We Are Our Mountains

The We Are Our Mountains monument. Andrasta (Atlas Obscura User)

On a hill just outside of Stepanakert, there stands an unusual and striking monument. Called We Are Our Mountains, the looming faces of an old man and woman represent the mountain people of Artsakh and their Armenian heritage.

The Republic of Artsakh (previously known as Nagorno-Karabakh) is a disputed territory in a landlocked region within Azerbaijan. Although internationally recognized as a part of Azerbaijan, it’s governed as a de facto independent state by its Armenian ethnic majority. Its original name, Nagorno-Karabakh, means “mountainous black garden.”

We Are Our Mountains is an iconic monument within the unrecognized republic. The image of the monument caused controversy at the Eurovision Song Contest 2009, initially due to its appearance in the semi-final introduction and subsequently because it was repeatedly shown by an Armenian spokesperson during the vote following an Azeri request that it be removed.

Its image also features heavily in Artsakh’s coat of arms. Locals sometimes refer to it as “tatik-papik” (“grandma and grandpa”) for its two elderly faces. The sculpture, which was installed in 1967, is made from volcanic tufa.

Know Before You Go

The monument is a short and easy drive from Stepanakert. Visas are no longer required in advance for the Republic of Artsakh and are available upon arrival and registering in Stepanakert. Be aware, however, that these should be issued on a separate piece of paper rather than in your passport as any sign of having been to the region will deny any possibility of entering Azerbaijan or obtaining an Azeri visa.

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