The Event Held in Garni Temple Under Similar Conditions Was Not Approved by the Ministry, Says MoESCS

On September 4, 2021, the Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport (MoESCS) clarified regarding a wedding ceremony that took place at the "Garni" Historical and Cultural Reserve, stating that the announcement by the government agency claiming that the event was organized with the ministry's consent does not correspond to reality.

The MoESCS has emphasized that ensuring unimpeded cultural access for the public is a priority in its cultural policy, and any violation of this right is condemnable. In response to a letter dated August 12, 2021, from the "Service for the Protection of Historical Environment and Cultural Museum-Reservations" concerning the organization of a private event within the reserve's territory, the ministry instructed that the event may only be held during working hours, ensuring that it does not disrupt the normal operations of the organization, and that only classical, spiritual, national, folk, jazz, rock music, and original songs be used, in accordance with the requirements set by the Minister of Culture of Armenia's order No. 430-A dated July 24, 2014, regarding the procedures for renting facilities in the reserve museums and museums under the Ministry of Culture.

Currently, details related to the issue are being investigated, and appropriate measures will be taken by the agency to address any circumvention of the aforementioned requirements and directives from the ministry, as well as to prevent similar cases in the future.