An Armenian wedding in the village of Brajur

The photograph shows an Armenian wedding in Artsakh. It was taken in 1908 in the village of Brajur, in the Shahumyan district, in Northern Artsakh. Visible are family members taking part in the wedding ceremony, villagers and musicians.

A large group of people has gathered in front of a building with wooden posts. In the centre is a figure in a white veil; in front, on a carpet, sit musicians with two wind instruments and a drum, and several men are holding glasses. The caption below the photograph reads: “Wedding, Brajur (Shahumyan district), 1908.”

Armenian weddings have always been a great community celebration, and music, dance and unity were an important part of the traditions of those days.