Photos: Graffiti Found on the Walls of Kobayr Monastery Complex

During a recent inspection, employees of the Lori Regional Service of the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports' Service for Preservation of Historical Environment recorded that graffiti written in red paint has appeared on the walls of the Kobayr Monastery Complex in Lori Province, dating back to the 12th-13th centuries. Regarding this recorded violation, the Preservation Service has appealed to the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports for further action on the matter.

The Service reports that such incidents are not uncommon; earlier in June, writings were also found on the "Charents Arch" monument located in the territory of the village of Voghjaberd along the Yerevan-Garni road. Additionally, at the cemetery in Lernanist, dating from the 13th to the 20th centuries, the Kotayk Regional Service of the Preservation of Historical Environment recorded the entry of large livestock.

"We inform that the employees of the Preservation Service's Regional Services conduct inspections and cleaning work in designated areas as per the established schedule, coordinating with the community administrations in cases of serious issues. We urge our fellow citizens that monitoring the preservation of monuments is not only the responsibility of the Preservation Service but also a duty of every citizen. Therefore, we again call on everyone to treat cultural heritage sites and historical environments with care, not to climb on the walls of collapsed churches and monasteries, and to refrain from lighting candles in unpermitted places in order not to damage the appearance of historical monuments," the Preservation Service noted.