UNESCO
Division of Cultural Heritage
DRASKHANAKERT
/Scientific-Cultural and Educational Project/
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
Location of Implementation of the Project....Village of Beniamin, Shirak
Region, Republic of Armenia
Duration of the Project................................... 24 Months
National Implementing Organisation............. Regional Museum of Shirak
International Organisation..............................United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO)
Total Cost of the Project Implementation...... .........USD 280.000
Including Additional UNESCO support cost..........USD 36.400
Brief Description of the Project
Ancient palace, religious and residential buildings, and economic complex, as well as
some 250 mausoleums were excavated at the site of the Beniamin ancient monument.
The monument has international significance and the excavations since 1998 have
been conducted jointly with the French archaeologists. Students of archaeology and young
specialists have regularly participated in the excavations. The population of the village of
Beniamin has worked as assistants and construction hands, and as the result of the continuing
work of the archaeological expedition over fifty to sixty jobs have been created in the village.
According to the project it is envisaged to carry out activities for the conservation of
the monumental structures of the monument, creation of a museum and an archaeological base
at the site of the monument. According to the project the complex consisting of the monument
and the museum will be turned into an international scientific, educational and touristic centre
which will be in a position to organise archaeological expeditions, receive students,
archaeologists and other specialists and tourists.
The project also considers the creation of a computerized catalog/databank of the
monument and the excavated exhibits, which would be published and will be available on the
Internet.
1. Context and the objectives of the Project
1.1. The joint archaeological expedition of the Shirak Regional Museum and the Institute
of Archaeology and Ethnography of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia
discovered a large ancient archaeological monument in 1989, located fifteen kilometres to the
South from the town of Gyumri, near the village of Beniamin. The monument that has a
territory of almost one hundred hectares consists of a settlement and a burial field. The
archaeological excavations that started in 1989 are continuing until nowadays. During ten
years a territory of over 4000 square meters has been excavated. A palace, religious and
residential buildings, economic complexes as well as around 240 mausoleums have been
unearthed during the excavations. The monument dates back to 6th century BC to the 1st
century AD. In those times it has been a royal residence and it is considered to be the famous
Draskhanakert royal residence, the location of which was not known until now.
1.2. The unearthed architectural structures and thousands of findings shed light on the
trends and processes of the development and evolution of the Armenian Civilisation, the
problems connected with the heritage of the earlier – Urartian and other cultures, the issues
connected with the influences of the Akemenic and Hellenistic cultures, as well as the forms
of their local manifestations. The facts obtained during the excavations have allowed to enrich
and to express new views on the number of issues of the material and spiritual culture and
political history of the, both, Armenian people, as well as neighbouring states. From this point
of view the monument has an international importance.
Since 1998 the excavations are conducted by the joint Armenian-French
archaeological expedition, with the support of the Ministry of Culture of France.
Several thousands of excavated findings are preserved in the Shirak Regional
Museum, which does not have enough conditions and capabilities to adequately process,
conserve and exhibit them and to introduce them to the scientific and informative circles.
1.3. The excavations of the ancient monument of Beniamin have revealed two large royal
palatial buildings. The first of them dates back to the 6th to 2nd centuries BC and the second –
1st century BC. These are unique architectural monuments not only for Armenia but also for
the Transcaucasia and the neighbouring as well. The Persepolis-style huge anchors of the first
palatial structure and the 200 square meter large three-nave column hall are particularly
impressive. Unfortunately not only these monumental complexes but also a large number of
other religious, residential and economic structures unearthed during the excavations are
gradually deteriorating in the result of staying in the open air and, which is even worse,
despite the undertaken actions, because of the current shortage of resources, are destined to
destruction.
There are no resources and conditions for the preservation, conservation,
reconstruction, restoration and exhibition of the thousands of artefacts discovered during the
excavations at the site of the Beniamin archaeological monument. Because of the lack of the
financial resources, equipment and modern means of communications, the monument which
presents a huge scientific and cultural value, as well as many thousands of discovered
exhibits, could not be appropriately presented to the world scientific, cultural and educational
centres. There is not even a computerised databank of the discoveries.
For almost ten years over one hundred students and young specialists from different
Universities and colleges of Armenia, studying history, archaeology, culture and art, have
been included in the archaeological expedition and have had a chance to participate in
workshops.
The ancient archaeological monument at the village of Beniamin is visited every year
by a number of scientists, specialists, students, local and foreign tourists and interested
people. Many of them have expressed willingness to participate in the excavations and are
even ready to pay for that purpose. However, the absence of the archaeological database
hinders the expansion of works in that direction. The fact that the site of the archaeological
excavations is in the immediate vicinity of the Gyumri-Yerevan highway, helps to increase
the number of visitors.
During the twelve years of excavations the workers for the archaeological expedition
have been from the village of Beniamin, and as the result of the continuing work of the
archaeological expedition, fifty to sixty new jobs have been created. The members of the
expedition are staying at the village and therefore become consumers of the agricultural
products that are produced in the village, as well as consumers of other goods, which in its
turn is of enough significance for a small village.
The long-term working relations and contacts of the villagers, and in particular of the
youth and schoolchildren with Armenian and foreign scientists, specialists and students, helps
raising the level of the way of life of the people of the village.
According to this project it is envisaged to arrange the conservation and reconstruction
of the monumental architectural structures of the archaeological monument, to create a
museum and an archaeological base at the site of the monument. It is envisaged to transform
the site of the archaeological monument and the museum to be built into an international
scientific, educational and touristic centre, which will be able to organise archaeological
expeditions, to receive students, specialists and tourists.
It is planned to create a computerised databank and a catalogue of the archaeological
monument and the excavated discoveries, to publish it and produce it on a CD-ROM. All of
that will also be accessible via an Internet web-site to the international scientific, academic
and cultural centres and tourist agencies. Thus it will ensure the dissemination of high quality
information about the archaeological monument and will promote the integration of the
Armenian science, history and culture.
1.4.
Project Strategy and Organisation of the Implementation.
The project is supposed to be implemented in two phases. The duration of each of the
phases will be one year. According to the objectives of each of the phases, during the process
of the implementation of the project active co-operation of the state and local-governing
bodies, with different Armenian and foreign specialised organisations is envisaged.
A dynamic staff will be formed which will be subject to relevant changes according to
the objectives of different phases.
The modern experience and expertise of the international experts in the field of the
museum-formation and museum-work will be actively used during the implementation of the
project.
Parallel to the implementation of the project preconditions for ensuring the continuity
and further development of the project shall be created.
2. Project Objectives
2.1. Immediate Objectives.
To create a computerised databank of the museum exhibits.
To prepare thematic catalogues of the monument, publish them and prepare an Internet
web-site. To conserve and reconstruct the monumental architectural structures of the
monument. To build an archaeological base and a building for the museum. To organise
archaeological expeditions.
To enlarge cultural and scientific co-operation with the Armenian and foreign
scientific, cultural and educational centres. To assist to the integration of the Armenian culture
in the world cultural structures.
To organise cultural tourism activities and other associated services.
2.2. Development Objectives.
To create a permanently functioning scientific, educational and touristic centre on the
basis of the complex of monument-museum-archaeological base.
To organise lectures and workshops for both, Armenian and foreign students, who
study the history, archaeology, architecture, culture and art of the ancient period of Asia,
Transcaucasia, Iran and Armenia.
To participate in the reconstruction work of the zone hit by the earthquake of 1988 and
in the social-economic activities of development of the village of Beniamin.
To assist to the raising of the role of museums in the spheres of culture, science,
education, and tourism.
To expand activities aimed at the incorporation of the archaeological monuments of
Shirak region, as well as the rich historical-cultural heritage of Armenian people in the world
science and culture.
To use the latest means of information for enriching the educational programs.
Actively participate in the raising of the way of life and cultural awareness of the
population of the village of Beniamin.
Create new and guaranteed jobs for the population.
To assist to the social and economic development of the village of Beniamin, its way
of life and its cultural development.
3. Main inputs.
3.1. Staff. A dynamic staff will be formed which will be subject to relevant changes
according to the objectives of different phases.
Phase One
N
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Name of the Post / Position
Project Director
Accountant
Curator of the museum property
Scientific Staff
Computer Programmer, Program Administrator
Computer Operator
Restoration Artist
Painter
Photographer
Interpreters/Translators
UNESCO Expert
Numbe
r of
People
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
Duration of the
Position
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
4 months
10 months
1 week
Phase Two
N
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Name of the Post / Position
Project Director
Accountant
Curator of the museum property
Scientific Staff
Computer Programmer, Program Administrator
Restoration Artist
Painter
Photographer
Interpreters/Translators
UNESCO Expert
Consultant / architect-designer
Computer Operator
Numbe
r of
People
1
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
Duration of the
Position
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
4 months
10 months
2 weeks
10 months
11 months
3.2. Equipment
1. Computer.........................................
Intel PIII-733EB(256,133)/128/20/116/15"
2. SVGA..............................................
32MB Riva TNT II Vanta, AGP
3. Modem.............................................US Robotics SPORTSER mASSAGE 56k
ext, V90(Ret) V.voice
4. CD-Writer........................................
Misumi 4x4x24, IDE
5. Zip Drive..........................................
NEC int., 100Mb, IDE
6. Zip Disks..........................................
iomega, 250MB – 10 copies
7. Printers.............................................
1. Xerox P8ex (A4, 600dpi LPT, 1200dpi
USB, 8ppm),
.............................................................
2. Epson Stylus Colour 600
8. Scanner............................................
HP ScanJet 5370C (A4, 1200dpi, colour,
42-b/p, LPT, USB slide adapter)
9. UPS..................................................
Back PRO 600VA
10. Monitor..........................................
17" 0,27 ViewSonic E771,
1280x1024x768 @87Hz, TCO 95
11. Active Speakers.............................
Genius G-06 6 WATT
12. Headphone with Microphone........
Verbatim
13. Sound card.....................................
SF 256+FM tuner
14. Photographic Equipment...............
1. Digital camera
.............................................................
2. Nikon photo camera
15. CD ReWriteable............................
20 copies
16. Diskettes........................................
20 copies
17. Cartridges.........................................5 copies
18. Equipment for the archeological expedition
All the buildings, equipment and means of transportation acquired under the project
shall be transferred to the newly created “Draskhanakert” Centre.
4. Principal Activity
The activities aimed towards the implementation of the project are arranged in two
phases.
Year One
N
1
Description of Activities
Preparation of the site, Acquisition of the equipment,
Internet wiring, Creation of an Internet web-site.
2
Announcement on the opening of the competition for
the design projects of the construction of the museum
building and archaeological base and reconstruction
of the palatial structures of the monument.
3 Preparation of an Archaeological Catalogue.
3.1. Selection of the museum exhibits and their provision.
Implementators
Director, Accountant,
Computer
Programmer
Director
3.3. Preparation of the sketches of the exhibits.
Curator of the
museum property
Scientific Staff
1, 2, 3
Painter
3.4. Restoration of the exhibits.
Restoration Artist
3.5. Photographing of the exhibits.
Photographer
3.6. Editing of scientific articles.
Scientific Staff
3.2. Preparation of the scientific captions.
Duration
1st and 2nd
months
2nd month
1st - 8th
months
1st - 8th
months
1st - 8th
months
1st - 8th
months
3rd – 6th
months
6th – 9th
3.7. Translation of the scientific articles.
3.8 Preparation of the layout of the computerised
catalogue and conducting of its expert evaluation.
3.9. Publication of the catalogue.
3.10 Production of the catalogue on a CD-ROM.
.
3.11. Making the catalogue available on the Internet website.
4.
Creation of a computerised databank of the findings.
5.
Organisation of an archaeological expedition and
conducting of excavations.
1, 2 & 3, Director
Interpreters/Translato
rs 1 & 2
Painter, Computer
Programmer,
Computer Operator,
Expert
Director
Computer
Programmer,
Computer Operator
Computer
Programmer,
Computer Operator
Curator of the
museum property,
Computer
Programmer,
Computer Operator
Director, Head of the
Expedition
months
5th – 9th
months
th
9 and 10th
months
10th – 12th
months
10th – 12th
months
10th – 12th
months
2nd – 12th
months
6th – 8th
months
Year Two
N
1
Description of Activities
Summing-up of the results of the design projects and
deciding on the winning design projects.
2 Announcement on the opening of the competition for
the construction company, deciding on the company
and beginning of the construction.
3 Preparation of an Architectural Catalogue.
3.1. Selection of the museum exhibits and their provision.
Implementators
Council, Director,
Expert, Consultant
Director, Expert,
Consultant,
Council
Duration
1st and 2nd
months
3rd – 4th
months
3.3. Preparation of the plans and sketches of the exhibits.
Curator of the
museum property
Scientific Staff
1, 2, 3
Painter
3.4. Restoration of the exhibits.
Restoration Artist
3.5. Photographing of the exhibits.
Photographer
3.6. Editing of scientific articles.
Scientific Staff
1, 2 & 3, Director
Interpreters/Translato
rs 1 & 2
Painter, Computer
Programmer,
1st - 8th
months
1st - 8th
months
1st - 8th
months
1st - 8th
months
3rd – 6th
months
6th – 9th
months
5th – 9th
months
9th and 10th
months
3.2. Preparation of the scientific captions.
3.7. Translation of the scientific articles.
3.8 Preparation of the layout of the computerised
catalogue and conducting of its expert evaluation.
3.9. Publication of the catalogue.
3.10 Production of the catalogue on a CD-ROM.
Computer Operator,
Expert
Director
Computer
Programmer,
Computer Operator
3.11. Making the catalogue available on the Internet webComputer
site.
Programmer,
Computer Operator
4. Creation of a computerised databank of the findings. Curator of the
museum property,
Computer
Programmer,
Computer Operator
Scientific Staff
1, 2, 3
5. Organisation of an archaeological expedition and
Director, Head of the
conducting of excavations.
Expedition
6. End of the construction and conservation of the
Council, Director,
museum building and their approval.
Expert, Consultant
7. Preparation of a plan on the furnishing of the museum Director, Expert,
and the archaeological base, preparation of the
Consultant,
exposition of the monument and the museum.
Council
10th – 12th
months
10th – 12th
months
11th – 12th
months
1st – 12th
months
6th – 8th
months
th
10 and 11th
months
6th – 12th
months
a). To establish appropriate conditions on the territory of the monument for the processing and
exhibiting of the excavated artefacts.
b). To create an international scientific, educational and touristic centre, on the basis of the
monument-museum complex, which will be in a position to organise archaeological
expeditions, receive students, archaeologists and other specialists and tourists.
c). To create a computerised databank and a catalogue of the archaeological monument and
the excavated discoveries, to publish it and produce it on a CD-ROM. Make it all accessible
via an Internet web-site to the international scientific, academic and cultural centres and
tourist agencies.
5. Main objectives to be achieved
The expected result is the aggregate of the effectiveness of the main spheres of the
project – cultural, scientific, educational, social and commercial. Specific criteria are
applicable for the evaluation of effectiveness of each of the spheres.
5.1. Expected cultural outcomes.
 Creation of an archaeological base.
 Conservation of the monumental structures of the monument.
 Creation of a new museum.
 Raising of the role of museums in the research of history, culture and art of the ancient
period.
 New possibilities for the development of museums and enrichment of their collections.


High quality of information and new possibilities for the promotion of the material and
spiritual culture and the rich heritage of ancient Armenian history and culture.
Enlargement of international ties and co-operation.
5.2. Expected scientific outcomes.
 Continuation and enlargement of the scope of excavations.
 Publication of scientific catalogues.
 Expansion and speeding up of the circulation of scientific data on the monument, its
excavated discoveries and published materials through the use of modern means of
communication and informatics.
 Expansion and intensification of the international scientific co-operation.
Criteria for the assessment of the effectiveness of the scientific sphere are:
a). The number of scientific publications about the monument and the number of references to
them.
b). The number of specialists that has participated in the research work over the monument.
c). The number of scientists and specialists that has visited the archaeological monument.
d). The number of countries and organisations from which the researchers or scientists
working over the archaeological monument and/or visiting it are.
e). The number of hits on the Internet web-site of the monument.
5.3. Expected educational outcomes.
 Inclusion of the newly discovered material in the educational programs.
 Inclusion of field trips and workshops in the educational programs and their conducting,
and therefore enriching those programs.
 Teaching of modern methods of conducting archaeological excavations by the visiting
foreign specialists.
 Exchange of experience and lessons learned.
Criteria for the assessment of the effectiveness of the educational sphere are:
a). The number of publications, reference materials and audio-visual means used in the
educational textbooks and during the courses taught.
b). The number of students that have participated in the excavations and field trips and
workshops organised at the site of the monument.
c). Statistics on the education institutions, participating countries and professional orientation
of the students.
d). The number of hits on the Internet web-site of the monument.
5.4. Expected social outcomes.
 Creation of new and guaranteed jobs for the population of the village of Beniamin.
 Inclusion of the village of Beniamin in the tourist maps, which in its turn will result in the
increase of the agricultural production and its vending, and therefore also the development
of the relevant infrastructures.
 Development of the way of life and the social-economic areas in the village of Beniamin.
Criteria for the assessment of the effectiveness of the social sphere are:
a). The number of the newly created jobs.
b). The number of the specialists and visitors staying in the village.
c). The amount of the agricultural production and the products sold in addition to the regular
amounts.
d). The scope of the paid services provided by the population of the village of Beniamin.
5.4. Expected commercial outcomes.
 Inclusion of the “Draskhanakert” Centre in the tourist activities.
 Creation of the infrastructure for the cultural tourism.
 Development of non-standard tourism – participation of tourists in the archaeological
excavations.
 Provision of different services to the visitors.
Criteria for the assessment of the effectiveness of the commercial sphere are:
a). The number of agreements signed with the tourist organisations.
b). The number of tourists and visitors.
c). The amounts saved from tourism and related activities.
5.5. Expected incomes.
Some of the activities envisaged by the project, infrastructures and organisation of paid
for services can become a source of income.
 Amounts saved from the tourism and fees for paid for services.
 Amounts saved from the vending of travel-guides and catalogues.
 Financial or material charitable investments.
All the income accumulated from the activities envisaged by the project will be
deposited in the project budget and are subject to use only for the implementation of the
project objectives.
It will be possible to summarise and assess the effectiveness of the project and its final
results only several years after the completion of the project.
6. Calculated Budget
The project budget is arranged according to the years and expense budget-lines.
6.1. Year One
Article One (Administrative and Office Costs)
1. Space leasing and renovation*............................................................USD500
2. Office furniture and supplies..............................................................USD1.000
3. Preservation costs*..............................................................................USD580
4. Utility expenses*.................................................................................USD60
5. Preservation costs for the means of transportation and their use*......
USD300
6. Telephone costs..................................................................................
USD60
*
7. Electricity charges .............................................................................USD600
8. New telephone line.............................................................................USD100
9. Internet connection costs....................................................................
USD60
10. Internet connection monthly fees - USD60 x 12 months...................USD720
11. Design and hosting of an Internet web-site........................................
USD140
Sub-Total................................................................................................
USD4.120
Sub-Total of the required amount.......................................................
USD2.080
Article Two (Equipment, Materials, Accessories and Supplies)
1. Computer and accessories..................................................................
USD5.000
2. Photo camera, accessories and materials............................................USD500
*
Budget lines marked with an asterisk are covered by the museum.
3. Painting paper and other accessories..................................................USD300
4. Tools and accessories for the archaeological expedition*..................USD500
5. Archaeological excavations*..............................................................
USD10.000
6. Materials and accessories for the restoration laboratory....................
USD500
Sub-Total................................................................................................
USD16.800
Sub-Total of the required amount..........................................................USD6.300
Article Three (Publication and Printing Expenses)
1. Publication of the archaeological catalogue (1000 copies).................USD5.000
Sub-Total of the required amount..........................................................USD5.000
Article Four (Salaries)
N
Name of Post / Position
1
2
3
4
Project Director
Accountant
Curator of the museum property
Scientific Staff
Computer Programmer, Program
5
Administrator
6 Computer Operator
7 Restoration Artist
8 Painter
9 Photographer
10 Interpreters/Translators
11 Total
Numb
er of
Peopl
e
1
1
1
3
Monthly
salary
Duration
of the
Post
Total salary
USD400
USD150
USD350
USD300
12 Months
12 Months
12 Months
12 Months
USD4.800
USD1.800
USD4.200
USD10.800
1
USD350
12 Months
USD4.200
1
1
1
1
2
USD200
USD250
USD250
USD200
USD250
12 Months
12 Months
12 Months
4 Months
10 Months
USD2.400
USD3.000
USD3.000
USD800
USD5.000
USD40.000
Social investments - 28%........................................................................
UNESCO expert in publishing (one week).............................................
USD11.200
USD2.700
Total........................................................................................................
USD53.900
Budget sub-grand-total for the Year One............................................USD67.280
6.2. Year Two
Article One (Administrative and Office Costs)
1.
2.
3.
4.
*
*
Office furniture and supplies..............................................................USD500
Preservation costs*..............................................................................USD580
Utility expenses*..................................................................................USD60
Preservation costs for the means of transportation and their use*.......USD300
Budget lines marked with an asterisk are covered by the museum.
Budget lines marked with an asterisk are covered by the museum.
5. Telephone costs..................................................................................USD60
6. Electricity charges*.............................................................................USD600
7. Internet connection monthly fees - USD60 x 12 months...................USD720
Sub-Total................................................................................................
USD2.820
Sub-Total of the required amount.......................................................
USD1.280
Article Two (Equipment, Materials, Accessories and Supplies)
1. Computer accessories.........................................................................
2. Photo accessories and materials.........................................................
3. Painting paper and other accessories..................................................USD200
4. Tools and accessories for the archaeological expedition*..................USD500
5. Materials and accessories for the restoration laboratory....................
6. Archaeological excavations*..............................................................
Sub-Total................................................................................................
Sub-Total of the required amount..........................................................USD1.100
USD500
USD200
USD200
USD10.000
USD11.600
Article Three (Publication and Printing Expenses)
1. Publication of the architectural catalogue (1000 copies)....................USD5.000
Sub-Total of the required amount..........................................................USD5.000
Article Four (Activities connected with design and construction)
1. Design prizes......................................................................................
USD3.000
2. Construction and conservation work...............................................
USD105.654
Sub-Total of the required amount.......................................................USD108.654
Article Five (Salaries)
N
1
2
3
4
Name of Post / Position
Project Director
Accountant
Curator of the museum property
Scientific Staff
Computer Programmer, Program
5
Administrator
6 Computer Operator
7 Restoration Artist
8 Painter
9 Photographer
10 Interpreters/Translators
11 Consultant
12 Total
Numb
er of
Peopl
e
1
1
1
3
Monthly
salary
Duration
of the
Post
Total salary
USD400
USD150
USD350
USD300
12 Months
12 Months
12 Months
12 Months
USD4.800
USD1.800
USD4.200
USD10.080
1
USD350
12 Months
USD4.200
1
1
1
1
2
1
USD200
USD250
USD250
USD200
USD250
USD300
12 Months
12 Months
12 Months
4 Months
10 Months
12 Months
USD2.400
USD3.000
USD3.000
USD800
USD5.000
USD3.600
USD42.880
Social investments - 28%........................................................................
Sub-Total................................................................................................
USD12.006
USD54.886
UNESCO expert/architect in museum construction (one week)................USD2.700
UNESCO expert in monument conservation (one week)...........................USD2.700
Total........................................................................................................
USD60.286
Budget sub-grand-total for the Years One and Two.........................USD176.320
TOTAL OF THE PROJECT.............................................................
ADDITIONAL UNESCO SUPPORT COSTS - 13%........................
GRAND TOTAL OF THE PROJECT.............................................
USD243.600
USD36.400
USD280.000
.......................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................
Project Implementing Organization
Name of the Organisation.....................Regional Museum of Shirak
Address.................................................118 Myasnikian Street, Gyumri, Armenia
Telephone.............................................374 2 28 47
Type of Ownership...............................State Enterprise
State Registration Number...................
B 004056
Governing Body...................................Shirak Regional Authority
Bank Account Number.........................900211255014, Gyumri Treasury Branch
Director................................................
Mr. Hamazasp KHACHATRIAN