up. We constantly motivated each other when we were almost at the end. Konrad's journey home After the Russian chief physician, Joseph Gregorian, (Werner Straube is likely misremembering renowned Armenian architect Mark Grigorian’s actual name; I believe he is referring to him and Grigorian in his term promised to forward his request to Hovsep Orbeli – Armenian Explorer) promised Konrad to forward his request to take his manuscript home, Konrad was naturally extremely tense. He kept wondering, "Will he do it? Will I succeed in what I'm planning now?" He tried to cope with this inner tension by lecturing me until late into the night, just to pass the time. When he talked about Darwin, he sometimes could hardly find an end. For me, it was highly interesting to delve into this science. It was also important for Konrad to share his views on Sigmund Freud. And I can only say that it was an extremely positive attitude; otherwise, he would not have become so eloquent and detailed on this topic. He was also fascinated by Kantian philosophy, which he often spoke about. He corresponded with Max Planck, whom he greatly admired. Planck meant a lot to him, and there were also bridges concerning evolutionary epistemology. Konrad informed me that he had corresponded with Planck and that through this correspondence, he had found out how much he and Planck agreed on epistemological issues. And he always regretted greatly that he could not experience Planck anymore, as he had passed away in 1947. After weeks of waiting, a representative of the Russian camp commander came and gave Konrad a document stating: Konrad Lorenz, Professor, is ordered to the Academy of Physiological Sciences in Moscow. Immediately. This meant that Konrad had to get ready for departure from Yerevan within a few hours. This caused a stir. He was first called to the clothing store, where he was dressed anew. The result of this dressing was a disaster. When he came back, I hardly recognized him; he looked like a scarecrow. He wore a shako and a coat that was much too long and so big that his hands barely visible. His trousers hung like an accordion over the new shoes, of which hardly anything was visible. In this attire, Konrad prepared for departure. However, the most important thing was that he still had to bundle his manuscript. He used strings for that. He had also insisted on a backpack because he had to transport his bundle of papers somehow. Additionally, he still carried his two bird cages with the starling, the two house sparrows, and the crested lark that were so dear to him. The departure was scheduled for three o'clock. His departure deeply affected me. With him, I not only lost a fatherly friend but also my second father, so to speak. I had lost my biological father to illness at the age of nine. Now, I was losing another father who had been a guiding light in my life. And by now, I could very well assess what I owed to Konrad Lorenz. The most important thing I owed him was my life. But it was much more than that. Comrade Konrad Lorenz, like me, possessed a humanistic education. When I voluntarily applied to the military medical academy in Berlin, I read above the entrance the motto under which we military doctors were supposed to practice our profession later: Scientiae Humanitati Patriae. I never forgot this motto even in captivity. And not for nothing does the word humanitas stand in the middle of this saying. That is the most essential thing in medical ethics, to serve humanity. By the victorious nation, by the Russians, this humanity was trampled underfoot behind barbed wire. We were deprived of rights; we possessed nothing but our lives and had to figure out how to survive. The only endeavor in Russian captivity was indeed to survive, no matter what. Konrad encouraged me in this, and not only me but all the comrades he psychologically supported and urged not to lose courage, not to lose faith, not to let the hope of returning home fade. When hope fades, life is lost. So Konrad tried to make us laugh by, for example, telling his animal stories. The comrades sitting around him sometimes held their stomachs from laughing. It was the most effective psychotherapy I have ever encountered. Gallery You May Also Like How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade From Stendhal Syndrome to Suren Syndrome Tirinkatar Sacred Valley: Armenia’s High-Altitude Valley of Dragon Stones How to Choose a Local Guide in Armenia Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan Gallery of Mineral Waters in Jermuk

The Soviet Union, known for its rigorous and systematic approach to education and training, established a comprehensive network of driving schools to equip its citizens with the necessary skills to navigate the country’s extensive road network. These driving schools were not merely institutions for learning how to operate a vehicle; they were an integral part of the Soviet education system and preparation for army service, reflecting the values and priorities of the era. This article will provide a brief overview of what driving classes and posters looked like in the USSR. < Back Exploring an Abandoned Soviet Driving School The Soviet Union, known for its rigorous and systematic approach to education and training, established a comprehensive network of driving schools to equip its citizens with the necessary skills to navigate the country’s extensive road network. These driving schools were not merely institutions for learning how to operate a vehicle; they were an integral part of the Soviet education system and preparation for army service, reflecting the values and priorities of the era. This article will provide a brief overview of what driving classes and posters looked like in the USSR. Earlier, this place was discovered by G. Mattu, who guided me there. A lot has changed since then; the place was being renovated and soon it will vanish forever. However, with my camera, I tried to immortalize as much as I could during the brief time the guard allowed us to stay inside. During the Soviet era, the expansion of road infrastructure and the growing number of vehicles necessitated a well-organized system for driver education. The state recognized the importance of safe and efficient transportation for both civilian and military purposes. As a result, driving schools were established across the Soviet Union, often operated by state-owned organizations and deeply integrated into the broader educational framework. The journey to a Soviet driver's license began in classrooms. Here, students spent countless hours immersed in the theoretical aspects of driving. Posters, filled with diagrams and traffic regulations, were gospel. Instructors, often veterans of the road themselves, drilled students on traffic signs, vehicle mechanics, and the intricate rules of the road. All driving schools in the USSR were state-owned and operated under the auspices of DOSAAF (Volunteer Society for Cooperation with the Army, Aviation, and Fleet), district military commissariats, or centralized automotive training complexes (TsAUK) for the training or retraining of professional drivers. Driver training was also included in the school curriculum for senior grades, either within the secondary school itself or in vocational training centers. Any willing member of DOSAAF could attend a driving school affiliated with this military-sport organization. The district military commissariats trained future recruits in driving motor vehicles, preparing them for compulsory military service, such as in motorized troops. Automotive training complexes were typically located in large or capital cities, where employers would send professional drivers to obtain a license for a different vehicle category or to receive training or retraining for handling vehicles carrying hazardous loads. In addition to learning traffic regulations, driving theory, and practical driving skills, students in driving schools studied vehicle mechanics and the elimination of minor malfunctions. Posters were scattered everywhere... However, the fall of the Soviet Union brought significant changes. Many driving schools were privatized or closed, and the rigorous standards of the past gave way to more varied approaches in the newly independent states. Despite these changes, the legacy of Soviet driving schools remains evident in the continued emphasis on thorough driver education in many former Soviet republics. Posters, such as these I saw in this abandoned driving school, were common. They illustrated traffic signs, driving techniques, and safety measures, serving as visual aids to reinforce the theoretical knowledge imparted in the classroom. One can only imagine how cool this place looked in those times... Soviet driving schools were more than just places to learn how to drive; they were institutions that embodied the values of discipline, thoroughness, and public safety. While the Soviet Union is now a part of history, the impact of its driving education system continues to be felt, reminding us of an era when the journey to becoming a driver was a path marked by rigorous training and high standards. I’m Suren, a professional urban explorer in Armenia. I offer unique urbex tours to abandoned, hidden, and off-the-map places you won’t find in guidebooks. Want a custom itinerary? Contact me on WhatsApp or Telegram . Project Gallery You May Also Like The Forgotten 50 cm Cassegrain Telescope of Byurakan Observatory Destroyed Soviet Mosaics and Frescoes in Armenia Inside the Eerie Corridors of an Abandoned Russian Fortress Soviet Bus Stops in Armenia Urbex Tours in Armenia – Photo Gallery The 53 cm Schmidt Telescope at Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory Exploring an Abandoned Rest House with Impressive Bas-Reliefs A Spaceship on Earth: The Soviet-Armenian Echo of the Futuro House Previous Next

This tour takes you to one of the most important scientific centers in Armenia—the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, located in Byurakan village. After a short 40-minute drive from Yerevan, our first stop is the iconic Schmidt telescope, originally commissioned by Adolf Hitler as a gift to Benito Mussolini. The tour can also be tailored to include a visit to ROT54. < Back Urbex Tour to the Trophy 1m Schmidt Telescope at Byurakan Observatory This tour takes you to one of the most important scientific centers in Armenia—the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, located in Byurakan village. After a short 40-minute drive from Yerevan, our first stop is the iconic Schmidt telescope, originally commissioned by Adolf Hitler as a gift to Benito Mussolini. The tour can also be tailored to include a visit to ROT54. This is one of the most popular tours I offer, taking us back to a remarkable story that began with a “gift” from Adolf Hitler to Benito Mussolini. Hitler commissioned a one-meter Schmidt telescope at the Carl Zeiss factory, known for its precision optics. However, World War II interrupted its construction. After the war, Soviet troops seized the telescope as a trophy during the occupation of Germany. In 1948, the renowned Armenian astrophysicist Viktor Hambardzumyan visited Germany, including the Carl Zeiss factory, where several unfinished telescopes were stored. These were later transferred to LOMO in Leningrad for final assembly. Among them was the 1-meter Schmidt telescope—originally intended for Mussolini, but ultimately destined for Armenia. By the late 1950s, preparations began to transport the telescope to the Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory. Due to its delicate optics, it could not be flown; instead, it was transported by truck at a speed of no more than 15 km/h. The telescope was installed in 1960, with its official inauguration held on May 8, 1961, attended by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev—a rare case of a head of state taking part in the unveiling of a scientific instrument. In 1965, astronomer Benjamin Markarian used the telescope to conduct the First Byurakan Survey. This led to the discovery of a large number of faint galaxies (13th–17th magnitude) with excess ultraviolet radiation, later named Markarian galaxies in his honor. During the visit, you will: • Enter the telescope tower • Watch the dome open and rotate • See massive optical lenses (around 500 kg) • Explore the control panel, repurposed from a Soviet submarine • Walk along the panoramic balcony • See original photographic plate from historic sky surveys—part of the 7,500 images captured by the Schmidt telescope. In 2011, the First Byurakan Survey (1965–1980) was added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. Tour Details Duration: ~3–4 hours Departure: Yerevan (flexible timing; however, an early start at 8 AM is highly recommended to avoid heavy traffic. Pickup and drop-off are included). Pricing • Tour price (1–4 people): 50,000 AMD (total) • Entrance fee: 15,000 AMD per group (up to 5 people) Optional additions: ZTA-2.6 telescope visit: +15,000 AMD ROT54 tour (total): 60,000 AMD ROT54 entrance fee: 2,000 AMD per person For more details or to book a tour, feel free to contact me directly via WhatsApp or Telegram for a quick response! Project Gallery You May Also Like A Unique Tour to Armenia’s Hidden Cold War Radio Center From Yerevan to Mount Aragats Tour to Armenia’s Particle Accelerator Climb Mount Artanish & Explore Sevanavank Monastery Urbex Tour to the Trophy 1m Schmidt Telescope at Byurakan Observatory Hiking from Lake Parz to Gosh Village Urbex Tour to ROT54 – Explore Armenia’s Most Fascinating Abandoned Place Hike Armenia by choosing the popular Smbataberd trail Previous Next

For a considerable period, each time I returned from Garni to Yerevan, high in the mountains, I observed hollows rising above the Voghjaberd village, known as the Voghjaberd caves. Finally, I decided to stop procrastinating, and together with Menua we are on the way to explore those caves! < Back Exploring Voghjaberd Caves For a considerable period, each time I returned from Garni to Yerevan, high in the mountains, I observed hollows rising above the Voghjaberd village, known as the Voghjaberd caves. Finally, I decided to stop procrastinating, and together with Menua we are on the way to explore those caves! Voghjaberd, a village in the Kotayk region of Armenia, on the Yerevan-Garni highway, on the slopes of Voghjaberd mountains known for their caves. The local population primarily engages in fruit growing and animal husbandry. Me exploring Voghjaberd caves On the northern side of Voghjaberd, you'll find megalithic monuments (cromlechs) from the 2nd millennium BCE, and on the southern side, the ruins of a domed church dating back to the IV-V centuries. However, our main objective was to explore the caves! Setting out early from Yerevan with Menua, we reached our destination in about half an hour. We drove as close as possible, parked in the village, and within 10 minutes, we entered the first cave! The weather was clear, offering a stunning view of Mount Ararat and Mount Aragats. These man-made caves, dating back to the 12th-14th centuries, didn't disappoint. While the caves were not as numerous or deep as I had expected, we still enjoyed coffee in one of them, soaking in the picturesque scenery. For cave enthusiasts, this short trip to Voghjaberd is well worth the visit. Gallery You May Also Like How to Visit ROT54 (Aragats Scientific Center) – Full Guide Shvanidzor’s 17th-Century Aqueduct: Armenia’s Ancient Engineering Marvel Grigor Khanjyan’s Monumental Fresco at the Yerevan Cascade From Stendhal Syndrome to Suren Syndrome Tirinkatar Sacred Valley: Armenia’s High-Altitude Valley of Dragon Stones How to Choose a Local Guide in Armenia Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan Gallery of Mineral Waters in Jermuk

A rare Soviet-era soldier’s album discovered during an urbex tour in Armenia. Photographs and hand-drawn illustrations offer an intimate look into military service, everyday life, and personal memories of a Soviet-Armenian conscript from 1981 to 1983. This is raw, uncensored micro-history—not propaganda, not official archives, but real soldier life seen from the inside. < Back A Soviet-Armenian Soldier’s Album Found During an Urbex Tour A rare Soviet-era soldier’s album discovered during an urbex tour in Armenia. Photographs and hand-drawn illustrations offer an intimate look into military service, everyday life, and personal memories of a Soviet-Armenian conscript from 1981 to 1983. This is raw, uncensored micro-history—not propaganda, not official archives, but real soldier life seen from the inside. During my urbex tours, I carefully study historic photos and documents left behind by former workers—whether in culture houses or factories. During one of these explorations, I came across a fascinating album that once belonged to a Soviet-Armenian soldier. They were often called demobilization albums (дембельский альбом). Soldiers created them during the last months of service or right after discharge. I carefully photographed every page to preserve it for future generations and to show how such personal albums once looked. On the cover, there was a photo with the inscription:«Присягу принял на Зееловских высотах, 3 июня 1979 г.» “Took the military oath at the Seelow Heights, June 3, 1979.” Each album was handmade and deeply personal. It contained photographs from his military service along with several hand-painted illustrations. Photography was limited and controlled. Printing photos wasn’t easy. Drawing filled the gaps—and also showed skill, patience, and personality. On the title page, another note read:«Память о службе. Ереван–Вапуики, 1981–1983, осень.» “In memory of service. Yerevan–Vapuiki, 1981–1983, autumn.” Further inside, I found the following inscription:«730 дней в едином строю.» “730 days in one formation.” Apart from personal photos of the album’s owner, it also included images of his fellow soldiers, as well as hand-painted drawings of girls, a soldier hugging and kissing a girl, fighter jets, and a well-known cartoon character—the Wolf from “Ну, погоди!” ( “Just You Wait!” ), the famous Soviet animated series produced by Soyuzmultfilm. On the last page, I saw a photo of Soviet Minister of Defence Dmitry Ustinov and read the following inscription: «ВВ МВД СССР». Internal Troops of the USSR Ministry of Internal Affairs. On the left page, an intriguing painting caught my eye: a train entering a military boot and bursting out of it, tearing the boot apart. I’m Suren, a professional urban explorer in Armenia. I offer unique urbex tours to abandoned, hidden, and off-the-map places you won’t find in guidebooks. Want a custom itinerary? Contact me on WhatsApp or Telegram . Project Gallery You May Also Like The Forgotten 50 cm Cassegrain Telescope of Byurakan Observatory Destroyed Soviet Mosaics and Frescoes in Armenia Inside the Eerie Corridors of an Abandoned Russian Fortress Soviet Bus Stops in Armenia Urbex Tours in Armenia – Photo Gallery The 53 cm Schmidt Telescope at Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory Exploring an Abandoned Rest House with Impressive Bas-Reliefs A Spaceship on Earth: The Soviet-Armenian Echo of the Futuro House Previous Next

This article takes you to one of the Soviet-era aviamodeling schools still operating in Armenia. The school has never undergone renovation and remains almost unchanged, like a time capsule—a living museum that continues to function to this day, with children still attending classes. The article also provides a brief overview of the role and purpose of aviamodeling schools in the USSR, including their development in Armenia. < Back A Visit to a Soviet-Era Aviamodeling School in Armenia This article takes you to one of the Soviet-era aviamodeling schools still operating in Armenia. The school has never undergone renovation and remains almost unchanged, like a time capsule—a living museum that continues to function to this day, with children still attending classes. The article also provides a brief overview of the role and purpose of aviamodeling schools in the USSR, including their development in Armenia. Children’s aircraft modeling (aviamodeling) in the Soviet Union was a widely developed educational and recreational movement that combined technical creativity, patriotic education, and early career orientation in aviation and engineering. It emerged as part of a broader state policy aimed at promoting science and technology among young people and played an important role in preparing future specialists for industry and defense. Specialized magazines were published, and modeling clubs operated in almost every city and town, even in very small communities. Both children and adults built aircraft models by hand and took part in city, regional, all-Union, and international competitions. Even artists were inspired by this, and it is no surprise that Boris Milovidov’s painting “Aircraft Modelers” (1934) emerged as a reflection of this movement How it started in the USSR The year 1923 marked the beginning of mass aircraft modeling in the Soviet Union. In many cities across the USSR, aircraft modeling and glider-modeling clubs and training courses were established. The first instructional brochures on aircraft modeling were published, instructor training programs were launched, and competitions for flying models were organized. In 1925, two aircraft modeling schools were formally established: one in Moscow and one in Transcaucasia. These schools were later merged into a single institution. An old photograph of Armenian children at an aviamodeling school At the end of 1952, Soviet aircraft modeling sport was incorporated into the unified system of officially recognized sports activities overseen by state authorities responsible for the development of sports in the USSR. From that point on, aircraft modelers became eligible for official honors and awards, including national championship jerseys and the titles of Master of Sports and Honored Master of Sports. In 1974, the Central Sports and Technical Club of Aircraft Modeling of DOSAAF of the USSR was established. It operated until 1992. Today, its legal successor can be considered the Moscow Aircraft Modeling Club of the Moscow City Organization of ROSTO (DOSAAF), known as MAK. The teacher, Gagik, who worked here for decades, patiently demonstrated and explained the aircraft models Several main types of models existed: • Free-flight models (gliders). • Controlled models (control-line and radio-controlled). Control-line models were often used for air combat simulations and racing. • Scale replicas of real aircraft. • Static display models (non-flying scale models). The core idea of aviamodeling was to channel children’s natural curiosity toward constructive and educational activities aligned with Soviet values. It was often described as “small aviation,” preparing young people for “big aviation.” The discipline helped develop technical literacy, engineering thinking, and practical skills essential for future work in aviation, industry, and the military. The main goals included: • Developing creativity and professional interest in engineering and aviation careers. • Providing structured and meaningful leisure activities. • Promoting aviation as a heroic and prestigious field linked to the Air Force and Civil Air Fleet. • Supporting educational outreach, including mentoring programs and the creation of clubs in rural areas. Training emphasized practice over theory. Activities included building models, basic meteorological observations, visits to airfields and factories, aviation-themed games, and public events. Popular science and children’s magazines such as Znanie – Sila, Pioner, and Murzilka published instructions, stories, and biographies of famous aircraft designers, including A. S. Yakovlev, who himself began with aircraft modeling. Aviamodeling in Armenia Aviamodeling in Armenia began to develop in April 1923 with the establishment of the “Friends of the Air Fleet” society, led by R. A. Babayan. In 1925, members of the Armenian aviamodeling group—R. Babayan, H. Dasparyan, A. Davtyan, G. Kankanyan, and M. Saakyan—won first place in an all-Union remote competition and set three all-Union records. During the 1930s, some of Armenia’s most prominent aviamodelists included twice Hero of the Soviet Union N. G. Stepanyan and Hero of the Soviet Union S. A. Burnazyan. The walls were covered with posters from a bygone era, along with aircraft models of various types After the Collapse of the Soviet Union After the collapse of the Soviet Union, aviamodeling schools across all post-Soviet countries suffered from a lack of funding and institutional support, including in Armenia. The school I visited was no exception. Although children still attend classes there, the facility feels frozen in time—a true time capsule of the Soviet era. Today, with the rapid rise of drones and digital technologies, aircraft modeling is experiencing a form of revival. Many schools are shifting toward drone operation, programming, and 3D printing. Unfortunately, this particular school has not yet undergone such a transformation. Hopefully, in the near future, local authorities will renovate and equip it with modern tools, computers, and training equipment, while preserving the traditional wooden aircraft models as part of a museum and historical exhibition. I’m Suren, a professional urban explorer in Armenia. I offer unique urbex tours to abandoned, hidden, and off-the-map places you won’t find in guidebooks. Want a custom itinerary? Contact me on WhatsApp or Telegram . Project Gallery You May Also Like The Forgotten 50 cm Cassegrain Telescope of Byurakan Observatory Destroyed Soviet Mosaics and Frescoes in Armenia Inside the Eerie Corridors of an Abandoned Russian Fortress Soviet Bus Stops in Armenia Urbex Tours in Armenia – Photo Gallery The 53 cm Schmidt Telescope at Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory Exploring an Abandoned Rest House with Impressive Bas-Reliefs A Spaceship on Earth: The Soviet-Armenian Echo of the Futuro House Previous Next