YEREVAN, JULY 29, ARMENPRESS. On July 28 the Prime Minister of Armenia – Hovik Abrahamyan - visited   the Aghtsk (previously Dzorap) community in the Aragatsotn Province  to familiarize himself with Aghtsk historical sites excavation processes. The excavations had been done periodically but remained unfinished. Last year during his visit to Aghtsk, the PM familiarized himself with the condition of 4th century structures: the cathedral, basilica, Arshakid Mausoleum, and excavation site. The PM promised to provide financial means and assigned to restart the work. 

Armenpress was informed from the Information and Public Relations Department of the Government of Armenia, that archaeologist Hakob Simonyan, who is the Head of the Archaeological Expedition Group, excavating Arshakid Mausoleum, presented the PM with the excavation results of the 1st stage, the excavation findings and the group’s suggestions concerning the next stages of the excavation.

In his briefing with the journalists, the PM said that the preservation of cultural heritage is in the center of the Government’s attention, and the Executive body will continue the provision of necessary means for proceeding with the excavations and completing them. 

Aghtsk is a village on the slopes of Mount Aragats in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. It is home to the Arshakid Mausoleum, a large grave monument complex and basilica of the 4th to 5th centuries. King Shapur II of Persia exhumed the bones of the Armenian kings and took them to Persia symbolically taking Armenia's power. When Sparapet Vassak Mamikonian defeated the Persians and reclaimed the bones of the Arshakuni monarchs, he buried them at Aghtsk. Remains of the monuments and the basilica may still to be seen.

Aghtsk is the birthplace of Catholicos Komitas I of Armenia (6th century-628).

The PM Abrahamyan also talked with the people of Aghtsk community, who voiced issues relating the community.