Lavash is traditional thin

bread that forms an integral part of Armenian cuisine. Its preparation is

typically undertaken by a small group of women, and

requires great effort,

coordination, experience and special skills.

Lavash, the preparation, meaning and

appearance of traditional bread as

an expression of culture in Armenia,

Inscribed in 2014 on the Representative

List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of

Humanity

The lavash puts Armenia, a small, ancient South Caucasus nation of 3 million, ahead of much of the pack with a total of four entries on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Other Armenian entries recognized by UNESCO include the reed wind instrument duduk, the performance of the medieval epic "David of Sassoon," and the art of stone cross making

Sevada Grigoryan (b.1959) Lavash

Sevada Grigoryan (b.1959) The Armenian Girl

Romania also have four entries on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List: the Călu tradition, Doina, The Horezu ceramics and The șChristmas carols in masculine horde (shared with Moldova). Neither the U.S. nor Britain has a single item of intangible heritage to contribute so far, according to UNESCO

Taverna restaurant offers its guests demonstrations of lavash baking

A simple dough made of wheat flour and water is kneaded and formed into balls, which are then rolled into thin layers and stretched over a special oval cushion that is then slapped against the wall of a traditional conical clay oven. After thirty seconds to a minute, the baked bread is pulled from the oven wall

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The underground, clay Tonir is one of the first tools of Armenian cuisine, as an oven and as a thermal treatment tool. Everything that is made in pots and in tonirs has Armenian origin, but only Armenians had underground tonirs

Ancient Armenians made

tonirs in resemblance with

the setting sun “going into the ground” (Sun

being the main deity)

The group work in baking lavash strengthens family, community and social ties. Young girls usually act as aides in the process, gradually becoming more involved as they gain experience

Sevada Grigoryan (b.1959) Tonri Lavash

The Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage are

established by UNESCO aiming to ensure the better

protection of important intangible cultural heritages

worldwide and the awareness of their

significance

Sevada Grigoryan (b.1959) Tonri Lavash Sevada Grigoryan - In the mountains

Lavash is commonly served rolled around local cheeses, greens or meats, and can be preserved for up to six months

Lavash plays a ritual role in weddings, where it is placed on the shoulders of newlyweds to bring fertility and prosperity. Men are also involved through the practices of making cushions and building ovens, and pass on their skills to students and apprentices as a necessary step in preserving the vitality and viability of lavash making

Grigor Khanjyan (1926-2000) Bread and dreams, 1964

Sarkis MuradianGoharik with a pitcher, 1973

Grigor Khanjyan (1926-2000) Corn crops in

the mountains, 1972 (study)

Grigor Khanjyan - In the mountains

Grigor Khanjyan (1926-2000) The Rebirth of Armenia

The menu of the restaurant includes a number of dishes, some of which have endured for centuries as the favorites of Armenians and are still on the list of the most popular dishes. Live music performed by "Akunq" folk ensemble

Afrikyanner Pandok Tavern, Yerevan Traditional restaurant

Music Instrument Kamancha

Afrikyanner Pandok Tavern, Yerevan Traditional restaurant

The music of Armenia is a very traditional one. Armenian music is mostly accompanied by musical instruments and is usually followed by the feasts and festivals being celebrated. In its recent years, Armenians have created new styles of music while staying true to old customs. This is supported in the present day by the world-class Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra, performing at the Opera House in the capital of Armenia, Yerevan

Afrikyanner Pandok Tavern, Yerevan Traditional restaurant

Afrikyanner Pandok Tavern, Yerevan Traditional restaurant

Sound: Gagik Gasparyan - Procuro Olvidarte - duduk

Text: Internet

Pictures: Internet

Sanda FoişoreanuAll  copyrights  belong to their  respective owners

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanuhttps://plus.google.com/+SandaMichaela

2015