Հայկական լեռնաշխարհ - Armenian Geographic - ArmGeo.am

Armenia on ancient maps

armeniangeographic — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 17:15:55 +0000

Armenia is found in the world’s oldest maps and history books. Sometimes as an independent state, and sometimes divided between neighboring empires, but nevertheless the name Hayastan-Armenia has always been mentioned since ancient Greek and Roman maps to this day. In this article we will look at some of the ancient maps, to give our readers an idea of the position that Armenia occupied on the ancient maps of the world.

For those interested in more detail, I recommend reading Rouben Galichian’s work “Armenia in World Cartography”, 2005, or a brief version of it called Historic Maps of Armenia, 2018.

1. Babylonian clay tablet, 6th century BC

The oldest extant map of the world is depicted on a clay tablet. It is the Babylonian map found in Iraq, in 19 century. Now it is stored in the British Museum.

This Babylonian map of the World dates back to 6 century BC. In ancient Assyrian and Babylonian sources the kingdom of Ararat is referred to as Urartu. This name is mentioned on the world’s oldest map. Of the countries mentioned in this map, only Armenia still exists. All the other ones have disappeared from the world map.

According to cartographer Rouben Galichian, the map shows the world in the form of a circle, surrounded by “bitter” waters, in which there are 7 islands. In the center of the map is Babylon, next to it Armenia and Assyria are depicted. Another 7 cities are depicted in a form of small circles. From the mountains of Armenia, the Euphrates River flows through Babylon and Marshes, and reaches the Persian Gulf.

On the back of the tile there is a text that describes seven islands in the sea and unusual creatures living there. The islands are depicted in a form of triangles, most of which are damaged and illegible.

Armenia on ancient maps – Babylonian clay tablet, 6th century BC

British Museum, London

2. Herodotus, 5th century BC

The world according to Herodotus. Edited by Charles Muller, published in the Smith’s atlas. Armenia has a central position among the countries that existed at that time.

Armenia on ancient maps – Herodotus, 5th century BC

Smith’s atlas, British Museum, London, 1874

3. Eratosthenes, 3-2 century BC

Reconstructed map of Eratosthenes by German cartographer von Spruner (1855).

Armenia on ancient maps – Eratosthenes, 3-2 century BC

Rouben Galichian’s personal collection, now in Matenadaran

4. Strabo, 1st century BC

Based on Strabo’s work, the British cartographer John Murray reconstructed the world map, one of the chapters of which is dedicated to the geography of Armenia.

Armenia on ancient maps – Strabo, 1st century BC

Edited by Charles Muller.

5. Claudius Ptolemy, 2nd century

Famous Greek geographer and cosmologist Claudius Ptolemy was the most prominent cartographer in the ancient world. His most important work is the eight-volume Geography. The text about Armenia in this work is in the fifth volume.

This is a map of the world, surrounded by winds and divided into climate zones. Besides the Red Sea, all the seas are blue and the mountain are green. The Greater Armenia and The Lesser Armenia are located between the Black and Caspian Seas.

Armenia on ancient maps – Claudius Ptolemy (2nd century)

The map was designed by Martin Waldseemüller and issued by Schott in 1513.

British Museum, London

6. Claudius Ptolemy, 2nd century

The center of the map in white is the Greater Armenia (Armenia Maior), which borders with Media in the east, with Assyria in the south, Lesser Armenia in the west (Armenia Minor), and Colchis (Abkhazia), Iberia (Virk), Albania in the north.

Armenia on ancient maps – Claudius Ptolemy (2nd century)

Reissued by Nicolaus Germanus, 1482

British Museum, London

7. Countries occupied by Alexander the Great

This map is one of the pages of the Atlas published in Latin in Amsterdam. It represents Alexander the Great’s invasion of India. The map shows the Greater Armenia.

Countries occupied by Alexander the Great

Abraham Ortelius, 1595

British Library, London

8. Map of the Holy Land or the “Earthly Paradise”

The map covers the area between the Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf, and the prominent Eden, located near the city of Babel (Babylon). The beautifully decorated title is surrounded by pictures of scenes of Eden on both sides. The map itself is stunningly created, with the combination of real and biblical geography. Here you will find the Land of Nod, the Garden of Eden, the Tower of Babel, and other semi-mythical places. The map was drawn by Visscher as a part of a five-part series of maps to be included in Abraham Van den Brock’s Bible written in 1657. This is the first edition of this important series of maps that formed the basis of many other Bible maps that appeared in the 18th century.

Armenia on ancient maps – Map of the Holy Land or the “Earthly Paradise”

Nicolaes Visscher, 1657

9. Map of the Terrestrial Paradise

This map was drawn by English cartographer Emanuel Bowen. It is also based on religious beliefs. The Terrestrial Paradise, Eden, is shown on the territory of Armenia, between the lakes Van and Kaputan. The map lists four rivers flowing from the Bible Paradise: Aras (Gihon), Pishon, Euphrates and Tigris. At the center of the map is Mount Ararat.

Armenia on ancient maps – Map of the Terrestrial Paradise

Emanuel Bowen, 1780

Rouben Galichian’s personal collection, now in Matenadaran

10. The map of Armenia according to old and new geographers

This map of Armenia was published in Venice in the 18th century. Many cartographers and geographers consider this map to be a replacement for the missing map of Shirakatsi’s “Geography” (“Ashkharhatsuyts”).

The map of Armenia according to old and new geographers

Venice , 1751

Rouben Galichian’s personal collection

Article by Tigran Varag

Special thanks to cartographer Rouben Galichian for providing the maps

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

Armenian Highland

Mount Sis

Armenian Highland / General characteristics

Scientific Research of the Armenian Highland

Armenia on ancient maps

What and where is Anatolia?

Cartographic war

Inter-mountainous concavities

armeniangeographic — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 12:07:58 +0000

In Armenian Highland there are northern and southern districts of inter-mountainous concavities. The northern district includes the valleys of Araxes and the Western Euphrates, and the southern one consists of the plains of the Aratsani Valley.

Araxes Basin

The Tvratsatap plain spreads over the upper stream of Araxes. The plain is covered by lush tropical vegetation. To the north of it, at an altitude of 1900-2000 meters stretches the plain of Basen which is divided into two parts – Upper Basen and Lower Basen. Tօ the north of Basen, the river Araxes flows into the ravine of Kaghzvan, passes through a 700 meters deep valley and disembogues into the Ararat Plain. The latter is situated at an altitude of 800-1000 meters and consists of Armavir, Artashat and Yeraskhavan plains. The lowland of Nakhijevan is the continuation of the Ararat Plain and is situated at an altitude of 600-800 meters above sea level. In the lower stream of Araxes, the plains of Mughan and Mill extend. The latter are part of the Kura-Araks lowland.

Araxes Plain on the borderline of Armenian and Iran

Euphrates Basin

The plain of Karno extends over the upper valley of Western Euphrates and is situated at an altitude of 200 meters above sea level. The plain is completely covered by marshes. The waters of Western Euphrates are muddied in this part, and the river is referred to as Karasu. From the Karno plain to the lower stream of the river broadens the plain of Ashkala which has a width of 7 kilometers. The latter is separated from the plain of Derjan by the mountain belt of Mariam. The plain of Derjan is enclosed by Mariam, Lusavorich and Kopa mountains. The lower part of the plain gradually narrows and extends towards the plain of Erznka. The ground is extremely fragmented and is considered to be the area with the highest risk of seismic activity. The Erznka Plain is followed by the plateau of Kamakh. This is the only inter-mountainous concavity covered by lava. On the western side of Kamakh Euphrates crosses the mountain system of Mndzur and disembogues through the gorge of Akn into the plain of Kharberd.

Aratsani Basin

In the upper stream of Aratsani at an altitude of about 2300 meters broadens the plain of Daroynk. Here the tributaries of Aratsani conjoin and form the river, which flows towards the plain of Alashkert. Aratsani basin is covered in volcanic rocks from the Tsaghkants mountains, a larger surface area than on Daroynk. To the south of Alashkert, the river flows into the plain of Manazkert which is situated near the Bznunyats Plateau and is more extensive than other lowlands. Here Aratsani meets one of its largest tributaries, Khnus. The latter’s valley is situated on the plain of Khnus. To the south-west of the Manazkert Plain, the valley gradually narrows. The Msho Plain is relatively wide and is the place where Aratsani intersects with the Nela River. To the east of the Msho Plain, the plains of Chapaghjur, Genji and Balahovit extend, and the river flows into the plain of Kharberd which is situated at an altitude of 800-1000 meters. Here the Western Euphrates and the Eastern Euphrates intermingle.

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

Armenian Highland

Mount Sis

Armenian Highland / General characteristics

Scientific Research of the Armenian Highland

Armenia on ancient maps

What and where is Anatolia?

Cartographic war

Inter-mountainous concavities

Top 5 highest summits of Armenian Highland

Lakes of Armenian Highland

Active Volcanoes of Armenian Highland

Mount Toghasar

Arnos Mountain

Odzasar (Vishapasar)

Mount Grgur

Mount Surb Luys

Mount Tsrasar

Mount Bardogh

Mount Tsovasar

Mount Sukavet

Mount Pashat

Mount Tovmasar

Mountain Artos

Mount Maratuk

Mount Varag

Winter ascent of Mets Kirs

Winter ascent of Dizapayt

Mount Kusanats

Climbing mountain Mets Kirs

Mount Dizapayt

Kachaghakaberd

Top 5 highest summits of Armenian Highland

armeniangeographic — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 14:40:03 +0000

Armenian Highland is a mountainous island, where the highest mountainous systems of that region rise. The mountain-forming processes still continue to develop in Armenian Highland. The proof of that are active volcanoes Nemrut (Sarakn) and Tondrak.

In our article we have listed 5 highest summits of Armenian Highland.

5. Mountain Sipan (4058 m)

Mountain Sipan

Mountain Sipan is located in the northern shore of lake Van. The shape of the mountain is very similar to mount Ararat. It consists of andesitic and other acid lavas. There are extrusive cones on the top of the mountain. The slopes are covered with meadows.

The thorough researches of english geologist Felix Osvaldi about volcanic massifs Nemrut and Sipan were very valuable.

In Literature we can often see the height of Sipan mentiones as 4434m, which is wrong. The correct height of the mountain is 4058m.

4. Mountain Aragats (4090 m)

Aragats is the fourth highest mountain in Armenian Highland and the highest one in Armenia. It has 4 peaks, the highest of which is the Northern summit, with the height of 4090m. The other three summits are: Western (3995,3m), Eastern (3908,2m) and the Southern (3887,8m).

Mountain Aragats

According to Armenian tradition Aragats originates from words Ara+gah, which translates into “Ara’s throne”. Numerous engravings have been found around the volcano, including rock paintings portraying animals and humanlike figures and huge vishaps.

After climbing mount Aragats you will notice that between the rocky peaks of Aragats a huge crater is situated, with the depth of 350m and width of 3 km. Observations showed the presence of firm fields and snow fields on the sides of the crated cirque, as well as moraines and glaciers inside the crater. The top part has strictly fragmented slpine-type relief.

From the volcanic stones of Aragats a lot of cold creeks flow. Between the glacial debris and moraine dams a lot of picturesque lakes were formed: Kari, Amberd, Umroy, Lesing and etc..

3. Mountain Jilo (4135 m)

Mountain Jilo

Mountain Jilo is the highest peak of Kordvats mountains, which is the continuation of Armenian (Eastern) Tavros mountain range. From the slopes of the mountain till the top the climate changes from dry subtropical to alpine. On the top glacial remnants have been preserved.

2. Mountain Sabalan (4811 m)

Sabalan

Sabalan is the second highest mountain in Armenian Highland. It consists of basalts, basaltic andesites and acid lavas. It is an extrusive volcanic cone. The summit is covered with eternal snow. You can also meet glaciers there.

1. Mountain Masis (Ararat / 5165 m)

Mountain Masis

Masis is a holy mountain for Armenian people. There are a lot of legends and sayings dedicated to it. The legend has it that after the global flood Noah’s ark came to rest on the mountain Ararat. Being a volcanic mountain, Ararat is covered with rocks and is almost devoided of vegetation. There are no springs on the mountain except Sardar spring. On a clear day one can see a huge precipice stretching from the slopes to the top of the mountain. This precipice is known as “Vih Massyats”. The relative altitude of Masis is 4300 m from Ararat valley.

Our team on the top of mountain Ararat

The biblical mountain has aroused an interest in scientific world and even long ago there were a lot of attempts to reach it’s summit. The first men who reached the top of mount Masis were professor Friedrich Parrot from Dorpat university and young Khachatur Abovyan in 1829.

Thus the highest summit of Armenian Highland is mountain Masis – 5165m, the secnd one is Sabalan – 4811 m, the third is Jilo – 4168 m in Kordvats mountains, the forth is Aragats – 4090 m and finally the last one is Sipan – 4058 m.

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

Armenian Highland

Mount Sis

Armenian Highland / General characteristics

Scientific Research of the Armenian Highland

Armenia on ancient maps

Active Volcanoes of Armenian Highland

armeniangeographic — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 08:50:31 +0000

The territory of Armenian Highland has a complex and unique structure which fuels the interest of well-known scientists and researchers to observe the historicօ-geographical and geological conditions of this area. It can be regarded as a mountainous island in Western Asia. Because of its position Armenian Highland is distinguished from the neighboring Anatolian and Iranian plateaus.

Alpine rock-forming processes

Armenian Highland was formed as a result of geological processes that underlie the formation of mountains. The sea level gradually decreased, and the rising geosynclinal grew into a mountainous country. During that time the strata got distorted and fragmented forming fold mountains. All these were accompanied by powerful volcanic eruptions.

The geological phenomena underlying the mountain formation processes continue in our country till today and the best evidence of that are Tondrak and Nemrut (Sarakn), which are active volcanoes.

P.S. If the volcano periodically erupts, releases gases or has erupted throughout the last 10,000 years then it is defined as “active”.

Misconception of Vayotssar

Mountain Vayotssar, the height of which is 2581 meters, is located in the province of Vayots Dzor, to the north-west of the village Herher. This is a cone that rises throughout the length of the ridge. The depth of the crater is about 125 meters.

According to some historical data, the last eruption of Vayotssar took place in 735 A.D and was accompanied by a destructive and devastating earthquake.

Volcano Vayotssar

Dense darkness invaded reality and encircled the whole region throughout the next forty days. The earthquake shook the earth like the waves of the sea. Mountains were flooded, sources were deluged, and the houses turned into the graveyards of those who used to live there before this disastrous occasion. The area desperately trembled, from the chasm and air voices murmured: “Vay dzor, vay dzor.”

Historian Orbelyan claimed that this particular story stands behind the origin of the current name of this province.

However, it is worth noting, that the historical records of Yeghishe and Movses Khorentsi, written decades before that eruption, disprove the aforementioned claim.

Nonetheless, after studying the geology of Armenia, researchers vocalize that there have been no volcanic eruptions in our country for a couple of millennia and the story of Vayotssar is a misconception.

Nemrut

The height of Nemrut is 2935 meters (3050m in old sources). It is a young active volcano. Hot gases, waters, and vapor is coming out from its slopes and crater.

Volcano Nemrut

The summit of Nemrut is a large caldera. A caldera is a large cauldron-like hollow that forms following the evacuation of a magma reservoir. The inner walls of the caldera are steep and deepen up to 600-800 meters.

The crater of Nemrut is the largest in Armenian Highland with a diameter of 8 kilometers. After the Nemrut tour, having climbed the mountain, one can notice on the western part of the crater, at the height of 2500 meters is expanding the crater lake with a surface area of 9 square kilometers. Previously this volcano released basaltic lavas which eventually enclosed the concavity of Lake Van and resulted in the formation of the lake.

The crater lake of Nemrut

According to the British scientist F. Oswald, the last eruption of the mountain took place in 1441. He participated in H. F. Lynch’s 1898 Armenian scientific expedition, studied the geological structure of Armenian Highland and published a geological schematic map of the latter(1907).

Tondrak

Tondrak is a large volcano the height of which is 3533 meters. Numerous hot springs are flowing from the crater of this volcano. According to Élisée Reclus (geographer), the crater of this volcano has a depth of 350 meters. He also claimed that the geologist Taylor witnessed the geyser. Although there are no geysers now, there are dozens of hot creeks and gases pouring out as a result of perpetuating terrestrial forces.

Tondrak

The mountain was called Tondrak since it is similar to an Armenian tandoor (tonir). Historical records indicate that the volcano was intensively activated in the 1550s and the last volcanic eruption took place in 1855. The southern side of Tondrak is divided by the river of Berkri and its tributaries. There are several traces of ancient glaciation on the top of the mountain.

Tondrak / Photographer Tigran Shahbazyan

The copyright of this article is owned by armgeo.am. The content of the article may be cited or used on other websites only with an active link to the source.

Travel blog about Armenia

Top 5 spring hikes in Armenia

Armenia on ancient maps

"The Mountainous Island" / 10 years in a book

Damavand: Ascent of the Year

Museum of Ancient Manuscripts Matenadaran

Sabalan / A Story of the Climb

Top 5 Autumn Destinations in Armenia

Top 5 most visited hiking destinations in Armenia

Must-do adventure activities in Armenia

The Volcanic Seven Summits Project

One Week in Armenia

Water as a landmark of Armenia

Lake Arpi

Top 7 Mountain Lakes of Armenia

Top 5 waterfalls of Armenia

Arteni

Azat Reservoir

Trekking in the mountains of Armenia

Հայկական լեռնաշխարհի կլիման

armeniangeographic — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 05:11:15 +0000

Հայկական լեռնաշխարհի կլիման խիստ բազմազան է: Հայաստանում ճանապարհորդը մեկ օրվա ընթացքում կարող է «բևեռային շրջանից» հասնել մինչև մերձարևադարձ:

Կլիմայի նման տարբերությունները պայմանավորված են Հայկական լեռնաշխարհի կլիման ձևավորող գործոններով՝ աշխարհագրական դիրքով, մթնոլորտի ընդհանուր և տեղական շրջանառությամբ, լեռնագրական պայմաններով, լեռնալանջերի դիրքադրությամբ, տեղանքի բացարձակ բարձրությունների տարբերություններով և լեռներով պարփակվածության աստիճանով:

Հարակից տարածքների ազդեցությունը

Լեռնաշխարհի կլիմայի վրա մեծ է նաև հարակից տարածքների՝ Մեծ Կովկասի, Իրանական ու Փոքրասիական բարձրավանդակների չոր շրջանների, արաբական անապատների ու Սև ու Կասպից ծովերի ազդեցությունը: Այս առումով կարևոր է Մեծ Կովկասի կլիմայաստեղծ դերը, որը կլիմայաբաժանարար է լեռնաշխարհից հյուսիս գտնվող բարեխառն կլիմայական գոտու (որտեղ հաճախ ներթափանցում են արկտիկական սառը օդային զանգվածները) և մերձարևադարձային կլիմայական գոտու միջև:

Հայկական լեռնաշխարհը գտնվում է մերձարևադարձային գոտու հյուսիսում, որտեղ տարվա ընացքում դիտվում են Արեգակի ճառագայթների անկման անկյան զգալի տարբերությունները:

Մերձարևադարձային գոտու հյուսիսում գտնվելու շնորհիվ լեռնաշխարհում պարզորոշ արտահայտված են տարվա չորս եղանակները:

Տարեկան միջին ջերմաստիճանը Հայկական լեռնաշխարհի առավել բարձրադիր շրջաններում բացասական է. Տիգրիսի հովտում 12-14 C է, Մալաթիայի, Խարբերդի, Արարատյան, Նախիջևանի դաշտերում, Դաշտային Արցախում՝ 8-12 C:

Ամռանը, երբ լեռնաշխարհ են ներթափանցում արևադարձային տաք ու չոր օդային զանգվածները, դիտվում է օդի ջերմաստիճանի ամենաբարձր ցուցանիշը՝ 45 C: Ամենատաք ամիսը հուլիսն է. գոգավորությունների հատակում միջին ջերմաստիճանը 25-29 C է, միջին բարձրություններում՝ 15-20 C, բարձրալեռնային շրջաններում՝ 5-10 C:

Ձմռանն արեգակի բարձրությունը զգալիորեն նվազում է, լեռնաշխարհում հաճախ հաստատվում է անտիցիկլոնային ռեժիմ, և եթե ներխուժում են արկտիկական ցուրտ օդային զանգվածները, ջերմաստիճանը խիստ նվազում է:

Հայկական լեռնաշխարհի կլիմայի բնորոշ առանձնահատկություններից են ուշ գարնանային ու վաղ աշնանային ցրտահարությունները, որոնք հաճախ մեծ վնաս են հասցնում գյուղատնտեսությանը:

Լեռնաշխարհի մթնոլորտի տեղական շրջանառությունը արտահայտվում է լեռնահովտային քամիների, ֆյոնների, բրիզների ձևերով, որոնք նույնպես ազդում են տարածքի կլիմայի վրա: Քամիների առավելագույն արագությունը լեռնանցքներում ու բարձրալեռնային շրջաններում 7-9 մ/վ է, ամռանը բնորոշ լեռնահովտային քամիների առավելագույնը կեսօրից հետո հասնում է 15-20 մ/վ: Ձմռանը գոգավորությունների հատակում գերիշխում են թույլ քամիները կամ անհողմ եղանակները:

Մթնոլորտային տեղումներ

Մթնոլորտային տեղումները խիստ անհավասարաչափ են բաշխված: Դրանց քանակը նույնպես փոխվում է ինչպես հորիզոնական այնպես էլ վերընթաց ուղղությամբ և ըստ լեռնալանջերի դիրքադրության: Լեռնաշխարհի եզրային լեռնաշղթաների (Արևելապոնտական, Հայկական Տավրոս, Կորդվաց) արտաքին լանջերին, որոնք արգելակում են խոնավ օդային զանգվածների մուտքը լեռնաշխարհ, թափվում են առատ տեղումներ, իսկ միջլեռնային գոգավորություններում, որտեղ փաստորեն դիտվում է ֆյոնային երևույթ, տեղումների քանակը շատ քիչ է: Առավել շատ տեղումներ թափվում են լեռների սևծովահայաց լանջերին՝ 3000-3500 մմ, խոնավ են նաև Հայկական Տավրոսի հարավահայաց, Կորդվաց լեռների արևմտահայաց լանջերը: Միջին բարձրության լեռնային գոտում տեղումները 800-1000 մմ են:

Ամենաչոր վայրերը միջլեռնային գոգավորություններն են՝ 250-300 մմ: Ամենաքիչ տեղումներ թափվում են Նախիջևանի և Ուրմիայի գոգավորություններում՝ 200 մմ:

Ըստ բարձրության՝ տեղումների քանակն ավելանում է, միջինը՝ 100 մ բարձրաբալիս շուրջ 25-30 մմ-ով: Արագած, Սիփան, Թոնդրակ, Արարատ լեռնագագաթների և մյուս լեռնաշղթաների 3000 – 3500 մ բարձրություններում 800 – 1000 մմ է:

Խիստ անհավասարաչափ է տեղումների տարեկան բաշխումը: Տարեկան քանակի շուրջ 70 %-ը թափվում է գարնանը և ամռան սկզբին՝ մայիս-հունիսին, երկրորդ առավելագույնը՝ աշնանը, Սև ծովի խոնավ մերձարևադարձային ափերին առավելագույնը՝ աշնանն ու ձմռանը: Նվազագույնը ամռանն է: ՀՀ հս-արլ-ում, Արցախում, Զանգեզուրում տեղումնալից է ամառը, երբ տարածք են ներթափանցում Կասպից և Սև ծովերի խոնավ օդային զանգվածները: Ամռանը տեղումները հաճախ ունենում են տեղատարափ բնույթ, ուղեկցվում կարկուտով և ամպրոպներով, առաջացնում հեղեղներ ու ավերածություններ:

Ձմռանը Հայկական լեռնաշխարհում ամենուրեք ձյուն է տեղում, բայց հաստատուն ձնածածկույթ գոյանում է 1300-1600 մ բարձրություններում, հատկապես միջնաշխարհի ցուրտ շրջաններում հասնում է 1,5 – 2 մ-ի:

Հայկական լեռնաշխարհում կլիմայի բոլոր տարրերը փոխվում են ըստ բարձրության՝ առաջացնելով կլիմայական գոտիներ կամ կլիմայի տիպեր՝ խոնավ մերձարևադարձային, չոր խիստ ցամաքային, չոր ցամաքային, չափավոր ցամաքային, չափավոր շոգ, բարեխառն լեռնային, ցուրտ լեռնային, ձնամերձ:

Mount Sipan

armeniangeographic — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 13:53:49 +0000

Sipan is situated on the northern shore of Lake Van. The real height of the mountain is 4058 instead of the previously known 4434 meters which is incorrect. There are several extrusive formations on the peak which is covered by meadows. According to ancient Armenian Legends, Sipan is the symbol of Hayk and Nemrut is the Symbol of Bel. The German geographer Maurice Wagner (1813-1887) called Sipan “Proud Mountain” for its majesty.

Nekh Masik

In ancient Armenian sources and records, Sipan was also referred to as Nekh Masik, Masiac, Tsipan, etc.

Erida

In the Urartu era inscriptions the mountain is referred to as Erida. According to academic Gevorg Jahukyan, the Erida is decoded as “erdik” which is translated as “chimney”.

Sipan mountain

This mountain attracted the attention of numerous Armenian artists with its everlasting and majestic beauty. Sipan appears in the landscape drawings of Panos Terlemezyan with its unique charm, recognizable depiction of surroundings and picturesque scenery of the author’s birthplace Van. Terlemezyan painted the masterpiece “Mount Sipan from Ktuts Island” in 1915, during a heavy period in Armenia’s history. He peppered the painting with the eternal love he had towards his motherland.

P. Terlemezyan, Sipan mountain (1915)

Climbing Mount Sipan

We started our ascent in 8th of August, 2017 at five o’clock in the morning. The ascent from the tent camp to the summit took 9 hours (relative altitude – 1500 meters). It was hard but surmountable. The view from the summit remained etched in our memories.

Photo by Hrachuhi Ayvazyan, Eduard Stepanyan & Tigran Shahbazyan

Armenian Highland

Mount Sis

Armenian Highland / General characteristics

Scientific Research of the Armenian Highland

Armenia on ancient maps

What and where is Anatolia?

Cartographic war

Inter-mountainous concavities

Top 5 highest summits of Armenian Highland

Lakes of Armenian Highland

Active Volcanoes of Armenian Highland

Mount Toghasar

Arnos Mountain

Odzasar (Vishapasar)

Mount Grgur

Mount Surb Luys

Mount Tsrasar

Mount Bardogh

Mount Qajkar

armeniangeographic — Thu, 08 Dec 2016 07:10:42 +0000

Mount Qajkar is the highest peak of Eastern Pontic mountains which is located on the north-eastern part of Armenian Highland. The height of mountain is 3937 m. The name has originated from Armenian word “qajq” which means a devil force or some spiritual creature (bed or good).

There are many big and small lakes on the green slopes of mount Qajkar.

Lake Tsovalich or Deniz gyol is located on the southern slopes of mountain. From the top of mount Qajkar you can admire the panorama of the whole Armenian Highland. To the north you can see Black sea. If the weather is fine you can also see mount Ararat from the top of Qajkar.

Photo by: Hrachuhi Ayvazyan, Norayr Hovhannisyan, Arthur manucharyan & Tigran Shahbazyan

Hiking and Trekking in Armenia

Smbataberd in Wintertime

Andzavajur Gorge

Shaghot Waterfall

Mount Dimats

Azat Reservoir

Mount Sharayi

Mount Pahakasar

Mount Tezhkar

Mount Toghasar

Nemrut (Sarakn) volcano

armeniangeographic — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 13:05:59 +0000

Nemrut or Sarakn volcano is situated on the western shore of the lake. The height is 2935 meters. The south-eastern slopes are steep, the eastern ones lead to the Mush plain. Crater lakes of Nemrut are located at an altitude of 2400 meters. You can enjoy the mesmerizing view of the crater from the peak of the mountain, which is the largest crater in Armenian Highland

Video by Eduard Stepanyan

Photo by Tigran Shahbazyan

Hiking and trekking tours in Armenia

Vahagn and Astghik waterfalls

Hike to Mount Mets Parakhadem

Three Hawks Trail

Hike to Mount Dimats

Climbing Mountain Aragats

One-day hike to the Lakes of Aragats

Ascent to the Northern summit of Mt Aragats

Climbing Volcano Azhdahak

Yeranos Mountains

Climbing mountain Mets Kirs

armeniangeographic — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 09:49:08 +0000

Mets Kirs / Artsakh – 2724 m

Mountain Mets Kirs is one of the highest summits of the southern part of Artsakh mountain range. The summit of this mountain is not only beautiful but also symbolic. We call it the clenched fist of Artsakh. Look carefully and you will see our unity fist .

Hiking and trekking tours in Armenia

Smbataberd in Wintertime

Andzavajur Gorge

Shaghot Waterfall

Mount Dimats

Azat Reservoir

Mount Sharayi

Mount Pahakasar

Mount Tezhkar

Mount Toghasar

Mysteries of Astghashen

Tsarakar Monastery

Mount Kharanaler

Mount Handasar

Mount Dzithanits

Mount Qarasnasar

Mount Shekaghbyur

Yerakh Mountains

Mount Khosrovasar

Angels' Canyon

Mount Katar

Mount Sartsali

Mount Dizapayt

armeniangeographic — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 11:03:17 +0000

Dizapayt Mountain is located in Hadrut region of Artsakh. It is 2478 m high above sea level. The second name of the mountain is Ziarat. On the peak of Mount Dizapayt there is a monastery called Kataro. The summit is one of the sacred places of Artsakh.

Legends about Dizapayt

The legend has it that on the top of the mountain, at the place of monastery Kataro, the children of King Sanesan (the head of the nomadic Massagetae tribe) and a lot of Christian people were killed in the 330s. St. Grigoris, the grandson of St. Gregory the Illuminator and bishop of eastern lands of Armenia, led an Armenian mission to convert the Massagetae tribesmen to Christianity and he succeeded in that. King Sanesan reached the monastery and killed all the inhabitants of Katarovank, including his own children. The corpses of the killed were heaped as the pieces of wood and then were burnt ( from there comes the name of the mountain Dizapayt which means heaped pieces of wood ). Then the Arabs called the mountain Ziarat which means a sacred place in Arabic language.

The Katarovank Monastery

In the 4-5 centuries Katarovank monastery was built on the top of Dizapayt mountain. It is the monastery with the highest altitude in Nagorno Karabakh. Leo writes that it used to be a diocese of Dizak region. According to historical sources the place has been considered sacred since ancient times and the evidences of pilgrimage refer back to the Arabic period or even earlier.

People tell a legend about the mountain. According to it the God wanted to destroy the world and the mountain asked him to forgive the humans. Then the God said that he will punish the mountain instead of people and when the Dizapayt accepted the God’s offer a huge thunder hit the mountain.

You can also see the photos of our winter ascent of Dizapayt.