KINI Stepanakert

The Roots is a Cafe Restaurant in Stepanakert, Karabakh Artsakh. Visit Us for a great Burger, Woodfire Pizza, Homemade Pasta, Coffee, Herbal Teas and a Nice piece of Cake. 

We are open everyday from 12h until 23h for lunch until diner. 

Join Our Pizza Party every Friday Night from 19h.

Why do you do what you do?

What is the purpose?

Having been through more than 25 years of war in Artsakh, we, the youth in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) are keen to enjoy life. We are proud of our land, and want to be open to the world to learn, discuss, and exchange ideas and experiences, and to meet others and ... just have fun!

‘The Roots’ aims to give to youngsters a life center where we have a platform to express ourselves, create synergies, improve our cultural knowledge, and enjoy a modern setting.

The idea came about because today in Artsakh there isn't a venue that is specifically dedicated to youth and cultural events, or an open space where local artisans can display their work, and have an opportunity to sell their handmade objects.

The initial team included Iana and Artag from Artsakh, Gerard from Paris, and Greg from Indonesia. Now the team has expanded to include Ani from Yerevan, and Karen, Sariné and Christin form Artsakh. Together we are working to create this new ‘life center’ which we plan to open in early June 2017! We intend to start a new life that helps to promote peace in Artsakh.

How?

The Roots is located in the very heart of Stepanakert, with easy access from the street. The venue has indoor and outdoor seating, a cosy lower ground floor for projections and meetings, two kitchens equipped with an outdoor wood oven.

“The Roots” signifies our motivation to build and maintain strong roots in Artsax with the local community and the rest of the World. The venue will be open everyday from 11am to 11pm. It will be cosy, friendly, accessible and open to everyone.

‘The Roots’ will also host the ‘Artsakh Art Forum Foundation’, a newly-created organisation dedicated to developing artisan handicrafts and ceramics in Karabakh to promote production in this field. The Foundation’s products will be made available at “The Roots” at least three days a week, in the presence of the artisans. This new activity, which is a mini ‘vernissage’ in Stepanakert, similar to that in Yerevan, intends to provide opportunities for the unemployed while at the same time display and promote local skill and creativity.

What?

The life space aims to provide a platform for the local youth to express themselves through art, conferences, exhibitions, film, music, video creations, photography exhibitions and much more. Particular attention will be given to cultural events that promote local capabilities and talent, through handicrafts, recitals, music or exhibitions. Three days a week will be dedicated to such events, including movie sessions with discussions, exhibitions, music concerts, or conferences based on local subjects of interest, or new creative products and activities.

The life center will also provide a venue to invite guest speakers (both Armenian and non-Armenians) to Artsakh to come and meet the local youth and exchange experiences, activities, knowledge, lifestyle tips. Many NGOs and other organisations visit Artsakh in the same spirit, and are keen to have such exchanges and connections. We intend to get in touch with them through social media and invite them to participate in such events at The Roots.