by Nelli Matevosyan from National Agrarian University
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Qnar and Nelli are HRI Scholars from the neighboring Syunik villages of Shvanidzor and Alvank, respectively. Motivated by a deep pride in their communities and inspired by the natural beauty, rich history, and cultural traditions of southern Armenia, the two scholars developed a self-guided village tour designed to introduce visitors to the region while preserving and sharing local stories. Recognizing the increasing visibility of Syunik and the growing number of travelers passing through Armenia’s southern border communities, they sought to create an accessible and meaningful way for visitors to better understand the identity, heritage, and significance of their villages.
Accessible through QR codes placed on signposts installed throughout Shvanidzor and Alvank, the tour guides visitors through important landmarks, scenic viewpoints, cultural sites, and points of historical interest. Each stop includes carefully researched historical background, local stories and memories, fun facts, and practical accessibility information to help visitors navigate the next destination. By combining technology with place-based storytelling, the project created a lasting educational resource that highlights the distinct character of each village while making local knowledge more accessible to residents and visitors alike.
The project also reflected the growing importance of southern Armenia as a destination and aimed to help prepare the villages for increased tourism and visibility. Beyond encouraging exploration, the initiative sought to foster local pride and ensure that important stories, traditions, and historical knowledge are documented and shared with future generations.
The installation process became a true community-wide effort. Volunteers from the villages came together to dig holes, transport materials, install signposts, and secure them with cement, transforming the project into a collaborative undertaking that reflected the strong communal spirit of Syunik. To mark the completion and official launch of the initiative, HRI organized a special visit to the region, bringing together scholars, supporters, and community members to celebrate the project’s opening and impact.
Qnar is a first-year student at the Dilijan Multifunctional State College, while Nelli is a first-year student at the Armenian National Agrarian University.
Accessible through QR codes placed on signposts installed throughout Shvanidzor and Alvank, the tour guides visitors through important landmarks, scenic viewpoints, cultural sites, and points of historical interest. Each stop includes carefully researched historical background, local stories and memories, fun facts, and practical accessibility information to help visitors navigate the next destination. By combining technology with place-based storytelling, the project created a lasting educational resource that highlights the distinct character of each village while making local knowledge more accessible to residents and visitors alike.
The project also reflected the growing importance of southern Armenia as a destination and aimed to help prepare the villages for increased tourism and visibility. Beyond encouraging exploration, the initiative sought to foster local pride and ensure that important stories, traditions, and historical knowledge are documented and shared with future generations.
The installation process became a true community-wide effort. Volunteers from the villages came together to dig holes, transport materials, install signposts, and secure them with cement, transforming the project into a collaborative undertaking that reflected the strong communal spirit of Syunik. To mark the completion and official launch of the initiative, HRI organized a special visit to the region, bringing together scholars, supporters, and community members to celebrate the project’s opening and impact.
Qnar is a first-year student at the Dilijan Multifunctional State College, while Nelli is a first-year student at the Armenian National Agrarian University.
