Mardagerd (Martakert, Մարտակերտ) city is the administrative center of the Mardagert Region of the Artsakh Republic. It is located in the northern part of Artsakh, 75 km away from Stepanagerd, and is the 4th largest city in Artsakh. It is located at an altitude of 415 m (1,362 ft) above sea level. The population is over 5,000 people. As Martakert is a lowland city, the inhabitants are mainly engaged in agriculture. The Azeris captured and destroyed the city in 1992. Martakert was liberated in 1993.

FOA funded and completed many projects in the city of Mardagerd in many phases. THE TOTAL COST IS $145,442. See the project list and pictures below.

Hatspanyan Arts & Science Youth Center cost $107,835

Project #188; Cost $500: In 2022, FOA purchased Art Suppliesfor the Hatspanyan Youth Center.

Project #147; Cost $3,500: In 2019, FOA added Parameter walls and drain pipes and drainage pipes outside the Hatspanyan Creative Arts and Science Youth Center.

Project #146; Cost $2,500: In 2019, FOA built a new sidewalk outside the Hatspanyan Youth Center.

Project #140; Cost $101,335: In 2018, FOA made major renovation to the Youth Center and named it Sarkis Hatspanyan Youth Center for the Creative Arts and Science for his memory. This center gives more than 200 gifted children the opportunity to learn and create their interest in Art and Science. The center is a 2-story building, has 4 large classrooms, 3 offices, an auditorium, and bathrooms. It has the potential to expand the computer lab, as do other areas of education.

Mardagerd’s School #2 Cost $9,000

Project #110; Cost $1,800: In 2017 FOA renovated Mardagerd’s School #2 by adding 2 much-needed rooms.

Project #104; Cost $7,200: In 2017, FOA renovated the Gymnasium of Mardagerd’s School #2.

Flour Mill cost $28,607

Project #7; Cost $28,607 each: In 1999, FOA purchased 2 Flour Mills from North Carolina. Assembled and tested in Los Angeles. Then shipped them to Artsakh. One was delivered and installed in the city of Mardagerd, and the other one in the town of Hadrut.

Projects #140, #146, #147: In 2017 FOA reconstructed the Youth Center for the Creative Arts and Science in the city of Mardagerd and named it after Sarkis Hatspanyan. Total Cost $107,335.

Friends of Armenia visit to the opening of renovated Sarkis Hatspanyan Youth Center in Mardagerd, Artsakh

Pictures taken in May of 2022 of the Art Center projects

The center is active and has won several competitions this year. A student of the center recently won the second prize in a dance competition held in Yerevan

On September 24, 2018 about 20 FOA delegates traveled to Mardagerd city for the opening Ceremonies of Sarkis Hatspanyan Youth Center for the Creative Arts and Science.

The governor, other government officials, Sarkis Hatspanyan’s family, school administrators, and the people of Mardagerd were present as well.

During the ceremony, the governor endowed the Nerses Shnorhali medal to Sarkis Hatspanyan’s wife Hasmig Boghosyan in lieu of his passing, and the Artsakh war veteran medal was given to his son Nayiri Hatspanyan.