Reclaiming A Threatened Heritage: Resurgence of Traditional Armenian Crafts

There was a time when it was rather rare to see the younger Armenian generation show deep interest in Armenian traditional crafts. However, that has changed recently, granted that the catalyst for that change was less than pleasant.

When the 44-Day war between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 2020 ignited, no one realized the significant challenges and loss for the Armenian people it would bring about, including the threat to their rich cultural heritage. Aside from the humanitarian catastrophe, Azerbaijan spared no expense in erasing traces of Armenian culture from the areas which were ceded to the country after the war. During the war itself, videos of Azeri soldiers defiling Armenian cemeteries and churches were widespread all over social media in a conscious effort to inflict psychological trauma. Dozens of churches have been demolished, or worse, have had centuries-old Armenian traces systematically removed from their facades.

While the Azeris were somewhat successful in their psychological warfare tactics initially, things began to shift after the war ended. Amidst the devastation of dealing with the bitter aftermath, Armenians have demonstrated remarkable resilience and a renewed interest in their traditional crafts and heritage, which was and still is a direct target for Azerbaijan. This blog will delve into how the Armenian community both within the country and in the diaspora has embraced its cultural legacy, showcasing a remarkable resurgence of traditional Armenian crafts and practices following the war.

“There’s so much we’ve lost track of…”

Armenia is historically referred to as a cradle of ancient civilizations and has nurtured a vibrant artistic and cultural heritage. Being situated in the vicinity of fellow great nations has allowed the country to interact with cultures other than its own, amounting to traditional Armenian crafts, ranging from carpet weaving and pottery to wood carving and metalwork. All of these have played an essential role in defining the country's identity. These crafts not only reflect the unique artistic expressions but also serve as a connection to ancestral roots.

When talking to Mariam, a 20 year-old with a keen interest in her cultural heritage, one can feel that “there’s so much we’ve lost track of. People my age are usually not interested in these things. Most are focused on IT. You barely see any teenagers or youngsters engaging in craftsmanship. At least it was like that before the war. I’m seeing a lot of change nowadays…” Mariam plans to get married in a completely traditional Armenian wedding, preserving all of the ancestral practices and rituals. And she’s not the only one.

A Culture At the Verge of Destruction

There are not many Armenians who can forget the shelling of the Ghazanchetsots church in Shushi by the Azeri forces. It was an iconic moment in Armenian history, for all the wrong reasons. The writer of this blog will also never forget weeping when the curator of the historic Tigranakert museum posted the final photo from the location: rusty doors with a small chain and lock put on them in vain hopes that somehow, by some divine intervention, Azeris would leave the sight untouched.

This loss, along with the displacement and suffering experienced by the Armenian people, led to a collective introspection and reevaluation of their cultural identity. As a response to this adversity, Armenians have found solace and strength in reviving their traditional crafts, breathing new life into their ancient cultural practices.

Embracing Tradition

If one has been living in Armenia, then it’s impossible not to notice the rekindling of interest in traditional Armenian crafts. There are more workshops, exhibitions, and cultural events than ever, with the single aim of celebrating and promoting this rich artistic heritage. The older generation of artisans are inviting the younger generation to their workshops, eager to reawaken the skills passed down through generations and to leave these skills to the younger generation.

Woven With Strength

Thanks to organizations such as Tufenkian and local artisans, carpet weaving - which holds a special place in Armenian culture - is making a more public comeback. It has always been a point of interest due to the carpets’ unmistakable intricate patterns and vibrant colors. However, the younger generation is now more keen to learn the art. “Some poor man risked getting killed to transfer carpets from the Shushi museum all the way to Yerevan. That means this is something worth dying for,” says Ruben, as he tries to weave a small section of a carpet. He is 25 years old, and learned the craft from his grandmother, a war survivor from Hadrut who lost everything.

Of Pottery, Metal, Wood, and Stone

Pottery, metalwork, woodwork, and stone work have always been staples of Armenian national art. There are still places in Armenia where one can find relics of pottery from the Urartu period. That’s 4000 years of history. Elsewhere, people are learning how to create intricate wood carvings and metalwork, infusing the traditional methods with modern technology and of course, keeping things strictly Armenian. The number of workshops and exhibitions is impressive, as is the age range of the participants.

Sing, Dance, and Remember

Aside from traditional crafts, traditional music, dances and practices are also resurging after the war. The Narekatsi Institute, for example, holds Armenian traditional dance classes, the participants of which mostly belong to the new generation.

Musicians of different genres are incorporating traditional Armenian musical motifs with their music, introducing them to a wider audience of non-Armenians who otherwise would not discover Armenia’s music with the more traditional renditions.

People like Mariam actively participate in workshops which teach Armenian rituals and traditions. Couples opt for traditional weddings, with traditional music and traditional dances, some even abandoning the generic wedding dress code to wear traditional Armenian clothing belonging to different regions of both Western and Eastern Armenia. There are even bars such as Epos which infuse modern beverages with Armenian culture, creating cocktails that are rich in flavor and unique to Armenia. Modern interpretation of traditional Armenian foods and cuisine are also everywhere, with high-end restaurants setting up shop in both Armenia and outside.

Stone by Stone

This resurgence of traditional Armenian crafts serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and a testament to the Armenian people's determination to preserve their cultural identity, even under such a destructive threat. By embracing their heritage, Armenians are reclaiming their narrative and demonstrating the enduring strength of their traditions in the face of adversity. The restoration and celebration of these crafts act as a reminder of the strength and beauty that lies within Armenian culture, inspiring hope and unity for generations.