The Armenian Citadel on its way of rediscovery

 The road from Stepanakert to Karvachar stands only 130 kilometers. It is an asphalt road, with the exception of the 18-20 km section linking the center to the highway serving five communities.

Crossing the river of Getavan, it seems that you have appeared in a fairy world. The nature in the city is just as wonderful, the sky is closer and starrier than in other places of Artsakh, but the first impressions from the city were sad. Everywhere there were traces of the war. Surprisingly, there were lots of showcases on the shops, and compared to the capital Stepanakert, the goods were even cheaper, and the traffic was livelier. That reminded us of the 90s Shushi, and we wanted to believe that in a couple of decades it would be just as well-renovated and inhabited.
To be honest, people didn’t learn to name this region by its official name, New Shahumyan. True Shahumyan is still in captivity and Karvachar, as an Armenian settlement, has been trying to recapture itself for more than two decades after a centuries-old interruption, during which everything of Armenian origin were completely destroyed . Some national and cultural monuments have been saved as eyewitnesses of the history of this historic Armenian land.
The head of the Shahumyan regional administration, Gagik Martirosyan, was appointed to this post a year ago. We did not ask him any questions; it was seen at first glance. We were particularly interested in the solutions. And obviously these are largely dependent on the state policy and investments in the region.
Last year, the state order for capital construction was 110 million drams. During the last year, the amount has reached 1 billion 40 million drams, which means that new approaches have been adopted in the development of Karvachar. The head of the regional administration notes with satisfaction that during the year 6 communities in the region (totally 16 of them) will finally solve the problem of all day water supply. The water line and a mechanical cleaning station are in the construction phase. By implementing the project, the residents of Verin Shen, Getashen, Nor Brajur, Dadivank, Zuar, Charektar communities will be able to solve their daily problems. Another important problem should be solved simultaneously. Mechanisms should be developed for rational distribution of water. Additionally, they are not solvent and are not used to observe the water as a product to be paid for. In general, there is a problem of raising legal awareness and education in Karvachar, and the head of the administration thinks that it is the precondition for solving all other problems and developing the region. There are 50 teacher vacancies in Shahumyan region. There are schools where natural subjects are not taught at all because of the lack of specialists. Karvachar and the Shahumian region, in general, must be resettled with working and creative people. There is a need for any specialist: workers, farmworkers, engineers, farmers, lawyers, teachers, doctors.
There is a district medical unit in the center, where three doctors and one nurse work. The quality of care depends on the medical conditions of the medical unit, saturation, the availability of specialist doctors. There are 10 beds in the hospital and birth help is also provided. There is a laboratory, the activity of which cannot be considered as complete. There is only one ambulance here. The patients receive more comprehensive medical services in Stepanakert or Vardenis. The diseases registered in the region are mostly seasonal; there are no typical diseases in this region.
In the current year the roofs of the schools of Nor Brajur and Nor Getashen communities will be repaired. Within the framework of ‘ARI’ program this year 15 new apartments will be built, which will allow to invite specialists.
In the near future the reconstruction of the Karvatchar-Sotk 23 km long road section will be completed, which will enable to provide the Karvachar transport connection with the Republic of Armenia. In the area road maintenance is carried out by the “Mijnaberdshin” CJSC.
The kindergarten's sewage network is being repaired; the renovation of a multi-apartment building's roof is in perspective, as a result of cooperation with “Ararat” Charity Foundation the building of the House of Culture will be repaired.
Perspectives
G. Martirosyan considers the region perfect for cattle breeding. There are alpine meadows and pastures here. And since everyone is urged to engage in this branch of the economy, it is foreseen to build a new veterinary station in the city, which will also have a laboratory. The financial allocations have already been made, and now the work is in progress. Together with the development of cattle-breeding, the head of the regional administration also considers perspective the development of the light industry, particularly textile, which can at the same time solve the problem of women's employment. Unfortunately, it is still an idea and it can become a project only in case of investments.
There is also a great potential for tourism development in Karvachar since there are more than 200 cultural monuments in the region, rare historic monuments, thermal pools, huge water resources, caves, fortresses, indescribable nature, that is to say there are the best conditions for mountaineering, extreme lovers , winter tourism and camping. Certainly, without the development of infrastructures and service system, it will be difficult to present and use as a tourist attraction zone. Karvachar expects that the government will create a privileged tax field here, providing a favorable environment for investments.
There is a great potential for the development of beekeeping in the area of New Shahumyan. Almost everyone is engaged in the production of honey, there is no problem of sale at all. There are plenty of social problems in the region. Houses are being built for large families. At present, all villages in the region are provided with electricity, there is mobile and internet connection.
In a word, the solution t of the problems here is of course important, but more important is that Karvachar is Armenian today. It is Armenian because of the brave ones who did not save their own lives for the idea of seeing Artsakh as an Armenian. Armenian children are born in Karvachar today, playing football and bicycling, national songs and music sound here, the Armenian alphabet is taught here. That is to say problem solving here is only a matter of time.