Archaeological missions as a tool for the valorization and promotion of “forgotten heritage”: The Italian-Armenian Mission in Aruch"

This poster presents the work carried out by the Archaeological Mission of "Aruch e l’incastellamento della Via della Seta" which represents a collaborative project between Armenian and Italian specialists aimed at uncovering and preserving the rich archaeological heritage of Armenia along the Silk Road. Central to this Mission is the excavation of areas with a very high historical and archaeological value that have been forgotten and abandoned, with the active involvement of the local population in the archaeological activities. The Mission also aims to raise awareness and cultural identity as well as to create a deeper sense of belonging among community members, but also to revitalise neglected areas and turn them into symbols of the past heritage and historical relevance of the village of Aruch, a small town in Armenia’s Aragatsotn province. The combined action of community involvement and excavation activities has created a collective effort to preserve the archaeological “treasures” and instilled a newfound appreciation for the region’s rich heritage not only in the villagers, but also in the valorization of the archaeological remains for the future generations and the promotion of tourism and economic development of the area.