Musaler: Memorial, village history and harisa tradition

Musaler is best known for its Musa-Ler Memorial: the memorial museum, built in 1976, stands on a hill above the village and looks out over the Ararat Plain. Its location, architecture and exhibits offer different perspectives on the place—from the history of the resistance to the everyday life of the Musa-Ler Armenians. Musaler is also close to Yerevan International Airport.

Memorial and architecture

The museum is dedicated to the resistance at Musa Dagh. Its exhibits also cover the everyday life, customs, clothing and economic activities of the Musa-Ler Armenians in Cilicia in the 19th century. Alongside the resistance, various aspects of a historical way of life are therefore at the center.

The red tuff building resembles a fortress tower, with an eagle’s head at the top. A bas-relief depicting a warrior adorns the facade; it was created by Ara Harutyunyan. The memorial is listed among Musaler’s immovable historical and cultural monuments. Basalt steps lead up to the memorial hill. Mount Ararat and Mount Aragats were considered natural visual complements when the site was chosen.

The village’s history is also linked to its founding: survivors and descendants who settled in Soviet Armenia founded Musaler and later built the memorial. Musa-Ler Armenians in Armenia and the diaspora provided material support for the memorial complex and helped build it directly. A statue of Franz Werfel stands next to the Musa Dagh monument in Musaler.

Memorial ceremony and harisa tradition

The Musaler Compatriots’ Association organizes the memorial ceremony. It takes place every year in mid-September; the exact dates may vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your trip around the ceremony, check the specific dates in advance.

During the memorial ceremony, tents are set up around the monument, and participants spend the night there. Overnight arrangements may vary from year to year. The memorial complex also includes a separate Harisatoun, where harisa is prepared and distributed.

Harisa is made with wheat and lamb or chicken; individual preparations may vary. It cooks all night, is served in the morning and distributed to everyone, though serving details may vary from year to year. The right to cook the memorial harisa belongs to 14 families and is passed from father to son. During the memorial ceremony, it is prepared exclusively by men.

Another look at Musa Dagh

Musaler also has an ethnographic museum that depicts life in the villages of Musa Dagh. If you are planning a visit, check the current opening hours in advance. The two museums have different focuses: the memorial museum connects the resistance with the everyday life of the Musa-Ler Armenians in the 19th century, while the ethnographic museum focuses on life in the villages of Musa Dagh.

Discover more destinations: Parakar, Etchmiadzin.

See the regional travel overview: Armavir.