The General Plan of the area, where the monuments of Teghout mining complex territory, which are subjects to be trasfered, should be replaced to.
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Sustainable DevelopmentHeritage Preservation
Heritage Preservation
Any human activity impacts its environment, and Teghout is not an exception - our operations inevitably impact our surrounding. However, our location is unique, since there are a number of historic and cultural artifacts in our immediate vicinity. There are traces of ancient culture, civilization, historical and cultural monuments that carry valuable information.
Any actions fraught with risks of unfavorable changes in our surrounding environment are considered only after we are sure that everything reasonably possible has been done to identify the historical-cultural value of a certain artifact and to preserve it, even if it implies moving those artifacts to a different location. We ensure that valuable information of those artifacts is compiled, consolidated and stored by reliable information carriers.
With the purpose of holistic preservation and safe handover of historical and cultural values to next generations, Teghout's historical and cultural monuments preservation and safekeeping program (ratified by Order N 416-A of The RA Minister of Culture, dated 04.07.2008) was elaborated in compliance with RA Government Decree N 1278-N of 01.11.2007. Vallex Group companies has subcontracted a number of specialized organizations to ensure that the cultural artifacts are properly treated and preserved (brief reference to works carried out in 2009-2011 by the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of National Academy of Sciences of Armenia and by "Fronton" LLC, financed by "Teghout" CJSC, archival footage).
We also have a procedure regarding new archeological discoveries during earthmoving works.
Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of National Academy of Sciences of Armenia is compiling annual reports on the works perfumed in cooperation with "Teghout" CJSC, which are submitted to the RA Ministry of Culture.
Interactive map
Area, where the monuments of the mining complex territory, which are subjects to be trasferred, should be replaced to
Draft of the General Plan of the area was discussed in the scientific-methodological Council session No 7, dated 17.08.2012 of RA ministry of culture and was approved.
Necropolis “Bagheri Tchala” - 2-1st millennium B.C.
Necropolis “Bagheri Tchala” has been discovered in 2011 as a result of the archaeological explorations, during which 19 tombs of B.C. 2-1st millennium have been opened. In tomb-chambers the sleepers were turned either on their right or on their left side, shrinked. Also, in chambers there have been found a bronze lance, bracelets, rings, big needles, iron knives, sardius and mortar beads, clay vessels, mugs, jugs and other archaeological items. This necropolis is an important source of information about the history, employment, and household and handicraft development of the region in B.C. 2-1st millenniums. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Grape-press “Bagheri Tchala” - 13-14th centuries
The grape-press was discovered during the construction of primary dam of the tailing dump of Teghout copper-molybdenum deposit. Removing the ground layer pottery debris and signs of walls have been noticed. Through excavations implemented in 2011, the grape-press and the pitchers for vine storing (a big 400-liter pitcher and 3 small 70-liter pitchers) have been fully opened.
This grape-press is made characteristically to the constructional technique of 13-14 centuries in this region. Its construction type is the same as “Gharakotuki Hogher” grape-press-1 and grape-press-2.
The monument is an important source for the study of the history, grape culture, wine making and lifestyle of the region. Monument's preservation is under the state control.
Necropolis “Bragdzor” - 10-20th centuries
The necropolis was discovered in 2011, during the archeological excavations. Due to the reclamation of the area, the surface parts of tombs were badly damaged. The armors were not saved, or they missing initially. All eight tombs are stonechest type. In tomb-chambers the sleepers were turned either on their right or on their left side, half-bended. Also, in the chambers clay vessels, bronze and iron items’ residues and beads have been discovered. This necropolis is an important source of information about the history, employment, household and handicraft development of the region in B.C. 1st millennium. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Cemetery “Bragdzor” - 10-20th centuries
“Bragdzor” medieval cemetery was operating till the first half of 20th century. In the second half of the 20th century from the cemetery and the adjacent areas stone sarcophagus, a whole pitcher, silver coins and many debris of pottery of 10-13th centuries have been found. In 1970-s as a result of land reclamation and ground works in the territory, some parts of the cemetery were badly damaged and partially destroyed.
During these works graves were opened, and it was discovered that the burials were of ground type and were done according to the Christian ritual. Archaeological findings and the gravestones in the cemetery evidence, that the monument is a material source, containing important information on history, culture and traditions of 10-20 centuries. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Cemetery “Znganeq” - 15-17th centuries
The cemetery emerged in late mid ages. As a result of reclamation works on its surrounding area in 1970-s a part of the cemetery and the surface traces of the former settlement have been completely eliminated. Anticipating to discover new materials in 2011 checking excavations have been done, which gave no results. In the cemetery the burials are of ground type and have been done according to Christian ritual. In the territory there are 2 pedestals for the cross-stones, about 30 rough and rude nature-shaped tombstones without ornament and inscription. The monument is an important source of information about the history and the culture of the region. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Village-settlement “Boveri khech” - 12-13th centuries
Till 1987 no written historic data about village-settlement “Boveri khech” was known. Based on existence of “Boveri khech” tumble-down church, the old parts of the buildings saved in the medieval cemetery near it, as well as on their surrounding, during the site investigation in 1987 in lowland “Bover” the fact of the existence of a settlement in the territory was recorded. Before 1970-s during the reclamation works the medieval settlement mostly was smoothed and used as a tillage. In 2009 in this area exploration and excavation works have been implemented. As a result, it was stated that because of usage of the settlement territory as a tillage, the building residuals of the settlement little by little were disappeared. Currently, "Boveri khech" village-settlement has almost completely lost the features of historic-cultural monument.
Cemetery “Boveri khech” - 12-13th centuries
Cemetery “Boveri Khech” emerged next to the village-settlement called “Bover”, around the church called “Boveri Khech”. In 1970-s as a result of reclamation works of the surrounding area the church and the cemetery got circled with the cultivated lands, became unusable and little by little got covered with thick trees and bushes. In 2009 for the study of the monuments there have been implemented cutting, cleaning and partly excavation-exploration works on the territories near the church and the cemetery. As a result, many tombstones without inscriptions, cross-stones pedestals and debris of 12-17 centuries have been opened and noticed. This monument is an important material source for the study of the history and culture of the region. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Church “Boveri khech” - 17-18th centuries
Church “Boveri khech” is a single-nave construction of 17-18 centuries. Starting from the second half of 20th century the church was not operating because of the roof collapse. The lower parts of the walls are made of rough or uncultivated large stones and the upper parts are realized with the stones smaller for 5-10 times. This fact evidences that later the upper parts of the church have been reconstructed. During the construction of the church, in the masonry of the walls there have been used about 11 recycled and adapted stones of arches and caps of an older period building. This monument is an example of a parish church characteristic to 17-18 centuries. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Cross-stone “Boveri khech” – 12-13th centuries
The cross-stone is placed on the stone, on the table of the church stage.
Its upper and lower right corners are broken. The cross-stone has no inscription, and thus the initial place, as well as the date and aim of its construction are not known. According to the comprehensive comparative analysis, the monument is a remarkable sample of separately standing small size simplest stones of 12-13th centuries. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Necropolis “Boveri khech” – B. C. 2nd to A.D. 1st millennium
Necropolis “Boveri Kech” was discovered in 1980-s, during the expansion of the road passing on its south edge. As a result of reclamation works implemented in the territory in 1970-s, the surface parts of tombs have almost been eliminated. On the ground surface rarely can be met single slabs, which allow to suppose that 3,5 ha necropolis was existing. In 2009 during the started excavations in the north and south parts of the necropolis, many tombs were opened which mostly are slab-chest interments. In chambers iron spears, bronze bracelets, stone beads, clay vessels, jugs and other items of B.C. 2-1 millennium have been found. Deceased were buried mainly turned on the right side. The necropolis is an important source of information about the history, employment, household and handicraft development of the region of B.C. 2-1 millennium. Monument’s preservation is under the state control
Necropolis and village-settlement “Kharatanots” B.C. 2-1 millennium
The monument was discovered in 1970-s during the works on expansion of the road passing through the lowland. Ruined tombs and pottery items have been noticed. In 2011 site investigation and excavations have been done, as a result of which the settlement and eight tombs have been discovered. The remnants of the discovered building, numerous findings and several thousand pottery debris allowed to suppose that in this settlement people still in Bronze Age were dealing with metal processing, obsidian tools, weapons making and weaving. The monument is an important source of information about the history, employment, household and handicraft development of the region in Bronze Age. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Church “Gharakotuki Hogher” - mid ages
Until the excavations made in 2010, the ruins of the church were covered with thick vegetation, and only after the excavations its primary walls were opened. The church is a hall-type building with outwardly tabernacle expressed from the east. Its parapets are not vertical or parallel to each other and the entrance is not seen clearly. In fact the monument reached us with serious deviations from the classical principles of church construction. This may cause future changes of the building and it is a subject to a special study (separately). No historical information or references are known about the monument. Church “Gharakotuki Hogher” is a remarkable medieval structure. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Cemetery “Gharaqotuki hogher” - 10-20th centuries
Cemetery “Gharaqotuki hogher” is one of the best-saved medieval cultural-historic monuments. It almost has not been damaged as a result of human activity. In the 1,5 ha area of the cemetery numerous cultural-historic monuments exist: a church, two cross-stones, more than 20 pedestals of cross-stones, about 40 altered rectangular flat and crude-form grave-stones (some are inscripted), as well as 100-s of gravestones from natural stone-chips. All those evidence that the adjacent settlement “Gharaqotuki hogher” facing a long-time difficulties during its existence (more than 10 ages) had a significant role in economic, spiritual and cultural life of the region.
The monument is an important material source for the study of history and culture of the region. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Village-settlement “Gharaqotuki hogher” - 13-14th centuries
The medieval village settlement occupies the south-western part of “Gharaqotuki hogher” monumental group and has a dominating position over it. In the territory of the village-settlement in 1970-s reclamation works have been done, as a result of which its overland traces mostly have been eliminated. During the road-constructing works implemented in 2007, bearing of a residential building were noticed and numerous debris of pottery have been discovered. Starting from 2009 as a result of the excavations in the settlement and the territory adjacent, gradually were opened several constructions that are a component of the settlement: a church, 2 cross-stones, 3 grape-presses, as well as 12 tombs of B.C. 8-7 centuries. The monument is an important source of information about the history, employment, household and handicraft development of the region. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Necropolis “Gharaqotuki hogher” - B.C. 8-7 centuries
The overland signs of the tombs have been mostly eliminated due to the reclamation works implemented in the territory of the necropolis in 1970-s. However, the pottery vessel’s debris discovered during the road-constructing works of this part in 2007, allow making a conclusion on possibility of tombs in the site. In 2009, in the territory excavations have been done as a result of which 12 tombs were opened. The tombs are slab-chest interments, where pottery vessels, crashed pottery parts, iron and bronze items have been found. The monument is an important source of information about the history, lifestyle and craftsmanship of the region in B.C. 8-7 cc. Monument’s preservation is under the state control
Grape-press 1 “Gharaqotuki Hogher” - 13-14th centuries
The grape-press was discovered during the expansion works of the road to Teghout mining complex and fully was opened during the exploration works in 2009. It is constructed in accordance with the construction techniques of 13-14th centuries and is one of the unique samples of Armenian grape-press culture. With its construction type it is similar to the grape –press 2 of “Gharaqotuki Hogher” village-settlement and to the grape-press in “Bagheri Tchala” lowland. The presence of the grape-presses evidences about the popularity and high level development of viticulture and winemaking in the mid ages village-settlements. The monument is an important source for the study of the history, culture and the lifestyle of the region. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Grape-press 2 “Gharaqotuki Hogher” - 13-14th centuries
The grape-press was discovered in 2009 during the expansion works of the road to Teghout mining complex and fully was excavated in the same year. It is realized in accordance with the construction techniques of mid ages and is one of the samples typical for Armenian grape-press culture. With its construction type it is similar to the grape –press 1 of “Gharaqotuki Hogher” village-settlement and to the grape-press in “Bagheri tchala” lowland. The presence of the grape-presses evidences about the popularity and high level development of viticulture and winemaking in the village-settlements. The monument is an important source for the study of the history, culture and the lifestyle of the region. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Grape-press 3 “Gharaqotuki Hogher” - 13-14th centuries
The grape-press was discovered in 2008 due to archaeological exploration surveys. As a result of the excavations made in 2009, six ground-buried jars for wine storing have been opened. This finding is very important: it is an outstanding example of a method of grape syrup or wine storing in Teghout region.
Also, from the territory of the grape-press medieval pottery debris have been discovered. The monument is an important source for the study of the history, culture and the lifestyle of the region. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Cross-stone (pink) “Gharaqotuki hogher” - 12-13th centuries
The cross-stone was discovered in 2010 during the excavation of church “Gharaqotuki hogher”, from the territory of the church. Its initial place, as well as creation time and aim are not known.
The design and the ornaments of the cross-stone are typical to Armenian cross-stones craved in 12-13 centuries. The monument is a unique sample of a cross-stone art. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Cross-stone (grey) “Gharaqotuki hogher” - 1513
The cross-stone was discovered in 2005 broken into two pieces from the middle part. In 2008 the resident of Teghout community Levon Alikhanyan connected the separate parts to each other and placed it on the crude cubic pedestal. Lower of the horizontal rings of the cross craved on the cross-stone, there is an inscription on the both sides of the vertical arms, which evidences that it was realized in 1513. The monument is a unique sample of a cross-stone art. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Church “Bardzryal khach” - 12th c. (has been changed in 1980-s)
The existing small size (3.7 x 5 m) church was built by the residents of Teghout village in 1980-s. According to the verbal information it was built on the place of the ruins of the church exisitng here before. Ruins on the north-west side of the church are evedencing about this. Existance of the sanctuary is motivated also with the results of the excavations made in 2011-2012. During the excavations many phisical evedences have been discovered, which prove that this area was inhabited still in b.c. 9-th century.
Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Cemetery “Bardzryal khach” - 12-17th centuries
Cemetery “Bardzryal khach” initially used to be the burial-ground for the village-settlement near the church “Bardzreli khech” which was 150m to the east of it. In 1970-s reclamation works have been implemented in the territory of the cemetery, as a result of which the cemetery was damaged. Now in the cemetery it can be noticed many rough, smooth-surface slabs indulged in the ground. During the excavations in 2012, in the territory of the cemetery there were opened 12 tombs of B.C. 9-7-centuries. Previous studies also were evidencing that the burials of the cemetery are of mid ages: they have been done according to medieval burial ritual and are of ground type. Cemetery “Bardzryal khach” is an important source of information about the history, employment, household and handicraft development of the region in the period from B.C. 9th century to A.D. 19th century. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Necropolis "Firmi Bagher" B.C. 1st century – A.D. 1st century
As a result of the pervasive land-cultivation and agricultural works implementation in 1970-s the surface parts of the necropolis "Firmi Bagher” were mostly eliminated. Based on the exploration of few traces saved, and on the evidences by the indigenous people, in 2010 exploratory excavations were carried out, as a result of which 17 tombs of 1st century B.C. – 1st century A.D. have been discovered. Two of those are jug shape and the remaining are mainly slab-chest interments. Almost in all tombs weapons, hooked blade knives, daggers and spears have been found. Also, a large number of jewellery was discovered: bronze and silver rings, bracelets, beads made of sardius, glass and paste, bronze earring and ring, as well as some clay vessels. This necropolis is an important source of information about the history, employment, household and handicraft development of the region in 1st century B.C. – 1st century A.D. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Necropolis "Pijut", end of B.C. 2nd century– beginning of A.D. 1st century
Necropolis "Pijut" and the mid ages cemetery adjacent to its area from the north-west have been damaged seriously during the landscaping and reclamation works in 1960-1970-s. According to information of the old-age natives and as a result of the checking excavations from the area were found bronze dagger, arrowheads, jewellery, beads and clay plates of late Bronze Age and early Iron Age. Also a cromlech tomb and slab-chest interments were opened. At the moment, the surface traces of the cemetery and the necropolis are almost removed. In 2010 checking excavations were implemented again, as a result of which a medieval ground interment was opened and clay pot debris of different period, as well as charcoal and slag pieces were discovered, which allow to suppose that in the region in B.C. 1st millennium people were dealing with a metal molding. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
«Manstev» River Bridge - 17-18th centuries
Proceeding from the construction’s economic expediency and to ensure durability, the bridge is built on the relatively narrow part of Manstev river, on the water-resistant rock foundations. Becoming an important junction connecting the two shores, during 17-20th centuries the bridge had a significant role for the communication, goods turnover and economic development of the surrounding areas Dzori Gegh, Dukanadzor, Gharaqotuk, Teghout etc. It also made more available the visits to Manstev monastery for the population of that region. Manstev Bridge is one of the remarkable Armenian engineering constructions of late medieval ages: it hasn't lost significance up today. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Cemetery «Dzori Gegh» - mid ages - 20th centuries
In medieval cemetery of «Dzori Gegh» settlement the burials have been continued till the 2nd part of the 20th century. Then, till the end of the 20th century the area of the cemetery was used as a seasonal livestock shelter. During this period in the area of the cemetery also agricultural and construction works have been hold, as a result of which some of the gravestones were displaced, rotated and moved. Currently, in the cemetery there exist small numbers of gravestones mainly formless, rectangular, and rough and without inscription. The only carved cross, which was located in the upper part of the riverside, in 1980 as a result of a landslip fell into the river. The cemetery is an important source material for the studying of the history and culture of the region. Monument’s preservation is under the state control.
Settlement-cemetery “Dzori Gegh” - early mid ages – 17th c.
Still in 1930-s from the territory of “Dzori Gegh” settlement-cemetery a clay sarcophagus, and in 1960-s two slab-chest coffins have been found. In 1972 during the works on the opening of a road through the territory, remaining of a mosaic floor construction were found. In the same period in this territory as a result of the land reclamation and ground works the surface parts of the tombs and debris of constructions reminding a settlement, have been found.
In 2010 archaeological excavations have been carried out in the southern part of the ancient site, as a result of which many stone-chest burials were discovered. Also, small tiling covered cemeteries and stonechest tombs of late Bronze Age were discovered. In the mid ages Christian graves, human bonds were discovered covered with cobble slabs. From the graves were found cups, clay plates, pottery and other debris. During exploration works from the territory of the settlement early Bronze Age ornamented pottery debris, worship items, animal statue, as well as many other medieval pottery debris were discovered. This ancient site is an important source of information about the population on employment, lifestyle, and craftsmanship of the period from early mid ages until the 17th century.
Cemetery “Duqanadzor ” 12-18th centuries
During the ground and agricultural works implemented in 1980-s the cross-stones and their debris have been moved and compiled in the adjacent territory. As a result of the mentioned works the cemetery was disrupted and its borders have been removed.
In 2012, the 2 cross-stones and 21 debris collected for the monuments preservation have been moved to the St. Sargis church in Shnogh village. For their replacement and outdoor show was chosen the area provided by “Teghout” cjsc, which is 1.5 km far from the village.
