How cool would it be to visit a capital of a country that doesn’t exist on a map? If you have been travelling the world and have nowhere to go, the answer is Stepanakert. It is known for its beautiful nature, vivid culture, history and food! This city is around 2000 years old! Stepanakert is the capital of Artsakh.
The Republic of Artsakh is not recognized by all the countries in the world. Though, historically it has been part of Armenia for centuries, during the USSR Artsakh was part of Azerbaijan. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the civilians of Artsakh signed a petition for being an independent country. They had to fight for their freedom, because Azerbaijani government didn’t want to lose recently gained territory.
Unfortunately, throughout the last 2 weeks it has been attacked by Azerbaijan. Many civilians were killed, just because of politics. So, this is an article about a city you could visit, but...
1. We are Our Mountains (or simply: Tatik, Papik) (source)
This is one of the most famous and the most important monuments that you could have visited in Stepanakert. It is depicting the mountain people living in Artsakh and their cultural connection with their own land. In addition to that, the view from here is amazing especially during sunset.
2. Holy Mother of God church in Stepanakert (source) / video (by Artsakh TV)
Nothing can be as gorgeous as that, if people don’t spend at least 12 years on its construction. The Holy Mother of God church has not only religious but also cultural, social and even political roles. Do you know how it looks from inside? Then click on this video and find out!
3. Stepanakert Renaissance Square (source)
Does it look like Switzerland to you? Maybe a budget version of that. It was a perfect place for inexpensive travelling, meeting their hospitable people, getting to know their culture and simply enjoying the calm aura of this beautiful city, but…
How does it look now? (source)
Many people are left with nothing.
While the attack is still going on, destroying what people have been building for years (source).
The Azerbaijan army is using special types of weapons which have been used in Syria to kill a vast amount of people. These weapons cause not only human deaths, but also natural disasters (source).
And now, look how pretty this place is (source).
This is where most of the couples are going out on a date in Stepanakert. Now think: how many lovers will never meet here, because of public and political ignorance. Couples don’t care about politics; they care about each other. They want to visit this place without the fear of being killed by the attacks. And if you want to visit this place too, it’s time to be aware of the truth behind this war.
Start searching for #ArtsakhWar