INVESTMENT PROPOSAL TO RESTORE KARMIR BLUR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE AND ESTABLISH

TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURES

Project Description The aim of the project is to exhibit the rich history and heritage of the country by creating

a tourism center presenting Urartian history, culture and religion.

Karmir blur archaeological site is situated in south-western part of Yerevan, south from

the Hrazdan River gorge. In the territory of Karmir Blur Urartian king Rusa II (685-645)

founded the fortress Teishebaini (Karmir blur) in the first quarter of VII BC. It was

dedicated to god of thunder and war Teishebaini- the second Urartian powerful god. The

inscriptions proofing the above mentioned were found in the territory of the

archaeological site. The systematic excavations of Karmir blur began in 1939. The ancient

settlement covers more than 40 hectares and consist of pre-urartian settlement, Urartian

city with its citadel, dating back to XII-VII BC. The building is a two-story structure,

which covers an area of 4 hectares. Archaeological findings are not only valuable national

heritage, but also important elements of archaeological heritage for Middle East, the Near

East and Asia Minor. The excavations of the citadel and surrounding city discovered the

history of Teishibiani which was founded by Rusa II, one of the powerful kings. The city

was economically prosperous had a powerful military. Urartians contributed to the

prosperity of Karmir blur and its surrounding areas by building channels, roads and

developing agriculture and trade.

The Umeshian canal, built by Rusa II's order in VII BC, was taking its source from the

Hrazdan River from the east and was flowing to the west, reaching the area of Zvartnots

airport. Wine cellars found on the first floor of the citadel are the evidence of developed

advanced agriculture and winemaking. Large amount of grape seeds was found in the area,

proving that Uraratians were engaged in processing of different types of grapes.

In the territory of the archaeological site project envisages:

Establishment of museum complex

Showroom, as well as a temporary exhibition hall

Conference hall, which will have also a cinema

Funds vault, storage

Library

Office

Construction of Urartian military art open museum and furnishing the museum

with special armor and chariots of that period. During the tour, visitors will be

able to watch the staged fights, there will be an opportunity to participate in the

archery courses.

Ensuring external lightening of the citadel

Rehabilitation of the old building of the museum for the economic purposes

The complex will be equipped with innovative multimedia technologies

interactive maps, displays and other support equipment and computer programs

2. Service infrastructure section for visitors and tourists

Indoor and outdoor cafeteria which will be also an observatory for archaeological

excavations

Construction of wine and beer tasting hall for visitors, where beer and wine will

be served with Urartian style vessels from pitchers

Souvenir shop and bookstore, establishment of an appropriate environment for

visitors to take photos

Establishment of Zip-line

Provision of external lightening

Establishment of access checkpoints

Branches

Parking

Fencing of the site

It is also possible to discuss the opportunity of ropeway construction which will allow the

visitors to observe the whole Teishebaini settlement with its citadel, situated in the gorge

of the Hrazdan River bank, from the top and to enjoy the picturesque horizons of Ararat,

Aragats and Ara mountains.

3. Exhibition section of the archeological site

Route development for exhibitions/excursions/

Access paving, installation of bridges and platforms along the route alignments,

restoration of pass ways, replacement of concrete slabs by plates

Construction of temporary showrooms and pavilions where carpet weaving and

textile crafts will be presented

Construction of carriage ways for horse-drawn carriages across the whole

acheological site, slopes of the hills for the purpose of organizing tours along the

picturesque shores of the Hrazdan River which will leave an unforgettable

impression on the visitors

Territory improvement and landscaping of the separate parts especially access

junctions and sections adjacent to museum building

Reconstruction of access platform and pathways of the citadel-installing QR code

displays, audio-guides, as well as implementing new technologies in order to

organize night presentations and etc.

Establishment of “Virtual Urartu” military episode in the territory, as the city is

dedicated to the Urartian king Teishebani, who was the god of war in the

pantheon of Urartian gods

Provision of laser lightning and sound effects

Installation of guidelines, layouts and samples

Ensuring access for people with limited mobility

It is also expected to fortify the unfinished tunnel of the highway sewage which is situated

in the territory of archaeological site and passes under the citadel.

Technical Data The total area is 43.5 ha

Museum part covers 1.200 square meters, the infrastructure service zones for visitors and

tourists is about 600 square meters, the length of the fence is 1200 diameter and parking

zone is 720 square meters.

Project deadlines

Implementation duration is 3 years.

Project Cost The total cost of the project is approximately USD 3.5 million. It is also possible to split the implementation of the project into phases.

Investment Types and Fundamental Terms

Community-privet investment

Present Data For some elements of the project design is available and for large-scale projects sketch-design is available.