Mystical sound of the duduk

02 September, 2017

The Armenian Highlands come alive with the sound of the 'duduk', an ancient woodwind instrument whose music is proclaimed by UNESCO as Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The haunting notes of the duduk resonate across Armenia, a South Caucasian country with snow-cuddled Ararat mountains heaving on its horizon like stony behemoths. The unique flute crafted from apricot wood sounds like a wailing voice, its tone fleshy and pulpy, soulful and evocative. As I travelled across the country of three million — bordered by Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan — I spotted duduk players working their magic outside monasteries, temples, churches and even on the cobbled streets. The duduk is at the heart of Armenia's social life and cultural identity, inextricably woven into the warp and weft of its artistic fabric. No celebration, wedding, funeral or baptism is complete without the notes of this woodwind wonder. Read more:

MFA RA
official website

Dual citizenship

Electronic visa

Visa applications