Mayor of the enlarged community of Noyemberyan, Arsen Aghababyan, stated that the border delimitation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan has led to improved security in the region’s frontier villages.
“In the past, there was a high risk of gunfire towards locals or travelers, but the situation has changed. Now we have a clearly defined border area monitored by border guards rather than regular military units. Our territory has never felt as secure as it does now,” Aghababyan told Armenpress.
He noted a revival in the daily lives of community residents, thanks to large-scale events regularly held in the area. This year, the traditional Vardavar festival was celebrated in Koghb with greater fanfare and participation.
“Vardavar isn’t just about splashing water and joy; it brings people together and affirms our identity and traditions. Every year, we aim to offer something new. Our community includes 17 villages, and we ensure residents from all of them are involved,” said Aghababyan.
Two years ago, about 10,000 people attended the celebration, a number exceeded this year. The participation of the State Symphony Orchestra in Koghb elevated the event further, he said, emphasizing that Noyemberyan’s distance from Yerevan doesn’t deter visitors.
Cultural development remains a key focus. Recently, an art school and an arts center were established. The community has restored cultural centers with state support, which Aghababyan said reflects the area’s cultural potential.
Koghb’s puppet theater, founded in 2006, was launched through donations, including 23 puppets from the mayor’s brother and Yerevan-based natives. The theater tours schools and kindergartens across the region with free shows. Noyemberyan also boasts large theaters that present both Armenian and international classics.
“Our halls are always full. People say the public isn’t into theater, but we prove the opposite. Culture must be properly introduced and consistently nurtured. I’m proud people say I know seven songs and they’re all about culture—it means we’re brightening lives daily,” he said, crediting youth initiatives across villages.
Aghababyan emphasized that locals now have fewer reasons to leave. Koghb’s “Koghb” Foundation launched a digital studio teaching photography, 3D modeling, audiobooks, and graphic design. Around 300 youths study there, some already securing international contracts.
In addition, a TUMO Center for Creative Technologies opened in Koghb, attracting about 1,000 teens.
Employment remains a challenge, but Aghababyan said tackling this issue can curb emigration. Plans include creating an art gallery, as current spaces are too small for the growing number of local artworks. Ten artists, led by Honored Artist Hrant Tadevosyan, will soon visit for a conference and plein-air event.
Artists often donate works to the community, building a collection that justifies opening a capital-grade gallery.
Noyemberyan is divided into two zones—orcharding dominates the Debed valley, while livestock farming prevails in upper areas. The community owns 160 hectares of rare olive groves, which Aghababyan hopes to brand. Irrigation remains an issue due to periodic disruptions from tailings ponds, but a reservoir is under construction near Karmir village to address this.
“If we get water to the farmer, he won’t want to emigrate. We’ve chosen light and are moving toward it,” he said.
Aghababyan thanked the Koghb Foundation, with whom many initiatives are implemented. Soon, a state-of-the-art sports school will be built with support from the foundation and the UN Development Programme. Coaches are already undergoing training in Yerevan.
“The municipality funds athletes and musicians representing our region in global competitions and rewards winners. We also offer annual scholarships for students and teachers participating in academic contests, supported by the Koghb Foundation. To develop the country, you must think like a statesman and love your homeland unconditionally,” he concluded.
