The official start of the “Meghri, CIS cultural capital” project was given on April 16, with a symbolic tree planting organized in the area adjacent to the Meghri kindergarten.
The event was attended by Daniel Danielyan, deputy minister of the CIS, Meghri community leader Khachatur Andreasyan, Anatoli Iksanov, executive director of the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of CIS member states, representatives of delegations of CIS member states who arrived in Meghri to participate in the opening ceremony of the “CIS Cultural Capital of 2026” program.
Tree planting was carried out in Meghri in the courtyard of the renovated kindergarten within the framework of the 500 kindergarten program of the Government. According to Daniel Danielyan, the deputy minister of KGSMS, the initiative has both environmental and symbolic significance in terms of discovering Meghri anew and developing cultural tourism.
“By planting trees, we increase the city’s green spaces,” the deputy minister noted, emphasizing that a series of cultural events is also planned, which will continue until November.
“Culture is an important platform for cooperation. the dialogues that can later develop in political, economic and other spheres start from culture,” he said.
The deputy minister of KGSMS emphasized that the planned events will be accompanied by visits to historical and cultural places. “Our goal is to discover and rediscover Meghri through the eyes of tourists. It turns out that we ourselves don’t know Meghri very well, and there is a lot to see, discover and present here,” said Daniel Danielyan, adding that the main directions that could be interesting for visitors have already been mapped.
He also emphasized the hospitality of the locals and the warm atmosphere of reception, noting that it is an important factor for the development of tourism. According to him, if Meghri is presented correctly, it is possible to expect an increase in the flow of tourists, which will also lead to the development of infrastructure.
“If we can properly present Meghri and its interesting places, we will certainly have an increase in tourists, and along with it, the infrastructure will also develop, new guesthouses, hotels, restaurants and cafes will appear,” he said.
According to Khachatur Andreasyan, head of the Meghri community, everything is being done to keep the city neat and beautiful in order to attract tourists. “We understand that after these events, Meghri will become more recognizable not only in the CIS region, but also in other countries. People will recognize Meghri and tourists will visit more often. And we will do everything to make every tourist feel comfortable in Meghri and recommend others to visit Meghri upon returning to their country.”
After the tree planting, representatives of the CIS high-ranking delegation, accompanied by Deputy Minister Daniel Danielyan and Meghri Mayor Khachatur Andreasyan, visited the historical and cultural places of Meghri. The first stop was the medieval church of St. Hovhannes (St. Sargis) in the small neighborhood of Meghri. The unique spiritual structure of the 16th century is rich in Armenian vaults and miniature paintings. The guests also visited the Khachats House, which is the oldest residential house preserved in Meghri and serves as a cultural entertainment place and guest house-museum. Next, they visited the 17th century bridge of Shvanidzor settlement of Meghri community.
Opening events of the CIS cultural capital program are held on April 16-17. The program includes a number of cultural events: an ART Expo exhibition where member countries will present their national culture, a gala concert with the performance of the Armenian State Jazz Orchestra, a night disco with the participation of famous Armenian DJs, as well as visits to the historical and cultural institutions of Meghri.
The CIS cultural capital program has been operating under the auspices of the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of the CIS Member States since 2011. Meghri is the third Armenian city to receive this honorary status. Gyumri was recognized as the cultural capital of the CIS in 2013, and Goris in 2018.
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