(16.09. - 23.09.2025)
Ijevan and Arakelots Monastery, Armenia
The Center for Cultural Property Protection, in cooperation with the Armenian Studies Division at the Centre for the Study of the Christian East (ZECO) at the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Armenian Cultural Heritage Studies (IACHS) at the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia and the Ijevan Branch of Yerevan State University (YSU), as well as in cooperation with Blue Shield Armenia, are organising the five-day Armenian-Austrian autumn school "Re-searching our local heritage," which can be attended as part of the "International Module, MCP".
Theoretical training combined with practical field research in the northernmost region of Armenia offers valuable new insights and experiences. This provides a deeper understanding of Armenian culture and traditions.
Arakelots Monastery and Settlement - "7 Most Endangered 2025"
The Arakelots Monastery and its accompanying medieval settlement in the Tavush region, which flourished in the 13th century under Georgian and Mongol rule, offers valuable insights into the cultural and economic life of that era. Today, they are threatened by encroaching vegetation, structural decay, and climate-related hazards. Their inclusion in the Europa Nostra list of the "7 Most Endangered Heritage Sites in Europe 2025" marks a significant opportunity to preserve the monastery and settlement from deterioration while also contributing to the stabilization of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border region.
Autumn School Schedule
| 16.09.2025 | individual arrival in Yerevan (flight not included) included transfer from Swartnoz International Airport to Yerevan |
| ▪ Overnight stay in Yerevan | |
| 17.09.2025 | included transport from Yerevan to Ijevan |
| ▪ Overnight stay in Ijevan | |
| 18.09.2025 | Autumn School - Day 1: Ijevan Branch of Yerevan State University: Basics of cultural heritage studies, codicology, manuscript studies, epigraphy and medieval history of the Tavush region |
| ▪ Overnight stay in Ijevan | |
| 19.09.2025 20.09.2025 21.09.2025 |
Autumn School - Day 2, 3, 4: Field research and practical work at Arakelots Monastery and surrounding smaller monasteries (transport from/to Ijevan included) |
| ▪ Overnight stay in Ijevan | |
| 22.09.2025 | Autumn School - Day 5 (Half-day): Field research and practical work at Arakelots Monastery and surrounding smaller monasteries + completion with certificate handover (transport from Ijevan/to Yerevan included) |
| ▪ Overnight stay in Yerevan | |
| 23.09.2025 | included transfer from Yerevan to Swartnoz International Airport individual departure (flight not included) |
Immerse yourself in medieval Armenia in the far north of the country with dedicated Armenian teachers and experts, led by Austrian Armenologist and cultural heritage specialist Jasmine Dum-Tragut (ZECO). Experience fascinating new adventures, engage in fieldwork and face the challenges of active outdoor research.
Join us at one of Europe's most endangered cultural sites in 2025 - it will be an unforgettable and enriching experience!
Good to know
- The monastery and the accompanying settlement are located deep in the lushly forested Tavush region and can only be reached via a trekking trail. The route takes approx. 20-30 minutes (each way), easy to manage, small ascent to the monastery.
- Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis, TBE (tick-borne encephalitis vaccination)
- ❗ INCLUDED IN COURSE FEE:
▪ 2 nights single room incl. breakfast in Yerevan (16.09.-17.09. & 22.09.-23.09.): Villa Ayghedzor
▪ 5 nights single room incl. breakfast & dinner in Ijevan (17.09.-22.09.): Guesthouse Anahit
▪ Airport transfer in Armenia (arrival and departure)
▪ Transportation to/from Autumn School venues (Ijevan-Arakelots-Ijevan / Ijevan-Aghavanavank-Ijevan)
▪ Material and expenses for Autumn School (teaching materials, field tools etc.)
▪ Daily allowance (approx. 15 EUR) for the Autumn School days (18.09.-22.09.) for snacks, water, etc.
- ❗ NOT INCLUDED IN COURSE FEE:
▪ Flight costs (travel to and from Armenia)
▪ Insurance costs (travel insurance)
▪ personal expenses
Application
Micro-Credential Program
The "International Module [Armenia], MCP" organised by the Center for the Protection of Cultural Property, offers the opportunity to participate in the Autumn School "Re-searching our Local Heritage".
This MCP is a Stackable Program and can be credited as Compulsory Module "International Module" (6 ECTS) of the "Cultural Property Protection, MSc (CE)".
The "International Module, MCP" will soon be offered in various parallel Editions, each with different geographical and thematic focuses. Although several Editions of the MCP can be attended, only one Edition of the MCP can be credited as a Compulsory Module for the Master's degree "Cultural Property Protection, MSc (CE)".
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