"NOAH" Ethnographic District ARUP | Page 19

Concept Vision Development Dilijan national park, Tavush province Buckwheat ields in Shirak Traditional cheese, Syunik province Landscape Cultivated landscape Products The rocky hillsides shrouded in the dense forests of the region give a characteristic look. Beautiful nature, a diverse climate and unique mountains and landscapes are converge in Armenia’s highlights. Various rock formations, markings of region’s turbulent volcanic past, can be found in the form of caves, eroded canyons, and natural pyramidal rocks, such as those of Goris. More than 120 kinds of trees including beech, oak, yew, and pine give richness to the textured landscape. The region is also teeming with rivers, lakes, and natural mineral springs. Positioned in lofty mountains the region has a poor agricultural index producing mainly grains, grapes, dry grains, potato and vegetables. An interesting feature is that at the north part of the region native are an amazing assortment of oak, beech, and pine trees as well as dozens of fruits, nuts, and berries. It is not surprising that the Armenian language has speciic words designating forests of fruit trees: «Khndzorut» (apple-trees); «Tandzout» (pear-trees), «Shlorout» (plum-trees), etc. Notable examples of product of the region include the cheese from the region are the toe-curling mulberry vodka of Karahunj, lavash lat-bread of Kapan (the national bread), and the succulent pomegranates and igs. Historically Ijevan was a centre for hand-crafted items including traditional Armenian rugs, for which its weavers have received acclaim. These intricately designed knotted carpets decorate homes around the world. Also, the town of Alaverdi has been the centre of Armenia’s copper and molybdenum industry and is nestled in the Debed Canyon. 19