16 years after being liberated the town of Shushi remains basically in ruins and dilapidated despite the many pronouncements emanating from the highest levels noting the urgent need to reconstruct it. To that end a number of organizations and foundations have been created, but we are still left with what exists today. Furthermore, in the ensuing years a number of buildings with historic significance have been razed to the ground along with other structures.

This has been borne out by Vardan Gabrielyan, the newly appointed head of Shushi’s Regional Administration. Since taking office he has ordered that all demolition work be halted even though various structures remain targeted by the wrecking ball.

Walking through the town one gets the impression of being back in the war years. Ruined houses and walls blackened by fire abound. All this leaves negatively impacts the few thousand residents of Shushi and the many tourists that visit the historic town famous for its walled citadel.

During his interview with us Vardan Gabrielyan clearly stated that the time to rebuild Shushi was now. Created several years ago, the “Shushi Revival Fund” (SRF) has made significant investments to this end. The foundation has a number of projects for the town, some already finished and some still in the planning stage.

In January of this year the SRF initiated the Shushi-Bethlehem Telebridge, a live TV program that raised some $5.7 million in donations. These proceeds will go to finance a variety of projects. Artur Hambardzumyan, the Shushi representative of the SRF, informed us that some $3.5 - 4 million would be invested in the former Natavan palace grounds where the construction of a hotel complex is envisaged. Mr. Hambardzumyan confirmed that, “The Fund is also preparing a draft study for the reconstruction of the historic Adamyan Street that will encompass a public square and the renovation of old homes in the Armenian architectural style. This will help preserve the old-world charm of Shushi.”

One of the most important projects involves the water distribution system of Shushi. The project entails the repair of the Tadevos Tamiryan water pipe. Mr. Gabrielyan assured us that this would resolve the current water distribution problem of Shushi, which is especially acute during the winter, and summer months. While discussing the other projects, Mr. Hambardzumyan noted that the monies received by the SRF from overseas are mostly in the form of investments and that investors will reap any realized profits.

The oriental bathhouse will also be renovated. Its owners promise that work will be completed by the end of this year. Repair of the roof at the former young women’s school will start this summer. The government itself will most likely undertake the restoration of the building since according to our information it is envisaged to house the NKR Ministry for Culture and Youth. SRF representative Mr. Hambardzumyan informed us that, “Presently, renovation work is underway on the so-called “Green Pharmacy” structure next to the Shushi Museum. We are merely restoring the building with the suggestion that it indeed be used as a pharmacy. We also have reached an understanding with the global Armenian Medical Association that they will give us medicines free of charge that will be sold in the pharmacy at bargain prices.”

The SRF has also completed its plan to construct a tourist information center. The center is located in the building of the former bus station. The Fund has also opened a printing house that its director claims is outfitted with the latest in printing equipment and that will employ ten people.

The Shushi Revival Fund isn’t the only organization seeking to invest in the town. It was only recently revealed that the NKR government sold land and other fixed assets, with a total value of some 21.2 million drams, once belonging to the state-run “Barekargum” company to the “Black Garden Tufenkian” organization. This outfit plans to invest some $465,000 over the next few years in the construction of a major tourist complex on the site.

A number of multi-dwelling buildings will also be renovated.

A resident of Shushi stated, “Lately there has been a noticeable change in the outlook of the authorities regarding Shushi. The President and other government members frequently visit the town to inspect the status of this or that building. Construction work continues apace. In any event this new approach is to be welcomed even though it is a bit late in coming.” In the last year the amount budgeted by the government for capital restoration projects rose by 60%. According to the Regional Head of Shushi these funds will fund a variety of projects including gas supply, road repair, reconstruction of the infrastructure, etc.

Official reports have already confirmed that some government institutions will be relocated to Shushi. Plans include relocating the Appeals and Supreme Courts here as well as the Stepanakert Home for the Aged. One of the military units will also find a new home in Shushi. The multi-apartment house located at Manukyan #1 Street will also be renovated. NKR Prime Minister Ara Harutyunyan has confirmed that the building is the private property of just one individual but that “at the request of the government the owner handed over two floors for renovation. The renovated apartments will then be allocated to those refugees and other families now housed in the Stepanakert dormitory that wish to move to Shushi.” The Regional Head also stated that another building with 62 apartments is also slated for renovation and that the residential units will be placed on the market at mortgage rates.

The Outlook Regarding Shushi Must Change

Vardan Gabrielyan stresses that, “There must be a change in the outlook regarding Shushi; from a town only in need of charitable projects to one where the real need is direct investment. We would be more than pleased to invest in Shushi and make a profit.” He believes that there must be a real change in attitude regarding Shushi, that violations and abuses must be avoided. Mr. Gabrielyan pledges to severely deal with those permitting such violation during his term in office. As to whether abuses have occurred in the past regarding the distribution of apartments, the present picture is proof positive. Today, there are no vacant apartments in Shushi to be found. If we were to assume this to be the case then the population of Shushi would be several times more than its current 3,000. Even tracts of land containing ruined houses are privately owned but till today no appropriate work has been done either to the houses or to the land.

Anyone now wishing to move to Shushi wouldn’t be able to find a place to live. According to the Regional Head of Shushi the only thing a newcomer would be offered would be an available parcel of land on which to build a house and only in those cases where one individual occupies several apartments or in some cases, an entire building.

The Shushi official claims that they are trying to correct the situation through legal means. Concurrent to these developments apartment prices continue to rise in Shushi. After Stepanakert, the highest apartment prices in the NKR are to be found in Shushi. According to figures of the NKR State Committee of the Cadastre (a comprehensive official register of real property), when compared to the 4th quarter of 2007, the cost of 1 square meter of apartment space in a multi-unit building in Shushi during the 1st quarter of 2008 rose some 80.1%; that’s to say from $95.5 to $182.

There will also be some changes to the resettlement policy regarding Shushi. Professionals from a variety of fields, whose need is sorely felt in Shushi, will be invited to relocate here as well.