The State Dance Ensemble of the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic is to take part in an ethnographic dance festival in Marseille’s Castle Gombert between July 6 and 14.


Ahead of the big event, the Ensemble appeared on stage in Valence on July 2. The concert was followed by the presentation of the book Artsakh: the Garden of the Armenian Traditions and Art. The edition is dedicated to the 20^th anniversary of the independence of Artsakh. Historian Claud Mutafyan and NKR Permanent Representative to France Hovhaness Gevorgyan delivered speeches at the event to introduce the rich cultural heritage of Artaskh. Mayor of Valence Alen Moris, who was also in attendance, addressed the
Karabakh issue, noting that the conflict can be resolved only through a peaceful dialogue and based on the principle of self-determination.

The event was proposed by NKR Permanent Representative to France Hovhaness Gevorgyan and organized by the coordinating committee of Armenian organizations (COADA).


On Wednesday afternoon, the Ensemble performed in Villeurbanne. Historian Claud Mutafyan and art critic Tigran Kuiumjyan spoke before the event to introduce the history and the miniature art of Artsakh. Mayor of Villeurbanne Jean–Paul Bret (who sponsored the event) later made a speech, unveiling plans to establish deep cultural relations with the country.

The event was also attended by local officials and Armenian community representatives, as well as journalists.


According to a press release by the NKR Foreign Ministry, the Ensemble’s next performance is scheduled in Aix–en-Provence, a city-commune in southern France, which is to become a sister city with capital Stepanakert.