On July 28, five young veterans of the 44-day war, all beneficiaries of the Insurance Foundation for Servicemen (IFS), tied the last knots of a special carpet. Armenia Peace Initiative, which supports the IFS, was also present at the carpet cutting ceremony.
The “Knot for․․․” action launched in June 2021 by the IFS and Megeryan Carpet, invited everyone to participate in the making of a solar carpet, known as Arevagorg, by tying a knot. For each knot, a donation of 1,000 AMD (2 dollars/euros or 150 roubles) was received to support the families of those who lost their lives or their physicial integrity in defence of the homeland.
This solar carpet represents the Jraberd region of Artsakh. A floral cross framed by the ornaments of the sun’s rays decorates the centre of the carpet. In the Armenian culture, a cross with rays is a symbol of sunlight and has a protective power.
For about a year, many individuals, organisations, celebrities and schoolchildren visited the Marriott Hotel showroom every day and tied their knots in the carpet. The Armenian diaspora tied virtual knots via the website megerian.1000plus.am, showing their care and support for the servicemen and their families. Through this initiative, 8,123,000 AMD (€19,585) was raised.
In her opening remarks, Karine Sargsyan, Director General of the ISF, recalled the mission of the fund and emphasised that through the collective weaving of this carpet, everyone had been able to show their respect for the memory of the dead and their support for the veterans who had returned heavily disabled, that they appreciated the heroes and respected the memory of those who had died, as well as those who were alive today. According to Raffi Megeryan, founder of the Megeryan Carpet Company, the weaving of this carpet symbolises solidarity, which achieves real results. Raffi Megeryan stressed that the Solar Carpet is a symbol of Armenia’s inner strength.
The path of the Solar Carpet does not end here. It has been brought to Megeryan Carpet to undergo a special washing and treatment process, after which it will be auctioned off this autumn. The total amount raised will be transferred to the IFS.
This initiative has once again proven the idea that even with a small but united contribution we can create a decent future for our soldiers and their families.