There are no ancient monuments in Armenia like the Temple of Garni, and it is very natural that we should cherish it as the apple of our eye. As to why the government, in the face of the Ministry of Culture, has decided to set up a business there in unexplainable. First, about “temporary light constructions”, which are referred by “cultural” SNCO. Years ago, the Circular Park, but later, it turned out that those restaurant-cafes are neither temporary, nor light.
We know how it happens. First, there is a noise about it, then this-or-that circle of the power, however, manages to start the construction, afterwards, the owner of the “object” is slowly “moving forward”, and as a result a huge concrete construction is rising. The other argument of the Ministry of Culture SNCO is that a Russian-Armenia benefactor is building a cafe in the territory of Garni, and will sent the whole profit to the state, so that the latter would “cover” the low efficiency lighting effects of Garni. But, if the benefactor is so good and pursues no interest, wouldn’t it be better if he just transfers money to the state budget and cover the cost of lighting effects? What is the meaning of “placing an object”? It is also said that the construction of the cafe raises the Garni temple attraction. It is very likely that the number of visitors will grow due to the “object”. However, this is not the problem that must be solved at any cost. Because the “attractiveness” can be raised in various ways, for instances, by building a casino or a nightclub around the temple. And, it is possible to apply to purely cultural steps, but it requires some kind of intellect and mental outlook. The Garni temple, as well as our many other monuments need for money. Finding money for culture is very easy. Here, the states, international corporations, individuals millionaires have no political restrictions. There are states, in which the culture (not just our own, but also the world) is the most valuable and the most important thing. Such as Japan, first of all. However, money is given to a person who works, who, in a good sense, is “trembling” on his national values. And, he, who spoils them for the sake of some unclear “business plans”, naturally, will not get a penny. I assure you these are problems that are not less important than politics because the current approaches can really lead to irreparable loss. And, most importantly, under adequate will, these matter are the ones that are easily solved.
ARAM ABRAHAMYAN
