Martakert is Us: In our dialect, our culture, and our stories.

Can a community survive the loss of its soil, its hearths, and its sacred gathering grounds? Yes, if its dialect, its narratives, and its solidarity endure. The "Martakert is Us" initiative unites the people of Martakert, transforming June 28—the Day of Martakert's Liberation—into a celebration of identity preservation, remembrance, and profound community resilience.

Martakert is us, side by side with you. Help us transform Martakert’s Liberation Day into a cornerstone of remembrance, cultural preservation, and community bonding.

June 28 always held a sacred place in Martakert. It was a day when people gathered as one, remembered as one, and felt as one—a shared unity that became the day's greatest legacy. We seek to keep the spirit of this day alive, allowing it to breathe within us as a bridge connecting past and present, and as an eternal reminder of our roots.

Join us in honoring and preserving our dialect and memories, and find your place within our community.

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IMPACT

The planned event and materials within the framework of this campaign will have the following measurable impacts:

• 500–600 residents of Martakert (youth, adults, and children) will rediscover the strength and unity of their community under one roof.
• The first illustrated booklet of humorous stories in the Martakert dialect will be published and distributed, titled: "Tales from the Bottom of the Heart: Did you hear what happened...?" (Note: This captures the essence of the dialect title).
• An 18-part animated video series based on the booklet will be created, serving as a living tool for preserving identity and dialect among Artsakh Armenians.

TARGET AUDIENCE

The primary beneficiaries of this project are our compatriots forcibly displaced from Artsakh, specifically from the Martakert region and city. The project's target audience is divided into the following categories:

• Primary Target: 500+ Residents of Martakert

This group includes Martakert residents of all ages—adults, youth, and children. For them, this project is an exceptional opportunity to rebuild severed community ties, break away from daily isolation, and gather not for somber occasions, but to collectively value and celebrate their history and honor their hometown's special day.

• Economic Target: Around 10 Artsakhian Businesses

Artsakh entrepreneurs will showcase and sell their products in dedicated pavilions. The event will serve as a platform for them to promote their businesses, acquire new customers, and strengthen economic ties within the community.

• Secondary Target: 5,000+ Online Users

The new generation of Artsakh Armenians living in Armenia and the Diaspora, for whom the 18 animated videos and the illustrated booklet will serve as a living, accessible, and modern tool to preserve their native dialect and cultural heritage.

Our project already has a proven track record of success: last year, we organized our very first event, which laid the foundation for the continuity of this initiative. You can find the link [here].

THE PROBLEM

Following the tragic events of September 19, 2023, and the forced displacement of the population from Artsakh, a profound social and cultural crisis has emerged: the severing of community ties and the erosion of cultural identity. The people of Martakert now find themselves in a new reality—disconnected from their community, traditions, and native dialect. This reality is especially painful for the elderly; their opportunities to meet have been largely confined to somber occasions, such as funerals, which only deepens their sense of isolation.

Today, there is a severe lack of platforms where the community can gather to mark important milestones together. It is not just historical memory that is at risk, but the very survival of a living culture. If we do not address this today, tomorrow we risk losing the final pieces of our identity.

THE SOLUTION

This project addresses the problem through two primary pillars: community consolidation and the preservation of cultural heritage.

• Community Consolidation (June 28): We are transforming Martakert’s Liberation Day into an annual community-wide event under the banner "My Heroic Martakert, My Endless Longing." The event will include a visit to Yerablur Military Pantheon, dedicated Artsakh business pavilions, a creative zone for children, and a cultural evening at Victory Park.
• Preservation of Cultural Heritage: We will publish an illustrated booklet titled "Tales from the Bottom of the Heart: Did you hear what happened...?", featuring humorous local stories from Martakert. Additionally, an animated video series based on these stories will be produced to pass the unique dialect down to the younger generation.

Here is the translation for the final sections of your project description: the closing statement, Team, and Budget.

Thus, experience and the living word are transformed into real action and change.

TEAM

Our team consists of dedicated youth from Martakert who possess the relevant experience to successfully implement this project:

• Nare Ghahramanyan (Project Coordinator): Has 5 years of experience in youth and community project coordination; currently works at the "KASA" Humanitarian Foundation.
• Spartak Hovsepyan (Artistic Director): Representative of the Martakert House of Culture; brings around 10 years of experience in organizing cultural events and stage productions.
• Meri Hovhannisyan (SMM & PR Responsible): Marketing specialist with proven experience in coordinating marketing campaigns; currently works at "Coca-Cola" CJSC.
• Milena Avetisyan (Logistics Responsible & Designer): Has 4 years of experience in cultural projects; currently works at the "KASA" Humanitarian Foundation and "Hub Artsakh" NGO.

BUDGET

The total target budget for the project's implementation is 361,250 AMD. Because this campaign operates with a flexible funding goal, every single contribution will immediately serve the community. The gathered funds will be allocated toward:

• The organizational and logistical expenses of the event titled "My Heroic Martakert, My Endless Longing."
• The illustration, design, and printing of the booklet "Tales from the Bottom of the Heart."
• The production of short animated videos based on local dialect stories.

You can find the detailed budget link [here].

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❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Question 1: Is admission to the June 28th event free, and who can attend?

Answer: Yes, admission to the event is completely free and open to everyone. While the project specifically aims to bring the people of Martakert together, we warmly welcome all Artsakh Armenians and every fellow Armenian standing by our side who wishes to share the meaning of this day and support the community.

Question 2: Where can I purchase the illustrated booklet?

Answer: The booklet is not for sale and will never be available in stores. You can secure your own copy by making a donation of 3,000 AMD or more to this project. As we plan to launch ongoing projects in the future, the booklets will always be distributed exclusively through this format.