Preserving Artsakh: An Electronic Platform for Intangible Cultural Heritage

Goal

48.4% $61 490

The forced displacement of the indigenous people of Artsakh has endangered the preservation of their rich cultural heritage and the identity of the Artsakh people.
The goal of this project is to create a comprehensive electronic platform dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Artsakh’s intangible cultural heritage.

The platform will serve as a central repository for documenting, preserving, and sharing Artsakh’s dialect, cultural traditions, oral histories, and practices. By making this heritage accessible to researchers, educators, and the general public, we aim to ensure its preservation for future generations.

Program objective:

Creation of a digital archive of Artsakh’s intangible cultural heritage.

Documentation: Collect and catalog oral histories, traditional arts, crafts, and rituals.
Accessibility: Develop an online platform accessible to researchers, educators, and the public.
Awareness: Raise and expand awareness about the significance of Artsakh’s cultural heritage.
Community Engagement: Involve members of the Artsakh community in the documentation process to ensure accuracy and relevance.

Partners

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

Geography

Armenia, Yerevan

Implementation Dates

January 2025 – January 2026 (subject to revision)

Beneficiaries:

Direct beneficiaries: Approximately 150,000 forcibly displaced residents of Artsakh, who were uprooted from their homes between 2020–2023 and are now striving to preserve their cultural identity in new environments. The platform will provide them with tools to connect with their heritage and foster community resilience.
Indirect beneficiaries: Artsakh diaspora, researchers, experts, and artists focusing on Artsakh’s culture, as well as individuals and institutions interested in the region’s cultural heritage.

Sustainability:

Preservation of Identity: Protecting intangible cultural heritage fosters a sense of belonging and helps displaced residents maintain their cultural roots. The platform will continue to operate beyond the project duration.
Community Cohesion: Preserving cultural heritage promotes solidarity and resilience, allowing community members to support each other during challenging times.
Historical Continuity: The platform ensures that Artsakh’s history and values are not forgotten and are passed down to future generations.
Psychological Well-being: Cultural heritage preservation provides comfort and continuity, contributing to the mental well-being of displaced people.
Cultural Diversity: Artsakh’s unique cultural expressions enrich Armenian culture as a whole.
Economic Opportunities: Preserving cultural practices can serve as a stimulus for entrepreneurial activities among displaced residents of Artsakh.

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