By Alexander Tagvoryan

YEREVAN, July 22–An old cream extraction mechanism, dating from the 17th century, was found in the ancient Tatev Armenian monastery complex (built in the 9th-10th centuries) during reconstruction.

Clay jars and specially polished stones for dairy production were also found near the mechanism.

According to initial estimations, the creamery will be restored in October, 2010. It will be displayed as an exhibit showing the history of dairy production in Armenia. All the functions of the mechanism will be finally restored in the spring of 2011.

This creamery is an important historical monument that will show the visitors of the monastery the old culture and the culinary traditions of Armenia’s Tatev region.

The repairs at Tatev are being done within the framework of the program of the national fund of the competitiveness of Armenia, called “The Revival of Tatev.” The specialists from a control commission, composed of local and foreign experts in the field of reconstruction, architecture and culture, watch over the quality of construction.

The main purpose of the program is to reconstruct the monastery and preserve it. The reconstruction will also provide a new view of the spiritual, scientific and cultural heritage of the monastery and help to encourage tourism in this region.

The program consists of several parts: the reconstruction of the monastery complex, the restoration of its monastic and educational traditions, the creation of tourism infrastructures in the nearby villages and the construction of the world’s longest cable car.

Yerevan Report