Artsakh State Museum of History and Local Lore, Stepanakert
Founded in 1932, the museum has exhibits about various time and aspects of the life in the land.
Ancient History
The plan of the Azokh cave.
An ancient burial vessel.
Thousands-years old clay pipes used to bring water to town from mountains.
Ancient Armenian, Roman, Parthian and other coins recovered in different regions of Artsakh. The enlarged black and white picture on the right is that of a Tigran the Great’s coin unearthed in Tigranakert, Artsakh.
A bishop’s throne from the Middle Ages.
An Armenian khachkar.
Everyday life and traditions
A fragment of an intricately woven large carpet depicting a “Romeo and Juliet” scene, with the slight difference of the young man being in the balcony and the maiden below.
Carpet weaving is a traditional art in Karabakh and its carpets are well-known and valued well outside of its borders.
Traditional costumes of Karabakh.
During the Soviet rule, the heroic work of the workers and peasants was encouraged by all means, including their propaganda in media and all kind of banners.
Wine and spirits production was always central to the economy of Karabakh. Samples of Soviet-era production.
Spiritual life
Karabakh has for centuries been a centre for education, arts and sciences. Many of its monasteries had their scriptoria that produced manuscripts for centuries. Many outstanding Armenian artists, scientists and writers are originally from Karabakh.
An Old Testament from 1713.
World War II
Artsakh has been for many centuries a stronghold of Armenia because of the courage and military skills of its people. They stood out during the WW II as well and yielded a high number of military leaders and Heroes of the Soviet Union. The hall on the right is devoted to the heroes of WW II from Karabakh.
Artsakh Liberation War or the First Karabakh War, 1991-94
Faced with an economic and communication blockade, then pogroms, and ultimately a full-scale military aggression by Azerbaijan—a country several times its size and much richer in resources—Artsakh had to resort to self-defence without any arms or major support, basically with only the resolution to defend its will to live freely. Before arms could be obtained, in a large part from defeated and retreating Azerbaijanis, hunting rifles and self-made handguns had to do the job.
Self-made guns used in the Artsakh Liberation War.
The military plan of silencing the Azerbaijani strongholds surrounding Stepanakert.
Exhibits dedicated to fighters who fell during the battles at Omar Pass on the Mrav mountain range, a snow-covered inaccessible height.
Self-made guns used in the Artsakh Liberation War.
The military plan of silencing the Azerbaijani firing strongholds in Berdzor (Lachin).
