St. Minas' relics: "...in 1871 the former proprietors of the mill, i.e. Tiflis inhabitants Nikoghayos and Hripsime Hakhverdiants, took them out of their wooden shrines and placed them in some silver closets..."<fnref n="87" />

In November 1905, the Turkish mob plundered and dilapidated St. Gevorg Church and the chapel of the pilgrimage site of Sourb Nahatak (the Armenian equivalent for 'Holy Martyr'), situated on the left bank of the river Kurak, 200 metres south of the village.<fnref n="88" />

In 1911 the Religious Department of Gandzak decided to donate some books to St. Gevorg Church, that had suffered heavy damage.<fnref n="90" />

**The Local Priests.** In 1869 "clergyman Sargs Ter-Arakeliants, an inhabitant of Gharadaghlu" was ordained "to serve St. Gevorg Church of the Armenian village of Gharadaghlu."<fnref n="90" />

He held his post until at least 1910, also performing priestly duties for the community of Khoylar Village.<fnref n="91" />

One of the earliest records on the **parochial school** of Gharadaghlu dates back to 1874.<fnref n="92" />

According to a press publication of 1887, it remained closed without any immediate prospects of future reopening:

"The villagers have built a small, two-room school at their own expense in the south of the church. Unfortunately, however, at present one of its rooms serves as a barn for a certain gentleman from Gandzak. The other, where Armenian children were to learn their mother tongue, shelters some Persian *Jvars*. These people do not pay any rent for their stay in the building; moreover, they constantly damage it by making a fire right in the middle of the room and thus blackening both its walls and ceiling. When the issue of the reopening of Armenian schools became a subject of wide discussion everywhere, Khankend Armenians stated, "We are going to open our school, too." So far, however, they have not taken any actions for that purpose..."<fnref n="93" />

In 1913 the inhabitants of Gharadaghlu embarked upon the construction of a state Russian school.<fnref n="94" />

The aforementioned **mill**, which enjoyed widespread fame, constantly attracted the attention of different topographers. Thus, a record states, "The village is adjoined by a magnificent mill belonging to a certain Mr. Hakhverdiants from Tpkhis. It consists of many large buildings and is furnished with European equipment, thanks to which it yields 500 poods of flour per day."<fnref n="95" />

A press publication of 1899 mentions a certain N. Pridoniants & Company from Tiflis as the proprietor of the mill.<fnref n="96" />

As already stated above, some Turkish bandits killed two Armenians in this mill in 1905: "On 17 November, two Armenians were murdered in Fridonov's mill located within half a verst of Gharadaghlu. One of the victims was its manager."<fnref n="97" />

## GHARAMUSALI

**Location.** The village is situated 14 kilometres north of the district centre, at an altitude of 100 to 110 metres above sea level.

It was founded in the late 19th century by the Turkish tribe of Gharamusali, which had changed to a sedentary life.

**Population.** Due to their nomadic mode of life, the same members of the tribe were registered in different places, as a result of which their number was highly exaggerated. With this connection, a researcher wrote the following in 1865, "For example, let us take Gharamusanli Village: according to some documents, it comprises 50 families, but actually they amount to only 26..."<fnref n="98" />

The same is true of the population census carried out in 1886, when 129 houses with 540 inhabitants (303 males and 237 females) were recorded in the village.<fnref n="99" /> In contrast to that, the statistical data regarding the years 1908¹⁰⁰ and 1914,<fnref n="101" /> i.e. 246 and 292 residents respectively, are far more trustworthy.

## GHARAPIRIMLI

**Location.** This Turkish village extends on the right bank of the river Kurak, 11 kilometres north of the district centre, at an altitude of 105 to 115 metres above sea level.

In the late 19th century, it belonged to landowners Nazar Melik-Shahnazarian and Lazar Emmanuelian Lazariants from Voskanapat Village of Khanlar District.<fnref n="102" />

The available statistical data on the number of the local population represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1886<sup>103</sup></td><td>18</td><td>59</td><td>52</td><td>111</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>104</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>84</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>105</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>45</td></tr></tbody></table>

<footnote n="96">96 "Nor-Dar," 1899, No. 85, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="97">97 A-Do, idem, p. 332.</footnote>

<footnote n="98">98 Meves, V., op. cit., in: "Kavkaz," 1865, No. 88, p. 440 (the original reads, "Да вот, хотя бы деревня Карамусанлы. В этой деревне по камеральному описанию записано 50 дымов, а в натуре их только 26...").</footnote>

<footnote n="99">99 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 82-83.</footnote>

<footnote n="100">100 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 276.</footnote>

<footnote n="101">101 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 135.</footnote>

<footnote n="102">102 National Archives of Armenia, fund 93, list 1, file 388, pp. 8-9.</footnote>

<footnote n="103">103 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 78-79. Apparently, this number is exaggerated.</footnote>

<footnote n="104">104 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 276.</footnote>

<footnote n="105">105 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 136.</footnote>

<footnote n="87">87 Priest Emmanuel Nazarian. Impressions of Gandzak. In: "Nor-Dar," 1899, No. 85, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="88">88 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3764, p. 278.</footnote>

<footnote n="89">89 "Ararat," 1911, p. 522.</footnote>

<footnote n="90">90 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 5394, p. 10.</footnote>

<footnote n="91">91 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 3, file 52, p. 28.</footnote>

<footnote n="92">92 National Archives of Armenia, fund 458, list 1, file 184, p. 7.</footnote>

<footnote n="93">93 "Nor-Dar," 1886, No. 6.</footnote>

<footnote n="94">94 "Horizon," 1913, No. 71, p. 3; ibid., N 79, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="95">95 "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 19, p. 280.</footnote>
## GHARASULEYMANLI

A Turkish village founded in the Soviet years, it adjoins the district centre in the south-west.

### GHARASUNCHU

The village is situated 18 kilometres north-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 140 to 143 metres above sea level.

It was founded by some stock-breeding Turkish tribes which had shifted to a sedentary life in the early 20th century.

In 1914 Gharasunchu had 119 inhabitants.<fnref n="106" />

### GHASUMBEYLI

**Location.** The village extends 13 kilometres south-east of the district centre.

It was founded by some cattle-breeding Turkish tribes which had changed to a sedentary life in the late 19th century.

The available statistical data on the number of the local population represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1886<sup>107</sup></td><td>17</td><td>75</td><td>47</td><td>122</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>108</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>257</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>109</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>35</td></tr></tbody></table>

### GHAZAKHLAR (MOLLA-ISMAYILI)

**Location.** The village is situated 11 kilometres north-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 170 to 175 metres above sea level.

At the close of the 19th century, Molla-Ismayili belonged to Turkish landowners Melik Mahmed Bey and Mustafa Bey Shafibekov together with the villages of Shaf, Arapli, Nashmir, Gyoranli and Iydali-Ghurugh.<fnref n="110" />

During the period between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of the local population was reliably entered in the statistical registers only after they had shifted to a sedentary life. Thus, in 1908 the village had 185 inhabitants<fnref n="111" /> whose number had dropped to 139 by 1914.<fnref n="112" />

In contrast to the aforementioned, during their nomadic life, the same inhabitants of the village were oft-registered in different places, as a result of which their number was highly exaggerated. Thus, in 1886 65 houses were recorded with 379 inhabitants.<fnref n="113" />

## GHAZANBULAGH

**Location.** The present-day township of Ghazanbulagh lies 12 kilometres west of the district centre (Hin, i.e. Older Ghazanbulagh is situated 5 kilometres south-west).

**A Historical Introduction.** The estate of Ghazanbulagh, which occupied an area of 2,000 dessiatinas, belonged to the Melik-Hovsepians until the region joined Russia.<fnref n="114" />

In the late 19th century, the site of these dominions served for the foundation of a Turkish village of the same name which was granted the status of township in 1949.<fnref n="115" />

**Population.** By 1864 the nomadic community of the village had not changed to a sedentary life yet, and lived scattered even in the neighbouring provinces.<fnref n="116" /> The available statistical data on their number represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1886<sup>117</sup></td><td>118</td><td>258</td><td>298</td><td>556</td></tr><tr><td>1907<sup>118</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>62</td></tr><tr><td>1976<sup>119</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>600</td></tr></tbody></table>

### GHAZANCHI

**Location.** The village is situated 9 kilometres north-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 135 to 145 metres above sea level.

In the late 19th century, Ghazanchi and Gharapirimli belonged to landowners Nazar Melik-Shahnazarian and Lazar Emmanuelian Lazariants from Voskanapat.<fnref n="120" />

### GHEREKHLI (MISKINLI)

**Location.** Gherekhli extends on the left bank of the river Kurak, 12 kilometres north-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 107 to 112 metres above sea level.

It was founded in the early 20th century by the Miskinli tribe of Turkish stock-breeders who had changed to a sedentary life.

In 1914 it had a community of 63 inhabitants.<fnref n="121" />

### GHEZEL HAJILI

**Location.** One of the most densely-populated Turkish villages in the region, Ghezel Hajili lies 6 kilometres south-east of the district centre.

<footnote n="106">106 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 136.</footnote>

<footnote n="107">107 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 80-81. Evidently, this number is exaggerated.</footnote>

<footnote n="108">108 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 279. Evidently, this number is exaggerated.</footnote>

<footnote n="109">109 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 137.</footnote>

<footnote n="110">110 National Archives of Armenia, fund 93, list 1, file 388, pp. 15-16.</footnote>

<footnote n="111">111 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 324.</footnote>

<footnote n="112">112 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 78-79.</footnote>

<footnote n="113">113 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 160.</footnote>

<footnote n="114">114 Lalayan, Yer. Gandzak District, p. 251.</footnote>

<footnote n="115">115 SAE, vol. 2, p. 559.</footnote>

<footnote n="116">116 Meves, V., op. cit., in: "Kavkaz," 1865, No. 85, p. 420.</footnote>

<footnote n="117">117 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 88-89. For reasons already specified, this number cannot be considered reliable.</footnote>

<footnote n="118">118 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 265.</footnote>

<footnote n="119">119 SAE, vol. 2, p. 559.</footnote>

<footnote n="120">120 National Archives of Armenia, fund 93, list 1, file 388, pp. 8-9.</footnote>

<footnote n="121">121 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 159.</footnote>
It was inhabited by the members of the Miskinli tribe who totaled 174 in 1908,<fnref n="122" /> 1,210 in 1914,<fnref n="123" /> and 4,993 in 1977.<fnref n="124" />

In the late 19th century, a mosque was built in the village.<fnref n="125" />

## GHUSHCHULAR

The village, whose foundation traces back to the Soviet years, is situated 22.5 kilometres north-west of the district centre, at an average altitude of 210 metres above sea level.

## GYORANLI

**Location.** The village is situated on the right bank of the river Kurak, 11 kilometres north-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 148 to 152 metres above sea level.

In the late 19th century, Gyoranli belonged to Turkish landowners Melik Mahmed Bey and Mustafa Bey Shafibekov together with the villages of Shaf, Arapli, Nashmir, Iydali-Ghurugh and Mollah-Ismayili.<fnref n="126" />

The available data on the number of the local population represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1886<sup>127</sup></td><td>91</td><td>209</td><td>156</td><td>365</td></tr><tr><td>1906<sup>128</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>45</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>129</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>219</td></tr></tbody></table>

## GYOYNIYAN

**Location.** The village, dating back to the Soviet years, lies 19 kilometres north-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 158 to 165 metres above sea level.

## GYULMAMEDLI (MISKINLI)

**Location.** This Turkish village extends on the left bank of the river Kurak, 11.5 kilometres north-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 118 to 122 metres above sea level.

It was founded in the early 20th century.

In 1914 it had a population of 63.<fnref n="130" />

## HAJALILI

**Location.** Hajalili is situated 15 kilometres south-west of the district centre.

It was established by some stock-breeding tribes which had changed to a sedentary life in the late 19th century.

The village had a population of 208 in 1914.<fnref n="131" />

## JINLI-BOLUSLU

The village is located 6 kilometres north-east of the district centre, at an average altitude of 100 metres above sea level.

It was founded by the Jinli cattle-breeding tribe, which had shifted to a sedentary life.

**Population.** The available statistical data regarding the number of the local inhabitants represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1886<sup>132</sup></td><td>206</td><td>582</td><td>412</td><td>994</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>133</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>668</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>134</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>868</td></tr><tr><td>1986<sup>135</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>981</td></tr></tbody></table>

## JINLI-ZEYNALI (ZEYNAL-JINLU)

The village, founded by some cattle-breeders in the early 20th century, is situated 3 kilometres east of the district centre.

## KARKUJAK

**Location.** The village extends in the valley of one of the right branches of the river Sevjur, 14 kilometres south-west of the district centre.

It was founded in the early 20th century by some Turkish herdsmen who had changed to a sedentary life.

Karkujak had 195 inhabitants in 1914,<fnref n="136" /> and 526 in 1977.<fnref n="137" />

## KASUM-ISMAYILOV (GYORANBOY-AHMEDLI)

**Location.** The city of Kasum-Ismayilov, which is the centre of the district of the same name, is situated 30 kilometres west of Yevlakh and 37 kilometres south-east of Gandzak.

It had the status of township between 1958 and 1966.

The available data on the number of the local population represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1886<sup>138</sup></td><td>335</td><td>968</td><td>625</td><td>1,593</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>139</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>1,940</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>140</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>907</td></tr></tbody></table>

<footnote n="122">122 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 287. Apparently, this number is exaggerated.</footnote>

<footnote n="123">123 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 141.</footnote>

<footnote n="124">124 SAE, vol. 3, p. 161. According to the highly exaggerated statistical data of 1886, the village had 23 houses with 150 inhabitants (A Statistical Survey..., pp. 78-79).</footnote>

<footnote n="125">125 Fatullayev, Sh. S., idem, p. 433.</footnote>

<footnote n="126">126 National Archives of Armenia, fund 93, list 1, file 388, pp. 15-16.</footnote>

<footnote n="127">127 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 78-79. For reasons already specified, this number cannot be considered reliable.</footnote>

<footnote n="128">128 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 223.</footnote>

<footnote n="129">129 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 109.</footnote>

<footnote n="130">130 Idem, p. 159.</footnote>

<footnote n="131">131 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 106.</footnote>

<footnote n="132">132 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 80-81.</footnote>

<footnote n="133">133 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 244.</footnote>

<footnote n="134">134 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 120.</footnote>

<footnote n="135">135 SAE, vol. 10, p. 439.</footnote>

<footnote n="136">136 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 136.</footnote>

<footnote n="137">137 SAE, vol. 3, p. 70.</footnote>

<footnote n="138">138 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 78-79. For reasons already specified, this number cannot be considered reliable.</footnote>

<footnote n="139">139 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 223.</footnote>

<footnote n="140">140 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 109.</footnote>
## KHANKARVEND

**Location.** Khankarvend lies 16 kilometres south-east of the district centre.

In the late 19th century, it belonged to four Turkish landowners.<fnref n="141" />

The present-day village was founded in the late 19th century by some Turkish tribes which had changed to a sedentary mode of life.

The available statistical data on the number of the local population represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1886<sup>142</sup></td><td>284</td><td>947</td><td>692</td><td>1,639</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>143</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>2,180</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>144</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>1,200</td></tr><tr><td>1986<sup>145</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>4,733</td></tr></tbody></table>

## KHASADARLI

**Location.** The village extends 13 kilometres north-west of the district centre, between 140 and 145 metres of altitude above sea level.

It was established in the early 20th century by some Turkish stock-breeders.

Khasadarli had a population of 44 in 1914.<fnref n="146" />

## KHINALI

**Location.** The village, founded in the early 20th century, is situated 15 kilometres north-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 120 to 125 metres above sea level.

In 1986 the local inhabitants totaled 634.<fnref n="147" />

## KHOYLI (KHOYLAR, JARKYALAR)

**Location.** The village, nowadays officially called Khoyli, extends in a slightly slanting plain lying on the left bank of the river Kurak, a kilometre south-west of Gharadaghlu, 22 kilometres west of the district centre, at an altitude of 375 to 410 metres above sea level.

**The Origin of the Toponym.** It is also known by the name of *Jarkyalar* deriving from a site of the same name where it was established. *Khoylar*, another name used with reference to it, comes from Khoy, i.e. the birthplace of the Armenian resettlers who were to become the founders of this village.<fnref n="148" />

**Foundation.** In 1844 “...14 families of Khoyli inhabitants took up residence in Jarkalar, situated near the village of Gharadaghlu...”<fnref n="149" />

The available statistical data on the number of the local population between 1844 and 1981 represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1844<sup>150</sup></td><td>14</td><td>37</td><td>33</td><td>70</td></tr><tr><td>1845<sup>151</sup></td><td></td><td>53</td><td>51</td><td>104</td></tr><tr><td>1847<sup>152</sup></td><td></td><td>62</td><td>53</td><td>115</td></tr><tr><td>1849<sup>153</sup></td><td></td><td>51</td><td>43</td><td>94</td></tr><tr><td>1852<sup>154</sup></td><td></td><td>55</td><td>48</td><td>103</td></tr><tr><td>1861<sup>155</sup></td><td>10</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1866<sup>156</sup></td><td>11</td><td>44</td><td>43</td><td>87</td></tr><tr><td>1872<sup>157</sup></td><td></td><td>90</td><td>75</td><td>165</td></tr><tr><td>1873<sup>158</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>164</td></tr><tr><td>1875<sup>159</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>165</td></tr><tr><td>1876<sup>160</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>162</td></tr><tr><td>1877<sup>161</sup></td><td></td><td>90</td><td>83</td><td>173</td></tr><tr><td>1878<sup>162</sup></td><td></td><td>86</td><td>78</td><td>164</td></tr><tr><td>1881<sup>163</sup></td><td></td><td>85</td><td>68</td><td>153</td></tr><tr><td>1882<sup>164</sup></td><td></td><td>85</td><td>65</td><td>150</td></tr><tr><td>1883<sup>165</sup></td><td></td><td>86</td><td>66</td><td>152</td></tr><tr><td>1885<sup>166</sup></td><td></td><td>80</td><td>67</td><td>147</td></tr><tr><td>1886<sup>167</sup></td><td>40</td><td>89</td><td>83</td><td>172</td></tr><tr><td>1887<sup>168</sup></td><td></td><td>64</td><td>62</td><td>126</td></tr><tr><td>1888<sup>169</sup></td><td></td><td>59</td><td>57</td><td>116</td></tr><tr><td>1889<sup>170</sup></td><td></td><td>58</td><td>57</td><td>115</td></tr><tr><td>1890<sup>171</sup></td><td></td><td>62</td><td>56</td><td>118</td></tr><tr><td>1891<sup>172</sup></td><td></td><td>61</td><td>60</td><td>121</td></tr><tr><td>1892<sup>173</sup></td><td></td><td>60</td><td>56</td><td>116</td></tr><tr><td>1893<sup>174</sup></td><td></td><td>66</td><td>62</td><td>128</td></tr><tr><td>1894<sup>175</sup></td><td></td><td>69</td><td>72</td><td>141</td></tr><tr><td>1897<sup>176</sup></td><td></td><td>65</td><td>63</td><td>128</td></tr></tbody></table>

<footnote n="141">141 National Archives of Armenia, fund 93, list 1, file 388, pp. 62-63.</footnote>

<footnote n="142">142 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 150-151.</footnote>

<footnote n="143">143 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 393.</footnote>

<footnote n="144">144 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 195.</footnote>

<footnote n="145">145 SAE, vol. 10, p. 47.</footnote>

<footnote n="146">146 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 196.</footnote>

<footnote n="147">147 SAE, vol. 10, p. 89.</footnote>

<footnote n="148">148 *Lalayan, Yer.* Gandzak District, p. 307.</footnote>

<footnote n="149">149 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3809, p. 31. According to another source, Khoy Armenians settled there in 1828 (*Lalayan, Yer.*, ibid.).</footnote>

<footnote n="150">150 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3809, p. 31.</footnote>

<footnote n="151">151 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3811, pp. 5-6.</footnote>

<footnote n="152">152 Idem, file 3814, pp. 97-98.</footnote>

<footnote n="153">153 Idem, file 3818, pp. 95-96.</footnote>

<footnote n="154">154 Idem, file 3819, pp. 105-106.</footnote>

<footnote n="155">155 Idem, file 3835, pp. 147-148.</footnote>

<footnote n="156">156 Idem, file 3848, p. 57.</footnote>

<footnote n="157">157 Idem, file 3872, pp. 62-63.</footnote>

<footnote n="158">158 Idem, file 3864, pp. 39-40.</footnote>

<footnote n="159">159 Idem, file 3866, pp. 44-45.</footnote>

<footnote n="160">160 Idem, file. 3868, pp. 57-58.</footnote>

<footnote n="161">161 Idem, file 3869, pp. 54-55.</footnote>

<footnote n="162">162 Idem, file 3870, pp. 22-23.</footnote>

<footnote n="163">163 Idem, file 3873, pp. 27-28.</footnote>

<footnote n="164">164 Idem, file 3874, p. 30.</footnote>

<footnote n="165">165 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3875, pp. 56-57.</footnote>

<footnote n="166">166 Idem, file 3877, p. 29.</footnote>

<footnote n="167">167 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 86-87. Another source mentions 20 houses for the same year ("Ardzagank," 1886, No. 19, p. 280).</footnote>

<footnote n="168">168 Idem, file 3880, p. 72.</footnote>

<footnote n="169">169 Idem, file 3882, p. 130.</footnote>

<footnote n="170">170 Idem, file 3884, pp. 226-227.</footnote>

<footnote n="171">171 Idem, file 3887, p. 149.</footnote>

<footnote n="172">172 Idem, file 3889, p. 148.</footnote>

<footnote n="173">173 Idem, file 3891, p. 120.</footnote>

<footnote n="174">174 Idem, file 3895, pp. 77-78.</footnote>

<footnote n="175">175 Idem, file 3896, pp. 71-72.</footnote>

<footnote n="176">176 Idem, file 3899, pp. 146-147.</footnote>
<table><tr><td>1898<sup>177</sup></td><td></td><td>66</td><td>66</td><td>132</td></tr><tr><td>1899<sup>178</sup></td><td></td><td>71</td><td>69</td><td>140</td></tr><tr><td>1900<sup>179</sup></td><td></td><td>76</td><td>71</td><td>147</td></tr><tr><td>1901<sup>180</sup></td><td></td><td>74</td><td>73</td><td>147</td></tr><tr><td>1902<sup>181</sup></td><td></td><td>80</td><td>76</td><td>156</td></tr><tr><td>1905<sup>182</sup></td><td></td><td>85</td><td>80</td><td>165</td></tr><tr><td>1906<sup>183</sup></td><td></td><td>110</td><td>90</td><td>200</td></tr><tr><td>1907<sup>184</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>191</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>185</sup></td><td>36</td><td>108</td><td>88</td><td>196</td></tr><tr><td>1909<sup>186</sup></td><td></td><td>111</td><td>91</td><td>202</td></tr><tr><td>1910<sup>187</sup></td><td></td><td>114</td><td>94</td><td>208</td></tr><tr><td>1912<sup>188</sup></td><td></td><td>123</td><td>99</td><td>222</td></tr><tr><td>1917<sup>189</sup></td><td>40</td><td></td><td></td><td>273</td></tr><tr><td>1981<sup>190</sup></td><td>6</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

**The Armeno-Turkish Fights between 1905 and 1906.** In the autumn of 1905, the inhabitants of Khoyli moved first to the neighbouring village of Gharadaghlu and then Getashen out of security considerations. In November of the same year, the Turkish mob set the village alight (its reconstruction was still underway in 1913).<fnref n="191" />

**Sourb Astvatzatzin Church.** Khoyli remained devoid of a church until the early 1850s so that the necessary religious ceremonies were either performed in the church of Gharadaghlu, or a clergyman was invited from the neighbouring villages.

According to an archive document of 1861,<fnref n="192" /> Khoyli had a church called Sourb Astvatzatzin; hence we can conclude that it was built in the second half of the 1850s.

In 1886 the issue of the overhaul of that “simple, dark and dilapidated” monument was put forward.<fnref n="193" /> Oral discussion was soon followed by the beginning of its renovation, “...the local people themselves assuming all the burden of the work.”<fnref n="194" />

In the days of the Armeno-Turkish fights between 1905 and 1906, the Turkish bandits plundered and destroyed Sourb Astvatzatzin Church.<fnref n="195" /> After peace

had been restored, the inhabitants of Khoyli returned to their homes and repaired the monument.

In 1911 Sourb Astvatzatzin received some church books from the Religious Department of Gandzak.<fnref n="196" />

In 1914 the newly-repaired sanctuary was consecrated by Diocese Leader Levon the Bishop.<fnref n="197" />

In 1935 the church started serving as an office. By the early 1980s, its building had been reduced to a semi-ruined state.

In 1910 Priest Sargis Ter-Arakeliants from Gharadaghlu served in Khoyli.<fnref n="198" />

## KURBANZADE

**Location.** The village is situated 8 kilometres north of the township of Dalmamedli, and 26 kilometres north-west of the district centre.

Established in the Soviet years, it was within the jurisdiction of the Village Council of Fakhrali.

**A village site called Kermezi-Ghazakhlar** extends on the right bank of the Korcha, i.e. the right branch of the river Gandzak, a kilometre north of Kurbanzade.

In the late 19th century, it belonged to Abdullah Bey Allahverdi Bey oghli Safikyurdski.<fnref n="199" />

Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the inhabitants of Kermezi-Ghazakhlar were reliably registered in statistical sources only after they had shifted to a sedentary life: thus, in 1914 they amounted to 66.<fnref n="200" />

In contrast to that, during their nomadic life, the same people were registered in different places, as a result of which their true number was highly exaggerated. Thus, in 1886 53 houses were recorded with 216 inhabitants.<fnref n="201" />

Kermezi-Ghazakhlar was stripped of its population in the Soviet years.

## KYALAK

**Location.** Kyalak is situated 16 kilometres north-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 140 to 145 metres above sea level.

In the late 19th century, some stock-breeding tribes took up permanent residence in the village, which belonged to numerous Turkish landowners.<fnref n="202" />

In 1908 it had a community of 130.<fnref n="203" />

## KYURAKCHAY

**Location.** Kyurakchay, that represents a township adjoining one of the stations of Baku-Gandzak

<footnote n="177">177 Idem, file 3897, p. 168.</footnote>

<footnote n="178">178 Idem, file 3903, pp. 125-126.</footnote>

<footnote n="179">179 Idem, file 3905, pp. 90-91.</footnote>

<footnote n="180">180 Idem, file 3906, pp. 96-97.</footnote>

<footnote n="181">181 Idem, file 3907, pp. 22-23.</footnote>

<footnote n="182">182 Idem, file 3912, pp. 265-266.</footnote>

<footnote n="183">183 Idem, file 3915, p. 24.</footnote>

<footnote n="184">184 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 240, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="185">185 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 559, p. 11.</footnote>

<footnote n="186">186 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 18, file 764, p. 116.</footnote>

<footnote n="187">187 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3917, pp. 56-57.</footnote>

<footnote n="188">188 Idem, file 3919, pp. 61-62.</footnote>

<footnote n="189">189 Avetissian, M. M., idem, p. 166.</footnote>

<footnote n="190">190 Attested by the villagers themselves.</footnote>

<footnote n="191">191 “Horizon,” 1913, No. 177, p. 4.</footnote>

<footnote n="192">192 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3835, pp. 147-148.</footnote>

<footnote n="193">193 “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 19, p. 280.</footnote>

<footnote n="194">194 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="195">195 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3764, p. 278.</footnote>

<footnote n="196">196 “Ararat,” 1911, p. 522.</footnote>

<footnote n="197">197 National Archives of Armenia, fund 409, list 1, file 2644, p. 22.</footnote>

<footnote n="198">198 National Archives of Armenia, fund 458, list 1, file 184, p. 7.</footnote>

<footnote n="199">199 National Archives of Armenia, fund 93, list 1, file 388, pp. 32-33.</footnote>

<footnote n="200">200 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 148.</footnote>

<footnote n="201">201 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 76-77.</footnote>

<footnote n="202">202 National Archives of Armenia, fund 93, list 1, file 388, pp. 40-41.</footnote>

<footnote n="203">203 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 306.</footnote>
Railroad, is situated 9 kilometres north-west of the dis-
trict centre.

In the early 20th century, a Turkish village was
founded in its site.

In 1906 it had 24 inhabitants.<fnref n="204" />

MESHADIGHARALAR (JINLU)

The village, extending 6 kilometres east of the dis-
trict centre, was founded in the early 20th century by
the Jinlu tribe of Turkish cattle-breeders who had
changed to a sedentary life.

MIKHAYLOVKA

**Location.** The village, at present inhabited by Turks, is situated 12 kilometres east of Gandzak City, 26 kilometres north-west of the district centre, at an average altitude of 240 metres above sea level.

It was founded in the late 19th century by some
Russian resettlers who had established another village
of the same name near Azat (Suluk) Village of Khanlar
District.

MUZUDULAR

**Location.** The village, founded in the Soviet years, lies 18 kilometres north-west of the district centre, between 200 and 220 metres of altitude above sea level.

In 1982 its inhabitants amounted to 900.<fnref n="205" />

NADIRKEND

Nadirkend is located on the right bank of the river Kurak, 14 kilometres north-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 210 to 230 metres above sea level.

It represents a Turkish village dating back to the
Soviet years.

NIZAMI (MOLLA-AVAZLI)

**Location.** The village lies on the left bank of the river Kurak, 6 kilometres south-west of the township of Dalmamedli, 24 kilometres north-west of the district centre, between 320 and 350 metres of altitude above sea level.

It was founded in the late 19th century by some stock-
breeding Turkish tribes which had shifted to a sedentary
life.

The local community comprised 327 people in
1908,<fnref n="206" /> and 159 in 1914.<fnref n="207" />

RAHIMLI

The village extends 4 kilometres south-west of the
district centre.

It was founded in the early 20th century by some
herdsmen, and had a population of 795 in 1983.<fnref n="208" />

Several tombs, tracing back to the period between
the 18th and 19th centuries, are preserved in its territory.

SAFIKYURD

**Location.** The village is situated in the valley of one of the branches of the river Sevjur, 7 kilometres south of the district centre.

In the late 19th century, Safikyurd, that comprised
several encampments of stock-breeding Turkish tribes,
belonged to some Turkish landowners.<fnref n="209" />

**Population.** During the period between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the members of the cattle-breeding tribe of Safikyurd were reliably registered in statistical sources only after they had changed to a sedentary mode of life. Thus, in 1908 570,<fnref n="210" /> and in 1914 498 inhabitants were recorded.<fnref n="211" /> In contrast to that, during their nomadic life, the same people were counted in different places, as a result of which their true number was highly exaggerated: for instance, in 1886 Safikyurd allegedly had 176 houses with 1,101 dwellers.<fnref n="212" />

In the early 20th century, a tomb was built in the village.<fnref n="213" />

SAMEDABAD (KARKUJAK)

**Location.** The village extends 7 kilometres east of the township of Dalmamedli, 14 kilometres north-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 170 to 180 metres above sea level.

In the early 20th century, it was populated by some
stock-breeding Turkish tribes, and had a community of
80 in 1914.<fnref n="214" />

SAROV

**Location.** The village lies on the left bank of the river Kurak, half a kilometre south of the railway line, 22 kilometres west of the district centre, at an altitude of 240 to 250 metres above sea level.

Two stories are generally associated with the **foun-**
**dation** of Sarov. According to one of them, it was
established in the second half of the 18th century by the
last representatives of Krzen Armenians, most of whom
had been captured and taken to Daghestan.<fnref n="215" /> The other
holds that it was founded by some resettlers from a vil-

<footnote n="204">204 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 305.</footnote>

<footnote n="205">205 SAE, vol. 7, p. 86.</footnote>

<footnote n="206">206 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 324. Apparently, this number is exaggerated.</footnote>

<footnote n="207">207 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 159. According to the highly exaggerated statistical data of 1886, the village had 42 houses with 256 inhabitants (A Statistical Survey..., pp. 88-89).</footnote>

<footnote n="208">208 SAE, vol. 8, p. 11.</footnote>

<footnote n="209">209 National Archives of Armenia, fund 93, list 1, file 388, pp. 26-28.</footnote>

<footnote n="210">210 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 361.</footnote>

<footnote n="211">211 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 179.</footnote>

<footnote n="212">212 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 86-87.</footnote>

<footnote n="213">213 Fatullayev, *Sh. S.*, ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="214">214 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 136.</footnote>

<footnote n="215">215 "Nor-Dar," 1886, No. 119, p. 2.</footnote>
lage of the same name located in Partav (Uti-Arandznak) District of Utik Province of Metz Hayk.<fnref n="216" /> In any case, Sarov Armenians can be considered natives of the village, for neither Krzen nor Maralian (Begum) Sarov was situated very far from the village.

**A Historical Introduction.** In the late 19th century, Sarov belonged to the Kamsarakans' family of landowners.<fnref n="217" />

The local Turks enjoying triple numerical superiority over the Armenians in 1886, the latter decided to leave the village, then belonging to Manas Bey Kamsarakan, and resettle in some royal dominions.<fnref n="218" />

**Population.** In 1839 Sarov comprised 13 families which are presented below:

“1 Ohan Bhaturov, his wife Sarah, their son Arzuman as well as their daughters Mariam, Shoghi and Herik;

2 Grigor Poghosov and his wife Yeghisabet;

3 Michael Sahakov, his wife Khanum, as well as their son Simon and their daughter Gyulli;

4 Papa Grigorov, his wife Yetar, their sons Hayrapet, Papan, Sargis, Hovhannes, as well as their daughters Mariam and Zanazan, their daughter-in-law Rehan and their grandson Grigor;

5 Widow Mariam Satelmishian, her daughter-in-law, widow Margaret with her son Avetik, as well as Mariam's daughters Martha, Sanam, Anayi, Yetar and Kozal;

6 Sahak Allahghuliov and his son Kochari with his wife Dastagyul and his daughter Margaret; Sahak's nephew Hayrapet and his niece Heriknaz;

7 Kalantar Potiov, his wife Nanakhas, their children Alexan and Sirun, their daughter-in-law Heriknaz as well as their grandchildren Khachatur, Gozal and Papas;

8 Hovhannes Ghazarian, his wife Sanam and his sister Nanum;

9 Alamkhan Arakelian, his wife Nanaghez as well as their sons Harutiun, Khachatur and Ohan;

10 Khurshut Khachaturov with his wife Antaram;

11 Khachatur Zinavorov, his wife Mariam as well as their daughters Herik and Horomsim;

12 Khachatur Hakobov, his wife Mariam as well as their sons Madat and Sahak; Khachatur's brothers 1. Adam with his wife Mariam as well as his son Harutiun and his daughter Horomsim; and 2. Hovhannes with his wife Yeghisabet as well as his children Ghevond and Gayane;

13 Ghuli Abrahamian, his wife Anayi, their son Abraham as well as their daughters Sandukht and Gozal.”<fnref n="219" />

The following statistical data represent the number of Sarov's population between the 19th and 20th centuries:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1839<sup>220</sup></td><td>13</td><td>34</td><td>42</td><td>76</td></tr><tr><td>1845<sup>221</sup></td><td></td><td>42</td><td>45</td><td>87</td></tr><tr><td>1847<sup>222</sup></td><td></td><td>34</td><td>35</td><td>69</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table><tbody><tr><td>1849<sup>223</sup></td><td></td><td>37</td><td>34</td><td>71</td></tr><tr><td>1852<sup>224</sup></td><td></td><td>41</td><td>41</td><td>82</td></tr><tr><td>1861<sup>225</sup></td><td>10</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1866<sup>226</sup></td><td>13</td><td>39</td><td>41</td><td>80</td></tr><tr><td>1870<sup>227</sup></td><td></td><td>49</td><td>53</td><td>102</td></tr><tr><td>1872<sup>228</sup></td><td></td><td>72</td><td>58</td><td>130</td></tr><tr><td>1873<sup>229</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>114</td></tr><tr><td>1875<sup>230</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>118</td></tr><tr><td>1877<sup>231</sup></td><td></td><td>64</td><td>60</td><td>124</td></tr><tr><td>1878<sup>232</sup></td><td></td><td>68</td><td>59</td><td>127</td></tr><tr><td>1881<sup>233</sup></td><td></td><td>74</td><td>56</td><td>130</td></tr><tr><td>1882<sup>234</sup></td><td></td><td>75</td><td>56</td><td>131</td></tr><tr><td>1883<sup>235</sup></td><td></td><td>75</td><td>59</td><td>134</td></tr><tr><td>1885<sup>236</sup></td><td></td><td>64</td><td>60</td><td>124</td></tr><tr><td>1886<sup>237</sup></td><td>35</td><td>83</td><td>72</td><td>155</td></tr><tr><td>1887<sup>238</sup></td><td></td><td>78</td><td>64</td><td>142</td></tr><tr><td>1888<sup>239</sup></td><td></td><td>80</td><td>69</td><td>149</td></tr><tr><td>1889<sup>240</sup></td><td></td><td>80</td><td>71</td><td>151</td></tr><tr><td>1890<sup>241</sup></td><td></td><td>82</td><td>74</td><td>156</td></tr><tr><td>1891<sup>242</sup></td><td>31</td><td>86</td><td>77</td><td>163</td></tr><tr><td>1892<sup>243</sup></td><td></td><td>85</td><td>75</td><td>160</td></tr><tr><td>1893<sup>244</sup></td><td></td><td>87</td><td>77</td><td>164</td></tr><tr><td>1894<sup>245</sup></td><td></td><td>87</td><td>77</td><td>164</td></tr><tr><td>1897<sup>246</sup></td><td></td><td>87</td><td>80</td><td>167</td></tr><tr><td>1898<sup>247</sup></td><td></td><td>90</td><td>81</td><td>171</td></tr><tr><td>1899<sup>248</sup></td><td></td><td>96</td><td>87</td><td>183</td></tr><tr><td>1900<sup>249</sup></td><td></td><td>92</td><td>91</td><td>183</td></tr><tr><td>1901<sup>250</sup></td><td></td><td>92</td><td>95</td><td>187</td></tr><tr><td>1902<sup>251</sup></td><td></td><td>92</td><td>95</td><td>187</td></tr></tbody></table>

<footnote n="216">216 *Barkhutariants*, M. Artsakh, pp. 53-54; *Lalayan*, Yer. Gandzak District, p. 307.</footnote>

<footnote n="217">217 *Lalayan*, Yer., ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="218">218 “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 19, p. 279.</footnote>

<footnote n="219">219 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3800, p. 307.</footnote>

<footnote n="220">220 Idem, p. 26.</footnote>

<footnote n="221">221 Idem, file 3811, pp. 5-6.</footnote>

<footnote n="222">222 Idem, file 3814, pp. 97-98.</footnote>

<footnote n="223">223 Idem, file 3818, pp. 95-96.</footnote>

<footnote n="224">224 Idem, file 3819, pp. 105-106.</footnote>

<footnote n="225">225 Idem, file 3835, pp. 147-148.</footnote>

<footnote n="226">226 Idem, file 3848, p. 57.</footnote>

<footnote n="227">227 Idem, file 3857, pp. 49-50.</footnote>

<footnote n="228">228 Idem, file 3872, pp. 62-63.</footnote>

<footnote n="229">229 Idem, file 3862, pp. 58-59.</footnote>

<footnote n="230">230 Idem, file 3866, pp. 44-45.</footnote>

<footnote n="231">231 Idem, file 3869, pp. 54-55.</footnote>

<footnote n="232">232 Idem, file 3870, pp. 22-23.</footnote>

<footnote n="233">233 Idem, file 3873, pp. 27-28.</footnote>

<footnote n="234">234 Idem, file 3874, p. 30.</footnote>

<footnote n="235">235 Idem, file 3875, pp. 56-57.</footnote>

<footnote n="236">236 Idem, file 3877, p. 29.</footnote>

<footnote n="237">237 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 86-87. Another source mentions 20 houses (“Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 19, p. 279). Sarov also had a Turkish population of 62 houses in the same year.</footnote>

<footnote n="238">238 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3880, p. 72.</footnote>

<footnote n="239">239 Idem, file 3882, p. 130.</footnote>

<footnote n="240">240 Idem, file 3884, pp. 226-227.</footnote>

<footnote n="241">241 Idem, file 3887, p. 149.</footnote>

<footnote n="242">242 Idem, file 3889, p. 148; *Barkhutariants*, M., idem, p. 54.</footnote>

<footnote n="243">243 Idem, file 3891, p. 120.</footnote>

<footnote n="244">244 Idem, file 3895, pp. 77-78.</footnote>

<footnote n="245">245 Idem, file 3896, pp. 71-72.</footnote>

<footnote n="246">246 Idem, file 3899, pp. 146-147.</footnote>

<footnote n="247">247 Idem, file 3897, p. 168.</footnote>

<footnote n="248">248 Idem, file 3903, pp. 125-126.</footnote>

<footnote n="249">249 Idem, file 3905, pp. 90-91.</footnote>

<footnote n="250">250 Idem, file 3906, pp. 96-97.</footnote>

<footnote n="251">251 Idem, file 3907.</footnote>
<table><tr><td>1905<sup>252</sup></td><td>95</td><td>95</td><td>190</td></tr><tr><td>1906<sup>253</sup></td><td>44</td><td>52</td><td>96</td></tr><tr><td>1907<sup>254</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>86</td></tr><tr><td>1909<sup>255</sup></td><td>108</td><td>104</td><td>212</td></tr><tr><td>1912<sup>256</sup></td><td>119</td><td>115</td><td>234</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>257</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>53</td></tr><tr><td>1917<sup>258</sup></td><td>30</td><td></td><td>210</td></tr></table>

This table indicates that Sarov was a small village, with its population hardly amounting to a maximum of 234 (1912) during the aforementioned period.

By the mid-1980s, the village had been stripped of its Armenian inhabitants.

**The Armeno-Turkish Fights between 1905 and 1906.** The occupation and destruction of Sarov, an isolated village having a small Armenian population, did not pose any difficulty for the Turkish mob: "Early in October, Mamikon Madatian, a man of 40, was shot in his yard without any reason. Immediately afterwards, all the local inhabitants moved to Gharadaghlu and Gandzak, the derelict village being first plundered and then set ablaze by the Turkish bandits."<fnref n="259" />

For several years, Sarov Armenians, who had scattered in different places, did not dare to return to their homes. According to some archive documents, their abandoned village represented merely a heap of ruins between 1905 and 1910.<fnref n="260" /> In 1910, however, when the tumult of the Armeno-Turkish fights had abated, they returned and started reconstructing the village.

Sarov's **Sourb Astvatzatzin Church**, which used to represent an earthen building of wooden roof, was destroyed in 1905.

## SAROV (TURK SAROV)

**Location.** The village extends 4 kilometres north-east of the township of Dalmamedli, and 21 kilometres north-west of the district centre.

It was often called Turk Sarov to be differentiated from an Armenian village of the same name located 5 kilometres south-west.

In the late 19th century, it belonged to some Turkish landowners.<fnref n="261" />

**Population.** The available statistical data reveal that in the course of time, the number of Sarov's population continually diminished instead of increasing. The reason is evident: in the early 20th century, the local Turkish stock-breeders gradually shifted to a sedentary life, which made it possible to get a more

reliable statistical picture of them, something impossible during their nomadic life.

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1886<sup>262</sup></td><td>98</td><td>253</td><td>199</td><td>452</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>263</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>360</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>264</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>177</td></tr><tr><td>1983<sup>265</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>720</td></tr></tbody></table>

## SHADILI

**Location.** The village, founded in the late 19th century, lies on both banks of the river Kurak, 5 kilometres south of the township of Dalmamedli, 18 kilometres north-west of the district centre, between 280 and 300 metres of altitude above sea level.

The available statistical data on the number of the local population represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1886<sup>266</sup></td><td>70</td><td>150</td><td>126</td><td>276</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>267</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>354</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>268</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>180</td></tr></tbody></table>

## TAP

The village is located on the left bank of the river Inja, 20 kilometres south of the district centre.

It was mainly in the Soviet years that some cattle-breeding Turks settled down in Tap.

### TAP-GHARAGHOYUNLU<fnref n="269" />

**Location.** The village, adjoining the village of Tap, extends not far from the left bank of the river Inja, 19 kilometres south of the district centre.

In the early 20th century, the site of an ancient, derelict Armenian village provided a new place of dwelling for some Turkish herdsmen who had shifted to a sedentary life.

The available statistical data on the number of the local population reveal that in 1886 the same members of the nomadic tribe were registered for many times in different places:

<footnote n="252">252 Idem, file 3912, pp. 265-266.</footnote>

<footnote n="253">253 Idem, file 3915, p. 24.</footnote>

<footnote n="259">259 **A-Do**, idem, p. 331.</footnote>

<footnote n="260">260 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file. 559, p. 11; fund 53, list 1, file 3917, pp. 56-57.</footnote>

<footnote n="261">261 National Archives of Armenia, fund 93, list 1, file 388, pp. 54-55.</footnote>

<footnote n="262">262 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 86-87.</footnote>

<footnote n="263">263 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 360.</footnote>

<footnote n="264">264 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 179.</footnote>

<footnote n="265">265 SAE, vol. 8, p. 303.</footnote>

<footnote n="254">254 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 240, p. 2. According to another statistical source of the same year, the village had 118 inhabitants (Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 360).</footnote>

<footnote n="255">255 National Archives of Armenia, fund ä56, list 18, file 764, p. 116.</footnote>

<footnote n="256">256 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3919, pp. 61-62.</footnote>

<footnote n="257">257 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 179.</footnote>

<footnote n="258">258 Avetissian, M. M., idem, p. 166.</footnote>

<footnote n="266">266 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 88-89.</footnote>

<footnote n="267">267 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 419.</footnote>

<footnote n="268">268 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 209.</footnote>

<footnote n="269">269 The toponym is composed of the word 'tap,' i.e. the Armenian equivalent for 'ground,' 'land,' and the name of the tribe of 'Gharaghoyin,' i.e. 'Black Sheep.'</footnote>
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>House</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1886<sup>270</sup></td><td>118</td><td>315</td><td>291</td><td>606</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>271</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>980</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>272</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>390</td></tr><tr><td>1985<sup>273</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>1,771</td></tr></tbody></table>

## YEGARCHI-GHAZAKHLAR

**Location.** The village is situated 8 kilometres north of Dalmamedli, 22 kilometres north-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 160 to 170 metres above sea level.

In the Soviet years, it was within the jurisdiction of the Village Council of Dalmamedli.

The present-day village was founded in the late 19th century by some Turkish stock-breeders who had shifted to a sedentary life on a Government order.

The available statistical data on the number of the local population represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1886<sup>274</sup></td><td>82</td><td>221</td><td>197</td><td>418</td></tr><tr><td>1907<sup>275</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>370</td></tr><tr><td>1986<sup>276</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>158</td></tr></tbody></table>

The ruins of a village site called *Murghuzular* are preserved 3 kilometres north-east of Yegarchi-Ghazakhlar.

## YELPAK (YOLPAKH)

**Location.** The village lies 18 kilometres north-west of the district centre, between 180 and 190 metres of altitude above sea level.

Founded in the late 19th century, it was one of the small Turkish villages in the district.

The existing statistical data on the number of the local population represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1886<sup>277</sup></td><td>13</td><td>25</td><td>20</td><td>45</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>278</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>51</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>279</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>47</td></tr></tbody></table>

## YEREVANLI (KARAKOYUNLI)

This village, established in the early 20th century, extends 4 kilometres north-east of the district centre, at an altitude of 110 to 120 metres above sea level.

In 1914 it had a population of 66.<sup>280</sup>

## YOLGHULULAR

**Location.** The village is located on the left bank of the river Kurak, 23 kilometres west of the district centre, between 410 and 460 metres of altitude above sea level.

It was founded in the late 19th century by some cattle-breeding Turkish tribes which had shifted to a sedentary life.

The local inhabitants amounted to 192 in 1908,<sup>281</sup> and 243 in 1914.<sup>282</sup>

<footnote n="270">270 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 86-87.</footnote>

<footnote n="271">271 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 375.</footnote>

<footnote n="272">272 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 186.</footnote>

<footnote n="273">273 SAE, vol. 9, p. 147.</footnote>

<footnote n="274">274 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 76-77.</footnote>

<footnote n="275">275 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 250.</footnote>

<footnote n="276">276 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 123.</footnote>

<footnote n="277">277 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 78-79.</footnote>

<footnote n="278">278 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 264.</footnote>

<footnote n="279">279 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 130.</footnote>

<footnote n="280">280 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 135.</footnote>

<footnote n="281">281 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 251.</footnote>

<footnote n="282">282 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 123.</footnote>
KHANLAR DISTRICT

The administrative district of Khanlar, known by the name of Narimanov until 1938, was established in 1930. It occupies an area of 2,393 square kilometres and comprises 86 residential settlements, including 82 villages. The centre of the district is the former German colony of Helendorf, which was renamed Khanlar on 19 July 1938. It borders on Dedoplis-Tzegharo District of the Republic of Georgia, Shahumian and Karvajar Districts of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh, as well as Dashkesan, Yevlakh, Touz, Kakh and Shamkhor Districts of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Between 1988 and 1991, all the settlements of Khanlar District were stripped of their Armenian population.

<figure><img src="image_428.png" /></figure>
## ABLAH

**Location.** The village is situated 10 kilometres south-east of the district centre, between 1,000 and 1,050 metres of altitude above sea level.

The village site of Hin (Older) Ablah extends on the south-facing slope of a gorge lying 1.5 kilometres north-east of the present-day village: "...it is surrounded by bare mountains on three sides. In times bygone, a huge block of rock stretching all along the southern part of the village used to serve as a solid fortification for the local inhabitants, protecting them from the attacks of the neighbouring barbarians. The eastern part of the village is covered with a fine forest and gardens with all kinds of fruit-bearing trees: Ablah is especially famous for its pears..."<fnref n="1" />

In the early 20th century, the residents of Ablah abandoned their ancient village and took up residence in a plateau extending a little south-westward, where they founded a new village of the same name.

Hin Ablah, now relegated to a village site, was also known among the local people by the name of Ginedzor. We, however, are not convinced that ‘Ginedzor’ and ‘Kinevanuts Dzor,’ mentioned in the colophon of a manuscript Gospel once kept in the local church,’ are identical.<fnref n="2" />

**Population.** The following list of Ablah Armenians drawn up in 1839 is of great value to the study of the history of their families:

“1 Abraham Baghdasarian, his wife Shoghi, their daughter Herik as well as their sons Yeghiazar and Sargis; Abraham’s brother Vardan and his spouse Altum;

2 Sargis Papian, his sister Sona and his mother Anna;

3 Simeon Khachumian, his wife Mariam, their daughter Shoghi as well as their sons Avag and Mkrtich;

4 Khachatur Harutiunian, his wife Antaram, his mother Khatun as well as his brothers Hovsep, and Mnatsakan with his wife Heriknaz;

5 Widow Khanum, her daughter Sona as well as her sons Avetis and Grigor;

6 Vani Harutiunian, his wife Mariam as well as his brothers Grigor, and Hovakim with his spouse Antaram;

7 Grigor Harutiunian, his wife Anna as well as their sons Daniel, Aaron and Simeon;

8 Hovhannes Harutiunian, his wife Margaret, their children Sargis and Varti as well as Hovhannes’ brother Petros;

9 Sarukhan Ghukassian, his wife Shoghi as well as their sons Thomas, Ghazar and Harutiun;

10 Avag Grigorian, his mother Nazlukhan, his brother Hovsep and their sister Sona."<fnref n="3" />

The available statistical records on the population of Ablah between 1804 and 1917 represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1804<sup>4</sup></td><td>16</td><td>32</td><td>26</td><td>58</td></tr><tr><td>1839<sup>5</sup></td><td>10</td><td>28</td><td>21</td><td>49</td></tr><tr><td>1845<sup>6</sup></td><td></td><td>62</td><td>41</td><td>103</td></tr><tr><td>1847<sup>7</sup></td><td></td><td>65</td><td>42</td><td>107</td></tr><tr><td>1849<sup>8</sup></td><td></td><td>65</td><td>47</td><td>112</td></tr><tr><td>1852<sup>9</sup></td><td></td><td>71</td><td>55</td><td>126</td></tr><tr><td>1861<sup>10</sup></td><td>12</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1866<sup>11</sup></td><td>12</td><td>52</td><td>44</td><td>96</td></tr><tr><td>1872<sup>12</sup></td><td></td><td>69</td><td>60</td><td>129</td></tr><tr><td>1873<sup>13</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>78</td></tr><tr><td>1875<sup>14</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>81</td></tr><tr><td>1876<sup>15</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>83</td></tr><tr><td>1877<sup>16</sup></td><td></td><td>46</td><td>41</td><td>87</td></tr><tr><td>1878<sup>17</sup></td><td></td><td>48</td><td>40</td><td>88</td></tr><tr><td>1881<sup>18</sup></td><td></td><td>70</td><td>64</td><td>134</td></tr><tr><td>1882<sup>19</sup></td><td></td><td>69</td><td>69</td><td>138</td></tr><tr><td>1883<sup>20</sup></td><td></td><td>68</td><td>68</td><td>136</td></tr><tr><td>1885<sup>21</sup></td><td></td><td>62</td><td>47</td><td>109</td></tr><tr><td>1886<sup>22</sup></td><td>34</td><td>111</td><td>85</td><td>196</td></tr><tr><td>1887<sup>23</sup></td><td></td><td>77</td><td>47</td><td>124</td></tr><tr><td>1888<sup>24</sup></td><td></td><td>82</td><td>48</td><td>130</td></tr><tr><td>1889<sup>25</sup></td><td></td><td>83</td><td>50</td><td>133</td></tr><tr><td>1890<sup>26</sup></td><td></td><td>86</td><td>48</td><td>132</td></tr><tr><td>1891<sup>27</sup></td><td></td><td>91</td><td>54</td><td>145</td></tr><tr><td>1892<sup>28</sup></td><td></td><td>99</td><td>56</td><td>155</td></tr><tr><td>1893<sup>29</sup></td><td></td><td>104</td><td>58</td><td>162</td></tr></tbody></table>

<footnote n="1">¹ “Nor-Dar,” 1886, No. 144, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="2">² That part of the colophon reads, “In the year 842, I, Vahap, erected this church and purgatory, and had a canal stretched from the gorge of Kinevanuts... The villagers promised to hold divine service in my memory three hours a year: may God bless those who will do so. Besides, I built a bridge, paved a road and had a heifer as well as some sheep, rams and lambs slaughtered for nine hundred people. My estate in Buskhan was arid; that is why, I arranged for water to be conveyed there once a week for the sake of my property (“Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 20, p. 293).</footnote>

<footnote n="3">³ National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3800, pp. 29-30.</footnote>

<footnote n="4">⁴ Collected Acts..., vol. 2, p. 596.</footnote>

<footnote n="5">⁵ National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3800, pp. 29-30.</footnote>

<footnote n="6">⁶ Idem, file 3811, pp. 4-5.</footnote>

<footnote n="7">⁷ Idem, file 3814, pp. 95-96.</footnote>

<footnote n="8">⁸ Idem, file 3818, pp. 95-96.</footnote>

<footnote n="9">⁹ Idem, file 3819, pp. 105-106.</footnote>

<footnote n="10">¹⁰ Idem, file 3835, pp. 147-148.</footnote>

<footnote n="11">¹¹ Idem, file 3848, p. 57.</footnote>

<footnote n="12">¹² Idem, file 3872, pp. 62-63.</footnote>

<footnote n="13">¹³ Idem, file 3862, pp. 58-59.</footnote>

<footnote n="14">¹⁴ Idem, file 3872, pp. 44-45.</footnote>

<footnote n="15">¹⁵ Idem, file 3868, pp. 57-58.</footnote>

<footnote n="16">¹⁶ Idem, file 3869, pp. 54-55.</footnote>

<footnote n="17">¹⁷ Idem, file 3870, pp. 22-23.</footnote>

<footnote n="18">¹⁸ Idem, file 3873, pp. 27-28.</footnote>

<footnote n="19">¹⁹ Idem, file 3874, p. 30.</footnote>

<footnote n="20">²⁰ Idem, file 3875, pp. 56-57.</footnote>

<footnote n="21">²¹ Idem, file 3877, p. 29.</footnote>

<footnote n="22">²² A Statistical Survey..., pp. 86-87. According to another source, the village had a population of 24 houses (“Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 20, p. 293).</footnote>

<footnote n="23">²³ National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3880, p. 72.</footnote>

<footnote n="24">²⁴ Idem, file 3882, p. 130.</footnote>

<footnote n="25">²⁵ Idem, file 3884, pp. 226-227.</footnote>

<footnote n="26">²⁶ Idem, file 3887, p. 149.</footnote>

<footnote n="27">²⁷ Idem, file 3889, p. 148.</footnote>

<footnote n="28">²⁸ Idem, file 3891, p. 120.</footnote>

<footnote n="29">²⁹ Idem, file 3895, pp. 77-78.</footnote>
<table><tr><td>1894<sup>30</sup></td><td></td><td>105</td><td>56</td><td>161</td></tr><tr><td>1897<sup>31</sup></td><td></td><td>119</td><td>74</td><td>193</td></tr><tr><td>1898<sup>32</sup></td><td></td><td>124</td><td>76</td><td>200</td></tr><tr><td>1899<sup>33</sup></td><td></td><td>131</td><td>82</td><td>213</td></tr><tr><td>1900<sup>34</sup></td><td></td><td>133</td><td>86</td><td>219</td></tr><tr><td>1901<sup>35</sup></td><td></td><td>137</td><td>84</td><td>221</td></tr><tr><td>1902<sup>36</sup></td><td></td><td>142</td><td>85</td><td>227</td></tr><tr><td>1905<sup>37</sup></td><td></td><td>149</td><td>92</td><td>241</td></tr><tr><td>1906<sup>38</sup></td><td></td><td>149</td><td>88</td><td>237</td></tr><tr><td>1907<sup>39</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>257</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>40</sup></td><td>27</td><td>157</td><td>158</td><td>312</td></tr><tr><td>1909<sup>41</sup></td><td></td><td>159</td><td>158</td><td>317</td></tr><tr><td>1910<sup>42</sup></td><td></td><td>166</td><td>160</td><td>326</td></tr><tr><td>1912<sup>43</sup></td><td>43</td><td>174</td><td>175</td><td>349</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>44</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>371</td></tr><tr><td>1917<sup>45</sup></td><td>60</td><td></td><td></td><td>324</td></tr></table>

These statistical data reveal that the inhabitants of Ablah mostly increased during the aforementioned period. In the course of some years, however, certain reduction could be observed in their number due to resettlement. In 1886 the contemporary press wrote the following with regard to that fact, “Several decades ago, this village boasted greater prosperity than it does today: in the aftermath of an incessant resettlement mainly in Gandzak, the number of the local people has dropped to 25 houses now...”<fnref n="46" />

Most of Ablah Armenians were natives of the village, and only a small part of them had moved there from some other places, including Haterk, a village in present-day Martakert District of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh.<fnref n="47" />

At first the Turkish elements who penetrated into Ablah in the early 1980s comprised merely several families. In the summer of 1989, however, it was rapidly inhabited with Turks, in the aftermath of which, it was stripped of its Armenian inhabitants in several months' time.

The year of the opening of **the school** of Ablah oscillates between 1906⁴⁸ and 1907.<fnref n="49" /> One of the available sources even speaks of its reopening, which gives us grounds to suppose that the village had a functioning parish school before the closing of Armenian schools by the Tsarist authorities in 1895.

In 1912 the institution, that had 43 pupils, both girls and boys, closed due to the shortage of financial means.<fnref n="50" />

**The church of St. Minas** was erected in the site of an older, dilapidated one in the 17th century.

It represents a tri-nave basilica (exterior dimensions:18.85 x 10.30 metres) built of hewn and finely-cut stone as well as mortar. Its vault, lying below a gable roof, is supported by semi-circular arches resting on three pairs of pillars. A sacristy of rectangular plan can be seen on both sides of the bema, and the font lies in its traditional place, namely in the northern wall. The building, which abuts on a slanting mountain slope with its western and northern facades, is illuminated through 5 windows opening from the eastern (3) and southern (2) facades.

<figure><img src="image_429.png" /><figcaption>ABLAH. The plan of St. Minas Church</figcaption></figure>

The entrance of the sanctuary, opening from its southern facade, was repaired in the late 19th century and a double-storey belfry was added to it.

The tympanum of the older church, that had been displaced during the overhaul of the entrance of St. Minas in 1892, was still preserved in 1987: it was set in the stonework of the main wall adjoining the church entrance, at the western edge of the belfry.

Between 8 and 9 lines in the Armenian original incised into the aforementioned tympanum:

Թվ(ին) ՈՇՈՒԱ (1732), յիշատակ է Պետրոսին, Յակորտին, Մրզի(ն) տրո(ի)ք Տ(է)ք Պողօսին, որ էինք / որդիք Աւետիսի, / ի ազգէն՝ Հասանանց, որ էք ժամանակն Վալին Ահմատին,

<footnote n="30">³⁰ Idem, file 3896, pp. 71-72.</footnote>

<footnote n="31">³¹ Idem, file 3899, pp. 146-147.</footnote>

<footnote n="32">³² Idem, file 3897, p. 168.</footnote>

<footnote n="33">³³ Idem, file 3903 pp. 126-127.</footnote>

<footnote n="34">³⁴ Idem, file 3905 pp. 90-91.</footnote>

<footnote n="35">³⁵ Idem, file 3906 pp. 96-97.</footnote>

<footnote n="36">³⁶ Idem, file 3907, pp. 22-23.</footnote>

<footnote n="37">³⁷ Idem, file 3912, pp. 265-266.</footnote>

<footnote n="38">³⁸ Idem, file 3915, p. 24.</footnote>

<footnote n="39">³⁹ National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 240, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="40">⁴⁰ National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 559, p. 8.</footnote>

<footnote n="41">⁴¹ National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 18, file 764, p. 116.</footnote>

<footnote n="42">⁴² National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3917, pp. 56-57.</footnote>

<footnote n="43">⁴³ Idem, file 3919, pp. 61-62. Also see “Horizon,” 1912, No. 107, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="44">⁴⁴ Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 82.</footnote>

<footnote n="45">⁴⁵ Avetissian, M. M., idem, p. 166.</footnote>

<footnote n="46">⁴⁶ “Nor-Dar,” 1886, No. 144, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="47">⁴⁷ Barkhutariants, M. Artsakh, p. 267. Also see Lalayan, Yer. Gandzak District, p. 317.</footnote>

<footnote n="48">⁴⁸ National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 301, p. 5.</footnote>

<footnote n="49">⁴⁹ National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 261, p. 1.</footnote>

<footnote n="50">⁵⁰ “Horizon,” 1912, No. 107, p. 3.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_430.png" /><figcaption>ABLAH. St. Minas Church seen from the west and east. Cross-stones standing near its western facade, and the belfry of the church adjoining it in the south</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_431.png" /></figure>

որ գոչի Թահմագ, որ քար/աւորեցաւ ի երգրին
Բարսից, քագում գաւաս աւերեալ:

transl.: In the year 1732, in memory of Petros,
Hakob, Merza, worthless Father Poghos, who
were the sons of Avetis from the Hasaniants' fam-
ily under Vali Ahmat who was called Tahmaz and
who reigned in the land of the Persians, devastat-
ing a great many districts.

The Armenian original published in: "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 20, p. 293; **Barkhutariants**, M. Artsakh, p. 267; **Lalayan**, Yer. Gandzak District, p. 317; Corpus..., part 5, p. 232.

Note: The initial 2 to 3 lines, that were deliberately scraped away, have been restored in accordance with the previous decipherments.

The walls of St. Minas Church are abundantly
engraved with brief donation inscriptions dating back

to the period between the 17th and 18th centuries.
Below follow some of them:

5 lines in the Armenian original carved on the west-directed face of the finely-finished cornerstones lying in the north of the bema:

U(nıր)p լս(ա)չս | քար(ե)քաս | S(է)p Հազ(ա)p|հն, հ(ն)գ(ո)ն, | քվ(հն) Ո-ԾԻԵ (1676):

transl.: May this Holy Cross protect Father Ghazar's soul, in the year 1676.

Published for the first time.

9 lines in the Armenian original engraved on one of the sides of a khachkar carved of a small white-coloured stone and set in the upper part of the eastern facade of the church:

U(nıր)p լս(ա)չ(ս) | քար(ե)քս/(աս) | Հ(այ)ք(ա)պ(ե)/տին) եւ Եսա(հն)...|.../հնգ/(ոյն), քվ(հն) Ո-ԾԼ (1681):
<figure><img src="image_432.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_433.png" /><figcaption>ABLAH. The belfry of St. Minas Church and construction inscriptions near the southern wall of the latter</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_434.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_435.png" /></figure>

transl.: May this Holy Cross protect Hayrapet
and Yesayi.... soul, in the year 1681.

The Armenian original published in: Corpus..., ibid.

5 lines in the Armenian original incised into the west-directed
face of the finely-finished cornerstones lying in the north of the be-
ma:

U(ուր)ք խ(ա)չ(ս) քար(ե)խոս | S(է)ր
ՕՀանէսին/ խոր կ(ո)ղակից Հ(ո)օմին / Օւարին,
Սարք/արիտ(ին):

transl.: May this Holy Cross protect Father
Ohanes, his spouse Hrom, Ovak, Markarit.

Published for the first time.

8 lines in the Armenian original carved on the west-directed face
of the finely-finished cornerstones lying in the north of the bema:

U(ուր)ք խ(ա)չս / ք(ա)րեխոս / Պ(ա)լին, hn-

գ/(ո)ւն, | խոր կ(ո)ղ|ակից Խ/(ա)նումիթ(ն):

transl.: May this Holy Cross protect Pal's soul
[and] his spouse Khanum.

Published for the first time.

5 lines in the Armenian original inscribed on the west-directed
face of the finely-finished cornerstones lying in the north of the
bema:

U(ուր)ք խ(ա)չս քար(ե)խ(օ)ս | Դ-(ա)ւքին,
Եղի/(սար)էքին, Ղազ/արին | h(ն)գ(ու)ն:

transl.: May this Holy Cross protect the souls of
David, Yeghisabet [and] Ghazar.

Published for the first time.

4 lines in the Armenian original incised into the west-directed
face of the finely-finished cornerstones lying in the south of the
bema:
<figure><img src="image_436.png" /><figcaption>ABLAH. Westward and north-eastward views of the interior of St. Minas Church. Capitols</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_437.png" /></figure>

U(ուր)ք խաչ(ս) քար(ե)քս/ου | Աղազարին...:
transl.: May this Holy Cross protect Aghazar...

Published for the first time.

6 lines in the Armenian original engraved on the west-directed
face of the finely-finished cornerstones lying in the south of the
bema:

U(ուր)ք խաչս / քարեխս(օ)ս | Խաք/ուն/ին հն-/զ(ն)յն:

transl.: May this Holy Cross protect Khatun's
soul.

Published for the first time.

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on the west-directed face
of the finely-finished cornerstones lying in the south of the bema:

U(ուր)ք խ(ա)չս / ք(ա)րէխս(օ)ս | Մարեանին:
transl.: May this Holy Cross protect Marean.

Published for the first time.

4 lines in the Armenian original incised into the west-directed
face of the finely-finished cornerstones lying in the south of the bema:

U(ուր)ք խաչս / քարեխաւս Առ/քստակես/ին հնգոյն:

transl.: May this Holy Cross protect
Arestakes' soul.

Published for the first time.

6 lines in the Armenian original inscribed on a finely-cut fallen
stone in commemoration of the overhaul of the entrance:

Շինեցաւ դուռնս | արդեամքք եւ ծա/քսիւք
Սիքայէլի | Սարգսեան Ղազանչեանց | Աքլա-
հեցոյ, ի յիշատակ | իւք, յամին 1892 ամի:

transl.: This door was repaired in the year 1892
through the means and efforts of Michael
Sargissian Ghazanchiants from Ablah in [perpe-
tuity of] his memory.
<figure><img src="image_438.png" /><figcaption>ABLAH. Stone inscriptions preserved on the walls of St. Minas Church. Khachkars standing near its western wall</figcaption></figure>

Published for the first time.

4 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a finely-finished
stone set in the eastern facade of the belfry:

10.1.1896 ամի այս եկեղէցո | կաք(ո)ղուկէն
յ(ի)շատակ | շինեցի Սիքայէլի իմ | հայր
Ս(ա)րգիս Ա. Ղազ(ա)նչ(եանց):
<figure><img src="image_439.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_440.png" /><figcaption>ABLAH. The tombstone of Father Petros Adibekians, and a khachkar set in the northern wall of St. Minas Church</figcaption></figure>

transl.: On 10.1.1896 I, Michael, built the dome of this church in memory of my father Sargis A. Ghazanchians.

Published for the first time.

St. Minas functioned until 1928, when it closed on a Government order.<fnref n="51" />

The cemetery of Ablah extends on a slanting mountain slope a little above the church. In the 1960s, it retained three inscribed cross-stones:

Carved on the cornice and around the cross wings of a khachkar:

Խա(չ)ս փ(ր)կուրի(ւն) Թիլնա խ(ա)թունա, / թվ(ին) ՌԽԵ (1596):

transl.: May this cross save Tilna Khatun, in the year 1596.

The Armenian original published in: Corpus..., part 5, p. 232.

6 lines in the Armenian original incised around the cross wings of another khachkar:

Թալասում, / Խ(ա)նու/մ/ուն / հգ/ուն:

transl.: To the souls of Talas and Khanum.

The Armenian original published in: Corpus..., ibid.

9 lines in the Armenian original engraved on the cornice, the southern side and around the cross wings of a fallen khachkar lying together with its pedestal:

Ես Սարգս էրէց կանգնեցի ս(ուր)ք խ(ա)չ(ս) / քա(ր)էխ(աւ)ս է Գիլինգոյին հգուն: Խանումին, Դալսէկին, քաղաք/ին / մեռու:

transl.: I, Priest Sargis, erected this Holy Cross in memory of Gilingoyl's soul. To Khanum, Dalpek...

The Armenian original published in: Corpus..., ibid.

**Priests.** As stated in a press publication of 1891, it was already 10 years since Ablah was left without a spiritual shepherd,<fnref n="52" /> evidently, due to parish priest Petros' death in 1879. In 1987 we saw his inscribed tombstone lying below the outer southern wall of St. Minas Church. Father Petros Adibekians (born in 1783), who was ordained in 1814, first served in Erkej (in present-day Shahumian District of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh) and then moved to Ablah. He also performed priestly duties for the parishes of the adjacent villages of Suluk and Hajishen.<fnref n="53" />

4 lines in the Armenian original carved on a rectangular tombstone decorated with a verge:

Այս է տապան սրբակրոն ձերունի / Տէր Պետորո քահանայի / Աղիէկեանց, վախճանեալ / 1879 ամի, Ա(սուուա)ծ հգին լուսաորէ, ամէն:

transl.: In this grave reposes old righteous priest Petros Adibekians [who] died in the year 1879. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.

Published for the first time.

Note: The priest died at the age of 96.

Nerses Ter-Baraghamiants,<fnref n="54" /> one of the pupils of Archimandrite Theodoros Shirakuny, studied in Kha-chakap's Targmanchats Monastery from 1885 until 1888. He was ordained in Tpkhis in 1897 by Archbi-shop Gevorg Sureniants and served the community of Ablah between 1897 and 1910. Nerses Ter-Baragham-ants had 5 children: Sona, born in 1891; Mkrtich, born in 1894; Sargis, born in 1896; Karapet, born in 1898, and Shushanik, born in 1903.<fnref n="55" />

<footnote n="51">51 National Archives of Armenia, fund 409, list 1, file 2658, p. 12.</footnote>

<footnote n="52">52 "Nor-Dar," 1891, No. 113, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="53">53 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3833, pp. 124-125.</footnote>

<footnote n="54">54 National Archives of Armenia, fund 458, list 1, file 184, p. 7. Also see fund 53, list 1, file 817, p. 6.</footnote>

<footnote n="55">55 National Archives of Armenia, fund 461, list 1, file 12, p. 56.</footnote>
## ACHAGHAYA

This Turkish village extends on the left bank of the Getishinaget ('Kheyrachay' in Turkish), 11 kilometres north-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 620 to 660 metres above sea level.

It was founded in the late 19th century and had a population of 125 in 1908.<fnref n="56" />

## AGHASIBEKLI (NERKIN AND VERIN)

The villages of Verin and Nerkin Aghasibekli are situated respectively 25 and 27 kilometres north of the district centre, at an altitude of 205 to 210, and 194 to 196 metres above sea level.

In the second half of the 19th century, the stock-breeding Turkish tribe of Aghasibekli was scattered in different winter encampments lying within several kilometres of each other.

The available statistical data relating to the number of the local population represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1886<sup>57</sup></td><td>65</td><td>230</td><td>146</td><td>376</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>58</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>1850</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>59</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>345</td></tr></tbody></table>

## AGHEKHUSH

**Location.** The village is situated on the south-facing slope of a gorge lying on the left bank of the Getishinaget, i.e. the left tributary of the river Artinajur, 15 kilometres north-west of the district centre, between 820 and 950 metres of altitude above sea level.

It represents a Turkish settlement founded in the early 20th century.

In 1908 it had a population of 145.<fnref n="60" />

A pilgrimage site called **Ptkesaberk or Ptki Sourb Gevorg** ('St. Gevorg of the top': 'ptuk' is the equivalent for 'top' in Karabakh dialect) is located at the top of a mountain (1,403 metres) of the same name ('Pirinyal' in Turkish), 2 kilometres north-west of the village. It used to comprise a chapel, but in the late 19th century, only a cross-stone could be seen in its site: "...a khachkar standing at the pointed peak of a mountain and serving as a pilgrimage site. In times bygone, a chapel was situated there, but later it was demolished."<fnref n="61" />

## ALABASHLI

One of the stations of the railway line of Gandzak-Aghstafa, it is situated 15 kilometres north-west of Gandzak,

within 23 kilometres of the district centre in the same direction, at an average altitude of 270 metres above sea level.

In 1864 some cattle-breeding Turkish tribes known by the common name of 'Alabashli' used the territory of the present-day village as a winter encampment.<fnref n="62" />

The available statistical data regarding the number of the local population represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1804<sup>63</sup></td><td>29</td><td>50</td><td>41</td><td>91</td></tr><tr><td>1887<sup>64</sup></td><td>101</td><td>437</td><td>315</td><td>752</td></tr><tr><td>1907<sup>65</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>898</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>66</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>850</td></tr></tbody></table>

## ALI-BAYRAMLI

This Turkish village, dating from the Soviet years, is situated 28 kilometres north-east of the district centre, between 184 and 187 metres of altitude above sea level.

At present it is within the jurisdiction of the Village Council of Lyak.

## ALI-BAYRAMLI (AHMEDBEKLI)

The village extends in an entirely flat plain lying at an altitude of 230 to 245 metres above sea level, 22 kilometres north-east of the district centre.

The available statistical records relating to the number of the local population represent the following picture: 53 houses with 341 inhabitants (198 males, 143 females) in 1886,<fnref n="67" /> and 497 in 1914.<fnref n="68" />

## ALIMADATLI

The village is located on the right bank of the river Artinajur (not constantly-flowing in this area), 20 kilometres north of the district centre, between 285 and 295 metres of altitude above sea level.

It represents a Turkish village founded in the Soviet years.

## ALINJALI

This Turkish village, dating back to the late 19th century, is situated 20 kilometres north of the district centre, at an altitude of 255 to 268 metres above sea level.

The available statistical data regarding the number of the local population represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1886<sup>69</sup></td><td>14</td><td>45</td><td>56</td><td>101</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>70</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>130</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>71</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>147</td></tr></tbody></table>

<footnote n="56">56 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 219.</footnote>

<footnote n="57">57 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 84-85. During the statistical survey, the same nomads were registered in different places, as a result of which the figures achieved were exaggerated.</footnote>

<footnote n="58">58 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 172. This figure is not trustworthy at all.</footnote>

<footnote n="59">59 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, ñ. 83.</footnote>

<footnote n="60">60 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, ñ. 174.</footnote>

<footnote n="61">61 **Barkhutariants**, M., Artsakh, p. 294.</footnote>

<footnote n="62">62 **Meves**, V., op. cit., in: "Kavkaz," 1865, No. 48, p. 258.</footnote>

<footnote n="63">63 Collected Acts..., vol. 2, p. 596.</footnote>

<footnote n="64">64 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 76-77.</footnote>

<footnote n="65">65 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 177.</footnote>

<footnote n="66">66 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 85.</footnote>

<footnote n="67">67 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 84-85.</footnote>

<footnote n="68">68 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 93.</footnote>

<footnote n="69">69 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 80-81.</footnote>

<footnote n="70">70 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 179.</footnote>

<footnote n="71">71 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 87.</footnote>
## ALIUSHAGHI

This Turkish village is situated 18 kilometres north-east of the district centre, between 275 and 290 metres of altitude above sea level.

It was established in the late 19th century.

In 1908 the local people amounted to 256.<fnref n="72" />

## ASHEGHLI (HATIS)

**Location.** The present-day Turkish village of Asheghli is situated 6 kilometres south of the district centre, between 830 and 970 metres of altitude above sea level.

**A Historical Introduction.** Its identification with the historical village of Hatis is based on one of Catholicos Pilippos' bulls (17th century) mentioning it among a number of other adjacent villages: "...Geta-shen, Suluk, Baghshik, Mertsunis, Hajishen, Koshk, Hatis, Eirloda, Mirzik, Voskanapat..."<fnref n="73" />

In 1804 Hadis is mentioned among the villages of Dulus, Suluk, Hajikend and Koshk.

Hatis remained a purely Armenian village until the early 19th century: in 1804 it had 6 houses with 12 men and 10 women inhabitants.<fnref n="74" />

The village, which was called Garyaghdi before 1931, was later renamed Voroshilovka and, finally, in 1958 Asheghli.

In 1976 it had a population of 537.<fnref n="75" />

## AZAT (SULUK)

**Location.** Present-day Azat, which represents the historical village of Suluk, lies 10.5 kilometres south-east of the district centre, between 1,170 and 1,220 metres of altitude above sea level.

**The Origin of the Toponym.** It is traditionally assumed that the village got its name after it had been exempted from taxes:<fnref n="76" /> "...while Timur's army was passing through the village, his soldiers broke into the local church and plundered it. Shortly thereafter, his neck became lop-sided and his face turned backward. Making inquiries about the reason for his miserable state and learning that he had been punished for what his troops had perpetrated in the sanctuary, Timur ordered to return the pillage. Immediately afterwards, his neck regained its original position, and he exempted both the church and the entire village from taxes. Thanks to that incident, the village was also spared further attacks; that is why, it was renamed Azat."<fnref n="77" />

**A Historical Introduction.** The available written sources do not report the date of the foundation of the village, but the monuments preserved in its territory trace back to the pre-Christian era.

In the 17th century, Suluk was mentioned in a bull issued by Catholicos Pilippos (1632 to 1655).<fnref n="78" />

**Population.** In the late 19th century, the village comprised "...15 families of native Armenians as well as 20 others that had resettled there from Khoy, 7 from Bozlukh, and 8 from Bakhshi..."<fnref n="79" />

The following list of 12 families (with a total of 64 people) dwelling in Suluk in 1839 is of great importance to the study of their history:

“1 Mahtesy Verdi Petrossian, his wife Gyubahar as well as their sons Harutiun, and Avetis with his wife Mariam;

2 Harutiun Hovhannissian, his wife Herik as well as his brothers Martiros, Musi and Gabriel;

3 Mnatsakan Petrossian, his wife Taguhi as well as their sons Petros, Vardan, and Poghos with his wife Anakhanum and his son Avetis;

4 Hovhannes Petrossian, his wife Nana, their son Gaspar and their daughter Amarnan;

5 Sahak Grigorian, his wife Roghi as well as their children Harutiun and Mehri; Sahak's brother Gevorg and his wife Gyuli;

6 Sargs Petrossian, his wife Tangi and their daughter Heriknaz;

7 Yesayi Ohanissian, his wife Mariam, their son Harutiun and their daughter Gyuli; Yesayi's brother Ovakim, his wife Hripsime and their daughter Heriknaz;

8 Avetis Ter-Yeghiazarian, his wife Gyuli, their son Soghomon as well as Avetis' brother Ghazar, his sister Sanam and his mother Mariam;

9 Vardan Navasardian with his wife Sona; his brother Minas, his wife Hripsime, their daughter Sanam as well as their sons Vardan, Shahgeldi and Ghuli;

10 Daniel Sahakian, his wife Khanperi as well as their sons Khudi, Avag and Astvatzatur;

11 Sargs Petrossian, his wife Sirun as well as their sons Sargs and Martiros;

12 Mesrop Ohanessian, his wife Nana as well as their sons Gaspar and Khachatur.<fnref n="80" />

The available statistical records on the number of the local population between the early 19th and late 20th centuries represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><td>Year</td><td>Houses</td><td>Males</td><td>Females</td><td>Total</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1804<sup>81</sup></td><td>14</td><td>26</td><td>14</td><td>40</td></tr><tr><td>1839<sup>82</sup></td><td>12</td><td>38</td><td>24</td><td>62</td></tr><tr><td>1845<sup>83</sup></td><td></td><td>60</td><td>57</td><td>117</td></tr><tr><td>1847<sup>84</sup></td><td></td><td>63</td><td>59</td><td>112</td></tr><tr><td>1849<sup>85</sup></td><td></td><td>75</td><td>61</td><td>136</td></tr></tbody></table>

<footnote n="72">72 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 179.</footnote>

<footnote n="73">73 *Barkhutariants*, M., idem, p. 48.</footnote>

<footnote n="74">74 Collected Acts..., vol. 2, p. 596.</footnote>

<footnote n="75">75 SAE, vol. 1, p. 514.</footnote>

<footnote n="76">76 'Azat' is the Armenian equivalent for 'free.'</footnote>

<footnote n="77">77 *Lalayan, Yer.*, idem, p. 317. Also see *Ghanalianan, A*. Legends. Yerevan, 1969, p. 175, in Armenian.</footnote>

<footnote n="78">78 *Barkhutariants*, M., ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="79">79 Idem, p. 269.</footnote>

<footnote n="80">80 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3800, p. 30.</footnote>

<footnote n="81">81 Collected Acts..., vol. 2, p. 596.</footnote>

<footnote n="82">82 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3800, p. 30.</footnote>

<footnote n="83">83 Idem, file 3811, pp. 4-5.</footnote>

<footnote n="84">84 Idem, file 3814, pp. 95-96.</footnote>

<footnote n="85">85 Idem, file 3818, pp. 95-96.</footnote>
<table><tr><td>1852<sup>86</sup></td><td></td><td>84</td><td>77</td><td>161</td></tr><tr><td>1861<sup>87</sup></td><td>13</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1866<sup>88</sup></td><td>23</td><td>112</td><td>74</td><td>186</td></tr><tr><td>1872<sup>89</sup></td><td></td><td>109</td><td>91</td><td>200</td></tr><tr><td>1873<sup>90</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>149</td></tr><tr><td>1876<sup>91</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>164</td></tr><tr><td>1877<sup>92</sup></td><td></td><td>95</td><td>76</td><td>171</td></tr><tr><td>1878<sup>93</sup></td><td></td><td>97</td><td>79</td><td>176</td></tr><tr><td>1881<sup>94</sup></td><td></td><td>114</td><td>94</td><td>208</td></tr><tr><td>1882<sup>95</sup></td><td></td><td>117</td><td>100</td><td>217</td></tr><tr><td>1883<sup>96</sup></td><td></td><td>119</td><td>101</td><td>220</td></tr><tr><td>1885<sup>97</sup></td><td></td><td>165</td><td>145</td><td>310</td></tr><tr><td>1886<sup>98</sup></td><td>52</td><td>189</td><td>164</td><td>353</td></tr><tr><td>1887<sup>99</sup></td><td></td><td>170</td><td>152</td><td>322</td></tr><tr><td>1888<sup>100</sup></td><td></td><td>175</td><td>160</td><td>335</td></tr><tr><td>1889<sup>101</sup></td><td></td><td>179</td><td>170</td><td>349</td></tr><tr><td>1890<sup>102</sup></td><td></td><td>186</td><td>178</td><td>364</td></tr><tr><td>1891<sup>103</sup></td><td>50</td><td>192</td><td>181</td><td>373</td></tr><tr><td>1892<sup>104</sup></td><td></td><td>197</td><td>188</td><td>385</td></tr><tr><td>1893<sup>105</sup></td><td></td><td>205</td><td>200</td><td>405</td></tr><tr><td>1894<sup>106</sup></td><td></td><td>208</td><td>205</td><td>413</td></tr><tr><td>1897<sup>107</sup></td><td></td><td>228</td><td>229</td><td>455</td></tr><tr><td>1898<sup>108</sup></td><td></td><td>236</td><td>237</td><td>473</td></tr><tr><td>1899<sup>109</sup></td><td></td><td>241</td><td>244</td><td>485</td></tr><tr><td>1900<sup>110</sup></td><td></td><td>252</td><td>266</td><td>518</td></tr><tr><td>1901<sup>111</sup></td><td></td><td>263</td><td>273</td><td>536</td></tr><tr><td>1902<sup>112</sup></td><td></td><td>256</td><td>273</td><td>529</td></tr><tr><td>1905<sup>113</sup></td><td></td><td>260</td><td>275</td><td>535</td></tr><tr><td>1906<sup>114</sup></td><td></td><td>277</td><td>302</td><td>579</td></tr></table>

<figure><img src="image_441.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_442.png" /><figcaption>AZAT. The village seen from the south-east and west</figcaption></figure>

<table><tr><td>1907<sup>115</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>503</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>116</sup></td><td>37</td><td>135</td><td>120</td><td>255</td></tr><tr><td>1909<sup>117</sup></td><td></td><td>271</td><td>251</td><td>522</td></tr><tr><td>1910<sup>118</sup></td><td></td><td>150</td><td>135</td><td>285</td></tr><tr><td>1912<sup>119</sup></td><td></td><td>283</td><td>261</td><td>544</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>120</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>690</td></tr><tr><td>1917<sup>121</sup></td><td>110</td><td></td><td></td><td>718</td></tr><tr><td>1968<sup>122</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>500</td></tr><tr><td>1976<sup>123</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>511</td></tr><tr><td>1989<sup>124</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>154</td></tr></table>

The table reveals that on the whole, the population of Suluk manifested constant growth during the aforementioned period.

Azat was to go through a great tragedy in the year 1920: “...a gang of troops the authorities of the province had sent there disarmed and robbed the local Armenians who were then deported from their homes

<footnote n="86">86 Idem, file 3819, pp. 105-106.</footnote>

<footnote n="87">87 Idem, file 3835, pp. 147-148.</footnote>

<footnote n="88">88 Idem, file 3848, p. 57.</footnote>

<footnote n="89">89 Idem, file 3872, pp. 62-63.</footnote>

<footnote n="90">90 Idem, file 3862, pp. 39-40.</footnote>

<footnote n="91">91 Idem, file 3868, pp. 57-58.</footnote>

<footnote n="92">92 Idem, file 3869, pp. 54-55.</footnote>

<footnote n="93">93 Idem, file 3870, pp. 22-23.</footnote>

<footnote n="94">94 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3873, pp. 27-28.</footnote>

<footnote n="95">95 Idem, file 3874, p. 30.</footnote>

<footnote n="96">96 Idem, file 3875, pp. 56-57.</footnote>

<footnote n="97">97 Idem, file 3877, p. 29.</footnote>

<footnote n="98">98 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 86-87. Another source reports 24 houses ("Ardzagank," 1886, No. 20, p. 294).</footnote>

<footnote n="99">99 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3880, p. 72.</footnote>

<footnote n="100">100 Idem, file 3882, p. 130.</footnote>

<footnote n="101">101 Idem, file 3884, pp. 226-227.</footnote>

<footnote n="102">102 Idem, file 3887, p. 149.</footnote>

<footnote n="103">103 Idem, file 3889, p. 148. Also see **Barkhutariants, M.**, Artsakh, p. 270.</footnote>

<footnote n="104">104 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3869, p. 120.</footnote>

<footnote n="105">105 Idem, file 3895, pp. 77-78.</footnote>

<footnote n="106">106 Idem, file 3896, pp. 173-174.</footnote>

<footnote n="107">107 Idem, file 3899, pp. 146-147.</footnote>

<footnote n="108">108 Idem, file 3897, p. 168.</footnote>

<footnote n="109">109 Idem, file 3903, pp. 126-127.</footnote>

<footnote n="110">110 Idem, file 3905, pp. 91-92.</footnote>

<footnote n="111">111 Idem, file 3906, pp. 97-98.</footnote>

<footnote n="112">112 Idem, file 3907, pp. 22-23.</footnote>

<footnote n="113">113 Idem, file 3912, pp. 265-266.</footnote>

<footnote n="114">114 Idem, file 3915, p. 24.</footnote>

<footnote n="115">115 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 240, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="116">116 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 559, p. 9. Another statistical source of 1908 mentions 550 inhabitants for that year (Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 175).</footnote>

<footnote n="117">117 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 18, file 764, p. 116.</footnote>

<footnote n="118">118 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3917, pp. 57-58.</footnote>

<footnote n="119">119 Idem, file 3919, pp. 61-62.</footnote>

<footnote n="120">120 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 84.</footnote>

<footnote n="121">121 Avetissian, M. M., idem, p. 166.</footnote>

<footnote n="122">122 Soviet Armenian Encyclopedia, vol. 1, Yerevan, 1974, p. 95.</footnote>

<footnote n="123">123 SAE, vol. 1, p. 131.</footnote>

<footnote n="124">124 This number is confirmed by Hovhannes Badalian, who is from Azat.</footnote>
under the plea of being taken to Gandzak. Most of them, however, were slaughtered on the road between the summer residences of Hajikend and the German township of Helenendorf. The survivors, about 500 in number, somehow reached Helenendorf, where they were given a most cordial welcome, being provided with shelter and food for three days."<fnref n="125" />

In 1926 leader of Gandzak Diocese Bishop Levon wrote the following about that harrowing calamity, "March 1926 marked the fall of the Armenian village of Suluk. That was, evidently, the handiwork of the Azeri troops and a mob, who were allegedly 'punishing the local people for having given shelter to a madman named Ghazar.' Some of them were killed in the village, whereas others were either put to sword, or wounded while escaping to the city..."<fnref n="126" />

**The Foundation of Nor Azat Village.** On permission of the provincial authorities, in 1910 the inhabitants of Azat founded a new village of the same name at the foot of the same mountain branch, a little northeast of their former place of living.<fnref n="127" /> By 1926 it had grown into a prospering village: "It is only 16 years since older Suluk was abandoned due to its unfavourable position and a new Suluk was founded in a plain. It is the first Armenian village to have well-measured, regular houses and streets that are between 7 and 8 sazhens wide. They are planted with trees such as apples, pears, nuts, lindens, etc. and have channels flowing along them. Every house has its own garden with fruit trees, and its kitchen garden where Jerusalem artichoke, beans, cabbage, radish and other vegetables are grown. All this represents a huge but modest garden that attracts and fascinates you. The dwellings are mostly tiled and double-storied..."<fnref n="128" />

The inhabitants of Nor Azat were forced into leaving their native village between 27 and 28 February 1990. The last remaining Armenian family was Benik Melkumian's, which abandoned the village, then already under Azeri control, on 3 March and resettled in Getashen.

According to a record of 1886, several years earlier, a room had been built near the village church for the purpose of having lessons there.<fnref n="129" />

**St. Hovhannes Church** (also mentioned by the name of St. Hakob)<fnref n="130" /> stands on a hill in the territory of the historical village site of Suluk, hardly a kilometre south-west of present-day Azat. Erected in the place of

an older church and partly with its stones, it represents a uni-nave basilica (exterior dimensions: 16.80 x 10.40 metres dating from the 17th century.

<figure><img src="image_443.png" /><figcaption>AZAT. The plan of St. Hovhannes (Sourb Astvatzatzin) Church</figcaption></figure>

During our first visit to the monument in 1980, we failed to find its construction inscription which had, fortunately, been copied and published in due time:

St. Hovhannes (Sourb Astvatzatzin) Church:

Ընորhop Ամենակալին ես Սէլքէմ գամաւ շինեցի եկեղեցիս յիշատակ ինձ և նախնեաց իմող պարոն Աղային, Սէլքէ Ետկեարին, Սէլքէ Աղապէկին, Ղամար-Սութանին և իւր ծնողին՝ Սէլքէ Պաղուն, Աւար խաքունին, կողակցին՝ Ապոլյինային և եղբօրն՝ Պատո պէկին, Աղասի պէկին. քվ. Ո...:

transl.: By the grace of Almighty God, I, Melkem, built this church in my memory and [in memory of] my ancestors, Mr. Agha, Melik Etkar, Melik Aghapek, Ghamar-Sultan, his parent, Melik Paghi, Avar Khatun, his (?) spouse Savoyina and brother Pato Bey, Aghasi Bey. In the year 1...

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants**, M. Artsakh, p. 270.

Note: The people mentioned in the inscription help trace it back to the 16th to 17th centuries.

In 1890 a double-storey belfry was erected in front of the northern entrance of the church, the following inscription commemorating that event (neither the belfry nor the inscription has been preserved):

Սուրբ Աստուածածին եկեղեցույ գանգակատունս շինեցի արդեամք Մակի Պետրոսեան Աւալեանցի ի յիշատակ հանգուցեալ որդոյ իւրոյ Խաչատուրի 1890 յամի մայիսի 10 օրլն:

transl.: I built the belfry of Sourb Astvatzatzin Church with the means of Maki Petrossian Avaliants in memory of his late son Khachatur on 10 May 1890.

<footnote n="125">125 The Armenian Massacres in the Provinces of Baku and Yelizavetpol (1918 to 1920), p. 460.</footnote>

<footnote n="126">126 National Archives of Armenia, fund 409, list 1, file 2644, p. 22.</footnote>

<footnote n="127">127 "Tifliski Listok," 1912, No. 119, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="128">128 "Martakoch," No. 180, 10 August 1926.</footnote>

<footnote n="129">129 "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 20, p. 294.</footnote>

<footnote n="130">130 Among them can be mentioned a document of 1861 (National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3835, pp. 147-148).</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_444.png" /><figcaption>AZAT. St. Hovhannes (Sourb Astvatzatzin) Church seen from the south-west, north-west, south and west. Its entrance opening from its northern facade. Inscriptions</figcaption></figure>

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants**, M., idem,
p. 269.

A 7-line inscription engraved on a finely-finished stone set in the
northern facade of the sanctuary attests that its entrance was repaired
in 1897:

Շինեցաւ դուռս / եկեղեցույ Սբբոյն / Յակօվ-
բայ Աբլահեցի Գալստի Սոդոմօնեան Խա-
չումեանց, ի յիշատակ իւր եւ ծնողաց, 9.6.1897
ամի:
<figure><img src="image_445.png" /><figcaption>AZAT. Westward and eastward views of the interior of St. Hovhannes Church; its southern sacristy; the capital of its south-eastern pillar; the frame of the window opening from the western facade, and a khachkar set in the entrance of the vestry</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_446.png" /></figure>

transl.: The door of St. Hakob Church was repaired by Galust Soghomonian Khachumiants from Ablah in memory of his parents and his soul. 9.6.1897.

Published for the first time.

**Priests.** In 1869 “Karapet Ter-Hakobian Ter-Sargis-

siants from Karabakh” was ordained “priest of St. Hovhan-
nes Church of the Armenian village of Suluk to help his
father, Priest Hakob, who was in rather an advanced age.”<fnref n="131" />

<footnote n="131">131 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 5394, p. 10.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_447.png" /><figcaption>AZAT. A khachkar (1174) preserved amidst the ruins of the monastery of Priest Yermoghia; fragment of another cross-stone (12th to 13th cents.)</figcaption></figure>

Karapet Ter-Sargissiants, mentioned between 1908 and 1910, served the neighbouring village of Baghshik as well.<fnref n="132" />

The **monastery of Priest Yermoghia (Suluk Monastery)** is situated on the left, i.e. south-facing, side of Suluk Gorge, 2 kilometres west of Azat.

During our visit (1987), it represented a heap of ruins with several displaced and broken cross-stones. One of them (50 x 44 x 11 centimetres) bore a 2-line inscription carved on both sides of its lower cross wing:

ԹՎ(Հ) ՈՒԳ (1174) Է(η):

transl.: In the year 1174.

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants, M.,** ibid, p. 270.

In 1891 the sanctuary was described in the following way, "...it is built of undressed stone. Although its roof has fallen its four walls remain standing."<fnref n="133" />

The monastery also preserved its tympanum with the following important inscription:

Թիւն ՉԻԸ (1279), ես Միսիրար ու Տիրածէր շինեցաք զեկեղեցիս ի հայրապետուրեան Տէր ըՍտեփաննոսի Աղուանից կաթողիկոսի:

transl.: In the year 1279, we, Mkhitar and Tira-tzer, built this church under Aghvank Catholicos Stepanos.

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants, M.,** ibid; **Lalayan, Yer.** Gandzak District, p. 317; Corpus..., part 5, p. 247.

The sanctuary and its neighbourhood retain the following inscriptions:

<figure><img src="image_448.png" /></figure>

Engraved "a little above the door" of the monastery:

Ապաղայ Ելչ խանին ու Խարայնախին Աւառ լերով շինեցի զեկեղեցիս:

transl.: To Apagha Yelch Khan and Kharay-nakh ... built this church.

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants, M.,** ibid; **Lalayan, Yer.,** idem, p. 318.

"The chapel retained a grave whose tombstone was broken. Putting the fragments together, we read the following":

Այս է հանգիստ Սայի որդի Հասանայ փեսային:

transl.: In this grave reposes my son-in-law (?) Hasan, the son of Sa.

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants, M.,** ibid.

Carved on a gravestone lying outside the monastery:

Այս է հանգիստ Միսայէլայ Սասնի որդի, որք կարդէք, յաղաւք յիշեցէք քվ. Չ (1251):

transl.: In this grave reposes Sasun's son Misa-yel. May you who read this pray for him. In the year 1251.

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants, M.,** ibid.

Incised into another tombstone lying in the north of the chapel:

Այս է հանգիստ Ջևանայ որդի Հասանայ ի քվ. ՉԿԳ (1314):

transl.: In this grave reposes Hasan's son Jevan. In the year 1314.

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants, M.,** ibid.

Engraved on a big cross-stone found in a cemetery extending in the yard of the monastery:

Կամաւն Աստուծոյ կանգնեցաւ տուր նշանս ի բարեխաւտուրիւն Մասլուկին և ծնողաց իւրոց և եղրարց իւրոց Սրբուշին, Խաւչին, Շահէլիք խաթունին, քվ. ՊՂՉ (1447):

<footnote n="132">132 National Archives of Armenia, fund 458, list 1, file 184, p. 7.
Also see fund 53, list 1, file 817, p. 6.</footnote>

<footnote n="133">133 **Barkhutariants, M.**, ibid.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_449.png" /><figcaption>AZAT. The chapel of St. Pandalion seen from the south-west and north-east</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_450.png" /></figure>

transl.: By the will of God, this Holy Sign was erected in memory of Masluk, his parents and brothers, Sertush, Khoja, Shahmelik Khatun. In the year 1447.

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants, M.**, ibid.

Not far from the monastery of Priest Yermoghia, the vestiges of a medieval village site are preserved. Barkhutariants identifies it with Henguzak mentioned in the colophon of a manuscript kept in the church of Ghalaka Village: "...in the church retaining Doctor Pandalion's relic, Anuz Havaytun Henguzak Village in the year 1564 of the Armenian era..."<fnref n="134" />

The chapel of St. Pandalion (Pand, Pandavank)

towers at the top of Mount Pand, at an altitude of 2,108 metres, 5.5 kilometres south-west of Azat. It was a famous site of pilgrimage for the Armenians of both the adjacent and remote villages. Below follow some records attesting this: "From June till the end of August, groups of pilgrims visit a sanctuary known by the name of St. Pantaleon. It is located on a lofty mountain rising thirty-five miles south of the city. In 1857 Father Sargis Ter-Azariants built a fine church there with his own means."<fnref n="135" />

"...the chapel of Pantaleon is generally visited by large multitudes of pilgrims, especially during the feast of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin. That day a great number of believers from Gandzak City and the nearby places gather there, all the income received being allocated to Getashen's Armenian spiritual school."<fnref n="136" />

The chapel of St. Pandalion (exterior dimensions: 7.36 x 4.36 metres) represents a uni-nave vaulted monument entirely built of finely-cut stone. Its masonry suggests that no older building originally stood in its site. The following inscription, 8 lines in the Armenian

original, can be read above the tympanum of its only entrance opening from the western facade:

U(ուր)ք Պանտալէոնի մատուո շինեցաւ 1856 ք. | Գանձակեցի Սարգիս քա(հա)ն(ա)յ Տէր-Ազարեանի ծախքով իյիշատակ իւր որդի Սկրտչի, | նորոգեցաւ 1896 ք. Սամիկոն Յով-հաննէսեան / Տէր-Սարգսեան Տէր-Ազարեանցի հոգացորուքեան / եւ իւր ժորովրդի օժանդակուքեամք, | իհայրապետուքեան Տ. Տ. Սկրտչի Ա„Հայրիկ,, սքր/ազնագոյն կարողիկոսի Ամենայն Հայոց:

transl.: This chapel of St. Pantaleon was built in 1856 with the means of Priest Sargis Ter-Azarian from Gandzak in memory of his son Mkrtich. Repaired in 1896 through the efforts of Mamikon Hovhannessian Ter-Sargissian and the assistance of his people under Catholicos of All Armenians His Holiness Mkrtich I (Hayrik).

Published for the first time.

AZGHILI

This Turkish village is situated on the steep slope of a gorge lying on the left bank of the river Kurak, 20 kilometres south of the district centre, between 1,430 and 1,550 metres of altitude above sea level.

It dates from the early 20th century.

<figure><img src="image_451.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_452.png" /><figcaption>AZAT. The plan of the chapel of St. Pandalion</figcaption></figure>

<footnote n="134">134 **Barkhutariants, M.**, idem, p. 271 (see this colophon in: **Barkhutariants, M.** Caucasian Albania and Its Neighbours. Tiflis, 1893, p. 208).</footnote>

<footnote n="135">135 “Krunk Hayots Ashkhari,” Tiflis, 1861, p. 365.</footnote>

<footnote n="136">136 “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 20, p. 294.</footnote>
It had 126 inhabitants in 1908,<fnref n="137" /> and 142 in 1914.<fnref n="138" />

## BOLCHALU

The village is situated 5 kilometres west of Gandzak City, 12 kilometres north-west of the district centre, between 450 and 520 metres of altitude above sea level.

It was stripped of its Armenian population between the 17th and 18th centuries and later belonged to Turkish landowners Mahmed Agha Abul-Bey oghli, Soyun Agha Novruz Agha oghli and Vali Bey.<fnref n="139" />

**Archaeological Monuments.** In 1899 E. Resler excavated 5 tombs in the neighbourhood of the hill of Pasha-Tapa rising on the bank of the river Artinajur. The archaeological finds trace them back to the period between the Bronze and Iron Ages.<fnref n="140" />

**Population.** The cattle-breeding Turkish tribe of Bolchalu lived scattered in several winter encampments in the valley of the Getishinaget and in the plains lying on the right bank of the Kur. The available statistical data regarding their number are as follows:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1886<sup>141</sup></td><td>149</td><td>656</td><td>500</td><td>1,156</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>142</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>2,650</td></tr><tr><td>1977<sup>143</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>2,075</td></tr></tbody></table>

## BRAJUR (GHARAKESHISH)

**Location.** Brajur lies 3 kilometres north of Mirzik, 9 kilometres south-west of the district centre, between 980 and 1,040 metres of altitude above sea level.

**The toponym of ‘Brajur’** “...may be etymologized as ‘dug up water,’<fnref n="144" /> for the local people had to dig up the soil to convey water flowing in two distinct places to their village.”<fnref n="145" />

**Construction Activity.** In 1890 “most of the local houses represent uncomfortable sunken dwellings of earthen roofs...”<fnref n="146" /> Almost eight years later, another visitor wrote, “The village comprises more or less regular streets, with most of its houses built in the recent fashion, although the barns and cattle-sheds are located near them.”<fnref n="147" />

**Population.** Bishop Barkhutariants writes that the inhabitants of Brajur were “natives of the village,”<fnref n="148" />

but other scholars claim that it also comprised some Armenian resettlers from Persia.<fnref n="149" />

The village of Brajur “...originally consisted of merely five Armenian houses. Under Karabakh and Yerevan Khans Ibrahim and Ahmad, several Armenian families left these provinces, unable to endure the Persian tyranny any further. They reached here and joined the natives, setting up a small village...”<fnref n="150" />

The “Ardzagank” correspondent wrote the following with this regard, “During the Persian war, several families from Yerevan and others from Erkej Village of Karabakh took up residence here...”<fnref n="151" />

Below follows a list (1839) of Brajur inhabitants that is of great importance to the study of their history:

“1 Karapet Arakelian, his mother Mariam, his wife Javahir, their daughter Begzata as well as their sons Babajan and Avetis;

2 Hakob Hovhannissian, his wife Mariam and their daughter Sultan;

3 Vardan Khachaturian, his daughter Mariam as well as his sons Sargis and Avag;

4 Mnatsakan Sargissian, his wife Nazani, their son Harutiun and their daughter Magtagh;

5 Hakob Matevossian, his wife Vardi, his daughter, lady Mina, as well as his sons Poghos and Khachatur;

6 Karapet Harutiunian, his wife Mariam and their son Mkrtich; Karapet’s brother Mnatsakan, his wife Rehan, their son Simeon as well as their daughters Mariam, Hori and Herik;

7 Petros Melkumian, his wife Tangi and their son Kostand; Petros’ brothers Navasard, Baghdasar, Hovhannes and their mother Khatayi;

8 Barkhudar Tzaturian, his wife Herik and their daughter Magtagh; Barkhudar’s brother Sukias and his wife Horomsim;

9 Margar Grigorov, his wife Heriknaz and their son Ghahraman; Margar’s brother Hakob as well as his sisters Anna and Yeghisabet;

10 Hovhannes Harutiunian and his mother Varvar;

11 Sahak Antonian and his spouse Margaret;

12 Bakhtiar Ghazarian, his brother Stepan and their mother Gayane;

13 Ghuli Allahverdian, his wife Taguhi, their daughter Siranna as well as their sons Mkrtich and Hovhannes;

14 Ohannes Sargissian, his wife Mariam, their daughter Taguhi as well as their sons Sargis and Martiros; Ohannes’ brother Stepan, his wife Zari, their son Harutiun and their daughter Sabed;

15 Harutiun Melkumian, his wife Sara, their daughter Herik as well as their sons Ohannes and Gabriel with his wife Herik.”<fnref n="152" />

Chronologically arranged, the available statistical data relating to the local population represent the following picture:

<footnote n="137">137 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 175.</footnote>

<footnote n="138">138 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 84.</footnote>

<footnote n="139">139 National Archives of Armenia, fund 93, list 1, file 388, pp. 37-38.</footnote>

<footnote n="140">140 Resler, E., op. cit., in: “Kavkaz,” Tiflis, 1903, No. 179, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="141">141 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 78-79.</footnote>

<footnote n="142">142 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 101.</footnote>

<footnote n="143">143 SAE, vol. 2, p. 241.</footnote>

<footnote n="144">144 ‘Brel’ is the Armenian equivalent for ‘dig.’</footnote>

<footnote n="145">145 “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 20, p. 295.</footnote>

<footnote n="146">146 “Nor-Dar,” 1890, No. 119, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="147">147 Lalayan, Yer., idem, p. 315.</footnote>

<footnote n="148">148 Barkhutariants, M., idem, p. 278.</footnote>

<footnote n="149">149 Lalayan, Yer., ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="150">150 “Nor-Dar,” 1890, No. 70, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="151">151 “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 20, p. 295.</footnote>

<footnote n="152">152 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3800, p. 26.</footnote>
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th><th>1900<sup>182</sup></th><th>248</th><th>206</th><th>454</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1804<sup>153</sup></td><td>7</td><td>15</td><td>10</td><td>25</td><td>1901<sup>183</sup></td><td>256</td><td>210</td><td>466</td></tr><tr><td>1839<sup>154</sup></td><td>15</td><td>41</td><td>35</td><td>76</td><td>1902<sup>184</sup></td><td>263</td><td>214</td><td>477</td></tr><tr><td>1845<sup>155</sup></td><td></td><td>63</td><td>54</td><td>117</td><td>1905<sup>185</sup></td><td>266</td><td>220</td><td>486</td></tr><tr><td>1847<sup>156</sup></td><td></td><td>54</td><td>60</td><td>114</td><td>1906<sup>186</sup></td><td>284</td><td>231</td><td>515</td></tr><tr><td>1849<sup>157</sup></td><td></td><td>76</td><td>63</td><td>139</td><td>1907<sup>187</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>457</td></tr><tr><td>1852<sup>158</sup></td><td></td><td>85</td><td>76</td><td>161</td><td>1908<sup>188</sup></td><td>33</td><td>255</td><td>455</td></tr><tr><td>1861<sup>159</sup></td><td>16</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>1909<sup>189</sup></td><td></td><td>262</td><td>472</td></tr><tr><td>1866<sup>160</sup></td><td>21</td><td>96</td><td>79</td><td>175</td><td>1910<sup>190</sup></td><td></td><td>269</td><td>490</td></tr><tr><td>1872<sup>161</sup></td><td></td><td>179</td><td>126</td><td>305</td><td>1912<sup>191</sup></td><td></td><td>271</td><td>494</td></tr><tr><td>1873<sup>162</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>236</td><td>1914<sup>192</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>412</td></tr><tr><td>1876<sup>163</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>254</td><td>1917<sup>193</sup></td><td>56</td><td></td><td>387</td></tr><tr><td>1877<sup>164</sup></td><td></td><td>159</td><td>102</td><td>261</td><td>1924<sup>194</sup></td><td>82</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1878<sup>165</sup></td><td></td><td>164</td><td>118</td><td>282</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1881<sup>166</sup></td><td></td><td>184</td><td>128</td><td>312</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1882<sup>167</sup></td><td></td><td>191</td><td>137</td><td>328</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1883<sup>168</sup></td><td></td><td>195</td><td>141</td><td>336</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1885<sup>169</sup></td><td></td><td>145</td><td>125</td><td>270</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1886<sup>170</sup></td><td>35</td><td>190</td><td>163</td><td>353</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1887<sup>171</sup></td><td></td><td>165</td><td>145</td><td>310</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1888<sup>172</sup></td><td></td><td>176</td><td>150</td><td>326</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1889<sup>173</sup></td><td></td><td>182</td><td>152</td><td>334</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1890<sup>174</sup></td><td></td><td>185</td><td>165</td><td>350</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1891<sup>175</sup></td><td>33</td><td>191</td><td>171</td><td>362</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1892<sup>176</sup></td><td></td><td>195</td><td>169</td><td>364</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1893<sup>177</sup></td><td></td><td>199</td><td>175</td><td>374</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1894<sup>178</sup></td><td></td><td>208</td><td>178</td><td>386</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1897<sup>179</sup></td><td></td><td>229</td><td>191</td><td>420</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1898<sup>180</sup></td><td></td><td>233</td><td>194</td><td>427</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1899<sup>181</sup></td><td></td><td>241</td><td>201</td><td>441</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

The table indicates that on the whole, the population of Brajur increased throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. In the course of some years, however, their number plummeted down due to resettlement, political instability (as between 1905 and 1906) and World War I.

**Occupation.** Brajur Armenians "are industrious to such an extent that they even spend sleepless nights thinking about tomorrow's work. The local people are mainly occupied with farming, cattle-breeding and partly carting..."<fnref n="195" /> They could also be considered miners, for "There are fields of flint and white stone in the south of the village: the latter resembles the stones of the quarry of Hin Gharabulagh which are sold in Baku."<fnref n="196" />

Carpet weaving was another craft developed in Brajur: "The women and girls of this village are equally diligent... they are engaged in a praiseworthy craft, namely they weave valuable carpets, multicoloured kaperts<fnref n="197" /> and other minor items which can compete even with the handiwork of Persian masters with their fineness."<fnref n="198" />

**Schools.** There are no available data about any school functioning in Brajur before the state order of closing the Armenian schools in 1896. However, its existence even before that year is beyond doubt, for a

<footnote n="153">153 Collected Acts..., vol. 2, p. 596.</footnote>

<footnote n="154">154 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3800, p. 26.</footnote>

<footnote n="155">155 Idem, file 3811, pp. 4-5.</footnote>

<footnote n="156">156 Idem, file 3814, pp. 96-97.</footnote>

<footnote n="157">157 Idem, file 3818, pp. 96-97.</footnote>

<footnote n="158">158 Idem, file 3819, pp. 105-106.</footnote>

<footnote n="159">159 Idem, file 3835, pp. 147-148.</footnote>

<footnote n="160">160 Idem, file 3848, p. 57.</footnote>

<footnote n="161">161 Idem, file 3872, pp. 62-63.</footnote>

<footnote n="162">162 Idem, file 3864, pp. 39-40.</footnote>

<footnote n="163">163 Idem, file 3868, pp. 57-58.</footnote>

<footnote n="164">164 Idem, file 3869, pp. 54-55.</footnote>

<footnote n="165">165 Idem, file 3870, pp. 22-23.</footnote>

<footnote n="166">166 Idem, file 3873, pp. 27-28.</footnote>

<footnote n="167">167 Idem, file 3874, p. 30.</footnote>

<footnote n="168">168 Idem, file 3875, pp. 56-57.</footnote>

<footnote n="169">169 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3877, p. 29.</footnote>

<footnote n="170">170 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 84-85. Another source mentions 24 houses ("Ardzagank," 1886, No. 20, p. 295).</footnote>

<footnote n="171">171 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3880, p. 73.</footnote>

<footnote n="172">172 Idem, file 3882, p. 131.</footnote>

<footnote n="173">173 Idem, file 3884, pp. 226-227.</footnote>

<footnote n="174">174 Idem, file 3887, p. 150.</footnote>

<footnote n="175">175 Idem, file 3889, p. 149. Also see **Barkhutariants, M.**, idem, p. 278.</footnote>

<footnote n="176">176 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3891, p. 121.</footnote>

<footnote n="177">177 Idem, file 3915, p. 24.</footnote>

<footnote n="178">178 Idem, file 3896, pp. 72-73.</footnote>

<footnote n="179">179 Idem, file 3899, pp. 147-148.</footnote>

<footnote n="180">180 Idem, file 3897, p. 169.</footnote>

<footnote n="181">181 Idem, file 3903, pp. 126-127.</footnote>

<footnote n="182">182 Idem, file 3905, pp. 91-92.</footnote>

<footnote n="183">183 Idem, file 3906, pp. 97-98.</footnote>

<footnote n="184">184 Idem, file 3907, pp. 23-24.</footnote>

<footnote n="185">185 Idem, file 3912, pp. 266-267.</footnote>

<footnote n="186">186 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 559, p. 9. Also see file 3915, p. 24.</footnote>

<footnote n="187">187 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 240, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="188">188 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3895, pp. 77-78. Also see fund 35, list 1, file 559, p. 9.</footnote>

<footnote n="189">189 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 764, p. 117.</footnote>

<footnote n="190">190 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3917, pp. 57-58.</footnote>

<footnote n="191">191 Idem, file 3919, pp. 62-63.</footnote>

<footnote n="192">192 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 135.</footnote>

<footnote n="193">193 Avetissian, **M. M.**, idem, p. 166.</footnote>

<footnote n="194">194 National Archives of Armenia, fund 409, list 1, file 2635, p. 49.</footnote>

<footnote n="195">195 "Nor-Dar," 1890, No. 70, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="196">196 **Barkhutariants, M.**, ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="197">197 A napless carpet.</footnote>

<footnote n="198">198 "Nor-Dar," ibid.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_453.png" /><figcaption>BRAJUR. Above, from left to right: a general view of the village; St. Gabriel Church seen from the west. Below: a photo representing the participants of a wedding (early 20th cent.)</figcaption></figure>

number of archive documents speak about the reopening of the village school in 1906.<fnref n="199" /> Interestingly enough, it resumed activity as a parish school for males without the spiritual powers' awareness.<fnref n="200" /> By 1909 it had turned into a unisex institution with 21 boys and 12 girls.<fnref n="201" />

In the Soviet years, Brajur also had a functioning eight-year school.

**St. Gabriel Church** standing in the centre of the village represents a uni-nave vaulted building of undressed stone and mortar, with a four-pillar belfry

above its eastern pediment. One of its facades is engraved with the following inscription:

Յիշատակ է Սուրբ Գաբրիլ եկեղեցի Բարաջան, որ է որդի Տէր Ակորին:

transl.: *St. Gabriel Church stands in memory of Babajan, who is the son of Father Akob.*

Published in: "Nor-Dar," 1890, No. 70, p. 3.

Note: Brajur inhabitant Badam Grigorian deciphers the inscription in the following way, "The church was built in 1700 by Hakob's son Babajan in memory of his sons Hakobjan, Ohanjan as well as his grandchildren, great grandchildren and his daughter-in-law Varvara (Grigorian, B. Brajur. In: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 3, in Armenian).

The founder of the church, Babajan, was said "...to possess a large fortune so that Javad Khan, whose residence was in Gandzak then, always demanded that he should give him some money. One day the khan asked,

<footnote n="199">¹⁹⁹ National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 216, p. 1. Also see fund 35, list 1, file 559, p. 15.</footnote>

<footnote n="200">²⁰⁰ National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 301, p. 5.</footnote>

<footnote n="201">²⁰¹ National Archives of Armenia, fund 57, list 2, file 1849, p. 17. Also see **Khudoyan, S.**, idem, p. 470.</footnote>
‘Babajan, why do I run out of money very often, while you never seem to be short of it?’ Babajan answered, ‘My dear khan, yours is what Babajan gave you, while mine is what God gave me.’ People have not forgotten his words which sound as a saying in our villages until now.”<fnref n="202" />

Although St. Gabriel Church closed on a Govern-
ment order in 1928,<fnref n="203" /> it was preserved standing until
the deportation of the local Armenians in 1989.

Between 1905 and 1923, priest of Mirzik Martiros
Yepiskopossiants served in the village.<fnref n="204" />

CHAYLU

This Turkish village extends on the left bank of the
river Kurak, 16 kilometres east of the district centre,
between 490 and 520 metres of altitude above sea level.

It was established in the Soviet years, and had a
population of 715 in 1986.<fnref n="205" />

CHOBAN-ABDALI

**Location.** Choban-Abdali lies in a plain extending at an altitude of 240 to 250 metres above sea level, 10 kilometres north-east of Gandzak, within 21 kilometres of the district centre.

In the late 19th century, it comprised several winter encampments of Turkish cattle-breeders and belonged to some Turkish landowners.<fnref n="206" />

The scanty statistical data relating to the number of
the local population represent the following picture:

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Year</th>
      <th>Houses</th>
      <th>Males</th>
      <th>Females</th>
      <th>Total</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>1804<sup>207</sup></td>
      <td>12</td>
      <td>23</td>
      <td>19</td>
      <td>42</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>1886<sup>208</sup></td>
      <td>49</td>
      <td>167</td>
      <td>133</td>
      <td>300</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>1907<sup>209</sup></td>
      <td></td>
      <td></td>
      <td></td>
      <td>411</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>1986<sup>210</sup></td>
      <td></td>
      <td></td>
      <td></td>
      <td>1,421</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

CHRAGHIDZOR (JRAGIDZOR)

The village is located 14 kilometres south of the
district centre, between 1,340 and 1,440 metres of alti-
tude above sea level.

In the Soviet years, the site of the ancient, derelict
Armenian village was re-populated by some Armen-
ians who mainly practised mining.

DAMZHALI

This small, insignificant Turkish village is situated
on the right bank of the river Artinajur, 9 kilometres

north-west of the district centre, between 620 and 640
metres of altitude above sea level.

It had a population of 4 houses (15 males, 22 females) in 1886,<fnref n="211" /> and 85 inhabitants in 1908.<fnref n="212" />

DANAYER

The settlement extends on the right bank of the
river Artinajur, 13 kilometres north-west of the district
centre, at an altitude of 910 to 970 metres above sea
level.

It was founded in the site of an abandoned
Armenian village in the late 19th century.

The local Turkish population comprised 10 houses (61 males, 69 females) in 1886,<fnref n="213" /> and amounted to 115 in 1908.<fnref n="214" />

DOZULAR (BIRGYOZ)

**Location.** The settlement is situated on the left bank of the river Kurak, 10 kilometres north-east of Getashen, 14 kilometres south-east of the district centre, between 670 and 690 metres of altitude above sea level.

**Population.** While conducting investigation in the area in 1864, Meves once had a talk with some Turks and found out that the nomadic community of Birgyoz was scattered in various places so that actually it could not be considered as a village. Below follows the record of that conversation: “What do you mean by saying that villages are something rare here? Statistical surveys are conducted as per villages, are they not?”

(My interlocutor smiled).

“Why are you smiling?” I asked.

“Never mind it.”

Right at that moment, a Tartar approached the Turk
and started talking to him in the Tartar language. When
he left, I asked the Turkish nomad, “Where is he
from?”

“From Birgyoz.”

“Is the village of Birgyoz far from here?”

“There is no such a village.”

“Why, but you have just told me that Tartar is from Birgyoz.”

Totally taken aback, my interlocutor answered
hastily, “He is registered in Birgyoz.”

“His being registered in Birgyoz shows that such a
village does exist. Why are you trying to convince me
of the contrary? I did not expect you to be so reticent.”

<footnote n="202">202 "Nor-Dar," 1890, No. 70, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="203">203 National Archives of Armenia, fund 409, list 1, file 2658, p. 12.</footnote>

<footnote n="204">204 National Archives of Armenia, fund 57η, list 3, file 259, p. 4.</footnote>

<footnote n="205">205 SAE, vol. 10, p. 301.</footnote>

<footnote n="206">206 National Archives of Armenia, fund 93, list 1, file 388, pp. 31-32, 43-44.</footnote>

<footnote n="207">207 Collected Acts..., vol. 2, p. 596.</footnote>

<footnote n="208">208 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 84-85.</footnote>

<footnote n="209">209 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p 415.</footnote>

<footnote n="210">210 SAE, vol. 10, p. 369.</footnote>

<footnote n="211">211 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 78-79.</footnote>

<footnote n="212">212 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 235. As alleged by this statisti-
cal source, the local inhabitants were Armenians, but this is not
confirmed in any other records.</footnote>

<footnote n="213">213 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 78-79.</footnote>

<footnote n="214">214 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 235. The local residents are alleged to be Armenians, but this is not confirmed in any other source.</footnote>
Highly embarrassed, the Turk attempted to prove the rightfulness of what he had said, evidently forgetting that he had at first planned to avoid discussing certain issues with me.

"Well, who told you that all the villages fixed on paper do really exist? Their names are written down simply out of formal considerations, but in fact, a number of villages such as Birgyoz, Ghushchi, Ashagha-Ayipli, Yukhari Ayipli and many others are merely names and nothing else. Their inhabitants live scattered in various sites, districts and provinces as well as partly in Persia..."<fnref n="215" />

The available statistical data relating to the number of the population of this Turkish "village" represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1886<sup>216</sup></td><td>67</td><td>208</td><td>195</td><td>403</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>217</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>156</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>218</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>178</td></tr></tbody></table>

## FIZULI (SUNNILAR)

The village lies 24 kilometres north-east of the district centre, between 220 and 225 metres of altitude above sea level.

The available statistical data relating to the number of the local population are as follows: 56 houses with 297 inhabitants (163 males, 134 females)<fnref n="219" /> in 1886, and 233 residents in 1914.<fnref n="220" />

## GETASHEN

**Location.** The village, that is 2.5 kilometres long and only 500 to 600 metres wide, is situated in a deep gorge mainly lying on the left bank of the river Kurak, 13 kilometres south-east of the district centre. Most of its quarters extend on the slopes of some ravines on the left riverside, between 950 and 1,050 metres of altitude above sea level.

**A Historical Introduction.** Only very few of the villages of Northern Artsakh (Pib, Banants, Legharak, Khachakap, Voskanapat) can match Getashen, a village of glorious history.

The surviving monuments of material culture trace it as far back as the early Middle Ages. Some archaeological finds, including pottery and Bronze articles, can be attributed to the pre-Christian period.

Getashen and its neighbourhood retain a wealth of mills, churches, bridges, wine presses, village sites, cemeteries abounding in khachkars and grave-stones, as well as dwellings and public buildings that constitute a rich, unique cultural heritage of immense value. Erected in the course of many centuries, they have come down to our days in a standing or semi-ruined state.

The available scanty records on Getashen date back to the 17th century. Thus, in 1626 the toponym was used in an account of the atrocities committed by the Georgian troops: "And the base Georgians attacked Getashen's Armenians..."<fnref n="221" />

It may also be found in a bull issued by Catholicos Pilippos (1632 to 1655).<fnref n="222" />

In 1691 reference is made to "...head of Getashen Kamal Bey..."<fnref n="223" />

This person, who is mentioned by the title of Melik in an inscription of 1673, headed the construction of the local church of Sourb Nahatak (Avag Sourb Nshan Church) in 1677.

In 1766 mention is made of "Melik Yusif..., whose residence is in Getashen at present..."<fnref n="224" />

A year later, Georgian King Heracle incited Shahverdi Khan of Gandzak to invade Getashen, but the latter was faced with a heavy counterattack: "...day had not broken yet when he unexpectedly mounted an offensive against Melik Yusuf of Getashen for the purpose of slaughtering his army, capturing his people and plundering the village. Unaware of the danger, Melik Yusuf's people lay asleep in complete carelessness, but the Lord came to their rescue. The melik's valorous son Beklar plucked up courage, took his sword and rushed outward all by himself to repel the attacking troops until

<footnote n="215">215 Meves, V., op. cit., p. 420 (the original reads, "—Как деревня вещь редкая? ведь камеральное описание и составлено по деревням. Мой собеседник улыбнулся. —Чего вы улыбаетесь? —Так, ничего... В то время, когда мой спутник сказал "так, ничего", подошел какой-то татарин и начал говорить что-то по татарски. Когда татарин окончил разговор и ушел, я спросил NN откуда этот татарин. —Из Биргеза. —А далеко-ли деревня Биргез? —Деревня Биргеза нет! —А как же вы говорите, что этот татарин из Биргеза? Тут совершенно смешался мой NN и в торопях сказал. —Он записан в д. Биргез. —Если записан в д. Биргез, то значит; есть такая деревня; зачем же вы уверяете меня, что такой деревня нет? Я не ожидал от вас такой... такой... неоткровенности... NN смешался и, видимо, желая доказать свою правоту, забыв о своем плане обходить некоторые вопросы, сказал. —Да разве существуют все те деревни, которые значатся по бумагам? Название деревня значится по бумагам потому, что форма этого требует; но в натуре многих деревень не существует, как, например следующия деревни. Биргез, Куши, Ашага-Айплы, Юхари-Айпли и множество других. Жители показанные в этих деревнях, живут в разных участках, в разных уездах, в разных губерниях, а частью и за границею, в Персии... ").</footnote>

<footnote n="216">216 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 80-81.</footnote>

<footnote n="217">217 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 205.</footnote>

<footnote n="218">218 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 99.</footnote>

<footnote n="219">219 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 80-81.</footnote>

<footnote n="220">220 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 184.</footnote>

<footnote n="221">221 Colophons, 17th century, vol. 2, p. 206.</footnote>

<footnote n="222">222 **Barkhutariants**, M., idem, p. 48.</footnote>

<footnote n="223">223 "Ararat," 1900, p. 320.</footnote>

<footnote n="224">224 A Collection of Armenian Historiographical Works, vol. 3, p. 573.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_454.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. The village seen from the road leading to Yeghnasar Monastery</figcaption></figure>

his fellow warriors came to his aid, his father fighting the enemy in the village in the meantime. Eventually gathering all their troops, they hindered the advance of that foul Shahverdi and killed most of his soldiers.”

Chasing the escaping khan and “...murdering the enemy right and left...,” Melik Hovsep “...reached Ganja and returned with all his troops safe and sound. Over many days, he kept all the roads to the city blocked so that nobody entered or left it...”<fnref n="225" />

Finally, Shahverdi Khan had to ask King Heracle to “intercede” with the melik for lifting the siege of Gandzak.

Getashen Armenians were famous for their bravery and patriotism. In the late 19th century, one of their fellow villagers was characterized in the following way, “...among those courageous fighters was Hanes Sapariants, who had not practised any crafts all his lifetime, his only occupation being the slaughter of the enemies...”<fnref n="226" />

**Construction Activity.** Parallel with the development of the village, the number of the local buildings gradually increased so that by 1886 another 12 houses had been built on the right bank of the river as well.<fnref n="227" />

**The Domains of Getashen.** A populous village serving as a seat for meliks, Getashen possessed large estates from times immemorial. In the early 19th century, the authorities provided the newly-arrived settlers with 8,228 dessiatinas 2,191 sazhens for farming, and 3,611 dessiatinas 479 sazhens for winter residence, in a site called Geran: “It borders on the river Geran, the road of Oghri as well as the lands of Borsunlu and the plain of Geran. Since then it has been called Geran-Chelaberd...”<fnref n="228" />

Later, however, the village failed to expand its dominions; moreover, against the local people's will, a plot of 200 dessiatinas was stripped of it and allocated to Secret State Counselor Chelyayev.<fnref n="229" /> As a result, in the early 20th century, Getashen Armenians already felt the acute shortage of arable land.

During the fierce Armeno-Turkish fights of 1905 as well as between 1918 and 1920, the remote domains of the village were consigned to neglect, for the local inhabitants did not dare to cultivate the soil with the Turks in the neighbourhood: “Getashen has 2,100 dessiatinas of arable land near the station of Gyoran... The fighting, however, has made it absolutely impossible to till it.”<fnref n="230" />

<footnote n="225">²²⁵ A Collection of Armenian Historiographical Works, vol. 3, p. 773.</footnote>

<footnote n="226">²²⁶ “Nor-Dar,” 1893, No. 108, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="227">²²⁷ “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 19, p. 280. Also see **Sargissian, M.** Getashen. In: “Kultur-Lusavorakan Ashkhatank,” 1988, No. 2, pp. 13-20, in Armenian.</footnote>

<footnote n="228">²²⁸ “Mshak,” 1913, No. 72, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="229">²²⁹ Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="230">²³⁰ **A-Do**, idem, p. 333.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_455.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. General views of the village</figcaption></figure>

In the 19th century, some small villages were set up in the vicinity of the cattle-houses belonging to Getashen but located outside the village. These villages, lying within a short distance of each other, were as follows: Murtunis (Mertsunis), situated 1.5 kilometres west of Getashen; Chilkin, located on the left bank of the river Kurak, 6 kilometres north-east of Getashen; Jragidzor (Chraghidzor), extending 2.5 kilometres south-west of Getashen, and Gyoran north-east of Getashen. In the Middle Ages, some of them represented prospering villages which were later abandoned and re-populated by Getashen Armenians only in the 19th century. During population censuses, the inhabitants of these satellite villages were registered together with those of Getashen.

**The Armeno-Turkish Fights between 1905 and 1906.** Thanks to its populousness and comparatively favourable position for defence, Getashen did not suffer enemy attacks either in the days of the Armeno-Turkish fights of 1905 to 1906 or during the joint offensives launched by the Ottoman and Musavatist troops between 1918 and 1920. The local inhabitants who had united and taken up arms to defend their

<figure><img src="image_456.png" /></figure>

native village did not engage in serious fighting against the Turks, since the latter did not dare to attack the village, being well-aware of the skills and valour the warriors of Getashen boasted. The village, however, lost many people outside its territory: thus, on 13 September 1905, 5 Armenians returning home from their fields in Gyoran were slaughtered by the Turks who appropriated the harvest of millet they had gathered.<fnref n="231" />

In retaliation for the unprecedented crimes the Turkish bandits had committed in the adjacent villages, in late 1905, an armed detachment from Getashen destroyed some of their dens: “At half past six on the morning of 15 December, Chaylilar was heavily encircled from three sides. The local forces, that were not small in number, proved unable to repel the fire coming from three directions simultaneously and ran away through the open field after a persistent resistance of several hours. The Armenians who burst into the village ravaged and burnt it down. They had not finished their act of retribution yet when a large mob reached

<footnote n="231">²³¹ “Arshaluys,” 1905, No. 17, p. 1.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_457.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. Partial views of the central quarters of the village</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_458.png" /></figure>

there from the plain, and the fighting resumed with even greater ferocity, lasting for many hours. Finally, the Turks were warded off, but the heavy battle had cost the Armenians the lives of Ivan Balasanian, Ghu-kas Petrossian from Karabakh, and Bakhshi, the in-surgent son of the rebellious land of Khachen. Besides, they had also suffered 6 casualties, the Turkish losses exceeding 20.”<fnref n="232" />

Getashen Armenians also visited retribution on some other nearby villages housing Turkish gangsters: “After Chaylilar, the same Armenians attacked and devastated Dardara, Saresu, Dozilar as well as Abas-Dara and Panahlar. The last two of these villages men-tioned had been abandoned even before the onslaught.”<fnref n="233" />

As already mentioned, Getashen mainly escaped the scourge of the Armeno-Turkish fights that ravaged throughout Caucasia. That meant that the calculations of the Tsarist authorities had not come true at all. Seeing that the Turks were of no use with that regard, they stripped away their disguise of “saving peacemak-ers” and launched an offensive against the village on 24 March 1906. First the Russians demanded that Geta-shen Armenians deliver up their arms and then fired 20 gun volleys against the village, “...demolishing several magnificent houses...”<fnref n="234" />

The contemporary press responded to that act by the following interrogation, “...what is Getashen to blame for? Its only crime is that it did not let the Turks touch it. Besides, located on a crossroad of nomads’

<footnote n="232">232 A-Do, idem, p. 334.</footnote>

<footnote n="233">233 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="234">234 “Mshak,” No. 68, 29 March 1906.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_459.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. Partial views of the central quarters of the village. The last photo represents the houses of the Tzaturants</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_460.png" /></figure>

continual resettlement, it might pose danger to the
Turks if it remained armed...”<fnref n="235" />

In 1918 Getashen was delivered up “...to the Tur-
kish authorities. The local people were very displeased
with the Turkish powers, for the establishment of Tur-
kish forces in their village finally reduced them to ban-
kruptcy. Every day the enemy soldiers robbed them of
two bulls, took as much bread as they wished and did
not spare even forage which was considered something
of highest necessity to the villager and cost a high
price.<fnref n="236" />

**Population.** None of the available sources attests to what the correspondent of the "Nor-Dar" alleges about the establishment of Getashen: "At first this village, founded in 1748, comprised only 25 houses. In 1802 30 families from the principality of Jraberd took up living here and mixed with the local inhabitants, in their turn contributing to the prosperity of the village..."<fnref n="237" />

The existing sources are not unanimous in mention-
ing the exact year of this resettlement which oscillates
among 1802,<sup>238</sup> 1804<sup>239</sup> and 1805 to 1806.<sup>240</sup> Nor do

<footnote>от них в день по два быка, хлеба, сколько хотели, не
щадили даже корм, который в настоящее время це-
нится очень дорого для крестьянина и является пер-
вой необходимостью”).</footnote>

<footnote n="237">237 "Nor-Dar," 1893, No. 108, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="238">238 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="239">239 "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 19, p. 280. Also see "Mshak," 1890, No. 76, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="240">240 "Mshak," 1913, No. 72, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="235">235 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="236">236 The Armenian Massacres in the Provinces of Baku and Yelizavetpol (1918 to 1920), p. 130 (the original reads, “...турецким властям. Жители этого села были недовольны турецкой властью, потому что во время пребывания турецких сил в этом селе окончательно они их разорили. брали</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_461.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. Houses (19th cent.)</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_462.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. The house of Khachatur Gabrielian</figcaption></figure>

they report the true number of the Armenians who moved from the neighbouring district of Jaberab to Getashen: it ranges from 30²⁴¹ and 80²⁴² to 300.<fnref n="243" />

The epitaphs preserved in the local cemetery reveal that the resettlers were mostly from Metzshen, Akana, Maghavuz and Khotorashen Villages of the aforementioned district.

In 1886 Getashen comprised 300 families, including 80 of Jaberab Armenians.<fnref n="244" />

Below follows a list of 145 families living in Getashen in 1839:

“1 Poghos Ter-Ohanian, his sons Shirin with his wife Rehan, and Petros with his wife Nazel;

2 Nerses Ter-Israyelian, his wife Rehan as well as his sons Yeprem and Poghos;

3 Moses Ter-Sahakian, his wife Rehan as well as their son Sahak and his wife Javahir;

4 Sayi Zakarian, his wife Anna and their son Ghahraman;

5 Verdi Zakarian with his spouse Anna;

6 Grigor Hakobian with his wife Anna;

7 Ghahraman Melkumian, his wife Aziz and their son Arzuman;

8 Sandri Melkumian, his wife Mariam as well as their sons Nerses, Arzuman and Hakob;

9 Yesayi Melkumian, his wife Heriknaz, their sons Daniel with his wife Antaram, and Gabriel with his wife Javahir;

10 Poghos Harutiunian, his wife Sona and their daughter Margaret;

11 Papi Pekov, his wife Shali and their son Hovhannes; Papi's brother Hayrum and his wife Anna;

<footnote n="241">241 “Nor-Dar,” 1893, No. 108, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="242">242 “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 19, p. 280. Also see “Mshak,” 1913, No. 72, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="243">243 “Mshak,” 1890, No. 76, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="244">244 “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 19, p. 280.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_463.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. Houses. The last photo represents the house of Michael the Youzbashi</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_464.png" /></figure>

12 Mayil Grigorian, his wife Yeghisabet and their son Harutiun;

13 Mirza Paytalian, his wife Mariam as well as their sons Harutiun and Nerses;

14 Avag Ghazarian, his wife Margaret, their daughter Mina as well as their sons Grigor and Ghazar;

15 Sargis Aghajanian, his wife Anna and their daughter Mariam; Sargis' brother Stepan with his wife Rehan;

16 Avag Ohanissian, his wife Horomsim as well as their son Daniel with his wife Javi;

17 Asriel Hakobian, his wife Yetar as well as their son Soghomon and their daughter Mariam;

18 Petros Sevian, his wife Anna as well as their sons Sargis and Hambardzum;

19 Beki Harutiunian, his wife Sirunna and their son Hakob; Beki's brothers 1. Yesayi with his wife Anna, and 2. Ohannes with his wife Bekzata and his daughter Mariam;

20 Poghos Sargissian, his wife Khatayi and their daughter Rehan;

21 Grigor Papassian, his wife Yeghisabet and their daughter Herik;

22 Hovhannes Hovsepian, his wife Sevgyul and their son Avetis;

23 Verdi Misayelian, his wife Sevgyul as well as their son Arushan and their daughter Yasaman;

24 Babajan Atayan, his wife Sirunna, their sons Hakob and Misayel as well as their daughter-in-law Khatun;

25 Sarukhan Poghossian with his wife Anakhanum;

26 Petros Mkhitarian, his wife Antaram, their son Arustam with his wife Mariam as well as his sons Nerses, Karapet and Hovhannes;

27 Israyel Misayelian, his wife Yetar as well as their sons Beglar and Grigor; Israyel's brother Petros, his wife Begzada and their son Harutiun;

28 Petros Hakobian, his wife Varti as well as their sons Nerses, Aghabek, Ohanes, Misayel and Hakob;

29 Petros Simonian, his wife Mariam as well as their daughter Javahir and their son Simeon;
<figure><img src="image_465.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_466.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. The house of Melik-Mnatsakanian</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_467.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_468.png" /></figure>

30 Simeon Hakobian with his wife Vardi;

31 Soghomon Baghdasarian, his wife Javahir as well as their son Sargis and their daughter Yeghisabet;

32 Widow Antaram, her daughter Gozal as well as her sons Beglar and Abraham;

33 Martiros Balassian, his wife Anna as well as their daughters Anakhanum and Herik;

34 Arzuman Grigorian, his wife Khatayi as well as their sons Karapet and Sargis;

35 Arustam Apressian, his wife Tari, his brother Ohannes, his spouse Anayi as well as his sons Sargis, Grigor and Daniel;

36 Daniel Hakobian, his wife Javi, their son Grigor with his wife Paji as well as his sons Nerses, Khachatur and Beglar; Daniel's brother Arustam with his wife Taguhi;

37 Gogi Ghazarian, his wife Javi as well as their sons Khosrov and Grigor;

38 Hovhannes Galustov, his wife Javi as well as their sons Daniel and Sargis;

39 Sargis Hakobian, his wife Mariam as well as their sons Avag and Arustam;

40 Hovhannes Sargissian, his wife Mariam as well as their son Hakob and his spouse Herik;

41 Gabriel Hovhannissian, his wife Khatayi as well as their sons Ohan, Yeghiazar and Arushan;

42 Daniel Vardanian, his wife Aznan, their sons Sargis and Minas as well as their daughter-in-law Nazlo;

43 Grigor Sargissian, his wife Horomsim as well as their daughters Rehan and Anna;

44 Grigor Galustian, his wife Anna and their son Ghazar;

45 Salah Sadeghian, his wife Margaret and their daughter Marian; Salah's brother Petru with his wife Khanum;

46 Usup Sargissian, his wife Rehan and their son Sargis;

47 Widow Javi with her sons Hovhannes and Grigor;

48 Petros Matikian, his wife Hustiane and their son Allahverdi;

49 Widow Shakhi with her sons Poghos and Hovhannes;

50 Widow Nazi with her sons Abraham, Stepan and Hakob;
<figure><img src="image_469.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_470.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. The house of Dulunts (Dulian) Grigor</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_471.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_472.png" /></figure>

51 Abraham Hakobian with his wife Hori and their daughter Rehan;

52 Petros Hakobian, his wife Bagzata and their daughter Khanum;

53 Hovhannes Gasparian, his wife Mariam as well as their son Karapet and their daughter Rehan;

54 Widow Khatun, her daughter Sona as well as her sons Murat and Hovhannes;

55 Hovsep Apressian with his spouse Javahir;

56 Sargis Danielian, his wife Nazlu as well as his brother Ghazar with his wife Herik and his son Misayel;

57 Baghdasar Ghukassian, his wife Aziz, their son Hovhannes and Baghdasar's brother Yedgar;

58 Verdi Sevanian, his wife Javahir as well as their son Arzuman and his spouse Nazlu;

59 Widow Huri, her daughter Gurjhan as well as her sons Simeon and Beglar;

60 Harutiun Denielian with his wife Anayi;

61 Ohan Danielian, his wife Zata, their daughters Malak and Nazlu, their sons Avan and Sargis as well as their daughter-in-law Nakar;

62 Ayrum Papian and his spouse Malak with their sons Javat and Khechatur; Ayrum's brothers Avag, Simeon, Petros and Martiros together with their daughters-in-law Sona and Anna;

63 Ayrum Adamian, his wife Margaret and his brother Grigor;

64 Hovakim Adamian, his wife Peki and their daughter Shamam;

65 Petros Poghossian, his wife Hori and their daughter Nakhshun; Petros' brother Grigor, his spouse Sirunna and their son Simeon;

66 Grigor Ter-Hakobian, his wife Gyuli as well as their son Petros and his wife Zata;

67 Petros Avagian, his wife Sirun and their daughter Rehan;

68 Israyel Galustian, his wife Anna, his brother Harutiun as well as his sons Gevorg and Ghazar;
<figure><img src="image_473.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. The house of Priest Mesrop Ter-Grigorians (1889)</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_474.png" /></figure>

69 Abraham Ter-Hovhannissian, his wife Rehan as well as their sons Israyel and Hovhannes;

70 Avag Ohannissian, his wife Mariam as well as their sons Hovhannes and Sargis;

71 Hovhannes Vanian, his wife Mariam, their son Vardan and their daughter Antaram;

72 Sargis Danielian, his wife Mariam as well as their sons Javat and Daniel;

73 Petros Markossian, his wife Mariam as well as their sons Arustam and Aghajan;

74 Atay Hakobian, his wife Anna, their son Aghajan and their daughter Khanum;

75 Petros Israyelian, his wife Nazlukhan as well as his brothers Harutiun and Avetis;

76 Soghomon Kolayan and his wife Taguhi together with their sons Misayel and Grigor; Soghomon's brother Hovhannes and his spouse Khatayi;

77 Batal Arustamian, his wife Nazlukhan as well as his brothers Payi and Hovhannes;

78 Khachatur Danielian, his wife Yeghisabed and their daughter Anna;

79 Hakob Seiranian with his wife Hori;

80 Petros Israyelian, his wife Nazlu and their son Seiran;

81 Mkhitar Baghdasarian with his spouse Vari;

82 Widower Movses Seiranian, his brother Avetis with his spouse Yeghisabet;

83 Widower Hakob Mirzayan with his sons Petros and Ohan;

84 Gabriel Avtandilian, his wife Huri as well as their sons Maki and Arushan with his wife Herik;

85 Arustam Papayan, his wife Khatayi and their son Ghahraman;

86 Arustam Allahverdian, his wife Magtagh and their son Sargis;

87 Thomas Hakobian with his spouse Khatayi;

88 Harutiun Petrossian with his wife Khatun;

89 Michael Sargissian with his wife Javahir;

90 Zohrap Danielian, his wife Vari as well as their sons Grigor and Avetik;
<figure><img src="image_475.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_476.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. The house of Priest Mesrop Ter-Grigorians, 1889 (photos by courtesy of A. Ghulian)</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_477.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_478.png" /></figure>

91. Sargis Danielian with his wife Herik;

92 Ghaybali Khachaturian, his wife Mariam as well as his brothers Sargis and Petros;

93 Sargis Petrossian, his wife Shahzat as well as their sons Harutiun, Vardan and Antanes;

94 Badal Arushanian with his wife Heriknaz;

95 Martiros Khachaturian with his wife Javahir;

96 Avag Hakobian, his wife Mehri as well as their sons Hakob and Hovhannes;

97 Hovhannes Poghossian, his wife Gyuli, their son Allahverdi and their daughter Bekzada;

98 Hovhannes Poghossian, his mother Gyuli, his spouse Magtagh and their son Hovhannes;

99 Arustam Poghossian, his mother Antaram, his wife Sirunna as well as his brother Ayrum, his spouse Sehar and his son Arushan;

100 Mnatsakan Petrossian, his mother Anna, his wife Anna as well as his brother Khachatur with his spouse Shahzada and his son Grigor;

101 Kochari Poghossian, his mother Hripsim, his wife Sultan and their daughter Herik;

102 Abraham Poghossian with his mother Hori, his wife Anna and his daughter Herik;

103 Astvatzatur Karapetian with his spouse Herik and his son Harutiun;

104 Avag Mkrtumian with his mother Margaret and his wife Sirunna;

105 Grigor Sahakian with his wife Horomsim;

106 Musayel Harutiunian, his wife Mariam as well as their daughters Javahir and Shahkhanum;

107 Petros Hovhannissian, his wife Herik as well as their sons Karapet and Sargis with his spouse Nakhshun;

108 Daniel Nazarian, his wife Heriknaz, their sons Khachatur, Karapet with his wife Nazlukhan, and Martiros with his wife Nazgyul, his son Gevorg and his daughter Marun;

109 Khachatur Hakobian, his wife Herik as well as their sons Sahak and Petros;
<figure><img src="image_479.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. A house (late 19th cent.)</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_480.png" /></figure>

110 Poghos Ter-Hakobian, his wife Herik as well as their daughters Khanum, Yetar and Shazlu;

111 Harutiun Apressian, his wife Mariam as well as their sons Gabriel, Papa and Yeghi;

112 Israyel Hovhannissian, his mother Nazlu, his wife Yetar and their son Misayel;

113 Hovhannes Mirzayan, his wife Khatun, his brother Abraham, his spouse Yetar, his daughter Khatayi as well as his sons Sargis, Misayel and Arustam;

114 Hovhannes Ter-Petrossian, his wife Anna as well as their son Harutiun with his wife Sirunna;

115 Mosi Sargissian and his wife Javahir with their sons Gabriel and Kochari;

116 Hovhannes Poghossian, his wife Tukhi as well as their sons Javat and Sahak;

117 Movses Grigorian, his wife Gyuljehan as well as their sons Mirza and Arustam;

118 Hovakim Hakobian, his wife Mariam as well as his brother Gevorg with his spouse Khatun, his son Khachatur

and his daughter Herik;

119 Gabriel Mkhitarian, his wife Herik as well as their sons Hakob, Hambardzum, and Sargis with his wife Mariam;

120 Martiros Petrossian and his wife Anna with their sons Harutiun and Hovhannes;

121 Allahverdi Harutiunian, his wife Gyurjehan as well as their daughters Herik and Nazlu;

122 Martiros Harutiunian, his wife Sirun as well as their sons Avag and Yeprem;

123 Petros Papayan, his wife Javahir with their son Sahak and his wife Pari;

124 Hovhannes Adamian, his wife Zani and their son Petros with his wife Horomsim;

125 Hakob Petrossian, his wife Sehar, their son Sargis with his wife Heriknaz and his daughter Sirunna;

126 Widower Petros Arushanian and his brother Petros with his wife Sara;

127 Widower Gabriel Hakobian as well as his son Mirza with his wife Magtagh;
<figure><img src="image_481.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_482.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. Houses (early 20th cent.)</figcaption></figure>

128 Mkrtum Soghomonian, his wife Javahir, their sons Gyurji, and Ghuli with his wife Gyuli, his sons Musayel, Israyel as well as his daughters Khatayi and Horom;

129 Musayel Harutiunian, his wife Begzada as well as their sons Beglar, Petros and Avag;

130 Widow Shakhi, her daughter Seharnaz as well as her sons Yeghiazar and Sargis;

131. Widow Gayane Grigorian, her son Arustam as well as her daughters Tazagyul and Herik;

132 Grigor Yesayan, his wife Mariam and their daughter Sirun; Grigor's brother Ohan, his wife Herik and their son Andreas;

133 Widow Hripsime Gevorgian, her sons Harutiun, and Papa with his wife Sirunna;

134 Widow Rehan with her daughters Vardi and Shahkhanum;

135 Gabriel Harutiunian, his wife Mariam as well as their son Sahak and their daughter Shahkhanum;

136 Sayi Abrahamian, his wife Aghakhan and their son Hovhannes;

137 Hakob Balasian, his wife Hyuri as well as their sons Zakaria and Israyel;

138 Mkrtum Hovhanian, his wife Tellu as well as their son Mirza and their daughter Javahir;

139 Mnatsakan Ghukassian, his wife Khanum and their daughter Taguhi;

140 Petros Apressian with his wife Sona;

141 Gabriel Hovhannissian, his wife Anna and his brother Israyel with his spouse Vardi;

142 Ohanjan Stepanian, his wife Herik and their daughter Taguhi;

143 Sargis Hakobian, his wife Rehan as well as their daughters Herik and Seharnaz;

144 Khachatur Petrossian with his wife Tellu;

145 Hovakim Hakobian, his wife Nazlu as well as their sons Ohan and Khachatur."<fnref n="245" />

As already mentioned above, Getashen was one of the most populous villages in Artsakh: the study of a wealth of archive documents containing the results of population censuses carried out between the 19th and 20th centuries reveals that it was second to only Pib (Zaglik) Village by the number of its inhabitants. The available statistical data relating to the local people represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1839<sup>246</sup></td><td>145</td><td>342</td><td>261</td><td>603</td></tr><tr><td>1845<sup>247</sup></td><td></td><td>592</td><td>552</td><td>1,144</td></tr><tr><td>1847<sup>248</sup></td><td></td><td>479</td><td>404</td><td>883</td></tr><tr><td>1849<sup>249</sup></td><td></td><td>566</td><td>481</td><td>997</td></tr><tr><td>1850<sup>250</sup></td><td>150</td><td>568</td><td>562</td><td>1,130</td></tr><tr><td>1852<sup>251</sup></td><td></td><td>594</td><td>575</td><td>1,169</td></tr><tr><td>1853<sup>252</sup></td><td></td><td>614</td><td>584</td><td>1,198</td></tr><tr><td>1854<sup>253</sup></td><td></td><td>608</td><td>582</td><td>1,190</td></tr><tr><td>1857<sup>254</sup></td><td></td><td>615</td><td>601</td><td>1,216</td></tr><tr><td>1858<sup>255</sup></td><td></td><td>621</td><td>611</td><td>1,232</td></tr><tr><td>1860<sup>256</sup></td><td></td><td>627</td><td>615</td><td>1,242</td></tr><tr><td>1861<sup>257</sup></td><td>146</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1862<sup>258</sup></td><td>162</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1863<sup>259</sup></td><td></td><td>665</td><td>634</td><td>1,299</td></tr><tr><td>1864<sup>260</sup></td><td></td><td>670</td><td>652</td><td>1,322</td></tr><tr><td>1865<sup>261</sup></td><td></td><td>675</td><td>650</td><td>1,325</td></tr></tbody></table>

<footnote n="245">245 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3800, pp. 30-31.</footnote>

<footnote n="246">246 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="247">247 Idem, file 3811, pp. 4-5. According to another archive document (idem, file 3809, p. 31), Getashen had 100 houses with 1,012 inhabitants, including 510 males and 502 females.</footnote>

<footnote n="248">248 Idem, file 3814, pp. 95-96.</footnote>

<footnote n="249">249 Idem, file 3818, pp. 95-96.</footnote>

<footnote n="250">250 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 2596, p. 109.</footnote>

<footnote n="251">251 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3819, pp. 105-106.</footnote>

<footnote n="252">252 Idem, file 2743, pp. 16-17.</footnote>

<footnote n="253">253 Idem, file 3825, pp. 68-69.</footnote>

<footnote n="254">254 Idem, file 3830, pp. 74-75.</footnote>

<footnote n="255">255 Idem, file 3831, pp. 41-42.</footnote>

<footnote n="256">256 Idem, file 3833, pp. 108-109.</footnote>

<footnote n="257">257 Idem, file 3835, pp. 147-148.</footnote>

<footnote n="258">258 "Mshak," 1913, No. 72, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="259">259 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3843, pp. 15-16.</footnote>

<footnote n="260">260 Idem, file 3846, pp. 23-24.</footnote>

<footnote n="261">261 Idem, file 3862, pp. 58-59.</footnote>
<table><tr><td>1866<sup>262</sup></td><td>183</td><td>763</td><td>532</td><td>1,295</td><td>1906<sup>290</sup></td><td></td><td>1,840</td><td>1,511</td><td>3,351</td></tr><tr><td>1872<sup>263</sup></td><td></td><td>938</td><td>832</td><td>1,770</td><td>1907<sup>291</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>3,464</td></tr><tr><td>1873<sup>264</sup></td><td>240</td><td></td><td></td><td>1,621</td><td>1908<sup>292</sup></td><td>550</td><td>1,903</td><td>1,589</td><td>3,492</td></tr><tr><td>1874<sup>265</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>1,934</td><td>1909<sup>293</sup></td><td></td><td>1,278</td><td>1,112</td><td>2,390</td></tr><tr><td>1875<sup>266</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>1,700</td><td>1910<sup>294</sup></td><td></td><td>2,000</td><td>1,675</td><td>3,675</td></tr><tr><td>1876<sup>267</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>1,709</td><td>1911<sup>295</sup></td><td>650</td><td></td><td></td><td>3,551</td></tr><tr><td>1877<sup>268</sup></td><td></td><td>930</td><td>810</td><td>1,740</td><td>1912<sup>296</sup></td><td></td><td>1,305</td><td>1,143</td><td>2,448</td></tr><tr><td>1878<sup>269</sup></td><td></td><td>922</td><td>804</td><td>1,726</td><td>1914<sup>297</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>5,080</td></tr><tr><td>1881<sup>270</sup></td><td></td><td>961</td><td>846</td><td>1,807</td><td>1917<sup>298</sup></td><td>700</td><td></td><td></td><td>5,361</td></tr><tr><td>1882<sup>271</sup></td><td></td><td>970</td><td>858</td><td>1,828</td><td>1986<sup>299</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>3,568</td></tr><tr><td>1883<sup>272</sup></td><td></td><td>972</td><td>848</td><td>1,820</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1885<sup>273</sup></td><td></td><td>793</td><td>662</td><td>1,455</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1886<sup>274</sup></td><td>300</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1887<sup>275</sup></td><td></td><td>779</td><td>677</td><td>1,456</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1888<sup>276</sup></td><td></td><td>831</td><td>721</td><td>1,552</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1889<sup>277</sup></td><td></td><td>864</td><td>736</td><td>1,600</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1890<sup>278</sup></td><td></td><td>887</td><td>767</td><td>1,654</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1891<sup>279</sup></td><td>434</td><td>920</td><td>782</td><td>1,702</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1892<sup>280</sup></td><td>460</td><td>926</td><td>774</td><td>1,700</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1893<sup>281</sup></td><td></td><td>953</td><td>781</td><td>1,734</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1894<sup>282</sup></td><td>c500985</td><td></td><td>794</td><td>1,779</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1897<sup>283</sup></td><td>450</td><td>1,037</td><td>827</td><td>1,864</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1898<sup>284</sup></td><td></td><td>1,087</td><td>850</td><td>1,937</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1899<sup>285</sup></td><td></td><td>1,092</td><td>861</td><td>1,953</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1900<sup>286</sup></td><td></td><td>1,136</td><td>861</td><td>1,997</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1901<sup>287</sup></td><td></td><td>1,172</td><td>949</td><td>2,121</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1902<sup>288</sup></td><td></td><td>1,164</td><td>931</td><td>2,095</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1905<sup>289</sup></td><td></td><td>1,174</td><td>950</td><td>2,124</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></table>

As the table indicates, the population of Getashen, a millennia-old purely Armenian village, continually increased until the ‘10s of the 20th century. In the course of some years, however, certain reduction could be observed in their number due to small-scale resettlement and diseases, especially, among infants. In times of turmoil and political instability, the number of the local people increased instead of decreasing, for Getashen was considered a safe haven for the Armenians of other villages (it so happened, for instance, during the Armeno-Turkish fights between 1905 and 1906: see the table).

The Armenian spirit faded away in the village “when the last inhabitant abandoned it on 7 May 1991.”<fnref n="300" />

**The Local Families.** The elderly residents of Getashen remember that the Melik-Mnatsakanians, who lived in the central part of the village, came from Gyulistan, a village in present-day Shahumian District of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh. The Chilingarians were from Begum-Sarov, the Israyelians from Iraberd, and the Gyurjians, who dwelled in the vicinity of a cemetery in the old quarter of the village, from Ani City of Shirak District (Ayrarat Province, Metz Hayk). Moving first to Tsegghna, then to Verin and Nerkin Aza Villages of Goghtan District, and later to Mokhratagh Village of Iraberd, they finally settled down in Getashen.

Between 1905 and 1906, the Paravians' ('Pravants' in the local dialect) family of armourers was famous in the village.

**Crafts and Economic Life.** Farming, gardening, cattle-breeding and bee-keeping were the main occupations of the Armenians of Getashen.

In 1864 the villagers applied to the authorities with a request to send some experienced farmers from the

<footnote n="262">262 Idem, file 3848, p. 57.</footnote>

<footnote n="263">263 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, file 3872, pp. 62-63.</footnote>

<footnote n="264">264 Idem, file 3864, pp. 39-40. Also see “Mshak,” 1913, No. 72, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="265">265 Caucasian Calendar for 1886, p. 125.</footnote>

<footnote n="266">266 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3866, pp. 44-45.</footnote>

<footnote n="267">267 Idem, file 3868, pp. 57-58.</footnote>

<footnote n="268">268 Idem, file 3869, pp. 54-55.</footnote>

<footnote n="269">269 Idem, file 3870, pp. 22-23.</footnote>

<footnote n="270">270 Idem, file 3873, pp. 27-28.</footnote>

<footnote n="271">271 Idem, file 3874, p. 30.</footnote>

<footnote n="272">272 Idem, file 3875, pp. 56-57.</footnote>

<footnote n="273">273 Idem, file 3877, p. 29.</footnote>

<footnote n="274">274 “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 19, p. 280. Another statistical source reports 446 houses with 2,558 inhabitants (A Statistical Survey..., pp. 86-87).</footnote>

<footnote n="275">275 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3880, p. 72.</footnote>

<footnote n="276">276 Idem, file 3882, p. 130.</footnote>

<footnote n="277">277 Idem, file 3884, pp. 226-227.</footnote>

<footnote n="278">278 Idem, file 3887, p. 1489.</footnote>

<footnote n="279">279 Idem, file 3889, p. 148. Also see *Barkhutarians*, M., idem, p. 259.</footnote>

<footnote n="280">280 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3891, p. 120. Also see “Nor-Dar,” 1892, No. 140, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="281">281 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3895, pp. 77-78.</footnote>

<footnote n="282">282 Idem, file 3896, p. 173. Also see “Murj,” 1894, Nos. 7-8, p. 1154.</footnote>

<footnote n="283">283 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3342, p. 3. Also see file 3899, pp. 146-147.</footnote>

<footnote n="284">284 Idem, file 3897, p. 168.</footnote>

<footnote n="285">285 Idem, file 3903, pp. 126-127.</footnote>

<footnote n="286">286 Idem, file 3905, pp. 90-91.</footnote>

<footnote n="287">287 Idem, file 3906, pp. 96-97.</footnote>

<footnote n="288">288 Idem, file 3907, pp. 22-23.</footnote>

<footnote n="289">289 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3912, pp. 265-266.</footnote>

<footnote n="290">290 Idem, file 3915, p. 24.</footnote>

<footnote n="291">291 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 240, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="292">292 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 559, p. 8. The village had 3,138 inhabitants, as attested by another source (Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 409).</footnote>

<footnote n="293">293 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 18, file 764, p. 116.</footnote>

<footnote n="294">294 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3917, pp. 56-57.</footnote>

<footnote n="295">295 “Mshak,” 1913, No. 72, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="296">296 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3919, pp. 61-62.</footnote>

<footnote n="297">297 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 204.</footnote>

<footnote n="298">298 *Avetissian, M. M.*, idem, p. 166.</footnote>

<footnote n="299">299 SAE, vol. 10, p. 300.</footnote>

<footnote n="300">300 “Urbat,” 1991, No. 18.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_483.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. The buildings of the local eight-year and secondary schools</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_484.png" /></figure>

German colony of Helenendorf to convey their skills to them. The petition was met, and two specialists, Friedrich Ziezer and Friedrich Rietenbach, arrived at the village, the local residents assuming all their expenses during the period of teaching.<fnref n="301" />

In the pre-Soviet years, Getashen had 18 functioning mills, 5 creameries, 4 smithies, 3 leather dressing mills and 6 shoe-making workshops.<fnref n="302" />

By 1883 the shops functioning in the village had totaled 35: "It comprises between 30 and 35 shops belonging to retailers, carpenters, tinmen, dyers, tailors, curriers, drapers, shoemakers and silversmiths..."<fnref n="303" />

Bishop Barkhutariants, who visited Getashen in the late 19th century, writes, "It is a township of prospering crafts such as carpentry, tailoring, saddlery, masonry, weaving, cart-making and blacksmith's work."<fnref n="304" />

**Educational Institutions.** The village boasted a year-long history in the educational domain as well: "...Getashen's school dates back to the '50s, but it was only in 1865 that its activity was officially approved."<fnref n="305" />

**The first parish school** of the village, providing a one-year course of instruction for males, opened in 1862.<fnref n="306" />

In 1878 its building was in need of renovation<fnref n="307" />

which was carried out through Gandzak vicar Satunian's efforts.<fnref n="308" />

In the school year 1911/12, the institution had a small library of 350 books.<fnref n="309" />

**The local female school** started work in 1906.<fnref n="310" />

Below follow some data relating to the parish schools of Getashen dug out of various archive documents and arranged in chronological order:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Further Information</th><th>Teachers</th><th>Pupils</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1864<sup>311</sup></td><td rowspan="4">A parish school opened for males</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1865<sup>312</sup></td><td>1</td><td>33</td></tr><tr><td>1866<sup>313</sup></td><td>1</td><td>47</td></tr><tr><td>1869<sup>314</sup></td><td>The school was in a financial plight.<br>Its trustee was<br>Gahraman Musayeliants.</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1870<sup>315</sup></td><td></td><td>1</td><td>30</td></tr><tr><td>1872<sup>316</sup></td><td></td><td>1</td><td>50</td></tr><tr><td>1873<sup>317</sup></td><td></td><td>1</td><td>25</td></tr><tr><td>1874<sup>318</sup></td><td></td><td>1</td><td>62</td></tr><tr><td>1875<sup>319</sup></td><td>Priest Simeon Atibekians</td><td></td><td>61</td></tr></tbody></table>

<footnote n="308">³⁰⁸ "Nor-Dar," 1895, No. 7.</footnote>

<footnote n="309">³⁰⁹ National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 15, file 571, p. 21.</footnote>

<footnote n="310">³¹⁰ National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 301, p. 5.</footnote>

<footnote n="311">³¹¹ National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 3, file 52, p. 28. According to another archive document, the school opened in 1863. National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 15, file 571, p. 21.</footnote>

<footnote n="312">³¹² National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3848, p. 50.</footnote>

<footnote n="313">³¹³ Idem, file 3848, p. 115.</footnote>

<footnote n="314">³¹⁴ National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 4850, pp. 16,25.</footnote>

<footnote n="315">³¹⁵ Idem, file 3857, pp. 49-50.</footnote>

<footnote n="316">³¹⁶ Idem, file 3872, pp. 30-32.</footnote>

<footnote n="317">³¹⁷ Idem, file 3862, pp. 59-68.</footnote>

<footnote n="318">³¹⁸ Idem, file 3864, pp. 55-56.</footnote>

<footnote n="319">³¹⁹ National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 3, file 52, p. 45. Also see National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3866, pp. 48-49.</footnote>

<footnote n="301">³⁰¹ "Kavkaz," 1865, No. 70, p. 349.</footnote>

<footnote n="302">³⁰² **Balasanian, G.** The Centuries-Old Traveller. Yerevan, 1986, p. 7, in Armenian.</footnote>

<footnote n="303">³⁰³ "Meghu Hayastani," 1883, No. 52, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="304">³⁰⁴ **Barkhutariants, M.**, idem, pp. 258-259.</footnote>

<footnote n="305">³⁰⁵ "Nor-Dar," 1893, No. 193, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="306">³⁰⁶ "Mankavarzhakan Tert," 1878-79, pp. 15-16. According to another source, the school opened in 1864 (National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 3, file 52, p. 28).</footnote>

<footnote n="307">³⁰⁷ "Mankavarzhakan Tert," p. 16.</footnote>
<table><tbody><tr><td>1876</td><td>320</td><td>1</td><td>60</td></tr><tr><td>1877</td><td>321</td><td>1</td><td>26</td></tr><tr><td>1878</td><td>322</td><td>M. Baghdasariants</td><td>31</td></tr><tr><td>1882</td><td>323</td><td>1</td><td>45</td></tr><tr><td>1884</td><td>324</td><td>Functioned on a one-year basis</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1885</td><td>325</td><td>Closed on a Government order</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1888</td><td>326</td><td>Reopened</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1889</td><td>327</td><td>Functioned on a one-year basis</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1891</td><td>328</td><td>Functioning</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1892</td><td>329</td><td>1</td><td>38</td></tr><tr><td>1893</td><td>330</td><td>Providing a one-year course for males</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1894</td><td>331</td><td>Harutiun Mirimanians</td><td>40</td></tr><tr><td>1896</td><td>332</td><td>Closed on a Government order</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1906</td><td>333</td><td>Reopened without the state and religious powers' knowledge</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1908</td><td>334</td><td>Officially declared opened as a one-year school for males</td><td>128</td></tr><tr><td>1909</td><td>335</td><td>One-year, in a financial plight</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1909</td><td>336</td><td>2</td><td>126</td></tr><tr><td>1910</td><td>337</td><td>2</td><td>109</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>(87 boys, 22 girls)</td></tr><tr><td>1911</td><td>338</td><td>2</td><td>96</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>(70 boys, 26 girls)</td></tr><tr><td>1911/12</td><td>339</td><td>Providing a three-year course for males</td><td>1 Kamal Petrossian</td></tr><tr><td>1914</td><td>340</td><td>2</td><td>140</td></tr><tr><td>1919</td><td>341</td><td>Attacked by Turkish bandits</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

The local **Russian public school**, located on the right bank of the river Kurak, had been moved from the Turkish village of Gyoran and started work in 1886.<sup>342</sup>

In the early 1890s, it had over 50 pupils.<sup>343</sup> In 1892 it had 5 classes and functioned on a two-year basis.<sup>344</sup>

In the Soviet years, the building of the institution underwent some reconstruction after which it housed a 10-year Armenian secondary school until 1991.

**Village Heads and Elders.** In earlier times, the post of village head shifted from generation to generation, but in the 19th century, people generally elected that official.

A visitor who happened to be present at the elections of village elders in the 1890s provides a detailed account of that process, particularly stating the following, “On the evening preceding the election, an errandman passed from roof to roof, chose a so-called central one, ascended it and cried out the following after having coughed for several times, ‘Tomorrow all of you are to come and elect a village head and judges. Right’? The following day, a man appeared in the centre of the village, with the local police officer waiting in a nearby balcony. The peasants had decided to depose the head of their village, but why? The answer was evident: a prudent person of some erudition, he had been strict towards them and had fined most of them for keeping the gavits and streets unclean and setting their animals free at night. An extremely exacting man, he had not spared even his aged father, who was the former head of the village and enjoyed great respect. The local people kept complaining that he did not govern them well and had even punished his father. As for the judges, they should be replaced, for all of them were bribe takers.

“To the police chief’s question whom they wanted to see in the post of village head, about 300 people raised a great turmoil: some of them were shouting Hambo’s name, others Tyuni’s or Javad’s so that there was not even an apology for unanimity in their decision. Losing patience, the aforementioned official ordered the supporters of Hambo to stand on the left and those of Sako, one of the former heads of the village, on the right. The crowd was more inclined to join those on Hambo’s side, but those defending Sako’s candidacy drove right even the supporters of Hambo. Without counting the people standing on both sides and merely trusting his eyes, the police chief declared that the elections had been won by the man who had gathered more followers. Thus, they had elected Sako, a simpleton who had absolutely no knowledge of governing, only because the days of his office had been peaceful, namely the villagers had been absolutely free in their actions. Thus, now it is clear how the crowd prepared a pitfall for themselves...”<sup>345</sup>

<footnote n="320">320 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 3, file 62, p. 46.</footnote>

<footnote n="321">321 Idem, file 3850, p. 130.</footnote>

<footnote n="322">322 Idem, file 3850, p. 178. Also see “Mankavarzhakan Tert,” 1878 to 1879, p. 16.</footnote>

<footnote n="323">323 **Khudoyan, S.**, idem, pp. 474-475.</footnote>

<footnote n="324">324 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="325">325 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="326">326 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="327">327 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 11, p. 1.</footnote>

<footnote n="328">328 **Khudoyan, S.**, ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="329">329 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3891, pp. 120-122. Another source reports 28 pupils for the school year 1892/93 (National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 15, file 11, pp. 11-12).</footnote>

<footnote n="330">330 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3895, pp. 124-125.</footnote>

<footnote n="331">331 Idem, file 3896, pp. 173-174.</footnote>

<footnote n="332">332 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 562, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="333">333 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 301, p. 5.</footnote>

<footnote n="334">334 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 559, p. 15.</footnote>

<footnote n="335">335 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 562, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="336">336 National Archives of Armenia, fund 57, list 2, file 1849, p. 17.</footnote>

<footnote n="337">337 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3917, pp. 55-60.</footnote>

<footnote n="338">338 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 682, p. 57.</footnote>

<footnote n="339">339 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 15, file 571, p. 21. Also see **Khudoyan, S.**, ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="340">340 **Khudoyan, S.**, ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="341">341 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 736, p. 1.</footnote>

<footnote n="342">342 **Mirimanians, H.** The Village of Getashen. In: “Murj,” 1894, Nos. 7-8, p. 1162, in Armenian.</footnote>

<footnote n="343">343 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="344">344 “Nor-Dar,” 1892, No. 140, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="345">345 **Mirimanians, H.**, idem, pp. 1155-1156.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_485.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. Avag Sourb Nshan (Nahatak) Church (1677)</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_486.png" /></figure>

Indeed, the village community did “prepare a pitfall for themselves,” for the aforementioned exigent village head was a person highly concerned with the problems of Getashen and its further improvement. Thus, the amount the fined inhabitants paid him was used for the construction of a fine vaulted bridge of vital importance lying over the river Kurak, that flew through the centre of the village.<fnref n="346" />

In 1913 Getashen Armenians held the funeral of village head Arustam Yepiskopossian, whose governance had proved quite prolific, marking the construction of roads, bridges as well as new buildings for the local parish and public schools.<fnref n="347" />

The oldest of the three churches preserved in the centre of the village is Avag Sourb Nshan (Sourb Nahatak, i.e. ‘Holy Martyr’), also mentioned by the name of Karmir Nahatak, i.e. the Armenian equivalent for ‘Red Martyr.’ It represents a small, uni-nave, vaulted building (exterior dimensions: 7.95 x 5.50 metres) of gable roof. It is built of undressed stone and mortar, but the cornerstones of its only entrance opening from the western facade are finely-finished. Below follow the inscriptions of the sanctuary:

11 lines in the Armenian original carved on the tympanum of the church:

Թվ(ին) ՌճԻԶ (1677) | կամաւն ա(մ)ենակալ(ի)ն | Ա(ստուծո), շինեցաւ ս(ուր)ք Ն(ա)հ(ա)տ/ակս ձեռամք Սի... | ե... սին եւ որոր(ի)ն` | Քամալ Պէկ(ի)ն, օգն(ա)կ(ա)ն/ուք(եամ)ք

<footnote n="346">346 “Nor-Dar,” 1887, No. 127, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="347">347 “Mshak,” 1913, No. 123, p. 2.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_487.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. The tympanum of Avag Sourb Nshan (Nahatak) Church; an eastward view of the interior of the monument; a cross relief carved on its western facade, and a donation inscription engraved on the niche of the northern wall</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_488.png" /></figure>

զեղուս, / ք(ա)զ(ա)տորուքին պ(ա)քսից` / շ(ա)հ Աուլե(յ)ման(ին), հ(ա)յր(ա)պ(ե)ս/ու-քին ս(եան)ն Ս(ի)մէոնին. / յ(ի)շ(ա)ս(ա)կ` Փարին:

transl.: In the year 1677 by the will of Almighty God, Sourb Nahatak was built in memory of Par by Si... and ... Kamal Bey with the support of the villagers under Persian Shah Suleyman [and] Supreme Pontiff Simeon.

Note: The first scholar to publish the inscription was Kajikian ("Ardzagank," 1886, No. 19, p. 281), who was followed by M. Barkhutariants (Artsakh, p. 259) and Yer. Lalayan (Gandzak District, pp. 318-319), the last of these decipherments being somewhat more comprehensive. S. Barkhudarian republished it without further decipherment and verification (Corpus..., vol. 5, p. 237). During our visit to the monument in 1989, we scraped away the plaster covering the inscription, which made it possible to get a comparatively thorough decipherment.

All the publications of the inscription contain some errors and omissions.

7 short lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (80 x 33 x 27 centimetres) placed in the centre of the bema as an altar stone:

Այս / է հա/նգի/սոն / Մա/քե/անա: transl.: In this grave reposes Marean.

Note: The style of writing is typical of the 11th to 12th centuries.

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on the facade of the niche retaining the font (in the northern wall):

Ս(ուր)ք քս(ա)չս քարէքսով / Թանկրողույին: transl.: May this Holy Cross protect Tankerghul.

Note: The style of writing is typical of the 17th century.

"A gilded silver shrine retaining part of Yeghishe the Apostle's arm is engraved with the following inscription":
<figure><img src="image_489.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_490.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_491.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. 19th-century tombstones in the yard of Avag Sourb Nshan Church. Its plan</figcaption></figure>

Այս է աջ սրբոյն Եղիշէի առաքելոյն. աշխատողք` որ Ա(ստուծո)յ Իզնատիու եպիսկոպոս, որ եքեր ստոր նշխարս ի Կաֆայու յիշատակ ստրա, տէր Ոսկան եպիսկոպոս: Կամաւն Աստուծոյ Կարապետ եպիսկոպոս ետոյ նորոգեցի, Աստուած ողորմի ասացէր: Կամաւն Աստուծոյ Մուրադս որոի Նիազի շինեցի ստոր աջս, Աստուած ողորմի ասացէր. առաջնորդուքեան Ոսկան եպիսկոպոսին, թվն ՌԿԷ (1618) էր:

transl.: This is the right hand of St. Yeghishe the Apostle. Bishop Ignatios brought this holy relic from Kafa ... Bishop Voskan. By the will of God, I, Bishop Karapet, repaired it. May you pray for the repose of my soul. By the will of God, I, son of Niaz Murad, made this holy shrine under Bishop

Voskan in 1618. May you pray for the repose of my soul.

The Armenian original published in: **Lalayan, Yer. Gandzak** District, p. 318.

The only remnants of a cemetery once extending around the church comprise several tombstones, including a 19th-century one set in the base of a nearby public building. It is engraved with an extremely weathered inscription mentioning the name of Haterk (a village in Martakert District of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh): probably, the deceased person was from that village.

Getashen's parish church of **Sourd Astvatzatzin** stands on the south-facing skirts of a nearby gorge, in the centre of the village's old quarter. The exact date of its foundation is unknown, but its composition and building peculiarities suggest that an older church stood in its site as early as the 17th century. In the '30s of the 19th century, the latter was in an emergency condition: "...a large church located here has totally fallen apart..."<fnref n="348" />

In 1883 the new church was completed, its consecration being held on 23 November: "...on the 23rd of the previous month, vicar of Gandzak Archimandrite Anania visited the village, blessed the altar stone of the church, conducted divine service there and returned to Gandzak."<fnref n="349" />

Several years later, the newly-erected church was described in the following manner, "...Sourd Astvatzatzin represents a splendid edifice resting on six pillars and entirely built of finely-finished madder stone... inside, it has a spring boasting tasty water. The monument, which seems to have been repaired, is bare of any inscriptions..."<fnref n="350" />

A short time later, another visitor wrote, "...it has recently undergone renovation, during which the workers destroyed its spring running from the northern wall into a quadrangular basin built in its centre."<fnref n="351" />

In 1903 the sanctuary was in bad need of overhaul: "The village church is on the verge of collapse, but it is absolutely neglected. Rainwater pours right over the priest, and still, there is nobody to attend to the problem..."<fnref n="352" />

In the same year, Getashen Armenians embarked on the repairs of the monument: "...the issue of the renovation of our church was discussed and an architect worked out a project for it through the same rural dean's efforts..."<fnref n="353" />

<footnote n="348">348 **Jalaliants, S.**, idem, part 1, p. 172.</footnote>

<footnote n="349">349 "Meghu Hayastani," 1883, No. 121.</footnote>

<footnote n="350">350 **Barkhutariants, M.**, idem, p. 258.</footnote>

<footnote n="351">351 **Lalayan, Yer.**, idem, p. 110.</footnote>

<footnote n="352">352 "Nor-Dar," 1903, No. 51, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="353">353 "Nor-Dar," 1903, No. 91, p. 2.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_492.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. Sourd Astvatzatzin Church seen from the south-west, south-east and east; the upper part of its entrance; a sundial, and the plan of the monument</figcaption></figure>

Sourd Astvatzatzin Church represents a tri-nave vaulted structure (exterior dimensions: 22.05 x 14.20 metres), with a double-storey vestry on both sides of the bema. Its only entrance opens from the southern facade. Some window frames set outwardly in its eastern facade obviously belonged to the older church.

The walls of the sanctuary bear several khachkars and tombstones some of which are inscribed:

5 lines in the Armenian original carved on one of the faces of a tombstone (116 x 44 centimetres) set in the west-facing corner in the south of the bema:

Ս(ուր)ք խ(ա)չս քարէխաւս Ազիզ Պեկին, մ[ա] օրն` Անք(ա)ռանին, / հօրն` Անդրե/ասին, կող(ա)կց(ի)ն` Պէկիսութ/անին եւ իւր որդոցն, որ :Ք: (2) / ք(ու)մ(ա)ն եր(ե)տ եկեղ(ե)ցոյս, / քվ(ին) Ո-Ճ (1651):

transl.: May this Holy Cross protect Aziz Bey,
<figure><img src="image_493.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. Eastward and westward views of the interior of Sourb Astvatzatzin Church. Tombstones set in the walls of the church</figcaption></figure>

his mother Antaram, his father Andreas [as well as] his spouse Pekisultan and his sons, who donated two tumans to the church in the year 1651.

One of the faces of a gravestone (143 x 67 centimetres) set below the font is engraved with a year and scenes of everyday life:

Թ-(վին) Ո-ՂՔ (1643):

transl.: In the year 1643.

Incised into a capital-shaped stone lying in the bema:

Աբրիլի 20-ին այս տորր տաճարիս նուպիրեցի յիշատակ իմոյ՝ Մանիշեցի Սիմօն Սահտեսեանի:

transl.: On the 20th of April, I made some donation to this holy church in [perpetuity of] my memory. Simon Mahtesians from Manish.

Note: ‘Manish’ is Manashid Village in Shahumian District.
<figure><img src="image_494.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. Koosanats Sourd Tiramayr Church (18th cent.) seen from the south-west and south-east. Eastward and westward views of the interior of the monument</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_495.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. The plan of Koosanats Sourd Tiramayr Church</figcaption></figure>

Carved around a cross relief decorating the outer part of the southern wall of the church:

...կողակ(հ)գ... ՈՒԱԿԳ (1814):

transl.: ...spouse... 1814.

A sundial is preserved near the eastern corner of the southern facade of the sanctuary.

**Koosanats Anapat (Virgins' Cloister) Church,** also mentioned by the name of Koosanots Sourd Tiramayr ('Holy Mother of God of the Virgins') in an archive document of 1885,<fnref n="354" /> is situated west of the aforementioned sanctuaries. In the late 19th century, some semi-ruined monastic rooms could be seen in its neighbourhood.

<footnote n="354">354 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3877, p. 29.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_496.png" /><figcaption>GETASHEN. A khachkar and inscription set in the western facade of Koosanats Sourb Tiramayr Church</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_497.png" /></figure>

Koosanats Anapat represents a uni-nave vaulted building (exterior dimensions:12.14 x 7.80 metres) of undressed stone and mortar, with only its cornerstones finely-cut. It has a semi-circular bema and a gable roof, but it is devoid of vestries. The only entrance of the sanctuary opens from its western facade.

It has preserved the following inscriptions:

4 lines in the Armenian original carved on the tympanum (125 x 51 centimetres) of the church:

Այս է Սելիք Թամագին որդի / Ապրուանին եսպար` Եաւ(ր)ին, Լ(ա)պաճին, / Ապավի որդի Սելիք Օւէփին: / Վէլուց` պէհէզ, Աարքսին` պէհէզ:

transl.: To Melik Tamaz's son [and] Sarukhan's brother Yavr, Kapaj, Apav's son Melik Osep...

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants**, M. Artsakh, pp. 264-265; **Lalayan**, Yer. Gandzak District, p. 319; Corpus..., part 5, p. 237.

Note: In 1767 Melik Osep drove away the troops of Shahverdi Khan from Getashen and chased them up to Gandzak.

6 lines in the Armenian original incised into the finely-finished southern pilaster of the church:

Թվի(ն) ՈՇՂԼ (1749), / ես Արուէզի / Գիրիկորի որդի / Պօդոսին մա(յ)ր / Եփրեմի քն(յ)ք / Թագուհին:

transl.: In the year 1749, I, Taguhi, Agulis inhabitant Girikor's son Poghos' mother and Yeprem's sister.

The Armenian original published in: "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 19, p. 281 (the year is missing).

Three ornate khachkars, two of them broken, are set in the western facade of the church. One of them bears the following 2-line inscription carved on and below its cornice:

Խ(ա)չս Խարոն(տ)նին եւ իր ննջեց(ելնե), / քվ(հն) ՈՇԼէ (1588):

transl.: This Cross [dedicated] to Khatun and her dead relatives. In the year 1588.

### The Issue of the Construction of the Fourth Church.
In the late 19th century, Getashen represented a populous village in the prime of prosperity. That is the reason why on 15 February 1897, about 250 Armenian families from the lower quarter addressed a petition to the spiritual authorities for permission to build another parish church in their village. That document, signed by 250 people, particularly stated, "The church of our village, where at present divine service is conducted, is located on the slope of a nearby mountain so that only the inhabitants of its neighbourhood are able to attend it. The residents of more than 150 houses situated in the lower quarter, that extends in a large plain, find it difficult to climb the steep slope of the mountain every day. It is especially unbearable for the aged so that many of them fail to attend divine service altogether. In times bygone, our village had a small number of population and the existing sanctuary was able to satisfy their spiritual needs. At present, however, it has four times as many inhabitants as formerly: apart from the foreigners dwelling here temporarily, it comprises 450 families, and the church is too small to serve such a great number of parishioners...

"The lower quarter of our village has a small church which retains the holy sign of cross made of wood. It is generally visited by a huge multitude of pilgrims from Gandzak, Tpkhis and many districts so that in summer there is not even room for many people to stand there. No service is held in that small sanctuary. It is a long