Yerevan /Mediamax/. Representatives of U.S. Smithsonian Institution visited Tatev Monastery and got acquainted with Tatev Revival program.

IDeA Foundation informs that U.S. Smithsonian Institution Representatives’ visit took place within USAID’s My Armenia cultural tourism development project.

IDeA Tourism Projects Manager Armine Israelyan said, that Tatev’s region has serious opportunities to develop cultural tourism.

Michael Vardapet Gevorgyan fulfilled blessing service for the newly married on February 14 in Tatev Monastery.

Tiarndaraj (Trndez) has been celebrated in a special way in Tatev for the second year, with the initiative of IDeA’s Tatev Revival program. A concert was held for the newlyweds and guests as well as a reception, a photoshot opportunity with national costumes.

“These events contribute to the unity around the Church, the restoration of our old traditions. We are filled with hope that the regional community young couples’ united visit to the Church at Tiarndaraj celebration will become a tradition”, said Michael Vardapet Gevorgyan.

“We have organized this celebration for the second year and we aim to make it a tradition.  Events that have national cultural elements are interesting for the tourists as well and we hope that it will become a unique celebration in coming years and will boost the tourism flow to this region during not so high tourist season”, noticed Tatev Revival Project Manager Hayk Tutunjyan.

Smithsonian Institution was founded in 1846. It is the world's largest museum and research complex, which includes 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities.

Smithsonian Institution has 6400 employees including 500 scientists and 5500 volunteers.