Armenia - Nagorno-Karabakh 2

Carrying Scars

I visited Armenia (and Nagorno-Karabakh) twice last year. I liked people and the place. They are known as very friendly and hospitable people, which are very true.
Over there, I mostly photographed some issues in the country. Despite the recent development, the country is still carrying the scars from the past since the independence– the Nagorno-Karabakh War with Azerbaijan, the Armenian genocide by Turkey in the early 20’s and the deadly earthquakes. The country has great resources for tourism, as it has thousands years of history, beautiful mountains and interesting culture. And, the opening of the border with Turkey is expected to bring economical development to the country. However, Azerbaijan's opposition to the opening of the border has been hindering the border opening.
The two visits were not enough to cover the whole thing, but here is some edit.

Children pose for the picture in the meeting place built in the Soviet era in Kert, Nagorno-Karabakh. The village also suffered casualties during the war.


A village Margara is located by the closed Turkey-Armenian border.The weapon was installed during the Soviet era to watch the border with the west.


The skating rink located in the downtown area of the Armenian capital Yerevan.


The largest graveyard for the victim of the Nagorno-Karabakh war.


The street of the country's third largest town Vanadzor (Kirovakan). The city received serious damage from the Spitak earthquake in 1988.


Resident of a domik (small trailer houses) gets water in Vanadzor. Domiks were built after the earthquake destroyed a number of houses in 1988, and many poor families ended up living in the domiks for many years.


Armine Ateyan, 18, is disabled and has epilepsia and has been living with her parents and brother in the domik. Her parents were also unemployed, and they live on a small amount of allowance from the government.


The entrance of Copper smelting factory in Alaverdi, Armenia. The factory has been suspected of causing some health issues among the residents while the factory has been the main work place for the residents.


Resident of Alaverdi. She has worked at the factory for a few decades. She lost a job and now suffers lung problems while she raises a daughter.


Children pose for a picture before the service at the old monastery in Haghpat, a village near Alaverdi. The monastery founded in the 10th century is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list and attracts many tourists.


Statue of face of a man's face was installed by a local artist in Alaverdi.


The road to the Turkish border in the southwest of Yerevan. The possible opening of the border is expected to bring economic development in the region.