Mount Aragats

Geography

Mount Aragats is the highest mountain of Armenia. And it’s the fourth in Armenian Highland. It was in the borders of Aragatsotn, Shirak and Nig provinces of the Kingdom of Greater Armenia. Now it is in the area of Aragatsotn and Shirak regions and has a central position.

Aragatsotn mountain has four edges. The highest is northern by 4090 meters, then the Northwestern by 4080 meters, eastern by 3916 meters and the southern edge by 3897. The length of its base’s borders is 200 km. Among the edges, there is its crater with 350 m depth and 3km width. It is connected to the surroundings by the erosion aperture of the north, southern part.

Aragats has some big valleys – Gegharot, Amberd, Mantash and so on. The snow melting, rain-water, and channels create many rivers. There are also lakes on Aragats that attract everyone with their beauty.

In Aragats half-deserted, dry land-deserted, alpine and snowy zones follow one another.

Mount Aragats

The climate of Aragats changes according to the height. From the lowest part to the top, the annual temperature fluctuates from -3°C  to +10°C. In the slopes the temperature is mild, in winter it’s cold.

The massif is rich with its haymakings and pastures. The meadows are full of fragrant flowers: violet, lily, poppy, Bellflower and many other beautiful flowers.

The wildlife representatives of Aragats are the Armenian Jerboa, rabbit,  fox, wolf, lizards, turtles and snakes, also many birds.

The volcanic lavas cover the massif.

The Rivers

Mount Aragats

Kasagh

Kasagh is a lake with 89 km length. The surface of its basin is 1482 km².

The outfalls of Kasagh are two little rivers. One of them starts from Aragats and another one from Pambak’s land slopes. They both mainly leak along smooth meadows and then connecting with each other create Kasagh river.

Geography

On the upper stream Kasagh flows more slowly and is low-watered, and on the middle stream becomes abounded in water and swift. Here, especially in the areas of Ashtarak and Oshakan villages, it flows through a deep canyon. At the estuary, it is divided into some parts and is poured into Sev water. In the lower stream in the area of Araratyan field, to irrigate the surrounding villages and gardens, people almost completely use the water of Kasagh river. That is the reason that in summer Kasagh parches completely.

Kasagh has 89km length. Amberd is the most abundant in water of the brooks of it. It starts from the redundant sources of Aragats and the water of the melted snow. For controlling the regime of Amberd, the snow that was brought by winds and gathered in the deep canyons has an important role. It usually melts under the sun and by that always provides water to the channel. Amberd streams by a deep canyon. It sometimes overflows and sometimes lowers. The reason of this is downfalls, that happen in Aragats.

The water of Kasagh falls and stays in Aparan’s pond. People use it for irrigation.

Gegharot

Gegharot is the right brook of Kasagh. It starts from the right slope of Aragats, from 3600 height. The length is 25km; water catchment basin is 66km². The valley of the river is V-shaped and like a canyon. Its nourishing is mainly from melted snow and overflows in May-June. In winter it freezes. The waters people use for irrigation.

Amberd

This river is the right brook of Kasagh. Amberd is a river in Aragatsotn province. It starts from the southern slope of Aragats, at an altitude of 3700 meters. The length is 36 km, the fishing basin 141 km2.
Its nutrition is mainly snowy and rainy and nether, the overflowing is at the end of spring and at the beginning of summer.

Mantash is in the Shirak province. Starts from the northwestern slope of Aragats. The overflowing is in May-June.

Tsaghkahovit has 20 km length. Starts from the northern slope of Aragats and in the southwestern part of Vardablur intermixes with the main river.
Geghadzor joining to Mantash creates Karkachan.
The waters are for irrigation.

Aragats

Tradition about Aragats
The tradition says that before mountains of Armenia were giant brothers. Every morning, when they woke up, they used to fasten their belts then greet each other. Many years passed and the brothers were already old. They woke up later than they used to do.

One day, waking up, they forgot to fasten their belts before greeting each other. God, seeing this, punished the brothers. They couldn’t move and became mountains, the belts green fields and the tears of the brother’s immortal sources.
Among those mountains were Aragats, that was the highest mountain in Armenia.

Byurakan Observatory

Byurakan Observatory named after Viktor Hambardzumyan is in Byurakan Village, in the slope of Aragats. Armenian National Academy of Sciences has the ownership and disposes of it. It is one of the most important observatories of Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

It has two parts: residential village and operational part, which includes the towers, administrative and laboratory buildings, meeting hall and guest house.
So if you like observing the stars you should visit here at least one time in your life.

So, if one decides to visit this magical place and see it by his/her own eyes there is a kind suggestion to explore it. As Armenia has many fascinating places to visit it is no wonder that around Mount Aragats there are some cities having interesting past and present to know.

Ashtarak

This is the city lying on the shore of Kasakh river, on the centre of Ararat Plain and Aragats massif. It’s 13 km far from Yerevan. In 2015, according to the census, the population of the town was 18500. Only Armenians lived here. Saghmosavan, Nazrvan and Shorshor sources provide drinking water to the town.

Ashtarak is on the northern main road. From Yerevan to Gyumri and Vanadzor people can go through Ashtarak. Moreover, from these cities, people can to one of most interesting places for tourists: Haghpat and Sanahin Monasteries and on the border of Georgia.

Besides, there are very popular historical places near Ashtarak: Oshakan and Amberd, Hovhannavank and Saghmosavank. Valuable places like them are very important for Armenia as many tourists visit there to see Armenian culture and art.

As for St Mariane and Karmravor churches they have a good location as people can reach there easily. Having a simple architectural style they contain a calm energy in them. Metaks road monuments have a special place. For family entertainment and cognitive visits to Tsaghkadzor, many people prefer to go Ashtarak Canyon, Proshyan museum and to see historical monuments. It is worth mentioning “Ashtarak Historical Triangle”.

Aparan

The next town that is worth visiting is Aparan. It is in the Aragatsotn province. Aparan is far from Yerevan by 59km. Before it had different names. Ptolemy was the first who first mentioned the name- Casala, which refers to Kasagh ( Aparan).

Kasakh was the centre of Nig province of historical Armenia. Kasagh bazilik is still standing. In the 10th century, Kasagh was called Aparan. This name means “palace” in the Armenian language.
Till 1995 it was an urban-type settlement, after administrative reform in 1995 it became a city. In 1918 residents of Aparan had a battle against Turk invaders who were coming from Aleksandropol. Every year on May 28 everyone celebrates the victory of Bash Aparan defence.

Talin

The city is 68km far from Yerevan. Before it was the centre of Talin province.In 1964 it became an urban-type settlement and after administrative reform, in 1995 it became a city. Till 2002 the head of the town was Gurgen Grigoryan.
In the early ages, it was a part of Ayrarat. According to the archaeological excavations, Talin had residents in the 2nd decade BC.
Since 7th century it is mentioned either a village or a city. St Astvatsatsin or Little church is in the city, that was established in 689.

Talin is on the southern part of Aratgats, near to Arteni mountain. The climate is mild. In winters it is cold and in the summers warm. The medium temperature of July is 23-25, of January – 5,-4. And, if one wants to visit there he/she should consider the season.

The industry has a very important role in the economy. There are factories of different fields in the city. One of the factories manufactures natural diamond. The food industry is also developed. Chanakh cheese, that has unique taste comes from Talin. Cattle breeding is the main part of agriculture.

For the irrigation, people use Talin channel.
The most important issues in the area are the full usage of work resources, the repairing of drinking and irrigation water lines, the lighting of the streets, providing gas.

Article Mount Aragats is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.

OVERVIEW OF  ARAGATSOTN PROVINCE
COUNTRY	Armenia
CAPITAL	Ashtarak
GOVERNOR	Gagik Gyozalyan
TOTAL AREA	2,756 km2 (1,064 sq mi)
POPULATION	132,925
TIME ZONE	AMT (UTC+04)
POSTAL CODE	0201-0514
WEBSITE	http://aragatsotn.mtad.am

GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION 

Peaks of Aragats

NATURAL CONDITIONS OF THE PROVINCE

NATURAL RESOURCES

RIVERS & LAKES

• Akhurian River (Akhuriyan, Akhuryan, Akhouryan )

  Akhouryan river originates in Armenia and flows to the Turkish border.

• Kasakh River

  The length of Kasakh is 89 km. The source of Kasagh is two small rivers, one of which starts from Aragats, and the other is from Pambak mountains. So, both of them are mostly flowing through flat meadows and then joining each other. However, the water of Kasah is almost completely used to irrigate the surrounding villages. That is why in the summer months, during the strongest evaporation of water, Kasakh river become dry. Aparan reservoir was built on Kasakh.

• Lake Kari (Lake Qari)

This lake is on the slopes of Aragats, and it is mostly formed by ice and snow.  The height is 3207 m above the sea level, the surface area is 0.12 km². From Byurakan to Lake Car, there is a lane road, and on the eastern shore, there is a meteorological station.

• Lake Lessing

 One of the few natural lakes in Armenia and it also lies on the slopes of Aragats.

MOUNT ARAGATS

Aragats mount is the highest point of the Armenia. The height is 4,090 m (13,420 ft) above sea level.  It is surrounded by Ararat plain (south), Shirak plain (north), Kasakh River (east), and Akhurian River (west). It has four summits, and according to their geographic position, they have the following hights: 

• Northern—4,090 m (13,420 ft)
• Western—3,995 m (13,107 ft)
• Eastern—3,908 m (12,822 ft)
• Southern—3,888 m (12,756 ft)

• LEGENDS

According to the legend, Armenian mountains were brave and gigantic bothers. Waking up early in the morning, they, first of all, tied their belts and then just greeting each other. So, time passes. The brothers were old and begun to get up late. One day they forgot to tie the belts first and greet each other. When God saw that and punished the brothers. They turned into mountains. Today, the belts are green fields, and tears of brothers are immortal waters. These four mountains are Aragats, Greater Masis, Sebelan, and Sipan.

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Other legend told, that Masis and Aragats were very good sisters. One day, they started to fight. So, one of them said: “I am better, higher,” and another one: “No, I am higher and more beautiful and of course more attractive.“

The Mount Marout tried to reconcile the sisters but he was unable to re-establish peace. So, he started to curse them: “Let Masis and Aragats separate from each other so that they will never meet.”  Correspondingly, in their turns, Masis and Aragats were also cursing each other.  It happened! Currently, the mountains are separated politically.

LANDMARKS & ATTRACTIONS OF THE PROVINCE

• Byurakan Observatory after Viktor Hambardzumyan is an observatory at the Byurakan village of Armenia, on the slope of Mount Aragats. However, it belongs to the Armenian Academy of Sciences. Of course, it is one of the most important observatories in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Founded in 1946 by academician Victor Hambardzumyan, he was the first director of the observatory. So, the architect is Samvel Safaryan.  
  
• In the village of Oshakan, near the regional center, there is a grave of St. Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet.
• The park of Armenian alphabet or Alphabet Park is near the village of Artashavan. It was founded in 2005, and it is dedicated to the 1600th anniversary of the invention of the Armenian alphabet. In addition, the monument includes the ornaments of 39 letters of the Armenian alphabet and the monuments of the Armenian elders, such as Mesrop Mashtots, Hovhannes Tumanyan, Khachatur Abovian, and others.

Main sculptures are:

“Gregory the Illuminator”
“Writing Creation, 405”
“Movses Xorenaci”
“Mkhitar Gosh, Judgment Book” (sculptor Samvel Hakobyan)
“Anania Shirakatsi” is the symbol of the earth and the universe
“Khachatur Abovyan”,
“Tumanyan and his hero Gikor”

• Hovhannavank monastery located in the village of Ohanavan, on the right edge of the gorge of the Kasagh River.
• So, there are many medieval buildings throughout the region. Especially the following churches and monasteries are popular: Amberd, Talin, Saghmosavan, Ashtarak’s churches etc.

CHURCHES & MONASTERIES

• Tomb of the Arshakid Kings or Arshakuni mausoleum is a mausoleum in the center of the village of Aghtsk (Dzorap) of Aragatsotn Province. In addition, this mausoleum remains of both Christian and pagan kings of the Arshakid dynasty of Armenia.

• The Kasagh Basilica or Holy Cross Church is another early medieval Armenian church. So, it is in the town of Aparan.

• The Church of Surb Hovanes/Saint John/ or Mastara Church is in town Mastara. It comes from the  5th century. In addition, this complex church is very similar to St. Hripsime Church, Echmiadzin.
• The Saint George or Surp Gevork church is in the center of the village of Garnahovit.
• The Church of Aruch, Aruchavank or the Cathedral of Aruch is in the village of Aruch. In addition, it is one of the largest and architecturally one of the most important Armenian churches of the Middle Ages.
• Saint Christopher Monastery comes from the 7th century. So, it is near to Dashtadem village and Dashtadem Fortress.
• Artavazik Church of the 7th century is near to the village of Byurakan.
• The Cathedral of Talin of the 7th century is in the town of Talin.
• Surp Hovhannes or Voskevaz Church is a 7th- to 12th-century located in the village of Voskevaz.
• Saint Sarkis Monastery, also Surp Sarkis Vank is one of the largest monastic complexes, 45 by 54 meters (148 by 177 ft) near to the village of Ushi.
• The Surb Astvatsatsin Church, also Yeghipatrush Church is in the village of Yeghipatrush. It comes from the 10th and 13th centuries.
• Surp Hovhannes Church is an important basilica of the 10th century. So, it is in the village of Byurakan.
• The Vahramashen Church or Vahramashen Surp Astvatsatsin Church of Amberd is near to the fortress of Amberd. In addition, this building belongs to the family of Pahlavuni and Prince Vahram Pahlavuni built it.

CHURCHES & MONASTERIES

• The Tukh Manuk Shrine of Oshakan is in the town of Oshakan.
• Tegher Monastery is an Armenian monastery and church from the early 13th-century. So, it is near the modern village of Tegher.
• The Saghmosavank is one of the popular and of course favorite monastic complexes of 13th-century. It is in the village of Saghmosavan.
• Saint Mesrop Mashtots Cathedral is a 19th-century church, built between 1875 and 1879. So, it is in the Oshakan village.
• The church of Surp Astvatsatsin is in the village of Karbi and it comes from the years of 1691-1693.
• Saint Gevork Monastery or Saint George’s Monastery is in the village of Mughni.
• The churches of St Grigor (13th–14th centuries) and St. Gevork (19th century) are in village Kosh.
• In addition, there are also the churches of Spitakavor, Karmravor, Tsiranavor, Saint Mariane and Saint Sarkis in Ashtarak.

In conclusion, there are many reasons why you should visit this province to discover more historical places. You can take several days to travel around it all.

Article Aragatsotn Province is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.