Nagorno-Karabakh
A staircase leads to a secondary altar in the Cathedral of St. Hovhannes Mkrtich, part of Gandzasar monastery, a X-XIIIth century Armenian monastery situated in the Martakert region, Nagorno-Karabakh. "Gandzasar" means treasure mountain or hilltop treasure in Armenian. The monastery holds relics believed to belong to St. John the Baptist and St Zechariah, father of John the Baptist. Most important structure of the Gandzasar monastery is the Cathedral of St. Hovhannes Mkrtich, built between 1216 and 1238. Gandzasar is considered one of five the most important examples of Armenian monumental art which belong to the world’s architectural masterpieces. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
The interior of Gandzasar monastery, a X-XIIIth century Armenian monastery situated in the Martakert region, Nagorno-Karabakh. "Gandzasar" means treasure mountain or hilltop treasure in Armenian. The monastery holds relics believed to belong to St. John the Baptist and St Zechariah, father of John the Baptist. Most important structure of the Gandzasar monastery is the Cathedral of St. Hovhannes Mkrtich, built between 1216 and 1238. Gandzasar is considered one of five the most important examples of Armenian monumental art which belong to the world’s architectural masterpieces. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
The main altar of the Cathedral of St. Hovhannes Mkrtich, part of Gandzasar monastery, a X-XIIIth century Armenian monastery situated in the Martakert region, Nagorno-Karabakh. "Gandzasar" means treasure mountain or hilltop treasure in Armenian. The monastery holds relics believed to belong to St. John the Baptist and St Zechariah, father of John the Baptist. Most important structure of the Gandzasar monastery is the Cathedral of St. Hovhannes Mkrtich, built between 1216 and 1238. Gandzasar is considered one of five the most important examples of Armenian monumental art which belong to the world’s architectural masterpieces. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
Gandzasar monastery is a X-XIIIth century Armenian monastery situated in the Martakert region, Nagorno-Karabakh. "Gandzasar" means treasure mountain or hilltop treasure in Armenian. The monastery holds relics believed to belong to St. John the Baptist and St Zechariah, father of John the Baptist. Most important structure of the Gandzasar monastery is the Cathedral of St. Hovhannes Mkrtich, built between 1216 and 1238. Gandzasar is considered one of five the most important examples of Armenian monumental art which belong to the world’s architectural masterpieces. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
Decorations are seen on the exterior walls of the Cathedral of St. Hovhannes Mkrtich, part of Gandzasar monastery, a X-XIIIth century Armenian monastery situated in the Martakert region, Nagorno-Karabakh. "Gandzasar" means treasure mountain or hilltop treasure in Armenian. The monastery holds relics believed to belong to St. John the Baptist and St Zechariah, father of John the Baptist. Most important structure of the Gandzasar monastery is the Cathedral of St. Hovhannes Mkrtich, built between 1216 and 1238. Gandzasar is considered one of five the most important examples of Armenian monumental art which belong to the world’s architectural masterpieces. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
Decorations are seen on the exterior walls of the Cathedral of St. Hovhannes Mkrtich, part of Gandzasar monastery, a X-XIIIth century Armenian monastery situated in the Martakert region, Nagorno-Karabakh. "Gandzasar" means treasure mountain or hilltop treasure in Armenian. The monastery holds relics believed to belong to St. John the Baptist and St Zechariah, father of John the Baptist. Most important structure of the Gandzasar monastery is the Cathedral of St. Hovhannes Mkrtich, built between 1216 and 1238. Gandzasar is considered one of five the most important examples of Armenian monumental art which belong to the world’s architectural masterpieces. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
A woman helps her son to walk up the stairs in front of a secondary door of the Cathedral of St. Hovhannes Mkrtich, part of Gandzasar monastery, a X-XIIIth century Armenian monastery situated in the Martakert region, Nagorno-Karabakh. "Gandzasar" means treasure mountain or hilltop treasure in Armenian. The monastery holds relics believed to belong to St. John the Baptist and St Zechariah, father of John the Baptist. Most important structure of the Gandzasar monastery is the Cathedral of St. Hovhannes Mkrtich, built between 1216 and 1238. Gandzasar is considered one of five the most important examples of Armenian monumental art which belong to the world’s architectural masterpieces. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
An old man carries woods on his donkey on a street in the village Vank, Martakert region. With a population of 140.000, the majority being Armenians, Nagorno Karabakh Republic aims to achieve political and economical stability. The high unemployment rate, low salaries and the lack of opportunities for the youngsters make the unrecognized republic to be a hard place to live. Village Vank, Martakert region, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
A group of soldiers of the Artsakh Defense Forces are seen in the Martakert military base situated on the Northeast borderline with Azerbaijan. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army is the formal defense force of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and was founded on May 9, 1992. The army is currently composed of around 20,000 officers and soldiers and its primary role is the protection of the NKR from foreign and domestic threats. Violations of the cease fire along the frontier are frequent and often result in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians each year. One of the most dangerous spots on the borderline with Azerbaijan is Martakert. In Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia the military service is compulsory for two years for the citizens at age of 18-27. Many of the Armenian soldiers are deployed in military units close to the border with Azerbaijan. Armenia officially declared itself as a guarantee of security of Nagorno Karabakh, but it doesn’t officially recognize the independence of Nagorno Karabakh. This makes military service a sensitive issue for both Karabakh's ethnic and Armenian population. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
Soldier Kevork (age 23) is doing his personal military training in the Martakert military base situated on the Northeast borderline with Azerbaijan. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army is the formal defense force of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and was founded on May 9, 1992. The army is currently composed of around 20,000 officers and soldiers and its primary role is the protection of the NKR from foreign and domestic threats. Violations of the cease fire along the frontier are frequent and often result in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians each year. One of the most dangerous spots on the borderline with Azerbaijan is Martakert. In Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia the military service is compulsory for two years for the citizens at age of 18-27. Many of the Armenian soldiers are deployed in military units close to the border with Azerbaijan. Armenia officially declared itself as a guarantee of security of Nagorno Karabakh, but it doesn’t officially recognize the independence of Nagorno Karabakh. This makes military service a sensitive issue for both Karabakh's ethnic and Armenian population. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
Soldier Kevork (age 23) is doing his personal military training in the Martakert military base situated on the Northeast borderline with Azerbaijan. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army is the formal defense force of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and was founded on May 9, 1992. The army is currently composed of around 20,000 officers and soldiers and its primary role is the protection of the NKR from foreign and domestic threats. Violations of the cease fire along the frontier are frequent and often result in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians each year. One of the most dangerous spots on the borderline with Azerbaijan is Martakert. In Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia the military service is compulsory for two years for the citizens at age of 18-27. Many of the Armenian soldiers are deployed in military units close to the border with Azerbaijan. Armenia officially declared itself as a guarantee of security of Nagorno Karabakh, but it doesn’t officially recognize the independence of Nagorno Karabakh. This makes military service a sensitive issue for both Karabakh's ethnic and Armenian population. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
Soldier Kevork (age 23) is doing his personal military training in the Martakert military base situated on the Northeast borderline with Azerbaijan. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army is the formal defense force of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and was founded on May 9, 1992. The army is currently composed of around 20,000 officers and soldiers and its primary role is the protection of the NKR from foreign and domestic threats. Violations of the cease fire along the frontier are frequent and often result in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians each year. One of the most dangerous spots on the borderline with Azerbaijan is Martakert. In Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia the military service is compulsory for two years for the citizens at age of 18-27. Many of the Armenian soldiers are deployed in military units close to the border with Azerbaijan. Armenia officially declared itself as a guarantee of security of Nagorno Karabakh, but it doesn’t officially recognize the independence of Nagorno Karabakh. This makes military service a sensitive issue for both Karabakh's ethnic and Armenian population. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
Soldiers patrol the border area with Azerbaijan - 300 m from the Azeri security point - in the Martakert military base situated on the Northeast borderline with Azerbaijan. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army is the formal defense force of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and was founded on May 9, 1992. The army is currently composed of around 20,000 officers and soldiers and its primary role is the protection of the NKR from foreign and domestic threats. Violations of the cease fire along the frontier are frequent and often result in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians each year. One of the most dangerous spots on the borderline with Azerbaijan is Martakert. In Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia the military service is compulsory for two years for the citizens at age of 18-27. Many of the Armenian soldiers are deployed in military units close to the border with Azerbaijan. Armenia officially declared itself as a guarantee of security of Nagorno Karabakh, but it doesn’t officially recognize the independence of Nagorno Karabakh. This makes military service a sensitive issue for both Karabakh's ethnic and Armenian population. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
Vladimir (age 19 - L), Roman (age 20 - C) and Aram (age 22 - R) wait for the inspection of their commander in their room in the Martakert military base situated on the Northeast borderline with Azerbaijan. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army is the formal defense force of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and was founded on May 9, 1992. The army is currently composed of around 20,000 officers and soldiers and its primary role is the protection of the NKR from foreign and domestic threats. Violations of the cease fire along the frontier are frequent and often result in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians each year. One of the most dangerous spots on the borderline with Azerbaijan is Martakert. In Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia the military service is compulsory for two years for the citizens at age of 18-27. Many of the Armenian soldiers are deployed in military units close to the border with Azerbaijan. Armenia officially declared itself as a guarantee of security of Nagorno Karabakh, but it doesn’t officially recognize the independence of Nagorno Karabakh. This makes military service a sensitive issue for both Karabakh's ethnic and Armenian population. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
Two soldiers wait for the inspection of their commander in their room in the Martakert military base situated on the Northeast borderline with Azerbaijan. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army is the formal defense force of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and was founded on May 9, 1992. The army is currently composed of around 20,000 officers and soldiers and its primary role is the protection of the NKR from foreign and domestic threats. Violations of the cease fire along the frontier are frequent and often result in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians each year. One of the most dangerous spots on the borderline with Azerbaijan is Martakert. In Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia the military service is compulsory for two years for the citizens at age of 18-27. Many of the Armenian soldiers are deployed in military units close to the border with Azerbaijan. Armenia officially declared itself as a guarantee of security of Nagorno Karabakh, but it doesn’t officially recognize the independence of Nagorno Karabakh. This makes military service a sensitive issue for both Karabakh's ethnic and Armenian population. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
Soldier Maxim (age 20) is on watch in his post at the security point - 300 m from the Azeri security point - in the Martakert military base situated on the Northeast borderline with Azerbaijan. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army is the formal defense force of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and was founded on May 9, 1992. The army is currently composed of around 20,000 officers and soldiers and its primary role is the protection of the NKR from foreign and domestic threats. Violations of the cease fire along the frontier are frequent and often result in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians each year. One of the most dangerous spots on the borderline with Azerbaijan is Martakert. In Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia the military service is compulsory for two years for the citizens at age of 18-27. Many of the Armenian soldiers are deployed in military units close to the border with Azerbaijan. Armenia officially declared itself as a guarantee of security of Nagorno Karabakh, but it doesn’t officially recognize the independence of Nagorno Karabakh. This makes military service a sensitive issue for both Karabakh's ethnic and Armenian population. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
Two soldiers are on watch in their post at the security point - 300 m from the Azeri security point - in the Martakert military base situated on the Northeast borderline with Azerbaijan. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army is the formal defense force of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and was founded on May 9, 1992. The army is currently composed of around 20,000 officers and soldiers and its primary role is the protection of the NKR from foreign and domestic threats. Violations of the cease fire along the frontier are frequent and often result in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians each year. One of the most dangerous spots on the borderline with Azerbaijan is Martakert. In Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia the military service is compulsory for two years for the citizens at age of 18-27. Many of the Armenian soldiers are deployed in military units close to the border with Azerbaijan. Armenia officially declared itself as a guarantee of security of Nagorno Karabakh, but it doesn’t officially recognize the independence of Nagorno Karabakh. This makes military service a sensitive issue for both Karabakh's ethnic and Armenian population. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
A soldier is inspected by the commander of the Martakert military base in one of the security check points on the Northeast frontier with Azerbaijan - 300 m from the Azeri security point. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army is the formal defense force of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and was founded on May 9, 1992. The army is currently composed of around 20,000 officers and soldiers and its primary role is the protection of the NKR from foreign and domestic threats. Violations of the cease fire along the frontier are frequent and often result in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians each year. One of the most dangerous spots on the borderline with Azerbaijan is Martakert. In Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia the military service is compulsory for two years for the citizens at age of 18-27. Many of the Armenian soldiers are deployed in military units close to the border with Azerbaijan. Armenia officially declared itself as a guarantee of security of Nagorno Karabakh, but it doesn’t officially recognize the independence of Nagorno Karabakh. This makes military service a sensitive issue for both Karabakh's ethnic and Armenian population. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
The commander of the Martakert military base inspects the security check points on the Northeast borderline with Azerbaijan - 300 m from the Azeri security point. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army is the formal defense force of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and was founded on May 9, 1992. The army is currently composed of around 20,000 officers and soldiers and its primary role is the protection of the NKR from foreign and domestic threats. Violations of the cease fire along the frontier are frequent and often result in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians each year. One of the most dangerous spots on the borderline with Azerbaijan is Martakert. In Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia the military service is compulsory for two years for the citizens at age of 18-27. Many of the Armenian soldiers are deployed in military units close to the border with Azerbaijan. Armenia officially declared itself as a guarantee of security of Nagorno Karabakh, but it doesn’t officially recognize the independence of Nagorno Karabakh. This makes military service a sensitive issue for both Karabakh's ethnic and Armenian population. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.
Nagorno-Karabakh
The commander of the Martakert military base (C) inspects the security check points on the Northeast borderline with Azerbaijan - 300 m from the Azeri security point. The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Defense Army is the formal defense force of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and was founded on May 9, 1992. The army is currently composed of around 20,000 officers and soldiers and its primary role is the protection of the NKR from foreign and domestic threats. Violations of the cease fire along the frontier are frequent and often result in the deaths of several soldiers and civilians each year. One of the most dangerous spots on the borderline with Azerbaijan is Martakert. In Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia the military service is compulsory for two years for the citizens at age of 18-27. Many of the Armenian soldiers are deployed in military units close to the border with Azerbaijan. Armenia officially declared itself as a guarantee of security of Nagorno Karabakh, but it doesn’t officially recognize the independence of Nagorno Karabakh. This makes military service a sensitive issue for both Karabakh's ethnic and Armenian population. Martakert, Nagorno-Karabakh, 20 September 2008.