Sponsors:
# 1- A group of Los Angeles Armenians
# 2- A group of Los Angeles Armenians
# 3- Varouj Bedikian
# 4- Yerkir USA
# 5 - A group of Los Angeles Armenians
# 6- Varouj Bedikian
The village of Ijevanatun is located on the south east border of Hadrut, in the Republic of Mountainous Karabagh, 16 km from the regional city of Hadrout. The village was burned to the ground during the war and presently uninhabited.
The community is located at the cross roads of the Hadrut-Aghtam-Arax valley and the Tchabrayil highway. The main road going through the village is in fair condition with the asphalt undamaged. Unpaved dirt roads are typical inside the village. Ijevanatun is located 6.5 km from Fizouli, and 8 km from village of Norashen, recently repopulated by Yerkir UNGO.
The village has ample natural reserves of water for drinking and irrigation in the form of springs and artesian wells. Presently, the main source of water is a natural spring located 3 km outside the village. The old water reservoirs are out of commission.
The location of the village favors agriculture and animal farming. Lands in and around Ijevanatun are very fertile and as such are presently being used by the inhabitants of nearby villages.
At present time, the village has no electricity and the nearest power line is 5 km away.
Still standing are two structures built by Armenian stone masters during the second half of the 17th century: The church built in 1682 and the Caravanatun (hotel-rest stop) built in 1684, both shining examples of great Armenian architecture.
The imperative of rebuilding Ijevanatun
Ijevanatun is located on the main highway connecting the southern regions to the capital. As such, it is of utmost strategic importance. The repopulation of this historic town will solve multiple problems in the region, including:
1. Insure this stretch of the main highway.
2. Secure the optimal use of agricultural lands of the area;
3. Renovate and preserve the masterpiece of 17th century Armenian architecture, the “Caravanatun”.
4. Physically insure Armenian control of this historic village and its surrounding lands. In the event of peace, Armenian population of this area is key in guaranteeing the economic development of the region.
Yerkir UNGO’s Plan
Yerkir UNGO’s Project Ijevanatun encompasses the construction of 20 new homes, a clinic, and a school. The project is undertaken by Yerkir USA with the Fundraising campaign started in October 2004. To become a Project Ijevanatun sponsor, contact Yerkir USA at contact@yerkirusa.org or 818-291-9703, or a board member. Donations are tax deductable.
