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Raffi Kojians guidebook "Rediscovering Armenia" has numerous mentions of "Tukh Manuk" shrines in Armenia, but fails even once to explain what they actually are. 
A google search will reveal that just about the only internet references to "Tukh Manuk" shrines are in the online version of the above guide - except for one other. Aparently Julian Cope has written a song about it, after a visit to Armenia. And on his website he says "On the outskirts of each village, I keep noticing stone shrines covered in blood, headless birds, indefinable entrails, beside which stand pretty rag-tied clouty trees. What the xxxx..? This is the Black Youth, explains Zareh. Because Armenia took Christianity on in 301, way before Rome, there are lots of pagan elements reconciled into their religion. Got a good job prospect or a chance of a date, do a matagh sacrifice of a bird or animal to Tukh Manukh the Black Youth. Tukh Manukh’s an adolescent God figure somewhere between Mithra and the young Jesus Christ. But his appetite is hearty and he constantly needs those blood sacrifices."
So, can anyone tell us more. And why is it all such a secret.
A google search will reveal that just about the only internet references to "Tukh Manuk" shrines are in the online version of the above guide - except for one other. Aparently Julian Cope has written a song about it, after a visit to Armenia. And on his website he says "On the outskirts of each village, I keep noticing stone shrines covered in blood, headless birds, indefinable entrails, beside which stand pretty rag-tied clouty trees. What the xxxx..? This is the Black Youth, explains Zareh. Because Armenia took Christianity on in 301, way before Rome, there are lots of pagan elements reconciled into their religion. Got a good job prospect or a chance of a date, do a matagh sacrifice of a bird or animal to Tukh Manukh the Black Youth. Tukh Manukh’s an adolescent God figure somewhere between Mithra and the young Jesus Christ. But his appetite is hearty and he constantly needs those blood sacrifices."
So, can anyone tell us more. And why is it all such a secret.
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