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According to the Minister of Culture AsmikPoghosyan, Armenia will restore the medieval fortress of VII century Dashtadem in Aragatsotn Region.

According to the Minister of Culture AsmikPoghosyan, Armenia will restore the medieval fortress of VII century Dashtadem in Aragatsotn Region.The first stage of the restoration estimated at $550.000will begin in the nearest future and to be covered by the Ambassador’ Fund for Cultural Preservation, US Embassy.

For thefortressreconstruction and the territorycleanup 360 million AMDhave been allocatedIn the period of 2006-2008, but due to the global economic crisisin 2008-2010 Armenia had to suspend the reconstructionprogram.

In 2012, the Ministry of Culture presented to the Ambassador’ Fund for Cultural Preservationcomprehensive program of research, evaluation, restoration of the fortress, for the full implementation of which the amount of $ 5.5 million isrequired. The program was approved in 2013, and $550.000were allocated for the start-up.

"The funds will be provided only on the condition that the entire territory of the fortress and the surrounding area will be the property of the state, therefore the real estate located in thefortress territory is recognized as a priority by today’s government decision, and for its acquisition about 23.5 million AMD were allocated", said Pogosyan.

The Minister informed that in addition to the castle restoration there are plans for creation of tourism environment, establishment of cultural and research center on the base of the fortress and museum of military art.

"This is one of the almost completely preserved fortress complex in the territory of Armenia, which identified various cultural layers - not only Armenian, but also Arabic inscriptions and Iranian construction", said Poghosyan.