Our most recent therapeutic session brought us closer to completing a profound collective project – the meticulous recreation of Artsakh’s map in fabric. Just two regions now remain before the map becomes whole.
The highly skilled Mrs. Aida, recognized by all as our most accomplished needleworker, has taken responsibility for the expansive Kashatagh region. Meanwhile, the delicate Shushi region – our smallest piece – is being lovingly assembled through a rotating collaboration, with each participant contributing their careful stitches.
True to our promise, we prepared a special artistic interlude – a moving performance by the gifted vocalist Firouza Arzumanyan, whose melodies seemed to weave their own threads through our gathering.
Yet another beautiful surprise unfolded that day—the unannounced arrival of Margaret Kilajyan, former board member of AWWA and dedicated humanitarian. Having learned about our collective embroidery project through social media, Margaret came personally to witness this living testament to Artsakh’s memory.
As one of Hanganak’s most devoted supporters, Margaret knows many of our beneficiaries by name. Her joy was palpable when she reunited with Mrs. Aida—the same woman she had visited in Noragyugh back in 2021, now leading the stitching of Kashatagh with the same quiet strength.
The session unfolded as a beautiful, multi-layered experience—each thread of activity weaving together into something extraordinary. While some participants continued their careful stitching, others began assembling the completed regions of the map. Many took the opportunity to share their emotions and stories with Margaret, their words as meaningful as the stitches in the fabric.
All the while, Firouza’s exquisite voice filled the space, transforming the gathering into something truly sacred. This was more than just a workshop—it became a living memory that will remain etched in the hearts of our beneficiaries for years to come.
With Dr. Lalayan guiding the process and participants working together, all regions were carefully joined—the textile map of Artsakh now complete in its vibrant entirety. The creation awaits only its final steps: to be mounted on backing paper and ceremoniously hung upon the wall. We’ve chosen to postpone this meaningful unveiling until our next gathering, making the occasion truly special.
“This is no ordinary map,” declared Mrs. Iskuhi. “This is a living testament—stitched with our collective memory. Through these threads, we’ve woven our thoughts, our emotions, our struggles, and above all, our unshakable hope. Each stitch is a promise—one that now lives in this fabric.” She paused, her gaze sweeping across the vibrant tapestry. “Like our people, this map embraces diversity—different perspectives, personalities, and destinies united in a single homeland. Look at us: from Hadrut’s valleys, Martakert’s plains, Berdzor’s highlands, Stepanakert’s heart, Noragyugh’s warmth—some born in Javakhk, others with roots in Syria, Armenia, all bound by fate to Artsakh… This is the true geography of our nation. Indivisible. Unbreakable.”
And she added with conviction. “But most importantly, these hands have transferred more than thread—they’ve sewn our love and devotion into every fiber. We cherish our soil, our heritage, our faith. This is how we defend our borders now: not with weapons, but with needle and thread. We may not be soldiers, but through this act, we fight—for our freedom, for our security, for our future.”
Follow our journey as we continue to weave hope into reality.
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