maintained for sports and active leisure. Few of these remain at the sp<strong>as</strong> but are considered to be in a poor state of repair. There are a few cultural monuments in the town but these are not considered to be of major tourist significance. <strong>Jermuk</strong>’s Mineral Water Composition & Medical Properties Information on <strong>Jermuk</strong>’s mineral water dates back to the 13 th Century according to historian, S. Orbelyan. The springs were investigated by G. Voskobojnikov in 1830 and researched in more detail later in 1925; after which a decision w<strong>as</strong> made to develop the town into a spa resort. The town had its heyday during the Soviet period when it hosted between 25,000 and 30,000 annual visitors. One Liter Contains Karlovy Vary (by S.M. <strong>Jermuk</strong> Kations Ovchinnikov) (by G. Bozoyan) Lithium 0,0033 0,0037 Ammonium 0,0001 - Pot<strong>as</strong>sium 0,1042 0,0890 Natrium 1,7180 1,2110 Magnesium 0,0465 0,0744 Calcium 0,1025 0,1480 Strontium 0,0003 0,0038 Ferrum Anions 0,0001 0,0008 Chlorine 0,6170 0,4757 Bromine 0,0014 0,0001 Fluorine 0,0024 0,0001 Sulfate 1,6620 0,9000 Hydrophosate 0,0001 0,0150 Hydrocarbonate 2,1000 2,2430 Hydroarsenate 0,0001 ---- Nitrogen g<strong>as</strong> 0,40 0,5-0,8 Solid residue (105С) 5,39 3,792 The mineral water springs are cl<strong>as</strong>sified by the <strong>Jermuk</strong> M<strong>as</strong>ter Plan <strong>as</strong> thermal (32 to 64 degrees centigrade), lightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.8-7.5), and rich in hydrocarbonates and sulfates. The water contains microelements of iodine, bromide, copper, zinc, iron, cobalt, aluminum, manganese and others. The composition of <strong>Jermuk</strong>’s water is often compared to Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic), Zheleznovodsk (Russia) and Isti-Sou (Azerbaijan) and is supposed to be <strong>as</strong> curative <strong>as</strong> the famous Czech thermal springs. However, there is no recent, independent, evidence-b<strong>as</strong>ed scientific research on the medical or health benefits of the water. Water temperature °С 73 64 There are other mineral water sources located in Dara-Yurt Gorge (near <strong>Jermuk</strong> resort). The water there is lightly thermal (23-36 O C), lightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.8-7.0) and rich in hydro-carbonates, sulfates, calcium silicate, boron and iron. Some bore-hole waters are similar to waters in Hankavan (Armenia) and M<strong>as</strong>hukyan (Pyatigorsk). There are also some springs in Pujur River gorge and the area of Ketchut village. According to the Encyclopedic Glossary of Resorts (Moscow, 1983), <strong>Jermuk</strong> water is used for bathing, drinking, rinsing, inhalations and other procedures. The water is also said to treat stomach, intestinal, liver, bladder, pancreatic, kidney, peripheral nervous system, bone, cardio-v<strong>as</strong>cular and gynecological dise<strong>as</strong>es. According to <strong>Jermuk</strong>’s chief doctor, the mineral waters are also particularly useful for: • Digestive tract disorders • Musculoskeletal, loco motor system disorders • Gall bladder dise<strong>as</strong>es • Endocrine and hormonal disorders 16
• Neurological dise<strong>as</strong>es • Diabetes • Dermatological and proctologic dise<strong>as</strong>es The impact of the mineral water procedures apparently depends on the stage of the dise<strong>as</strong>e. In general, water treatment is considered most effective at the onset of ailments and chronic dise<strong>as</strong>es. According to the Chief Doctor, treatment is not recommended for those with heart problems, high blood pressure and cancer patients. As mentioned above, although local medical professionals have highlighted the dise<strong>as</strong>es and illnesses treatable by <strong>Jermuk</strong>’s mineral water, independent evidence to prove the medical benefits is lacking 17
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