Yerevan's Urartian heritage added to UNESCO Tentative List

At UNESCO’s 47th World Heritage Committee session being held in Paris from July 6-16, Yerevan’s Urartian heritage and the Garni Archaeological Complex with the Symphony of Stones, have been officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

The nominations were coordinated by Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, with input from research institutions and heritage experts. Armenia’s delegation is led by its Ambassador to UNESCO Aram Hakobyan, the ministry reported on Friday.

These are Armenia’s 6th and 7th entries on the Tentative List. Previously listed sites include Dvin, Ereruyk, Noravank, Tatev and most recently, the Dragon Stones of Tirinkatar (2024).

Currently, Armenia has three sites inscribed on the official World Heritage List, including the Monasteries of Haghpat and Sanahin, the Cathedral and Churches of Echmiadzin with Zvartnots and the Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley.

Placement on the Tentative List is a prerequisite for future inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.