Karifabrika

Built at the turn of the 1960s–70s, the Karifabrika (knitwear factory) played a significant role in the economic and social life of Dilijan. For a town of 15,000–20,000 people at the time, having 800 employees at the factory was a remarkable number. Locals often referred to it as the “women’s employment center,” as women made up most of the workforce. 

Like many enterprises in Armenia during the economic crisis, the factory was shut down in 2003. However, the people of Dilijan have not lost hope that a new hub for local economic activity will emerge — one that can give a fresh impulse to the town’s development. 

This vision led to the creation of the “Karifabrika” project — aimed at transforming the former knitwear factory into a creative cluster. The project envisions turning the abandoned site into a multifunctional cultural hub that meets the demands of modern society. 

Here, aspiring entrepreneurs will have access to mentorship from experienced professionals, while residents and visitors alike will be able to enjoy workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and performances. As a result, the city could once again become a magnet for creative minds from around the world.