The Controversy Over ‘Karas’—A Term for Commerce or Cultural Heritage?

 Karine Vann

For many villagers across Armenia, karases—the egg-shaped terracotta jugs used for winemaking in the region—aren’t worth the basement space they occupy. Despite the fact that in recent years, they have become a symbol of ancient civilization in the region and a testament to Armenia’s viticultural significance (giving it an edge over its friendly rival, Georgia), karases as an instrument have fallen farther and farther into a well of obscurity.

Today, the word is more likely to reference a brand than an ancient vessel. And where culture and commerce meet, there are sure to be complications—even, paradoxically, in the very industry karases exist to serve.

Top 10 of Richest Armenians

According to the Armenian edition of Forbes, this is the ranking of top 10 richest Armenians in the world (figures as of March 2013). Interestingly, six of them are residents and citizens of Russia.

 

Eduardo Eurnekian is Armenia's Largest Foreign Investor

The volume of foreign investments in Armenia in the first half of 2013 comprised $293.1 million, showing a 34.7 percent decrease as compared with the same period last year, National Statistical Service said.

Eduardo Eurnekián es el mayor inversor extranjero en Armenia

El volumen de inversiones extranjeras en Armenia en la primera mitad de 2013 abarcó 293,1 millones de dólares, con un 34,7 por ciento de decrecimiento con respecto al mismo período de 2012, dijo el Servicio Nacional de Estadísticas de la República de Armenia.