Priests Melikset,<fnref n="137" /> Akob and Astvatzatur served in the village in the 17th century.<fnref n="138" />

Mkrtich Barseghian (according to his epitaph, he died in 1716) and Grigor Nadirants (he died in 1761, as attested by his epitaph) performed priestly duties in the 18th century.

Priests Mkrtich (he died in 1791), Avag and David served Banants between the 18th and 19th centuries, this being confirmed by their epitaphs.

Avetik Khachatrian Ter-Avetikiants, who was ordained in 1772 by Bishop Yeprem of Banants' *Targmanchats* Monastery, consigned his soul to God in 1822,<fnref n="139" /> although his epitaph mentions another year (1809).

Israyel Petrossian Ter-Hovsepiants died in 1811, as attested by his epitaph.

In 1816 prior of the aforementioned monastery Bishop Gabriel promoted *Stepanos Avetikian Ter-Avetikiants* (he died in 1861)<fnref n="140" /> to the fourth degree of religious service. His son, lawyer Michael (he was born in 1826 and lived in Gandzak),<fnref n="141" /> had three children: Michael, born in 1863, Stepan, born in 1866, and Levon, born in 1867.<fnref n="142" />

*Father Grigor* died in 1841, as attested by his epitaph.

*Petros Ter-Israyeliants*, mentioned in 1843,<fnref n="143" /> was ordained in 1820 and died in 1849.<fnref n="144" />

*Hovhannes Yepiskopossiants* performed priestly duties in 1850. His family comprised his wife Anna as well as their children Poghos, Shoghakat and Mariam.<fnref n="145" />

*Grigor Ter-Israyelian*, mentioned in 1850 among the 4 sextons of Banants,<fnref n="146" /> was ordained in 1859¹⁴⁷ and yielded up his spirit to God in 1864.<fnref n="148" />

*Andreas Vardanian Ter-Michaeliants* (he died in 1894).<fnref n="149" /> mentioned in 1850 among the 4 sextons of the village,<fnref n="150" /> was ordained on 5 February 1861. His

sons were Michael, born in 1865, Levon, born in 1866, and Grigor, born in 1872¹⁵¹. He taught at the local parish school in 1875¹⁵² and blessed Banants' newly-erected school building in 1888.<fnref n="153" />

*Poghos Ter-Hovhannissian Yepiskopossiants*, born in 1840, was ordained on 9 March 1859. His family consisted of his wife Taguhi (she died in 1901)<fnref n="154" /> as well as his 5 sons: Aram, born in 1862 (he died in 1892); Hovhannes, born in 1866; Simon, born in 1872; Artashes, born in 1879, and Garegin, born in 1881.<fnref n="155" /> A Patriarchal bull issued in 1888 approved his membership of the Board of Trustees of the local school.<fnref n="156" /> In compliance with another bull (1890), he gave up his post of Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Geta-shen's one-year boys' school for Mesrop Ter-Gri-goriants to occupy it.<fnref n="157" /> Poghos Ter-Hovhannissian is also mentioned in 1908.<fnref n="158" />

*Yervand (secular name: Stepanos) Mkrtchian Ter-Michaeliants*, born in 1860, was a graduate of the Religious Seminary of Yerevan.<fnref n="159" /> In 1892 Echmiatzin Synod granted him permission to be ordained priest in Banants Village,<fnref n="160" /> which was carried out on 11 October of the same year. In 1904, when Father Yervand still served the village, he had four children: Yeranuhi, born in 1898; Stepanos, born in 1900; Armik, born in 1903, and Yervandanuysh, born in 1905.<fnref n="161" />

In 1910 reference is made to *Grigor Ter-Avetikiants*.<fnref n="162" />

Ancient sites are of great importance to the study of the history of any settlement. With this regard, **Banants' cemetery**, which is unusually rich in epitaphs, is of immense significance not only to the investigation into the village's past but also from the standpoint of conducting research into the history of entire Northern Artsakh. To the great luck of Banants' inhabitants and all Armenians, in 1986 Martiros Chalumian, a local artist and builder, put down all the epitaphs found in this spacious graveyard with the utmost care and attention, thus carrying out gigantic work which, unfortunately, cannot be said about the other devastated Armenian villages of the region.

The oldest dated monuments of the cemetery trace as far back as the 15th century. Martiros Chalumian

<footnote n="137">137 He has a similar gravestone which is placed in the same church.</footnote>

<footnote n="138">138 The cross-stones (17th century) erected in perpetuation of their memory were later removed and placed on the northern cornice of Sourb Astvatzatzin Church.</footnote>

<footnote n="139">139 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 5901, pp. 1, 48.</footnote>

<footnote n="140">140 Idem, p. 1.</footnote>

<footnote n="141">141 Idem, p. 67.</footnote>

<footnote n="142">142 Idem, pp. 44-45.</footnote>

<footnote n="143">143 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 1356, p. 1.</footnote>

<footnote n="144">144 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3818, pp. 96-97. Also attested by the epitaph carved on his gravestone.</footnote>

<footnote n="145">145 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 2596, p. 110.</footnote>

<footnote n="146">146 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="147">147 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3833, pp. 126-127.</footnote>

<footnote n="148">148 "Mshak," 1878, No. 187, p. 2. Also attested by the epitaph carved on his gravestone.</footnote>

<footnote n="149">149 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 2596, p. 110.</footnote>

<footnote n="150">150 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3893, pp. 193-194.</footnote>

<footnote n="151">151 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 3, file 52, p. 45.</footnote>

<footnote n="152">152 "Nor-Dar," 1888, No. 13 (4 February), p. 1.</footnote>

<footnote n="153">153 Also attested by the epitaph carved on his gravestone.</footnote>

<footnote n="154">154 Also attested by the epitaph carved on her gravestone.</footnote>

<footnote n="155">155 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3893, pp. 193-194.</footnote>

<footnote n="156">156 "Ararat," 1888, p. 129.</footnote>

<footnote n="157">157 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 11, p. 6.</footnote>

<footnote n="158">158 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 817, p. 7.</footnote>

<footnote n="159">159 Idem, file 795, p. 24.</footnote>

<footnote n="160">160 "Ararat," 1892, p. 565.</footnote>

<footnote n="161">161 National Archives of Armenia, fund 461, list 1, file 12, pp. 61-62.</footnote>

<footnote n="162">162 National Archives of Armenia, fund 458, list 1, file 184, p. 7.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_135.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. Tombstones and khachkars found in the older part of the cemetery</figcaption></figure>

found it expedient to present the epitaphs of the 19th century not chronologically but in the alphabetical order of family names. Following the same principle, we have included them in this work<fnref n="163" /> together with our decipherments of several other inscriptions of the 17th to 18th centuries.

9 lines in the Armenian original engraved on the narrow side of a cross-stone:

...(կանգնեց)ի զ|խաչս / յիշատակ / Աւ(ա)քորդյ|ն իմ պա|րոն Էվի|տրինա, / քվ(ին) / ՋԻՋ (1477):

transl.: ...I erected this cross in memory of my elder son, Mr. Evitrina, in the year 1477.

The Armenian original published in: **Lalayan, Yer. Gandzak** District, p. 308; Corpus..., part 5, p. 262.

Note: According to the local inhabitants, this khachkar, standing on a high pedestal and known by the name of Tsits Kar (the Armenian equivalent for 'Prominent Stone') was broken to pieces by an enemy shell in 1918.

7 lines in the Armenian original incised into a cradle-shaped gravestone (115 x 70 x 28 centimetres):

Թվ(ին) ՌՂԸ (1649), / ես / Աւետ|իս խ(ա)չս / կակնց(ո)ւց|ի իմ հաւր՝ / Նաւասարդին:

transl.: In the year 1649 I, Avetis, erected this cross in memory of my father Navasard.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 15.

<footnote n="163">163 Some years ago, we published parts of this collection of epitaphs in three issues of the "Gardmank" magazine (1996, Nos. 1, 2, 3) with some editing.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_136.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. Ornamental reliefs carved on 19th-century tombstones found in the older part of the cemetery</figcaption></figure>

5 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (165 x 55 centimetres):

Այս է տապան մէլիք Օվանէսի | ...ա | ՈՒՁԸ (1659):

transl.: In this grave reposes Melik Ovanes... 1659.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

A single line in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (100 x 50 x 60 centimetres):

ԹՎ(ՀՄ) ՈՒՁԻԲ(1673):
transl.: In the year 1673.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 15.

A single line in the Armenian original incised into the cornice of
a finely-decorated khachkar of rosy stone (94 x 51 x 11 centimetres):

U(ուր)բ իս(ա)չս ք(ար)էիս(աւ)ս Աղայ...:

transl.: May this Holy Cross protect Agha...

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

Note: The inscription dates back to the 17th century.

5 lines in the Armenian original carved on a rectangular tombstone (150 x 50 centimetres):

Այս է տապան/ն մէլիք Օվ/անէսի կողակի/ց՝
Բէկումաղին, / ՈՇԿ (1711):

transl.: In this grave reposes Melik Ovanes' spouse Bekumagh, 1711.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

4 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (185 x 68 centimetres):

Այս է տապան... / .... Սիրզի որդի / մէլիք Օ-
վանէ/սին, ՈՇՀԷ (1728):

transl.: In this grave reposes ... Mirz's son Melik Ovanes, 1728.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a slab-shaped
tombstone (165 x 60 x 20 centimetres):

Այս է տապան / ուտդա Սարքի/սին, թվ(հն)
ՈՇՂԳ (1744):

transl.: In this grave reposes Usta Sargis, in the year 1744.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 15.

Note: 'Usta' is a title used with reference to old men.

5 lines in the Armenian original carved on a rectangular tombstone (165 x 55 x 25 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Սարքիսի / կողակից` / Եղի-
սայքիեք/քն, թվ(հն) ՈՇԾ (1751):

transl.: In this grave reposes Sargis' spouse Yeghisabet, in the year 1751.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 15.

Incised into a fragment of a gravestone:

ՈՄԺԴ (1765):

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

## ADIKHANIANTS (DKHANONTS)

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (180 x 40 x 58 centimetres):

Օհան Սհակիեան / Աղիխանեանց, վլս.
1876: / Այս քարը քաշէցին Աղիխանց Յագորի
որդիքը:

transl.: Ohan Shakian Adikhaniants, died in 1876. This tombstone was placed by Hakob Adi-khants' sons.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

## AGHAJANIANTS

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a coffin-shaped
tombstone of white marble (160 x 32 x 57 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Մարքարիտի, որ է կին` Սար-
գիս / Աղաջանեանցի, ծնա 1855 ամի, վախ.
1886 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Sargis Aghajaniants' wife Margaret. Born in the year 1855, she died in 1886.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (130 x 62 x 29 centimetres):

Այս է շիրիմ Աղաճանանց / Ապրհամի որդի
Հաքարքանումին, / ծնդ. 1819 ամի, վլս. 1891 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Aghajaniants Abraham's son Hambardzum. Born in 1819, he died in 1891.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

3 semi-distorted lines in the Armenian original engraved on a rosy tombstone (144 x 48 x 25 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Աղաճանանց / Յոհանէսի
որդի ... Ավագիմին, վախ. ...:

transl.: In this grave reposes Aghajaniants Hovhannes' son... Avagim [who] died ...

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

## ANANIANTS

7 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (150 x 60 centimetres):

Այս է տապան / Անանեի / կողակից / Եղի-
սարեալին, ՈՄԽԵ (1796), / որ է որդի / Օհանին
ՈՄԿ (1811):

transl.: In this grave reposes Yeghisabet (1811),
the spouse of Anane, who is Ohan's son, 1796.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

7 lines in the Armenian original carved on a rectangular tombstone (189 x 55 x 32 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Անան|եանց/ Սկրտիշ/ի որդի/
Ղազար/քին, ՈՄԿ(1811):

transl.: In this grave reposes Ananiants Mkrtich's son Ghazar, 1811.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

Engraved on a tombstone:

Այս է շիրիմ Անանեանց / Սերորի որդի Յա-
կորին, / վլս. 1881:

transl.: In this grave reposes Ananiants Serob's son Hakob [who] died in 1881.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

Incised into a tombstone:

Այս է շիրիմ Անանեանց / Սերորի որդի
Պետրոսին, / վլս. 1881, ի քաղաքն՝ Տպիսի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Ananiants Serob's son Petros [who] died in Tpkhis City in 1881.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.
<figure><img src="image_137.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. The memorial cross-stone of Tsits Kar at the eastern edge of the cemetery</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_138.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_139.png" /></figure>

## ARAKELIANTS

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a rectangular tombstone (135 x 30 x 57 centimetres):

Այս է շիրիմ Առաքելանց Յոսեփի կողակից | Առաքելին, վիս. 1881 ամի։

transl.: In this grave reposes Arakelants Hosep's spouse Sultan [who] died in the year 1881.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

## ATANESSIANTS

7 lines in the Armenian original engraved on both transversal sides of a white marble tombstone (148 x 37 x 53 centimetres):

Ատանգչի պատասի քաջ Արտեմ Խաչատուր/եան Աթանէսեանի մարմինը, որ ծնալ 1884 թ., | վախճանեցաւ 22 ամաց` 1906 թ. 19 սեպտ., կարդաց/ողն ասէ Ա(սոտուա)ծ ողորմի: | (մյուս երեսին)՝ Որդի իմ դու ղեռահաս ինչո՞ւ հեռացիր շուտափույտ | մեզնից ծադիկ կեանք-քում հող իջար նամարդ քշնամու | կնդակից, թողեցիր մեր սրտերում քուր հոգին լինի։

transl.: In this grave repose the remains of valorous youth Artem Khachaturian, who was born in 1884 and died at the age of 22 on 19 September 1906. May those who read this pray for him.

The other face reads: You, my young son, why did you forsake us so untimely? In the prime of life you were consigned to the earth by the bullet of the base enemy, leaving us grief-stricken.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

Note: See p. 66 for details about Artem Atanessian's murder.

## AVAGIANTS

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (130 x 30 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Ավագանց Բարս/եղի որդի Թէոսի, վիս. 1885 ամի։

transl.: In this grave reposes Avagants Barsegah's son Teos [who] died in the year 1885.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (125 x 30 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Ավագանց Թէոսի կին՝ Հեղնանին, վիս. 1894։

transl.: In this grave reposes Avagants Teos' wife Heghnan [who] died in 1894.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (80 x 20 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Աէրգէի | Զուկասեան Աւագեանց: | (մյուս երեսին)՝ 7 ամաց վիս. 8. 1. 1907 թ.:

transl.: In this grave reposes Sergei Ghukassian Avagiants. The other face reads: Died at the age of 7 on 8. 1. 1907.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

## BADALIANTS

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a rectangular, yellowish tombstone (24 x 25 x 45 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Բաղալեանց | Գրիգորի որդի Յո|հաննեսին, վախ. 1871 ամի։

transl.: In this grave reposes Badalants Griгор's son Hovhannes [who] died in the year 1871.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

4 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a rectangular gravestone (98 x 55 x 26 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Բաղալեանց | Խաչատուրե որդայ | Գրիգոր, Դանել եւ Հուռում/սիմին, վիճ. 2. 2. 1875:
transl.: In this grave repose Badaliants Kha-
chatur's son Grigor, Danel and Hurumsim [who]
died on 2. 2. 1875.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a rectangular tombstone (127 x 35 x 50 centimetres), each of the letters being 7 centimetres:

Այս է տապան Բաղալեանց Գրիգորի / որդի՝
Յակորին, վ.ս. 1882 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Badaliants Grigor's son Hakob [who] died in the year 1882.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone of porous pumice (146 x 27 x 45 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Բաղալանց Գրիգորի / որդի՝
Կարապետի, վախճան. 1885 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Badaliants Grigor's son Karapet [who] died in the year 1885.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

Incised into a rectangular, rosy tombstone (145 x 26 x 50 centimetres):

Այս է շրիմ Բաղալանց / մահտեսի Յոսեփի
որդի` / Մոլսեսին, վախ. 6. 11. 1888:

transl.: In this grave reposes Mahtesy Badalants Hovsep's son Movses [who] died on 6. 11. 1888.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a rectangular tombstone (140 x 21 x 46 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Սարգսի Պետրոսեան Բա-
ղալեանց, 24 ամաց վ.ս. 1888 ք.:

transl.: In this grave reposes Sargis Petrossian Badaliants [who] died at the age of 24 in 1888.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a rectangular rosy
tombstone (170 x 22 x 50 centimetres) that has partly decayed:

... / ... / Շահխանումին, վ.ս. 1. 1. 1888:

transl.: ...to Shahkhanum [who] died on 1. 1. 1888.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

9 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble
tombstone (150 x 32 x 60 centimetres):

Այս տեղս ես թողեցի, Ասխարադ ղեղա-
փոխվեցի / խօլերայից թառամեցի դիակս ղա-
րիր թողեցի / Զաքար որդին եմ` Բաղալեանցի,
յիշեցէք Ա(ստուա)ծ ողորմեսցի / 7. 15. 1863 ք.
ծնվեցի 5. 25. 1892 քիւն վախճանեցի։ / (Մյուս
երեսին)՝ Ախ անողորմ իննասուն երկու թիւ դա-
րի. / քերիր ինձ համար սրդամաշ լուրն Զաքա-
րի / գրած էր` եկ, ապրենք միասին մայրիկ
ղակն այս քարի / մի դառնալ հպադագ այդ ու-
նայն աշխարհի / Դացարանի խալլու Բադա-
լեանցի, յիշէցէք Ա(ստուա)ծ ողորմեսցի:

<figure><img src="image_140.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. The memorial cross-stone of Tsits Kar at the eastern edge of the cemetery (reconstruction)</figcaption></figure>
transl.: I left my place for Ashkhabad [where] I was emaciated by cholera, my body consigned to a foreign land. I am Badaliants' son Zakar. May you pray for me. I was born on 7. 15. 1863 and died on 5. 25. 1892. The other face reads: Alas, how ill-fated the year '92 was! It brought me the heart-rending news of my Zakar. It read, 'Mother, let's live together beneath this stone. Unchain yourself from the bonds of this meaningless world.' ... Badaliants, may you remember in your prayers.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

8 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (114 x 29 x 60 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Բաղալանց Սիրայ/էլի ղուստր ՝ Սուրթանին, որ է կո/ղակից ՝ Սողոմոնի Կարապետեան / Գրիգորեանց, ծնդ. 1880 ամի, վախս/ճան 10. 1. 1894 ամի, ծաղեկ հասակի: / (մյուս երեսին)՝ Սայ կոյէ լույս / իր հա(յ)րը բիրաւ / այս տապանը:

transl.: In this grave reposes Badalants Michael's daughter Sultan, who is the spouse of Soghomon Karapetian Grigorians. Born in the year 1880, she died in the prime of life on 10. 1. 1894.

The other face reads: This virgin's father buried her in this grave.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble tombstone (141 x 30 x 50 centimetres) whose upper part is trihedral:

Այս է տապան Բաղալանց Մով/սեսի որդի Կարապետեին վախ/ճանվեցավ 2. 12. 1897 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Badalants Movses' son Karapet [who] died on 2. 12. 1897.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

5 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (52 x 15 x 36 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Յակորի / Համքարձումեան / Բաղալանց: / (մյուս երեսին)՝ Ծնա 10. 5. 1889 ամի, / վախճան. 9. 23. 1899 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Badaliants Hakob Hambardzumian. The other face reads: Born on 10. 5. 1889 [he] died on 9. 23. 1899.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

Carved on a white marble tombstone (137 x 31 x 45 centimetres):

Լուսն հանգեաւ ջահիլ կեանգիս, լուսադու ճրագս աւաղ. / կանանչ-կարմիր հասակի մէջ թառամած պսակս աւաղ. / ախ իմ փափագս լի յոյսերով բօլօր նպադակս աւաղ. / չորացաւ վարդ ծաղիկս Սիմէօն աղաւնիակս աւաղ: / (մյուս երեսին)՝ Մնացողքս ոնց ցաւեն Սիմէօնիս մահուան ախդին. / չէ որ իմ խեղջ կեանքի

ծառ չորացել է ծաղկած վախդին. / կարդացողը դորմի դար Բաղալանցիս հրու քախեղի. / այն կեանքումը արժանանար եղեմական սուրդ բաղալին:

Նեղ կողին՝ Ծն. 2. 14. 1885, վի. 2. 17. 1899:

transl.: My young life faded away in the prime of youth... Alas, I did not live to see the happy day of my wedding and my dreams did not come true. My beloved Simon died like a rose that withers away. The other face reads: How can those alive mourn over Simon's death? The tree of my poor life dried up while in bloom. May you who read this remember Badaliants in your prayers. May he be welcomed in heaven in his afterlife.

One of the narrow sides of the tombstones reads: Born on 2. 14. 1885, [he] died on 2. 17. 1899.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

## BAGHDASARIANTS (EVETRANANK KOTKUNK, PICHUNK)

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a rectangular tombstone (103 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Պաղդասարանց / Վանեսի կին՝ Գուլի Չաքարեանը, / վի. 1905:

transl.: In this grave reposes Paghdasarants Vanes' wife Guli Zakarian. [She] died in 1905.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

## BARSEGHIANTS

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (165 x 35 x 57 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Բարելյանց Օվանեսի որդի Սար/ղերոսին, վի. 1880:

transl.: In this grave reposes Barseghants Ovanes' son Martiros. [He] died in 1880.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

## BEKNAZARIANTS

4 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (115 x 23 x 60 centimetres) whose sides bear simple, rope-shaped reliefs:

Ի տապանի աստ ամփոփի մարմին / Սիրայելի Բեկնազարեանց 30 ամեյ / հասակի հանդելիացե մահն անգուր / եւ խլեաց զիս ի յաստի կենաց, 8. 11. 1882 ամի:

transl.: In this grave repose the remains of Michael Beknazariants [who] met with cruel death at the age of 30 and lost his life on 8. 11. 1882.

The Armenian original published in: 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

## BNICHIANTS (BANUCHIANTS)

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a coffin-shaped tombstone:

Այս է տապան Ստեփանի Սկրտիչեան / Բնիչեանց, 35 ամայ վի. 1898 ք.:
transl.: In this grave reposes Stepan Mkrtchian
Bnichians [who] died at the age of 35 in 1898.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

## CHILINKARIANTS

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (150 x 55 x 35 centimetres):

Այս է տապան մ(ա)հտ(ե)սի Մկրտչին, / որ է որդի՝ Այվազեան / Չիլինկարեանց, վախ. 1890 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Mahtesy Mkrtich, who is the son of Ayvazian Chilinkariants. Died in 1890.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (152 x 50 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Չիլինկարեանց / մ(ա)հտ(ե)-սի Մկրտչի կողակից` / Թումարին, վախճ. 1899 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Mahtesy Mkrtich Chilinkariants' wife Tumar [who] died in the year 1899.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## CHOPURIANTS

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (78 x 22 x 42 centimetres):

Թ տապանս Չոփուռանց / Ալէքսանքրի որդյոյ` / Սկրտչին, վս. 1872 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Alexandre Chopurians' son Mkrtich [who] died in the year 1872.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

12 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (78 x 22 x 42 centimetres):

Խաչհանգիստ Չոփուռեանց Եսայեան Սիքայէլի, / որ գեղանի յոյժ քաղցրաքան երիտասարդ սիրելի | մանուկ տիօք ի տար աշխարհ լցեալ հասակ նագելի, | սա գայի տուն մխիթարել զայրի մայր իւր եղկելի | մտեալ շալիդ այս կենաց, ըսպել քաժակ վառ սիրոյ | ընդ սիրելոյ սրտի իւրոյ սիրահեգիկ հէք դշոյ | խորշակ մահու անգքարար փչէ ի սա յոյժ փուրով | յանմխիթար ի տուգ թախիծ ազգ ընտանի մտենեով: | Ծնա ի 1870 ամի / վախճանեցաւ / 9-ն յունիսի / 1900 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Michael Chopurians Yesayan, a handsome young man, who yielded up his spirit in the prime of life. ... He enjoyed the blessings of true love with his sweetheart until the cruel, untimely death took his life away, leaving his kinsfolk in great grief and mourning. Born in the year 1870, he died on 9 June 1900.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## DALLAKIANTS

4 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (145 x 65 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան / Յոհանի որդի` / Դալլաք Ալագի, 1831:

transl.: In this grave reposes Ohan's son, barber Avag, 1831.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

5 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (140 x 55 x 35 centimetres):

Այս է տապան / Դալլաք Ալագի որդի` / Յովհանիսի` / 1839:

transl.: In this grave reposes barber Avag's son Hovhannes, 1839.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

7 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (145 x 60 x 35 centimetres):

Այս է տա/պան Յովհաննիսի | որդի` յան|-գեալ Տ(է)ր | Գրիգորի, | ՌՄՂ (1841) թ(վին):

transl.: In this grave reposes Hovhannes' son Father Grigor [who died] in the year 1841.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

## DANIELIANTS

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (182 x 48 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Դանելանց / Պողոսի որդի Տառին, 1876:

transl.: In this grave reposes Danelants Poghos' son Tat, 1876.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (70 x 21 x 35 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Դանիէլեանց / Գրիգորի որդի` Արդէմին, 5 ամայ: | (Մյուս երեսին)՝ Վախ. 1910 թ.:

transl.: In this grave reposes Grigor Danieliants' son Artem [who died] at the age of 5. The other face reads: Died in 1910.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

## DATUNTS (TATUNTS)

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (135 x 50 x 35 centimetres):

Այս է շիրիմ Դատունց / Յակորի որդի` Ստեփանին, / 1883 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Hakob Datunts' son Stepan, 1883.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.
3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (145 x 55 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է շիրիմ Տատունց | Յոսէփի կողակից
Աաք/քաղին, վէս. 1898 ամի։

transl.: In this grave reposes Tatunts Hosep's
spouse Maktagh [who] died in the year 1898.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

## DONUNTS (TONUNTS)

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a rectangular tombstone (162 x 40 x 43 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Դոնունց | Ստեկանի որդի
Դանէլին | վէս. 8. 3. 1893 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Stepan Donunts'
son Danel [who] died on 8. 3. 1893.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (160 x 65 x 38 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Դոնունց | Սարգսի որդի Գալուս/տին, վախճանեց 1872:

transl.: In this grave reposes Sargis Donunts'
son Galust [who] died in 1872.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

## GABRIELIANTS

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble
tombstone (143 x 55 x 40 centimetres):

Այս տապան Գարիլանց Ղուկասի | որդի
Աւաքին, 18 ամաց վէս. 10. 13. 1911 ք.:

transl.: In this grave reposes Ghukas Gabrielants' son Avag [who] died at the age of 18 on 10. 13. 1911.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

## GEVORGIANTS

5 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (150 x 38 x 40 centimetres) with a trihedral upper part:

Այս է տապան Մէջլումի, որ է որդի Աղէք-սան/դրի` մահտեսի Գէորգեանց, վախճանեցաւ 1811 ամի: | (Մյուս երեսին)՝ Աստ ես ամփոփի մարմին՝ Աղէքսանդրի, որ է հայր Աէ/ժլումի եւ որդի մահտեսի Գէորգի, վճիռ մահուն | եղեւ 1866 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Mahtesy Alexandre Gevorgiants' son Mejlum [who] died in the year 1811. The other face reads: Here I buried the remains of Alexandre, who is Mezhlum's father and Mahtesy Gevorg's son. He died in the year 1866.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

5 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (145 x 48 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է տապան | Սարգսի որդի | մահտեսի |
Գեորգին | վէս. 1863 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Sargis' son,
Mahtesy Gevorg [who] died in the year 1863.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (106 x 36 x 40 centimetres):

Մահտեսի Խիկար | մահտեսի Գէորգեանց |
(մյուս երեսին)` | 1830-1902:

transl.: Mahtesy Khikar. Mahtesy Gevorgiants.
The other face reads: 1830 to 1902.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble
tombstone (132 x 30 x 60 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Պողոսի | Գէորգեանց, 70 ա-
մաց հասակի | վախճան 1895 ամի, 2-ն մայիսի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Poghos Gevorgiants [who] died at the age of 70 on 2 May 1895.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

4 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (138 x 32 x 55 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Մայանի, որ է կին` | Գէորգեանց Կարաքերի, | վախճան 11. 6. 1895 ամի: | (մյուս երեսին)` Կարդացողին խնդրեմ ասէ Ա(ստուա)ծ ողորմի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Mayan, who is Karapet Gevorgiants' wife. [She] died on 11. 6. 1895. The other face reads: May those who read this pray for her.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble
tombstone (134 x 35 x 50 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Գէորգեանց Կարաքերի |
կին` Աստրանի, ծ. 1860 ք., վէս. 19... ք.:

transl.: In this grave reposes Karapet Gevorgiants' wife Sultan. Born in 1860, she died in 19...

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (136 x 31 x 62 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Գէորգեանց | Պողոսի կողակից` Շողակարին, | վախճան 1902 ամի: | (մյուս երեսին)` Կարդացողին խնդրեմ ասէ Ա(ստուա)ծ ողորմի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Poghos Gevorgiants' spouse Shoghakat [who] died in the year 1902. The other face reads: May those who read this pray for her.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

4 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble
tombstone (137 x 32 x 60 centimetres):
Այս է տապան Գէրգանց Յոհաննէսի / որդի Սիրաելին, 20 ամաց վախճ/անեցաւ 1. 6. 1903 ամի: / (Մյուս երեսին)՝ Կարդացողն ասէ Ա(ստուա)ծ ողորմի։

transl.: In this grave reposes Hovhannes Gevorgiants' son Michael [who] died at the age of 20 on 1. 6. 1903. The other face reads: May those who read this pray for him.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

## GHAVALANTS

Engraved on a rectangular tombstone (175 x 58 x 33 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Ղավալ Սկրտչի | ...:

transl.: In this grave reposes Ghaval Mkrtich...

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (145 x 60 x 35 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Ղավալանց / Զաքարի որդի՝ Գրիգ/որին, ծնաւ 1861, վէ. 1881:

transl.: In this grave reposes Zakar Ghavants' son Grigor. Born in 1861, he died in 1881.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

## GHULUNTS

6 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a rectangular tombstone (180 x 68 x 34 centimetres):

Այս է դապան / Բակրատին, / որ է որդի՝ Զիրավարդից Յաթամ քէկի, / 1830:

transl.: In this grave reposes Bakrat, who is the son of Hatam Bey from Jirapart, 1830.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

Note: 'Jirapart' is a distorted version of the toponym of 'Jraberd.'

5 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone of porous pumice (150 x 54 x 35 centimetres):

Այս է դապանն Ղուլունց / Արուր(իւն)ի որդի՝ Եղին, / 1834:

transl.: In this grave reposes Arutiun Ghulunts' son Yeghi, 1834.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a violet tombstone (150 x 43 x 25 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Ղուլունց / Յարութիւնի որդի՝ մահտ/եսի Սահակին, վէ. 1893:

transl.: In this grave reposes Harutiun Ghulunts' son, Mahtesy Sahak [who] died in 1893.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on another violet tombstone (148 x 43 x 30 centimetres):

<figure><img src="image_141.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. A cross-stone found in the older part of the cemetery</figcaption></figure>

Այս է տապան Ղուլունց / Յարութիւնի որդի՝ մահ/տեսի Ս(ա)հակի կոդակից՝ Մարեամին, / 1882:

transl.: In this grave reposes Mariam, the spouse of Harutiun Ghulunts' son Mahtesy Sahak, 1882.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble tombstone (57 x 14 x 38 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Ղուլունց / Աէտիսի որդի Համար/ձումին, ծ. 1899, վէ. 1900:

transl.: In this grave reposes Avetis Ghulunts' son Hambardzum. Born in 1899, he died in 1900.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone of porous pumice (145 x 53 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Ղուլունց / Գրիգորի որդի՝ Եղի, վէ. 1900:

transl.: In this grave reposes Grigor Ghulunts' son Yeghi [who] died in 1900.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone of porous pumice (143 x 38 x 48 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Ղուլունց Գրիգորի որդի / Յուհաննէսի, վէ. 1905 ք.:

transl.: In this grave reposes Grigor Ghulunts' son Hovhannes [who] died in 1905.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.
6 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (142 x 31 x 58 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Ղուլունց Գրիգորի որդի |
Յարութիւնի, 66 ամաց վիս. 1920 ք.։ | (Մյուս ե-
րեսին)՝ Ննջիր աստ հանգիստ սիրելի հայրիկ |
բողնելով ինձ վերա՝ ձեր մեծ երախստիք, | փո-
խան երախոսեացուչ չունեցա այլ քան | այս տա-
պան քարը առ քեզ ի նշան։

transl.: In this grave reposes Grigor Ghulunts'
son Harutiun [who] died at the age of 66 in 1920.
The other face reads: Rest in peace, dear father. I
am so very obliged to you. I could not thank you
otherwise; so accept this gravestone in token of
my gratitude to you.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

4 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (138 x 28 x 54 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Ղուլունց Յարութիւնի կին՝
Հողումսիմին, 58 ամաց վիս. 1922 ք.։ | (Մյուս ե-
րեսին)՝ Որր պատահիք այս տապանի | ասէք
սմա՝ Տերն ողորմի։

transl.: In this grave reposes Harutiun Ghu-
lunts' spouse Horumsim [who] died at the age of
58 in 1922. The other face reads: May those who
come across this grave remember her in their
prayers.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (70 x 20 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Ղուլունց Յար/ութիւնի որդի՝
Պօդոսին, | վիս. 1892 ք.:

transl.: In this grave reposes Harutiun Ghu-
lunts' son Poghos [who] died in 1892.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone of porous pumice (78 x 25 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Ղուլունց / Յարութիւնի որդի՝
Գրիգ/որին, ձ. 1898, վիս. 1900 ք.

transl.: In this grave reposes Harutiun Ghu-
lunts' son Grigor. Born in 1898, he died in 1900.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (73 x 20 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Ղուլունց Յարութիւնի
դուստր՝ Շողին, վիս. 1896.

transl.: In this grave reposes Harutiun Ghu-
lunts' daughter Shogh [who] died in 1896.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (66 x 23 x 38 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Ղուլունց Յար/ութիւնի
դուստր՝ Սրհարին, | վիս. 1912 ք.:

transl.: In this grave reposes Harutiun Ghu-
lunts' daughter Sehar [who] died in 1912.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

GRIGORIANTS

4 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble
tombstone (154 x 28 x 50 centimetres):

Այս է հանգիստ Աթանեսի Բարսեղեան, / որ
ի տոհէն` Գրիգորեանց, աստէն էառ / զիւր
վախճան յաւիտենից կենաց յուտվ / աստէն
նրնջէ անօշ քնով, 1816, ի 10 հոկտեմբերի:

transl.: In this grave lies Atanes Barseghian,
who is from the family of the Grigoriants.
...departed to God on 10 October 1816 and repos-
es here in sweet eternal sleep.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

4 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (140 x 65 x 35 centimetres):

Այս է տապան մահտեսի | Սարգսի որդի
Հագարին, | մօրն` Եփրեմին, | 1833:

transl.: In this grave repose Mahtesy Sargis'
son Ghazar and his mother Yeprem, 1833.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

9 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (143 x 60 x 40 centimetres):

1846 | Այս է տապան մահտեսի Սարգսի որդի՝ | Մկրչի կո/ղակից Եղի/սարեքի, որ է / դուստր Դանի/էլի եւ Նազլ/խանի:

transl.: 1846. In this grave reposes Yeghisabet,
who is the spouse of Mahtesy Sargis' son Mkrtich
and the daughter of Daniel and Nazelkhan.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (158 x 60 x 35 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Գրիգորի որդի մահտեսի
Սարգսին, վնճն. 8. 10. 1857 ամի։

transl.: In this grave reposes Grigor's son,
Mahtesy Sargis [who] died on 8. 10. 1857.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (155 x 50 x 35 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Գրիգորանց Գալուդի որդի՝
Սար/գսին, վնճն. 5. 21. 1873 ամի։

transl.: In this grave reposes Galust Grigo-
riants' son Sargis [who] died on 5. 21. 1873.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a rectangular tombstone (135 x 52 x 25 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Գրիգորանց / Ավագի որդի
Սարեվոսին, | վախճանեցաւ 1875 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Avag Grigoriants'
son Matevos [who] died in the year 1875.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.
2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (165 x 50 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Գրիգորեանց մահտեմի
Սարգսի / որդի՝ Պարսեողին, վիճն. 3. 1. 1880 ամի:
transl.: *In this grave reposes Mahtesy Sargis Grigorians' son Barsegh [who] died on 3. 1. 1880.*

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone of porous pumice (150 x 53 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Գրիգորանց Մկր/տչի կողակից` Ծաւին, վիս. 1882:

transl.: *In this grave reposes Mkrtich Grigorians' spouse Jav [who] died in 1882.*

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

4 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tree sculpted of white marble:

Մահարձան Աւ/ագի Մկրտչեան / Գրիգորանցն / ծն. 1854 ամի, վախ. 1882 ք.:

transl.: This funerary memorial [stands in memory of] Avag Mkrtchian Grigorians. Born in the year 1854, he died in 1882.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (87 x 27 x 35 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Գրիգորանց / Գրիգորի ղուստր Ծողագարին / ծնա 1861 ամի, վիս. 1885:

transl.: *In this grave reposes Grigorants Goror's daughter Shoghakat. Born in the year 1861, she died in 1885.*

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

4 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (48 x 22 x 36 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Գրիգորանց Գրիգ/որի
ղուստր` Նոր/ընձին, 11. 10. 1888:

transl.: In this grave reposes Grigorants Grigor's daughter Norendzi, 11. 10. 1888.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone of porous pumice (166 x 55 x 32 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Գրիգորանց մահտեմի
Սարգսի որդի՝ Սկրտչին, վիս. 1889:

transl.: In this grave reposes Mahtesy Sargis Grigorians' son Mkrtich [who] died in 1889.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble tombstone (63 x 28 x 22 centimetres):

Մագթաղ Իվանի Գրիգորանց, վիս. 1902 ք.:

transl.: *Magtagh Ivan Grigorians. Died in 1902.*

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (104 x 28 centimetres) part of which is buried under the earth:

Այս է տապան Գրիգորանց / Գրիգորի կողակից Մաքթաղին, վախճանվեցավ 1904:

transl.: *In this grave reposes Grigorants Goror's spouse Maktagh [who] died in 1904.*

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (113 x 34 centimetres) with a trihedral upper part (it is partially buried under the earth):

Այս է տապան Գրիգորանց / Մաքէոսի որդի
Գրիգորին, / վախճանվեցավ 1904:

transl.: *In this grave reposes Grigorants Mateos' son Grigor [who] died in 1904.*

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble tombstone (115 x 32 x 55 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Գրիգորանց Հանեմի / վորդի
Իվանի, վիս. 1918 ք.:

transl.: *In this grave reposes Grigorants Hanes' son Ivan [who] died in 1918.*

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

5 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (122 x 28 x 55 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Գրիգորանց / Իվանի վորդի
Գրիգորի / վիս. 1918 ք.: / (Մյուս երեսին)՝ Անիչկա Իվանի Գրիգորանց, վիս. 1918 ք.:

transl.: *In this grave reposes Grigorants Ivan's son Grigor [who] died in 1918. The other face reads: Sonichka Ivan Grigorians. Died in 1918.*

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

## GULUNTS

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (170 x 55 x 35 centimetres):

Այս է տ(ա)պ(ա)ն / Գոլին, ք(վի)ն Ո/ՃԿՁ (1717) էր:

transl.: *In this grave reposes Gol, in the year 1717.*

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

5 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (168 x 42 x 62 centimetres):

Եկի աշխարհ տեսայ ամենն ունայն է, վերջին օրս չի / իմացայ ինչ ձայն է, Գալուստ Պողուեան Գիսի/եանցս, նոր իմացայ, որ փրկիչս՝ Աստուած միեայն է։ / (Մյուս երեսին)՝ 32 ամաց վիս. 4. 4. 1889 ամի, Աստուած հոգին / լուսատրեսի, ամէն:

transl.: When I was born I saw that everything was meaningless. On my last day I heard some unfamiliar
voice and only then did I, Galust Poghossian Gyuliants, learn that my only saviour was God. The other face reads: **Died at the age of 32 on 4. 4. 1889.** May he rest in peace. Amen.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 6.

9 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble tombstone (140 x 24 x 58 centimetres):

Էյ` անցաւոր, կա`ց քեզ պատմեմ լալագին ակս | անգուր ցաւր սրտումն քողեց իմ փափազ | ծնողք իմ եւ որդիք անգին, ա`խ Մեսորո` ամուսին | ո`հ չրմոռանաք խնդրեմ ձեր խեղճ Դշխունի: | (Մյուս երեսին) Մնաք բարեալ ծանոր-անծանոր ես գնացի | որդիքս կաթնակեր այլեզ պաստան քողեցի. | Դշխուն եմ անմոռանալի, կին` Մեսոր Գիլեանցի, | յիշեցէք խնդրեմ Դշխուս, Ա(ստուա)ծ որորմեսցի, | ծնդ. 1871 ամի հոգ. 1, վլխ. 1899 ամի 25 յնվր.:

transl.: You, that are a passer-by, stop for a moment and listen to my sorrowful story. The bitter pain tore me away from my parents, my precious children and my husband Mesrop. Oh, please, do not forget your poor Dshkho! The other face reads: Adieu to everybody! I am departing from this world, consigning my sucklings to others' care. I am unforgettable Dshkho, the wife of Mesrop Giliants. Please, remember me in your prayers. Born on 1 October 1871, I died on 25 January 1899.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (145 x 35 x 50 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Գոլունց Սարգսի | գին՝ Վարքին, ծնդ. 1846, վլխ. 12. 25. 1886 | բառամեալ ծաղգիս անցնողք յիշէք Ա(ստուա)ծ որորմի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Gulunts Sargis' wife Vard. Born in 1846, she died on 12. 25. 1886. May you, passers-by, pray for this flower that withered away. May she rest in peace.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

4 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (150 x 60 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է տապան | Մեսորփին, որ է / որդի՝ Պօղօպին, քվ(հն) Ո-ՄԾ (1801):

transl.: In this grave reposes Mesrop, who is the son of Poghos, in the year 1801.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

## HAKOBIANTS

4 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (155 x 35 x 65 centimetres):

Արձան մահու ըՍտեփանոսի եւ քարելիաշտ յույժ գովելի, ազգ` Յակորեանց | Ղազարեանի, վաղճան հասեալ աստէն | տընի, քվ(հն) Ո-ՄՀԶ (1827):

transl.: This funerary memorial [stands in memory of] pious believer Stepanos from the family of the Hakobiants Ghazarian. He died [and] was buried here in the year 1827.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone of porous pumice (125 x 40 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Յակորեանց Օհանի | որդի՝ Գրիգորի, վլխ. 11. 8. 1868 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Ohan Hakobian's son Grigor [who] died on 11. 8. 1868.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

Engraved on a tombstone of white marble (160 x 48 x 65 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Աւագ Պողոսեան Տէր Յակովքեանց, ծնունդ եղա 1852 ամի 15-ին դեկտեմ. | վախճանեալ 1883 ամի 16-ն փեղքվարի: | (Մյուս երեսին)՝ Կարթացողին խնդրեմ ասէ | Աստուած որորմի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Avag Poghossian Ter-Hakobiants. Born on 15 December 1852, he died on 16 February 1883. The other face reads: May those who read this remember him in their prayers.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

## HOVHANNISSIANTS

A bilingual (Armenian and Russian) epitaph carved on a tombstone (165 x 34 x 69 centimetres) of white marble (4 lines in both languages):

Այստեղ հանգչում է կօլէգիական | ըլգիստատոր քժիշկի աւագ փերշիլ` | Եգոր Գրիգորեան Յովիաննիսեանի աճինը, | ծ. 13 սեպտեմերի 1841 ք., վլխ. 14 յունիսի 1906 ք.:

transl.: In this grave reposes registrar and doctor's chief assistant Yegor Grigorian Hovhannisian. Born on 13 September 1841, he died on 14 June 1906.

The other side of the gravestone bears the Russian translation of the same epitaph: Здесь покоится прахъ медицинскаго | старшего коллежскаго регистратора | Егора Григорьевича Оганезова, | род. 13 сентября 1841 г., сконч. 14 июня 1906 г.:

Published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

Note: In 1887 Yegor Hovhannissiants founded a college in Banants in memory of his prematurely dead son Alexandre ("Nor-Dar," 1887, No. 113, p. 3). In 1888 a Patriarchal bull approved his membership of the Board of Trustees of that institution ("Ararat," 1888, p. 129).

6 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (173 x 40 x 58 centimetres) of yellowish limestone:
Նայեցիր առ իս եւ մտարերեցիր. ես եմ՝ Աղբերանոր բոչիկ | Եգորեան Յոհաննէսեանցն, որ ղեռ ծաղկէի գեմնազեան ուսմամբ | ի ժամ աւարտման նորա Տէր մեր հրաիրեաց առ ինըրն ի փառարանութիւն: | (Մյուս երեսին)՝ բանի տեառն եկի յաշխարհ 2-ն նոյեմբերի 1865 ամի | եւ ննջիմ աստ յուտվ արութեան 12-ին յուլիսի 1885 ամի: | Անմոռանալի ձեր ընկեր Աղբերանոր Յոհաննէսեանցի:

transl.: Please, look at my grave and remember me: I am Alexandre Yegorian Hovhannissants. I was still a student in the gymnasium and was about to complete my studies when the Lord called me to heaven. The other face reads: ...came to this world on 2 November 1865 and repose here hoping for resurrection on 12 July 1885. Your unforgettable friend Alexandre Hovhannissants.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a rectangular rosy tombstone (150 x 32 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Ստեփան Գրիգորեան | Յուաննէսեանցի կին՝ Մարքաղին, ք(վին) 1867:

transl.: In this grave reposes Stepan Grigorian Hovhannissants' wife Maktagh, in the year 1867.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (160 x 70 x 45 centimetres):

Զաջ երիտասարդ Կոստանդին | Ստեփան Յովհաննէսեանց 1881-1904:

transl.: Valorous youth Kostandin Stepanian Hovhannissants. 1881 to 1904.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble tombstone (67 x 16 x 43 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Սերգի Յովհաննէսեան Յոհաննէսեանց, | 1902:

transl.: In this grave reposes Sergi Hovhannisian Hovhannissants, 1902.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone of porous pumice (72 x 18 x 36 centimetres):

Զաքար Վիրաքեան Յովհաննէսեանց, վիս. 1879 ք.:

transl.: Zakar Virabian Hovhannissants. Died in 1879.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone of porous pumice (49 x 19 x 36 centimetres):

Սիրայել Վիրաք/եան Յովհաննէսեանց, | վիս. 1884 ք.:

transl.: Michael Virabian Hovhannissants. Died in 1884.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

## HRAPETANTS (VARUNTS)

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (147 x 25 x 50 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Հրապետանց Ղիլի | որդի՝ Ակրտիչին, վախ. 12. 21. 1818 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Hrapetants Ghil's son Mkrtich [who] died on 12. 21. 1818.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

## JALLADIANTS

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a rectangular tombstone (160 x 55 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Անդրեասի Ստեփանեան | Զալլադեանց, վիս. 1894:

transl.: In this grave reposes Andreas Stepanian Jalladiants [who] died in 1894.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (144 x 62 x 32 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Գրիգորի Յարութիւնեան | Ճալլադեանց, 96 ամաց վիս. 1912 ք.

transl.: In this grave reposes Grigor Harutiunian Jalladiants [who] died at the age of 96 in 1912.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble tombstone (92 x 21 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Սիմոնի Սարգիսեան | Զալլադեանց, վիս. 1913 ք.:

transl.: In this grave reposes Simon Sargissian Jalladiants [who] died in 1913.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

A single line in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (155 x 65 x 21 centimetres):

Զալլադանց Գրիգորի կին՝ Թանկի, 2. 3. 1917:

transl.: Jalladiants Grigor's wife Tank, 2. 3. 1917.
The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble tombstone (70 x 20 x 36 centimetres):

Սիրանուշ Հովհանէսի | Զալլադյան, 1 ամաց վիս. 1923 ք.:

transl.: Siranush Hovhannes Jalladian. Died in her first year in 1923.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.
## KHALIPIANTS

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a coffin-shaped marble tombstone (142 x 39 x 61 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Խալիփեանց Ստեփանի |
որդի՝ Պողουին, վախճան 1895 ք.։

transl.: In this grave reposes Stepan Khalipiants' son Poghos [who] died in 1895.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

Note: A chapel located in Banants, Khelpants Khach, is called after the family of the Khalipiants.

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a rectangular tombstone (110 x 42 centimetres):

Խալիփեանց կոյս / Մայանի. 98 ամայ վլս.
1901 ք.։

transl.: [In memory of] virgin Mayan Khalipiants [who] died at the age of 98 in 1901.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a coffin-shaped white marble tombstone (134 x 32 x 58 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Խալիփեանց Պողουի |
կին՝ Վարքին, վախճան 1903 ք.։

transl.: In this grave reposes Poghos Khalipiants' wife Vart [who] died in 1903.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

Incised into a tombstone of yellowish limestone (67 x 39 x 27 centimetres):

Այս է տապան գանձակեցի | Յարուրի մահտեսի Բաղադեանի դուստ | (մյուս երեսին)՝ Հորիմսիմէին, ծնեալ 3. 30. 1882, | վախճանեալ 1889 ամի, սեպտեմերի 11-ին:

transl.: In this grave reposes the daughter of Gandzak inhabitant, Mahtesy Harut Balaghian. The other face reads: To Hripsime [who was] born on 3. 30. 1882 and died on 11 September 1889.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a rectangular tombstone of limestone (140 x 30 x 60 centimetres):

Այս է հանգիտս Ստեփանի Պողոսեան, որ ի
տոհէն մահտեսի Բասեանցէն, ծնաւ 1866, վլս.
1. 11. 1898:

transl.: In this grave reposes Stepan Poghosian, who is from the family of Mahtesy Basiants. Born in 1866, he died on 1. 11. 1898.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

## KOSTUNTS

4 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (140 x 60 x 20 centimetres):

Քոստունց. / այս է տապան / Քոստոնց Տէր |
Սակոչ(ի)ն, քվ(ին) | (Ո-)ՍԽ (1791):

transl.: Kostunts. In this grave reposes Father Makuch Kostonts, in the year 1791.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

5 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (147 x 50 x 65 centimetres):

Այս է տապան / Քոստունց Տէր / Սկրոչի որդի՝ Պողουին, | 1847:

transl.: In this grave reposes Priest Mktch Kostunts' son Poghos, 1847.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (54 x 19 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Քոս/տունց Ապրհամի որդի |
(մյուս երեսին) Գրիգորին, վլս. 1814:

transl.: In this grave reposes Aprham Kostunts' son (on the other face) Grigor [who] died in 1814.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

4 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (51 x 17 x 37 centimetres):

Այս է տապան / Քոստունց Յոհաննէսի / որդի՝ Սեխակին, | ծն. 1898, վլս. 1900:

transl.: In this grave reposes Hovhannes Kostunts' son Mekhak. Born in 1898, he died in 1900.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## KURJUNTS (GYURJUNTS)

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (130 x 44 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Կուրճունց / Սկրոչի որդի՝ |
Կարապետին, վլս. 1891:

transl.: In this grave reposes Mktchik Kurjunts' son Karapet [who] died in 1891.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (175 x 44 x 32 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Կուրջունց / Կարապետի կողակից` | Ապրետին, 1891:

transl.: In this grave reposes Karapet Kurjunts' spouse Sabet, 1891.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (160 x 60 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Կուրջունց Ապրհամի որդի |
անձողարար Գրիգորին, 45 ամաց վլս. 189...
ամի:
transl.: In this grave reposes Aprham Kurjunts' son, ... Grigor [who] died at the age of 45 in 189...

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

## MANUSHAKIANTS

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble tombstone (170 x 65 x 50 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Խաչատուրի | Մանուշակեանց, վլս. 1876 ք.:

transl.: In this grave reposes Khachatur Manushakians [who] died in 1876.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a rectangular tombstone (122 x 39 x 22 centimetres):

Մանուշակեանց Հանէսի | կին՝ Մարանոսի, վլս. 1887:

transl.: [In this grave reposes] Hanes Manushakians' wife Maranos [who] died in 1887.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a rectangular tombstone (106 x 30 x 43 centimetres):

Մանուշակեանց Պողոսի | կին՝ Ազիզի, վլս. 1892:

transl.: [In this grave reposes] Poghos Manushakians' wife Aziz [who] died in 1892.

Published for the first time.

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (108 x 30 x 40 centimetres):

Հանէս Պողոսեան | Մանուշականց, վլս. 1910:

transl.: Hanes Poghossian Manushakians. Died in 1910.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

## MELIK-ISRAYELIANTS

6 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone of porous pumice (165 x 54 x 27 centimetres):

Այս է տապան | Նելիք-Իսրայէլեանց ... | ...յերիք, վախճանեցա, 1870:

transl.: In this grave reposes Melik-Israyeliants ... [who] died in 1870.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

5 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone of yellow limestone (150 x 47 x 63 centimetres):

Այսմ տապանի տակ ննջիմ յուտվ | սարութեան Քրիստոսի գալտեամք | Օհան Աւազեան Մելիք-Իսրայէլեանց։ | (մյուս երեսին)՝ Ծնայ 1847 ք., վսճնց. 1883 ք., ապրեցի 36 տասի, | այս միջոցեն Ա(ստուա)ծ ճանաչեցի, ասացք Ա(ստուա)ծ ողորմի:

transl.: I repose in this grave hoping for resurrection upon the Advent. Ohan Avagian Melik-Israyeliants. The other face reads: I was born in 1847

and died in 1883, having lived for 36 years. During this time I came to know God. May you pray for me.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

4 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone of yellow limestone (47 x 20 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան | Նելիք-Իսրայէլեանց | (մյուս երեսին)՝ Օհանի տուստր՝ Դշխոին, 1882 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Melik-Israyeliants. (on the other side) To Ohan's daughter Dshkho, in the year 1882.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

## MELIK-MATEVOSSIANTS

4 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (143 x 68 x 32 centimetres):

Վիմիս տակ ամփոփի մարմինը կին՝ Սկրտչի | Նելիք-Մատքէուեանցի Շողագաբի Ներսէլեանի, հանգիստ ուկրացո, ծնա 1831 ամի։ | (մյուս երեսին)՝ Վախճանեցա 1895 ամի, նոյ. 7-ն:

transl.: Beneath this [grave]stone repose the remains of Shoghakat Nersessian, the wife of Mktich Melik-Matevossiants. May you rest in eternal peace. Born in the year 1831. | The other face reads: She died on 7 November 1895.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

5 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a rectangular tombstone (140 x 47 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Նելիք-Մաքէոսանց Յարութինի որդի | փուռնոչի Դեւանդի, | վլս. | 1882:

transl.: In this grave reposes Harutiun Melik-Matevossiants' son, ... Ghevand [who] died in 1882.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (175 x 57 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Նելիք Մաքէոսանց | Միրզի կին՝ Վաքբին, վլս. 1887 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Mirz Melik-Matevossiants' wife Vart [who] died in the year 1887.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a rectangular tombstone (113 x 30 x 35 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Նելիք-Մաքէոսանց | Պողոսի որդի Յարութինի, վլս. 5. 19. 1890:

transl.: In this grave reposes Poghos Melik-Matevossiants' son Harutiun [who] died on 5. 19. 1890.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a yellowish tombstone (74 x 21 x 26 centimetres):
Այս է տապան Մելիք-Մարէոսանց / Պողոսի որդի Ակրտչին, վս. 5. 16. 1881:

transl.: In this grave reposes Poghos Melik-Matevossants' son Mkrtich [who] died on 5. 16. 1881.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (170 x 52 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Մելիք-Մարէվոսանց / Մարէոսի կին՝ Խանումի, վս. 1892 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Matevos Melik-Matevossants' wife Khanum [who] died in the year 1892.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (75 x 23 x 35 centimetres):

Մկրտիչ Պողոսեան Մելիք-/Մարէոսանց, 10 ամաց վս. 1907:

transl.: Mkrtich Poghossian Melik-Matevossants. Died at the age of 10 in 1907.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

4 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (128 x 25 x 37 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Մելիք-Մարէվոսանց / Պողոսի որդի Մամիկին։ / (մյուս երեսին)՝ 26 ամաց վս. 3. 17. 1908 ամի, / կնդակամահ:

transl.: In this grave reposes Poghos Melik-Matevossants' son Mamik. The other face reads: *Shot to death at the age of 26 on 3. 17. 1908.*

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble tombstone (138 x 31 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Մելիք-Մարէվոսանց Պողոսի / կին՝ Հորիխսիմին, 56 ամաց վս. 1914 ք.:

transl.: In this grave reposes Poghos Melik-Matevossants' wife Hripsim [who] died at the age of 56 in 1914.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (140 x 38 x 50 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Պողոսի Մարէոսեան / Սէլիք-Մարէվոսեանց, 75 ամաց վս. 1917 ք.

transl.: In this grave reposes Poghos Matevosian Melik-Matevossians [who] died at the age of 75 in 1917.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (75 x 25 x 45 centimetres):

Մարեվոսեան Մամիկոն Արտեմի / 1918-1919։ / (մյուս երեսին)՝ Մելիք-Մարէվոսեան:

transl.: Mamikon Artem Matevossian. 1918 to 1919. The other face reads: *Melik-Matevossian*.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## MELIK-TZATURIANTS

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a coffin-shaped tombstone of white marble (164 x 42 x 68 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Գալուստ / Յարուրինեան Սէլիք-Ծատուրեանցի։ / (մյուս երեսին)՝ 1826-1901:

transl.: In this grave reposes Galust Harutiunian Melik-Tzaturiants. The other face reads: 1826 to 1901.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

## MIRZIANTS

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (148 x 29 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Մեոգեանց / Սարգսի տուստ՝ / Թագուհին, ի 1874 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Sargis Merziants' daughter Taguhi, in the year 1874.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (67 x 20 x 43 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Միրքեանց / Մկրտիչ որդի՝ Արտեմինա՝ / (մյուս երեսին)՝ Վլճն. 1. 11. 1886 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Mkrtich Mirzayants' son Artem. The other face reads: [He] died on 1. 11. 1886.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## MONTUNTS

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a rectangular violet tombstone (167 x 55 x 32 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Մօնքունց Սարգսի որդի՝ / Պետրոսին, վս. 11. 10. 1880 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Sargis Montunts' son Petros [who] died on 11. 10. 1880.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (123 x 60 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Մօնքունց Անայի, որ է / դուստ՝ Սարգս Բաղրամեանցի, ծնալ / 1826 ամի, վասխճանեցալ 1889:

transl.: In this grave reposes Ana Montunts, who is the daughter of Sargis Baghramiants. Born in the year 1826, she died in 1889.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone of yellow limestone (123 x 47 x 26 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Մօնքունց Պետրոսի / կին՝ Սարային, ծն. 1849-ին, վս. 1894:

transl.: In this grave reposes Petros Montunts' wife Sarah. Born in 1849, she died in 1894.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.
## MUKELIANTS (MICHAELIANTS)

7 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone of yellow limestone (140 x 27 x 73 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Գանձակու նահանկի / Պանաց գուդա բնակիչ Յոհաննէ/սի որդի` Բէգլար Սուքէլեանց, / ողճանվէցաւ 11. 21. 1863 ամի։ / (մյուս երեսին)՝ Ի տապանի աստ ամիուրի մարմին Միքայէլեանց / Սարգսի, որ սպան-մամվ բախճանեցաւ յոստի / քշնամեաց աստի բարձաւ, վիս. 1877 ամի։

transl.: In this grave reposes Beglar Mukel-iants, the son of Hovhannes from Banants Village of Gandzak Province. He died on 11. 21. 1863. The other face reads: In this grave repose the remains of Sargis Michaeliants, who was killed by the mean enemy and departed from life in the year 1877.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone of porous pumice (142 x 39 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Միքայէլեանց Սարգսի կողակից` Խալլուին, վիս. 9. 16. 1893 ամի։

transl.: In this grave reposes Sargis Michaeliants' spouse Khallu [who] died on 9. 16. 1893.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

4 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone of porous pumice (72 x 20 x 52 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Զառի, / տատը՝ ըՍտեհիան / Սուքէլեանցի, վիս. / 4. 9. 1888:

transl.: In this grave reposes Stepan Mukel-iants' grandmother Zar [who] died on 4. 9. 1888.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble tombstone (162 x 43 x 70 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Խաչատուր / Ղեւոնդեան Սուքէլեանցի, / 1841-1877:

transl.: In this grave reposes Khachatur Ghevondan Mukeliants, 1841 to 1877.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## NADIRIANTS

4 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (155 x 60 x 35 centimetres):

Այս է տապան / Նադիրանց / Տ(է)ր Գրիգո-րին, / թվ(ին) ՈՄԺ (1761):

transl.: In this grave reposes Father Grigor Nadirants, in the year 1761.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

5 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (140 x 55 x 25 centimetres):

Այս է տապան / Տ(է)ր Գրիգորի կողակից / Յեղնանին, / թվ(ին Ո)ՄԽ(1791):

transl.: In this grave reposes Father Grigor's spouse Heghnan, in the year 1791.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (125 x 60 x 35 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Նադիրանց / Առուշանին, / վախ. 10. 5. 1816 ամի։

transl.: In this grave reposes Arushan Nadirants [who] departed to God on 10. 5. 1816.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (135 x 45 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Առուշանի / կողակից Նադի-րանց / Հերիքնագին, 1862:

transl.: In this grave reposes Arushan's spouse Heriknaz Nadirants, 1862.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (127 x 47 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Սարգսի / կողակից` Նադի-րանց / Ասռային, 1866:

transl.: In this grave reposes Sargis' spouse Sahrah Nadirants, 1866.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## NALBANDIANTS

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a rectangular tombstone (162 x 36 x 50 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Սապետի, որ է կին` / Պարե-ղի Նալպանդեանց, վիս. 1898 ք.։

transl.: In this grave reposes Sapet, who is Parsegh Nalpandiants' spouse. Died in 1898.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## NERKARARIANTS (NERKRARANTS)

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (144 x 27 x 45 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Նրկարեանց Խաչատու-րի / որդի Գալուստին, վլճն. 1870:

transl.: In this grave reposes Khachatur Nerkarariants' son Galust [who] died in 1870.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

Carved on a tombstone (124 x 26 x 36 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Նրկարեանց Վիրապի / կին` Հերիքին, վիճն. 1874 ամի։

transl.: In this grave reposes Virap Nerkarariants' wife Herik [who] died in the year 1874.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (137 x 28 x 62 centimetres):
Այս է տապան Նրկրարանց / Կարապետի
կողակից՝ Հերիքին, / վախճ. 1881 ամի։

transl.: In this grave reposes Karapet Nerkrar-
antsex wife Herik [who] died in the year 1881.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (54 x 18 x 37 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Նրկրարեանց / Վիրապի
որդի՝ / Խաչատուրի, 1888:

transl.: In this grave reposes Virap Nerkarar-
antsex son Khachatur, 1888.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## POGHOSSIANTS

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone of porous pumice (154 x 41 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Պողոսանց Կարապետի / որդի՝ Պօղոսի կին՝ Մարքաղին, վիս. 1, 21. 1895:

transl.: In this grave reposes Maktagh, who is
the wife of Karapet Poghossiants' son Poghos.
Died on 1. 21. 1895.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone of white limestone (138 x 13 x 45 centimetres):

Այս է արձան Հանեսի որքի / Մարտիրո
Պողոսանց, 1843:

transl.: This gravestone [stands in memory of]
Hanes' son Martiros Poghossiants, 1843.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## SHAHMURADIANTS

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone of yellow
limestone (130 x 28 x 67 centimetres):

Այս չիրիմ Շահմուրադանց / Գրիգորի որդի՝
Կարապետին, / վախճան՝ 1890:

transl.: In this grave reposes Grigor Shahmu-
radants' son Karapet [who] died in 1890.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a coffin-shaped
tombstone of white marble (176 x 39 x 70 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Վիրապ / Յակորեան Շահ-
մուրադեանցի։ / (մյուս երեսին)՝ Ծնա 1805 ա-
մի, վախճ. 1890 ամի։

transl.: In this grave reposes Virap Hakobian Shahmuradiants. The other face reads: Born in the year 1805, he died in 1890.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

4 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone of yellow
limestone (55 x 40 x 15 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Շահ/մուրադանց Սար/գիսի
որդի՝ Կարապետին, / ծն. 1893, վիս. 1894:

transl.: In this grave reposes Sargis Shahmu-
radants' son Karapet. Born in 1893, he died in
1894.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a rectangular tombstone (160 x 55 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Մինաս Գրիգորեան / Շահ-
մուրադեանցի, վիս. 1897:

transl.: In this grave reposes Minas Grigorian Shahmuradiants [who] died in 1897.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble
tombstone (140 x 45 x 60 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Շահմուրադեանց Կարապե-
տի / կին՝ Զանին, 78 ամաց, վիս. 12. 15. 1902 ք.։

transl.: In this grave reposes Karapet Shahmu-
radiants' wife Zan [who] died at the age of 78 on
12. 15. 1902.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

8 versified lines in the Armenian original carved on a white mar-
ble tombstone (140 x 40 x 60 centimetres):

Այս տապանի տակ կը հանգչի բանանցեցի
/ դաշնակցական բաջ գինվո՝ Զաքար Շահ-
մուրադեանցը, / որը նահատակվել է Բանանցի
այգներում, 1906 ք. / մայիսի 16-ին, 34 ամեաց
հասակում։ / (մյուս երեսին)՝ Իմ ընկերներ, բաջ
կովեցքը / բուրքերի դէմ ամեն օր. / իմ վրէժը
նրանցից առեր / մոսիններով ձեր հզոր։ / Թող
քնդան ձեր մոսեններ / մեր ձորերում, սարե-
րում. / նրանց հեեր գոո ձայները / կը լսեմ ես
գերեզմանում:

transl.: Beneath this grave[stone] reposes Za-
kar Shahmuradiants, a valorous Dashnak soldier
from Banants, who suffered martyrdom in the gar-
dens of Banants at the age of 34 on 16 May 1906.
The other face reads: My brave friends, continue
your struggle against the Turks and take
vengeance for me with your powerful guns. May
your arms thunder in our gorges and mountains;
their formidable reports will reach me in my
grave.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## SHAHUMIANTS

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a rectangular tombstone (182 x 26 x 43 centimetres):

Գրիգոր Տէր-Յարութիւնեան, / վիս. 1815, որ՝
Շահումեանց:

transl.: Grigor Ter-Harutiunian Shahumiants.
Died in 1815.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.
3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (146 x 28 x 65 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Յարութիւնեանց | Ստեփանի կին՝ Աստոդիկի, ծ. 1882, | վլս. 1. 2. 1908 թ. ծաղիկ հասակի։

transl.: In this grave reposes Stepan Harutiuniants' wife Astghik. Born in 1882, she died in the prime of life on 1. 2. 1908.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (146 x 28 x 55 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Տէր-Յարութիւնեանց | Գրիգորի կին՝ Անային, | վլս. 1892, որ՝ Շահումեանց:

transl.: In this grave reposes Grigor Ter-Harutiuniants' wife Ana Shahumiants. Died in 1892.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (163 x 27 x 61 centimetres):

Գրիգոր Յակոբեան Տէր-Յար|ութիւնեանց, վլս. 1895, | որ է՝ Շահումեանց:

transl.: Grigor Hakobian Ter-Harutiuniants Shahumiants. Died in 1895.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (148 x 30 x 57 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Տ(է)ր Յարութիւն|եանց Յովհաննէսի | կին՝ Եղումի, վլս. 1900 ամի, է՝ Շահումեանց:

transl.: In this grave reposes Hakob Ter-Harutiuniants' wife Sapet Shahumiants [who] died in 1900.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## TER-AVETIKIANTS

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone:

Այս է տապան Տէր-Աւետիբեանց Յովհաննէսի | կին՝ Եղումի, վլս. 1880 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Hovhannes Ter-Avetikiants' wife Yeghum [who] died in the year 1880.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

7 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone:

Ստէփան Սիքայէլեան | Տէր-Աւետիբեանց. | ծաղիկ, գեղեցիկ. | աստ բուսեալ սպասիմ. | յոսով Յարութեան | Քրիստոսի գալստեան, | ծ. 5. 29. 1851, վ. 8. 16. 1861:

transl.: Stepan Michaelian Ter-Avetikiants. A beautiful flower growing here waiting for resurrection upon Christ's Advent, 5. 29. 1851 to 8. 16. 1861.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

16 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone:

Աստ երմանիմ, անդ բուսանիմ յուով | Յարութիւնեանց (թան) Ք(րիստո)սի գալստեամբ ս(ր)բ(ն)յ հոգույն | երեւմամբ. Յովհաննէս Ստեփանեան Տէր Աւետիբեանց. | ամենակալ Ա(ստուա)ծ եւ Տէր Յ(իսո)ս Ք(րիստո)ս դատաուր արդար | յորժամ գաս փաշօք հոր դատել գկենդանիս եւ | գմեռեալ մի մտաներ ի դատաստան ը(նդ) ձառայի | բում Յովհաննիսիս, այլ փրկեա գզի ի յաւիտենա/կան հրոյն եւ լսելի արա ինձ գերանւետ կչումն | արդարոյ յերկնից արքայութեանդ եւ ողորմեա բո | արդարածոյ եւ ինձ արզմամեղիս: | (մյուս երեսին)՝ Արձանս այս տուն եւ տեղի դարփին, փարպետ՝ Յովհաննէսի Ստ|եփանեան, սա անուանի Տ(է)ր Աւետիբեանց ազգատոհմի, ծոն|նդն| 1820 ամի, ի Քալանաց գիդի, մահն՝ | 1860 ամի, յամսեանն | օգտոսոսի:

transl.: ... hoping for my resurrection upon Christ's Advent. Hovhannes Stepanian Ter-Avetikiants. My Almighty God Jesus Christ, You that are a fair judge, do not forget your humble servant Hovhannes when You arrive here on Doomsday to judge both the alive and the dead. Save me from the eternal fire so that I might hear the voice coming from your heavenly kingdom. Have mercy upon your sinful servant and all the creatures on the earth. The other face reads: This tombstone [lies in memory of] master blacksmith Hovhannes Stepanian from the Ter-Avetikiants' family. Born in Banants Village in the year 1820, he died in August 1860.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

9 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone:

Չի երագ օրհաս ինձ ժամանել ո՛հ Ասուուած | յայս աշխարհէս կարձեաց գքել իմ կենաց | մնայ աչք ձեր ջերմ արտասօք միշտ ի լաց, | ձեզ ասել խնդրեմ ընկալ զաս տէր փառաց | ինձ՝ Խաչատուրիս Ստեփանեան Տէր Աւետիբեանց, | հանդիպողա/ցոյ խնդրեմ | ասէք Ասուուած | ողորմի:

transl.: My last hour came and death took my life away, leaving your eyes ever filled with bitter tears. I yielded up my soul to God for His perpetual glory. Khachatur Stepanian Ter-Avetikiants. May those who come across my grave pray for the repose of my soul.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## TER-ISRAYELIANTS

4 lines in the Armenian original carved on a rectangular tombstone of white marble (128 x 30 x 47 centimetres):

Քնդ այս փմով եղեալ մարմին | Աննայ Յարութիւնեանի, որ էր | կին՝ Պետրոս ք(ա)հ(ա)-
ն(ա)յի S(է)ր-Իսրայէլեանցի, վախճանեալ ի 1855 ամի։

transl.: *Beneath this [grave]stone repose the remains of Priest Petros Ter-Israyeliants' wife Anna Harutiunian [who] died in the year 1855.*

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

8 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (160 x 40 x 65 centimetres):

Ընդ վիմովս գտանի մարմին աստիճանատորի | գավառական կառավարութեան Գանձակու | Յովհաննէսի Տէր-Իսրայէլեանց որույք՝ Տէր-Պետրոս | քահանայի: Հանդիպողացդ խնդրեմ ասէ Ա(ստուա)ծ ողորմի (կողին). Վախճանեալ | ի 1-ն մայիսի | 1859 ամի, 29 | ամյահ հասակի։

transl.: *Beneath this [grave]stone repose the remains of Gandzak's District Government official Hovhannes Ter-Israyeliants' son, Priest Petros. May those who come across this grave pray for the repose of his soul. On one of the sides: Died at the age of 29 on 1 May 1859.*

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

4 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (190 x 35 x 60 centimetres):

Այս է տապան ... Պետրոս քահանայի | ... | Տէր Պող... | գող... ամեաց ի 1849:

transl.: *In this grave reposes ... Priest Petros... Father Pogh... 1849.*

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

Note: Petros Ter-Israyeliants "...was promoted to the fourth degree of religious service in 1812 and was ordained priest on 8 March 1820..." "... Priest Petros died... in the year 1849, leaving his four sons and two daughters..."

This archive document dates back to 1853.

16 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (165 x 43 x 55 centimetres):

Յայման տապանի ամփոփեալ հանգչի | յուտվ փառացն յախտենի | մարմին գրաշար դպիր ուսուցչի | Կարապետ Տէր-Իսրայէլեանցի: | (մյուս երեսին)՝ Հրամանատ տեառն եկի յայս աշխարհ | քրտանց եւ ճգանց դառնադէլ յայս վայր | այլ ոչինչ գտի ի ամա պերճարար | ճեպեմ երկինս սրոյն կայան։ | (կողին)՝ Ծնի. | 1858, | 18-ն | հ(η)կտ(եմքերի): | (մյուս կողին)՝ փոխեցաւ | ի տէր 1884 | 18-ն յունիսի։

transl.: *In this grave repose the remains of sexton and teacher Karapet Ter-Israyelian. The other face reads: On the command of the Lord I was born into this world of toil and heavy efforts, but found nothing so I am hurrying to heaven. On one of the sides: Born on 18 October 1858. On the other side: Departed to God on 18 June 1884.*

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone of porous pumice (190 x 50 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է տապան S(է)ր-Իսրայէլեանց Պողոսի որողի Իսլայէլին, վխ. 1884 ամի։

transl.: *In this grave reposes Poghos Ter-Israyeliants' son Israel [who] died in the year 1884.*

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone of porous pumice (173 x 44 x 28 centimetres):

Այս է տապան S(է)ր-Իսրայէլեանց Իսրայէլի կողակից` | ... վխ. ...:

transl.: *In this grave reposes Israyel Ter-Israyeliants' spouse ... died in ...*

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

5 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (145 x 54 x 27 centimetres):

Այս վիմի տակ գտանի մարմին | Զառի մահտեսի Յարութիւնեանի, | որ էր կին՝ Տէր Գրիգոր Տէր Իսրայէլեանի, | հանգեաւ անգաւակ, ի 1864 ամի | քան օրովր առաջ քան զմահ Տէր Գրիգորի։

transl.: *Beneath this [grave]stone repose the remains of Father Grigor Ter-Israyelian's wife, Mahtesy Zar Harutiunian. Died twenty days before Priest Grigor's death, in 1864, leaving no children.*

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

5 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (155 x 35 x 52 centimetres):

Նայիր կարդա ո՛վ մերձաւոր, | պատմիր յետնցի իմ սգաւոր, | ես Տէր Գրիգոր Տէր-Իսրայէլեանց | (մյուս երեսին)՝ երետենվեց տարումս մեռա, | հինգ ամ միայն քահանայութեան:

transl.: *You, people, look [at my gravestone and] read [this]. Tell my grief-stricken descendants. I, Priest Grigor Ter-Israyelian (on the other side) died at the age of thirty-six, having performed priestly duties for only five years.*

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

Note: Among other sources, Priest Grigor's death (1864) is also mentioned in the "Mshak" daily (1878, No. 187, p. 2).

13 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble tombstone (95 x 40 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է արձան | Գրիգորի ան|ղրանիկ որողյ՝ | Օէիփ քէզի | 1870-1873: (կողին)՝ Նա մի վարդ էր, | որ քացեց, | մի արև էր, | որ ծագեց, | աւաղ վարդր շուտ | քառամեց, | պայծառ արևն էլ | խապարեց:

transl.: *This gravestone [lies in memory of] Grigor's first son Osep Bey. 1870 to 1873. On one of the sides: He was like a rose that blossomed, like a sun that rose, but alas, the rose withered away untimely and the brightness of the sun waned.*

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.
Engraved on a funerary tree of black stone:

Մի անքախստ օրիորդ՝ Ծ. Տէր-Իսրայելեանց
| 1914. 5/8, | իր եղբայրներից:

transl.: An unlucky maiden, Sh. Ter-Israyeliants. 5.8.1914, from her brothers.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## TER-KHACHATRIANTS

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (118 x 40 x 42 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Տէր | Խաչատուրանց Միքայելի / որդի՝ Կարապետին, վէս. 1851:

transl.: In this grave reposes Michael Ter-Khachaturiants' son Karapet [who] died in 1851.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (165 x 38 x 50 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Տէր Խաչատուրանց | Միքայելի որդի՝ Ղետներին, 1861:

transl.: In this grave reposes Michael Ter-Khachaturiants' son Ghevond, 1861.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (96 x 30 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Տէր Խաչատուրանց Ղեանի-Պի որդի | Պողոսին, վէս. 1861:

transl.: In this grave reposes Ghevand Ter-Khachaturiants' son Poghos [who] died in 1861.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone of white limestone (70 x 31 x 20 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Տէր Խաչատուրանց Յարու-քինի դուստր՝ Մարիային, վէս. 188...:

transl.: In this grave reposes Harutiun Ter-Khachaturiants' daughter Maria [who] died in 188...

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone of porous pumice (148 x 37 x 40 centimetres):

Աուքան Յովհաննէսեան Տէր-Խաչատուր/եանց, վէս. 1892:

transl.: Sultan Hovhannissian Ter-Khachaturiants. Died in 1892.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a marble tombstone (115 x 30 x 50 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Համքարձումի Սարգսեան | Տէր-Խաչատուրեանց, վէս.1900 ք.:

transl.: In this grave reposes Hambardzum Sar-gissian Ter-Khachaturiants [who] died in 1900.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No.3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone of white limestone (72 x 17 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Տէր-Խաչատուր/անց Մաքե-ոսի որդի՝ Աւետիսին |...:

transl.: In this grave reposes Matevos Ter-Khachaturiants' son Avetis...

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

Note: The last line is buried under the earth.

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (56 x 20 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Յոսէփի Մամիկոնեան Տէր Խաչատուրեանց, վէս. 1912 ք.:

transl.: In this grave reposes Hosep Mamikonian Ter-Khachaturiants [who] died in 1912.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone of white limestone (145 x 43 x 65 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Յովհաննէսի Յարուքին/եան Տէր-Խաչատուրեանց, | ծ. 1890, վէս. 1913 ք.:

transl.: In this grave reposes Hovhannes Harutiunian Ter-Khachaturiants. Born in 1890, he died in 1913.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (130 x 32 x 60 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Յարուքինի Յով/սէփեան Տէր-Խաչատուրեանց, | 1838-1915:

transl.: In this grave reposes Harutiun Hovsepian Ter-Khachaturiants, 1838 to 1915.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble tombstone (94 x 30 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Թագուհի Մամիկոնեան Տէր | Խաչատուրեանց, վէս. 1915 ք.:

transl.: In this grave reposes Taguhi Mamikonian Ter-Khachaturiants [who] died in 1915.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## TER-HOVSEPIANTS

6 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (145 x 50 x 20 centimetres):

Այս է տապան | S(է)р-Հօսէփ/անց Պետր/ոսի որդի՝ | Տէր Իրաէլ(ին), ՈՍԿ (1811):

transl.: In this grave reposes Petros Ter-Hovsepiants' son, Priest Israel, 1811.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

4 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (170 x 70 x 45 centimetres):

Վաղաքառամ մահտեսի Ավետիր | մահտեսի Ներսէսեան | Տէր-Յովսէփեանց։ | (մյուս երեսին)՝ 1850-5. 1. 1856:

transl.: Mahtesy Avetik Nersessian Ter-Hovsepiants, who died an untimely death. The other face reads: 1850 to 5. 1. 1856.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.
3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (150 x 60 x 50 centimetres):

Ամփոփի աստ մարմին / Յարութիւնի Տէր-Յովեփանց, | 1835-1881:

transl.: In this grave repose the remains of Harutiun Ter-Hovsepiants, 1835 to 1881.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

4 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble tombstone (70 x 22 x 35 centimetres):

Յայմ տապանի գտանի / մարմին որդոյ՝ Յուսփի / մահտեսի Պետրոսեանցի / քնքուշ Արմաղին, 1882:

transl.: In this grave repose the remains of Mahtesy Hosep Petrossiants' son, affectionate Armad, 1882.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (110 x 50 x 25 centimetres):

Այս է շիրիմ Տէր Յուսփանց Յոհանէսի / որի՝ Սիրալյին, վիս. 1888 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Hovhannes Ter-Hovsepiants' son Michael [who] died in 1888.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (140 x 70 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Տէր Յուսփանց / Սարգսի կին՝ Մարքաղին, վիս. 1891:

transl.: In this grave reposes Sargis Ter-Hovsepiants' wife Maktagh [who] died in 1891.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a rectangular tombstone (160 x 45 x 38 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Յուսփի Գրիգորեան / Տէր Յուսփանց, վիս. 1900 ք.:

transl.: In this grave reposes Hovsep Grigorian Ter-Hovsepiants [who] died in 1900.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## TER-MICHAELIANTS

Carved on a tombstone:

Անդրեաս քահանայ / Տէր-Սիրայլեանց: / (մյուս երեսին)՝ 1829-1894:

transl.: Priest Andreas Ter-Michaeliants. The other face reads: 1829 to 1894.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

Engraved on a tombstone:

Տիկին Ուսթան / Տէր-Սիրայլեանց: / (մյուս երեսին)՝ 1836-1901:

transl.: Lady Sultan Ter-Michaeliants. The other face reads: 1836 to 1901.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

4 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (97 x 24 x 50 centimetres):

Մահարձան Երուանդանոչի / Տէր-Երուանդեան Տէր-Սիրայ / (մյուս երեսին) էլեանց, ծնա 4. 12. 1894 ամի, / վախճանեցաւ 7. 8. 1901 ամի:

transl.: This funerary memorial [stands in memory of] Yeruandanuysh Ter-Yervandian Ter-Micha (on the other face) eliants. Born on 4. 12. 1894, she died on 7. 8. 1901.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## TER-MKRTCHIANTS

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a khachkar lying as a tombstone (175 x 65 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Պարսե/ղի որդի Տ(է)ր Սկրտչի/ն Ո-ՃԿԵ (1716):

transl.: In this grave reposes Parsegh's son, Father Mkrtich, 1716.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a white marble tombstone (115 x 48 x 29 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Տէր Սկրտչանց / Յարութիւնի որդի՝ Թաքէվոսին: / (Մյուս երեսին)՝ 18 ամաց վիս. 1883 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Harutiun Ter-Mkrtchiants' son Tatevos. The other face reads: Died at the age of 18 in the year 1883.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

5 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (47 x 15 x 43 centimetres):

Ամի 1889, / այս է տապան / Ս(ա)հակ Խաչատու/րեան Տէր-Սկրտիչ/եանց որդի՝ Թեւանի:

transl.: 1889. In this grave reposes Sahak Kha-chaturian Ter-Mkrtchiants' son Tevan.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (132 x 30 x 55 centimetres):

Այս է շիրիմ Տէր Սկրտչեանց / Յարութիւնի որդի Խաչատուրին / վախճանեցաւ 1891 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Harutiun Ter-Mkrtchiants' son Khachatur [who] died in the year 1891.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## TER-SAHAKIANTS

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (175 x 45 x 75 centimetres):
Այս է տապան Յոհաննէսի Մովլէսեան Տէր-Սահակեանց, վախճանեցաւ 19 պարիլի 1896 ամի: | (մյուս երեսին)՝ Կարդացողն ասէ Ա(ստուա)ծ ոդորմի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Hovhannes Movssessian Ter-Sahakians [who] died on 19 April 1896. The other face reads: May those who read this remember him in their prayers.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

5 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (150 x 40 x 65 centimetres):

Արգիս, որդին եմ՝ Յարուքին Սահակեանցի, | դառդիս դարման չի ճարեցի, | ծլած ծախգած քառամեցի, | յիշէցէք Աստուած ոդորմեցի, | ձն. 1814 ամի, վլս. 1901:

transl.: I am Sargis, the son of Harutiun Sahakians. I did not find any remedy for my pain and faded away in the prime of life. May you pray for me. Born in the year 1814, I died in 1901.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

Note: The other face of the tombstone bears reliefs of a goniometre, a pair of dividers and a carpenter with a plane in his hand.

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble tombstone (67 x 22 x 41 centimetres):

Աշխէն Աետիքեան Աս/հակեան, ծն. 5. 6. 1894, վլս. 7. 21. 1894:

transl.: Ashkhen Avetikian Sahakian. Born on 5. 6. 1894, she died on 7. 21. 1894.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## TER-YEPISKOPOSSIANTS

7 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (184 x 37 x 65 centimetres):

Այս տապանի տակ կը հանգչի Տէր-Պողոս քահանայ | Եպիսկոպոսեանցի կին՝ Թագուիի Տէր-Պետրոսեան Եպիսկո/պոսեանցը, մայր՝ անդրանիկ համալսարանականի | Բանանցոյ՝ Արամի, ծ. 1840 ք., վախճան. 1901 ք.: | (մյուս երեսին)՝ Սիրելի զաւակունք իմ, ձեր փոխաղարձ սերն ու միաբանու|քիւնը կը լինի յախտենական երանելի յուշարձան ինձ | համար, ուստի միշտ սիրեցէք միմեանց:

transl.: Beneath this grave[stone] reposes Priest Poghos Yepiskopossians' wife Taguhi Ter-Petrossian Yepiskopossians, the mother of Banants' first university graduate Aram. Born in 1840, she died in 1901. The other face reads: My dear children, your mutual love and unity will comfort my soul forever; so please, always love each other.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

5 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (172 x 50 x 65 centimetres):

Այս տապանի տակ կը հանգչի Բանանցի առաջի համալսարանական Խարկովի ֆակուլտետի ուսանող ու այնու|հետեւ քննիչ ու հաշտարար դատաւորի օգնական | (մյուս երեսին)՝ Արամ Տէր-Պողոսեան Եպիսկոպոսեանցը, | ծնվել է 1862 ամի, վախճանվել 1892 ամի:

transl.: Beneath this grave[stone] reposes Banants' first university graduate, Kharkov University alumnus, investigator and assistant of justice of peace (on the other side) Aram Ter-Poghossian Yepiskopossians. Born in the year 1862, he died in 1892.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (140 x 30 x 60 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Արտաշէս | Տէր-Պողոսեան Եպիսկոպոսեանցի, | ծնվել է 1879 ք., վախ. 1894-ին:

transl.: In this grave reposes Artashes Ter-Poghossian Yepiskopossians. Born in 1879, he died in 1894.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## THOROSSIANTS

6 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (170 x 57 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան | Թորոսանց | S(է)ր Աւքի | որդի Օհան|խին, | ՈՄԿԳ (1814):

transl.: In this grave reposes Father Avag Tho-rossants' son Ohanes, 1814.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (160 x 53 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Թորոսանց Ունանի կողակից՝ Ճավահիրին, վախ. 1819:

transl.: In this grave reposes Unan Tho-rossants' spouse Javahir [who] died in 1819.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a rectangular tombstone (53 x 17 x 42 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Թորոսանց | Ունանի որդի Մար|դիրոսին, վլս. 1890:

transl.: In this grave reposes Unan Tho-rossants' son Martiros [who] died in 1890.

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (48 x 18 x 38 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Թորոսանց Ունանի դուստր՝ | Ատպետին, վլս. 1892:
transl.: In this grave reposes Unan Thorosants' daughter Sapet [who] died in 1892.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

4 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (45 x 20 x 42 centimetres):

Այս է տապան | Թորոսանց Ունանի | դուստր՝ Խարունին | վախ. 1892 ամի։

transl.: In this grave reposes Unan Thorosants' daughter Khatun [who] died in the year 1892.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

4 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (44 x 19 x 35 centimetres):

Այս է տապան | Թորոսանց Ունանի | դուստր՝ Անդուխստին | վխ. 1894:

transl.: In this grave reposes Unan Thorosants' daughter Sandukht [who] died in 1894.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

## TZAPOVIANTS

17 lines in the Armenian original carved on a rectangular tombstone (180 x 60 x 50 centimetres):

Պարտէզ ձաղկեալ | ի մեջ երկրի | մարմին քոյոյ Կարապետի, հոչակելցար ու մահտեսի | եւ երաժիշտ գեր գովելի, | ուքսուն ամաց ժամանակի | քնակի յարդ յաշխարհի | քրիստոսուղիր աստիճանի | արժանացար նորին շնորհի | եղերորդ S(է)ր Գրիգորի | սեռ քրեպաշտ մեծ Ծ(ա)պ(ն)վի | կնքեցար յայս դամքարանս | S(է)ր Ա(սուուա)ծ մեր քեզ ողորմի, | ՈՒՄՂԵ (1846) քոյն | մարտի ԻԴ (24) օրն | վիրապ կիրակի:

transl.: May flowers decorate your grave, Karapet, a famous mahtesy and praiseworthy musician. You lived on this earth for eighty years... *one of the descendants of pious believer Tzapov. May God have mercy upon you, Sunday, 24 March 1846.*

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

6 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (140 x 57 x 20 centimetres):

Այս է տապան | Ծապովեանց | մահտեսի Կար(ա)պետի կողակից` | ՀոՌԱՍԻՆԻՆԻ | 185...:

transl.: In this grave reposes Mahtesy Karapet Tzapoviants' spouse Hripsime, 185...

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

4 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (110 x 55 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Ծապովեանց | Յովհաննէսի կողակից` | Սառային, | 1854:

transl.: In this grave reposes Hovhannes Tzapoviants' spouse Sarah, 1854.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

## VAHANIANTS

5 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (155 x 60 x 30 centimetres):

Այս է դապան | Վահանանց Արաքէլի որրի | Sէր Հ...ին ք(հ)տ | ՈՄԾ (1801):

transl.: In this grave reposes Vahanants Arakel's son, Father H... in the year 1801.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 2, p. 14.

## VANUNTS (VANIANTS)

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (165 x 30 x 70 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Խաչատուրի | որդի՝ Գրիգորին, վխ. 1884 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Khachatur's son Grigor [who] died in the year 1884.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (60 x 15 x 35 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Վանուլց Ավագիմի դուստր` | Շուշանիկին, 1887:

transl.: In this grave reposes Avagim Vanunts' daughter Shushanik, 1887.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a white marble tombstone (140 x 38 x 65 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Վանեանց | Պողոսի որդի՝ Սողոմոնին: | (մյուս երեսին)՝ ծ. 18. 4. 1848, վխ. 15. 1. 1886 ք.:

transl.: In this grave reposes Poghos Vaniants' son Soghomon. The other face reads: Born on 18. 4. 1848, he died on 15. 1. 1886.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (135 x 40 x 58 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Վանեանց Սողօմոնի | կին՝ Եղիսապէդին: | (մյուս երեսին)՝ 13. 5. 1858 - 26. 6. 1886:

transl.: In this grave reposes Soghomon Vaniants' wife Yeghisabet. The other face reads: 13. 5. 1858 to 26. 6. 1886.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## VARDAPETIANTS

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (165 x 45 x 42 centimetres):
Այստ տապան ամփոփեալ դնի մարմին | Վարդանի, որդի եմ` Սկրտչի | Վարդապէտեանց, վիճն. 1872 ամի։

transl.: In this grave lie interred the remains of Vardan, who is the son of Mkrtich Vardapetians. Died in the year 1872.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

4 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone of white limestone (95 x 35 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապանն Զանի, որ է դուստր | Եփրէ-մի Վարդապէտեանց։ | (մյուս երեսին)՝ Ծնաւ 2-ն յունւարի 1884 | եւ վախճ, 18-ն փետրվարի 1887:

transl.: In this grave reposes Zan, who is the daughter of Yeprem Vardapetians. The other face reads: She was born on 2 January 1884 and died on 18 February 1887.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone of porous pumice (125 x 38 x 55 centimetres):

Այս է շրիմ Վարդապէտեանց | Նաւասարդի կին՝ Վարդին, | վախ. 1886 ամի։

transl.: In this grave reposes Navasard Vardapetians' wife Vard [who] died in 1886.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone of porous pumice (170 x 30 x 50 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Վարդապէտեանց Նաւա-/սարդի 2-րդ կին՝ Վարդին, վս. 5. 2. 1905 թ.:

transl.: In this grave reposes Navasard Vardapetians' second wife Vard [who] died on 5. 2. 1905.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

## VARDAZARIANTS

6 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone (153 x 38 x 36 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Մարքէոս Յարուրիւնեան Վարդագարեանցի, ձ. 1831, վիս. 1. 10. 1901: | (մյուս երեսին)՝ Այստեղ կհանգչի... | որր բողած վայելիք կեանք | մնաց միշտ հեզ, համեստ, բարի | անուն բողեց առաքինի։

transl.: In this grave reposes Mateos Harutiunian Vardazariants. Born in 1831, he died on 1. 10. 1901. The other face reads: In this grave reposes... who ignored the blessings of life and remained ever humble and modest, earning himself the reputation of a righteous man.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

Below follow some epitaphs pertaining to unknown families:

4 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (170 x 40 x 55 centimetres):

Այս է տապ/ան Տ(է)ր Աւէտիսին, թվ(ին) | Ո-ՄԸ (1809):

transl.: In this grave reposes Father Avetis, in the year 1809.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

8 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (180 x 58 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տապան | Տէր Պօդոսի դուստր՝ Զանագանի | որդի՝ Ստեփանն/ան, որ իմ մայր | Զանագանն՝ աջո/կողմիս է թ(ա)ղե(ա)լ, | Ո-ՄԿ (1811):

transl.: In this grave reposes Stepan, the son of Priest Poghos' daughter Zanazan, my mother Zanazan being buried on my right side. 1811.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

Incised into a tombstone (120 x 50 centimetres):

Այս է տապան | Կափոէլ, Վա| ... որդի Ս|...:

transl.: In this grave reposes Kaprel...

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

6 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a tombstone (150 x 56 centimetres):

Այս է տապան | Թէլին... | ...Տէր | Դաւիքին | կողակից | Ո-ՄԿԳ (1814):

transl.: In this grave reposes Tel... Father David ... 1814.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone of porous pumice (154 x 39 x 42 centimetres):

Այս է տապան Փրիեցի Երիցանց Առ/աքէլին, վս. 2. 14. 1894:

transl.: In this grave reposes Pib inhabitant Arakel Yeritsants [who] died on 2. 14. 1894.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

Incised into a red tombstone (160 x 59 x 28 centimetres):

... | ... Կարապէտի որդի` Գրիգորին, վիս. 1891:

transl.: ...To Karapet's son Grigor [who] died in 1891.

The Armenian original published in: “Gardmank,” 1996, No. 3, p. 14.

The chapel of Khelpants Khach,<fnref n="164" /> a vaulted building of undressed stone and mortar dating from the 18th century, is located in the centre of the village. Its walls bear some khachkars and fragments of other crossstones, one of which is remarkable for a relief representing the Crucifixion (1556).

<footnote n="164">164 ‘Khelpants’ is the name of the Khalapiants’ family, distorted in the village dialect. ‘Khach’ is the Armenian equivalent for ‘Cross,’ so ‘Khelpants Khach’ means ‘the Khalapiants’ Chapel.’</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_142.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_143.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_144.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_145.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_146.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_147.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. The chapel of Tzer Pap</figcaption></figure>

<caption>BANANTS. The chapel of Khelpants Khach</caption>
<figure><img src="image_148.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. The spring of Yants</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_149.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_150.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. Bnichants Spring</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_151.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_152.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. The spring of Shinutagh, 1903</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_153.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_154.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. The spring of Khach, 1904</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_155.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_156.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_157.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. A cemetery of cross-stones known as ‘Yeghetsy Hogher’</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_158.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_159.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_160.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. Stone specimen of water pipes</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_161.png" /></figure>

Tzer Pap (the Armenian equivalent for ‘Old Grand-dad’), another chapel situated in the centre of the village, shares the composition peculiarities of the aforementioned sanctuary.

The ancient site of Yeghetsy Hogher (the Armenian equivalent for ‘Church Lands’) extends at the end of the quarter of Dimats Tegh,165 on the right bank of the river Artinajur. Its remnants comprise a ruined church and a cemetery tracing back to the early Middle Ages. The latter abounds in cross-stones adorned with old-styled simple reliefs but devoid of any inscriptions: about twenty of them stood intact before 1989.

Banants is famous for its **memorial springs** chiefly based on the local waterwork, although originally there were some others whose water was conveyed from other places through clay pipes.

The main springs running in the centre of the village were as follows: Poghotsk, Yants, Kikunts (Cheghalunts) as well as Bnichants (the Banuchiants') and Ghurukh (the former was built by goldsmith Maki Kikunts).

Shinutagh and Khach, two stone springs with taps, flowed in the vicinity of the village, their water reaching them through clay pipes.

Most of the aforementioned springs were either built or repaired between the 19th and 20th centuries. The construction inscriptions of the last two of them

<footnote n="165">165 See its Armenian equivalent on page 67.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_162.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. Targmanchats Cloister seen from the southeast, south and south-west</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_163.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_164.png" /></figure>

were preserved until the Armenians' deportation of
1988 to 1989.

### Shinutagh Spring:

Յոհանես Սիրգաեանցս եւ կին Սեհրին շինիլ
դվինք այս աղբիւրը մեր արդունքովը, 1903:

transl.: I, Hovhannes Mirzayants, and my wife
Sehri had this spring built with our own
means, 1903.

Published for the first time.

### Khach Spring:

5 lines in the Armenian original incised into a marble slab:

Վաղաքառամ Սիրքայէլ 29 ամաց Յովհան-
նիսեան Գէորգեանցի յիշատակին աղբիւր
շինեց հայրը, 1904 ք.:

transl.: The father built this spring in memory
of Michael Hovhannissian Gevorgiants, who died
an untimely death at the age of 29, 1904.

Published for the first time.

Targmanchats Cloister, which is surrounded by
picturesque, wooded mountains, is situated on the
slope of a gorge lying on the right bank of the stream
Bolorajur (Bolorants), a kilometre south of Banants.

The monastic complex, whose foundation is traditionally dated back to the 5th century,<fnref n="166" /> consists of a

single-nave vaulted church, a gavit of the same composition standing west of it and a small vestibule leading to the latter and adjoining it in the west. A double-storey belfry, built of finely-dressed stone, abuts on the gavit in the south and leads to the main entrance of the church. North of the church can be seen a hall that served as a vestry.

Five metres east of the church, some monks' dwellings stand side by side in an east-west-facing direction. They represent six vaulted rooms each of which has an entrance and a window opening from the western facade. In the south-eastern corner of these abodes, a vaulted refectory stretches from the north to the south. In the south, it is adjoined by another similar building which is, probably, a kitchen.

In the north-east of the cloister, a vaulted barn is located.

The neighbourhood of the sanctuary retains several other ruined structures.

The monks' habitations share the construction and stylistic peculiarities of the church and gavit, which suggests that they date from the same year (1630). The barn and refectory were erected under Archimandrite Stepanos in the 1830s: "Prior Stepanos the Archimandrite founded a long refectory, a barn and several cells for the members of the monastic community..."<fnref n="167" />

<footnote n="166">166 "Nor-Dar," 1892, No. 170, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="167">167 Ibid.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_165.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_166.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. The belfry of Targmanchats Cloister seen from the east. The frame of a window opening from the eastern facade of the church, and the plan of the cloister</figcaption></figure>
<figure><img src="image_167.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. An interior view of the church of Targmanchats Cloister, its eastern facade and northerly section together with measurements</figcaption></figure>
<figure><img src="image_168.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_169.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_170.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. The western entrance of the church of Targmanchats Cloister and inscriptions engraved on the walls of the belfry</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_171.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_172.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_173.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. The monastic cells and hatsatun (a building where bread is baked and kept) of Targmanchats Cloister</figcaption></figure>
<figure><img src="image_174.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_175.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_176.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_177.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_178.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. Cross-stones found inside the church of Targmanchats Cloister</figcaption></figure>

In 1845 the first of the rooms was repaired at 15 rubles.<fnref n="168" />

As stated by an archive document of 1847, the cloister “...has six rooms located within its ramparts”<fnref n="169" /> (evidently, the monks' abodes are meant).

Doomed to continual neglect and deterioration for a long time, the buildings of the monastic complex eventually appeared on the verge of final collapse in the 1880s: “...at present the cloister is in utter dilapidation, with its cells, cattle-shed, storehouse and annexe partly lying in cracks and ruins. The nearby barns merely represent a disorderly heap...”<fnref n="170" />

*Priors.* Bishop Yeprem is mentioned in 1772.<fnref n="171" />

The cloister prospered under Bishop Gabriel Harutiunian Teriants, who ordained many clergymen from the nearby and remote villages as parish priests.

The epitaph of his tombstone, which used to lie near the belfry, reads:

Այս է տապան Տէրունց Յարուրիւնի որդի
Գարիէլ եպիսկոպոսին, 60 ամ վանահայր էր
սա անապատիս, 96 ամեայ էր, որ փոխեցաւ
ան Քրիստոն` 2. 13. 1831. Ո-ՄԱ:

transl.: In this grave reposes Harutiun Terunts' son, Bishop Gabriel. He served as prior of this cloister for 60 years. He was 96 years old when he departed to Christ on 2. 13. 1831.

<footnote n="168">168 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3811, p. 22.</footnote>

<footnote n="169">169 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3814, pp. 108-109.</footnote>

<footnote n="170">170 “Mshak,” 1888, No. 75, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="171">171 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 5901, p. 1.</footnote>
The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants, M.**
Artsakh, p. 285.

Note: Indeed, Bishop Gabriel held the post of Father Superior for a long time, but not for 60 years, as alleged in this epitaph. According to it, he must have assumed service in 1771, but a record of 1772 makes reference to Bishop Yeprem as Prior of the cloister.

"The monastery and its estates thrived..." under *Archimandrite Stepanos Baliants* in the 1830s.<fnref n="172" />

*Coenobite Grigor Ter-Hovhannissiants* served as Father Superior in 1839.<fnref n="173" />

In 1849 Archimandrite Hovhannes was succeeded by Archimandrite Sargis.<fnref n="174" />

Targmanchats Cloister enjoyed bloom and prosperity under *Archimandrite Sargis Azariants Tpkhisetsy*, a strange clergyman who lived a life of an ascetic: “Throughout the 30 years of his service in Banants Cloister, never did he go to the village lest he might come across a woman there. When pilgrims visited the sanctuary, he consigned himself to the privacy of a dark cave now called *Ignavori Khoots*<fnref n="175" /> and stayed there for many days until the believers left.”<fnref n="176" />

The prior, whose eremitical mode of life had earned him the name of Kyandagirmaz (i.e. 'One who does not go to the village'), served in Targmanchats Cloister until the 1870s. Father Superior Sargis, who is mentioned in an archive document of 1864,<fnref n="177" /> spent the last years of his life in Karhan Monastery located near Mirzik. There he consigned his soul to God in 1877 at the age of 96.<fnref n="178" />

For more than a decade, the cloister did not have a prior, "...sexton Martiros Ghalechiants from Gandzak living there all by himself and protecting it..."<fnref n="179" /> all that time.

*Archimandrite Gevorg Ter-Hovhannessiants* took up the post of prior in 1892: "Realizing the inconsolable state of their cloister, last September the inhabitants of Banants invited the Reverend Gevorg Ter-Hovhannessiants, an archimandrite from Sevan Monastery, to serve as its Father Superior. It was absolutely devoid of interior ornamentation..."<fnref n="180" />

<figure><img src="image_179.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_180.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_181.png" /><figcaption>**BANANTS.** Above: a fragment found in the sanctuary of Dzernavor. Below: cross-stones preserved in the ancient site of Mandur</figcaption></figure>

In 1874 a boys' school functioned in Targmanchats Cloister.<fnref n="181" />

**Estates.** In the 1830s, the sanctuary had "...between 80 and 90 oravars of arable land tilled by its own 8 pairs of oxen. It also possessed a garden, a large thick wood as well as cows, mules and a great number of bees."<fnref n="182" />

In 1840 the monastic estates comprised an orchard and 20 oravars of land.<fnref n="183" /> In 1856 "The dominions of the cloister include *Hovi Gorge*, *Khachi Hogh* and the stream Voskatel Arakyal in the east; *Khurji Hogh and Karmir Kar*<fnref n="184" /> located above the old monastery in the west; the main road leading to Naltokan and Sorekategher in the south as well as *Hotatz Spring* and a chapel below *Teghvana Kar* in the north."<fnref n="185" />

Note: *Hovi Gorge*, *Khachi Hogh*, *Khurji Hogh* and *Teghvana Kar* were plots of land belonging to the village.

<footnote n="172">172 "Nor-Dar," 1892, No. 170, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="173">173 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 457, p. 8.</footnote>

<footnote n="174">174 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3818, p. 99.</footnote>

<footnote n="175">175 The Armenian equivalent for 'Hermit's Cell.'</footnote>

<footnote n="176">176 "Mshak," 1888, No. 75, p. 2. Another record states, "For a long time, the spiritual leader of the monastery was Archimandrite Sargis Tpkhisetsy, who was known by the name of 'Kyandagirmaz' among the people of neighbourhood. That misanthropic clergyman could never be seen in the villages, for he avoided meeting women" ("Ardzagank," 1886, No. 20, p. 295).</footnote>

<footnote n="177">177 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list1, file 3843, p. 7.</footnote>

<footnote n="178">178 See his epitaph on page 427 of this book.</footnote>

<footnote n="179">179 "Nor-Dar," 1890, No. 123, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="180">180 "Nor-Dar," 1892, No. 170, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="181">181 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 3, file 52, p. 28.</footnote>

<footnote n="182">182 "Nor-Dar," 1892, No. 170, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="183">183 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list1, file 3798, p. 63.</footnote>

<footnote n="184">184 'Karmir Kar' is the Armenian equivalent for 'Red Stone.' 'Hotatz' is that for 'Rotten.'</footnote>

<footnote n="185">185 Idem, file 3828, pp. 112, 114-117, 118-121.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_182.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. Cross-stones from the ancient site of Khendzori Aghbyur (1087, 10th to 11th cents., 16th cent.)</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_183.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. Cross-stones from the site of Shen'i Hand (10th to 11th cents.)</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_184.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. Cross-stones from the ancient sites of Mknatami Khach (16th cent.), Khendzori Aghbyur (16th to 17th cents.) and Aknidzor (1101)</figcaption></figure>
<figure><img src="image_185.png" /><figcaption>BANANTS. A settlement site of the late Bronze Age and a semi-ruined church in the site of Yekeghetsadzor</figcaption></figure>

In 1886 the monastic estates were limited to a vineyard and some arable lands.<fnref n="186" />

**Ancient Sites Adjacent to Banants.** Three kilometres north-west of the village could be found two khachkars. One of them was dated 1087 and set above **Khendzori Aghbyur** (the Armenian equivalent for 'Spring of Apple'). The other traced back to 1584 and was broken in two. In 1986 M. Chalumian moved the latter to Sourb Astvatzatzin Church of the village.

Below follow the inscriptions carved on these cross-stones:

Θύ(հի) ՀԼՔ (1087):

transl.: *In the year 1087.*

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, p. 11.

Θύ(հի) / Ո-/ԼԳ (1584):

transl.: *In the year 1584.*

Published for the first time.

<footnote n="186">186 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 18, file 138, pp. 100-101.</footnote>
**The sanctuary of Dzernavor (Tzernver)** is located 0.7 kilometre south of Targmanchats Cloister, 1.5 kilometres south of Banants. Its remnants comprise the ruins of a chapel, including some finely-dressed stones one of which bears the Armenian letters ‘Up.,’ i.e. ‘St.’

**Mandur** is another ancient site situated on the east-facing slope of a gorge lying on the left bank of the stream Bolorajur, opposite the aforementioned cloister. Its remains comprise the ruins of a chapel and some cross-stones dating from the 9th to 11th centuries (they are bare of inscriptions).

The ancient site of **Aghkhachi Gah**,<fnref n="187" /> called after a mountain summit (1,473 metres) of the same name, is located 2.5 kilometres north-west of Banants. A solitary cross-stone comprised all that had survived out of the sanctuary before 1988.

Before 1988, two khachkars were preserved in the sacred site of **Nahatak** (the Armenian equivalent for ‘Martyr’) located below Khendzori Aghbyur.

**Plati Ser**, called after a mountain peak (1,381 metres) of the same name, is situated 3 kilometres north-west of Banants. Before 1988 two cross-stones could be seen there.

**Yekeghetsadzor** extends in an area between forest and alpine zones, 6.5 kilometres south-west of Banants. It includes a church, a bridge, some tombs, a cemetery of cross-stones as well as the site of a once inhabited locality dating from the Bronze Age, and a village site tracing back to the early Middle Ages.

The church (exterior dimensions: 10.00 x 5.20 metres, or 7.66 metres, including the vestry), which is built of undressed stone and mortar, has an entrance opening from its southern facade. It is in a semi-ruined state, with its walls preserved to a height of 2 metres. The aforementioned vestry, whose entrance opens in the west, adjoins the sanctuary in the south.

A small cemetery, lying in the north-west of this church, retains several cross-stones whose stylistic peculiarities trace them back to the 10th to 11th centuries (they are bare of inscriptions).

**The Memorial Dedicated to the Victims of World War II.** Banants participated in World War II with 1,200 of its inhabitants, 600 of whom sacrificed their lives on the battle-field. In perpetuation of their memory, in 1969 a monument, designed by architects Rafayel Israyelian and Ara Harutiunian, was erected on a nearby elevation called ‘Dimats Tegh.’¹⁸⁸ It consisted of a finely-cut pillar and a pedestal, the former engraved with 5th-century Armenian historiographer Yeghishe’s well-known words, “Death not realized is death indeed, but death realized is immortality.” The latter bore an eagle with its wings outstretched as a

symbol of valour and love for freedom. However, on 26 July 1969, i.e. two days before its solemn opening, the memorial fell prey to a criminal plot schemed by Suleymanov, First Secretary of Dashkesan District’s Committee of Azerbaijan’s Communist Party. A record states the following with this regard, “The entire village, imbued with the feeling of having somehow fulfilled its sacred duty towards its killed sons, was looking forward to the opening of the memorial with the uttermost excitement. The monument, covered with a piece of white cloth, was to open in two days, many guests having been invited from Yerevan, Moscow, Baku and other places. Alas, very soon Banants Armenians were to wish the dawn of the following day had not broken over their village. Hardly had the sinister darkness lifted from the village when unspeakable tumult permeated through the village and some ill news spread everywhere, shocking the local inhabitants like a bolt from the blue, ‘The monument has been destroyed!’”

“Within several minutes, Dimats Tegh was overcrowded by a vast multitude of sleepy, panic-stricken people, and what should they see! Only the pillar of the memorial stood before their eyes, whereas the eagle had disappeared, its broken fragments lying near the pedestal...

“...Soon Banants Armenians learnt what had really happened. On the order of Suleymanov, First Secretary of Dashkesan District’s Committee of Azerbaijan’s Communist Party, at 4 o’clock at night, the lights were turned off in the entire district. Taking advantage of the darkness, a group of villains stealthily slipped into the village, accompanied by a number of policemen, including the chief of police, the chairman of the local collective farm and the secretary of a party organization training and educating future Communists, Suleymanov himself heading the operation. ...Hardly feeling his way in the darkness, their chauffeur somehow managed to put the rope they had brought with them around the eagle’s neck and removed it by a crane. Suddenly, however, the rope cut off and the stone bird fell down: the bandits had not reckoned with the fact that the eagle weighed more than eight tons. Anyway, they somehow took it away.”¹⁸⁹

<footnote n="187">¹⁸⁷ ‘Aghkhach’ is the Armenian equivalent for ‘White Cross,’ and ‘Gah’ is that for ‘Throne.’

¹⁸⁸ See its English equivalent on page 67.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_186.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_187.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_188.png" /></figure>

Residents of Banants. Above, left: Stepan Ter-Avetikian; right: Vazgen Ter-Avetikian (sitting above) and Stepan Ter-Avetikian with Lusik Vazgen Ter-Avetikian in his arms. Below, sitting: Poghos Poghossian (Kachal), Atanes Tnisants, Maki Ohanian (Sayunts); standing: Sargis Badalian (Muradants), Hovhannes Anton Seyranian (Bor-bor) and Stepan Ton Tonian (his father moved to Banants from Tonashen Village of Jraberd). Photo 1908
<figure><img src="image_189.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_190.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_191.png" /><figcaption>Residents of Banants. Above, left: Grigor Ohanian (Tatoghli); right: a warrior (1918). Below: the fighters of Colonel Yegor Ter-Avetikian</figcaption></figure>
<figure><img src="image_192.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_193.png" /><figcaption>CHANAKHCHI (HAMASRABAK). The church of the village and its plan</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_194.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_195.png" /><figcaption>CHANAKHCHI (HAMASRABAK). The church of the village and its plan</figcaption></figure>

**Outstanding Personalities from Banants in Origin.** Melik Melikian (born in 1868, he died in Baku in 1918) was a famous revolutionary known by the pseudonym of ‘Dedushka,’ i.e. the Russian equivalent for ‘Grand-father.’ A bust, set up in the north-eastern part of Banants, keeps his memory alive in his fellow villagers’ hearts.

Stepan Ter-Avetikiants (1868 to 1937), who was also known by the name of Banantsetsy, i.e. ‘an inhabitant of Banants,’ was a publicist, writer (his works were mainly based on village themes) and a public figure. Graduating from Tiflis’ Teachers Training Institute in 1889, he worked as a teacher and an inspector in Pyatigorsk as well as Karabakh, Gandzak and Tiflis Uyezds of Yelizavetpol Province. Stepan Ter-Avetikiants, whom the peasantry of Yelizavetpol Province elected as deputy of the Second State Duma in 1907,<fnref n="190" /> also collaborated with a great number of newspapers as a correspondent.<fnref n="191" />

Arshak Tonian (1888 to 1942), a graduate of Echmiatzin Gevorgian Jemaran<fnref n="192" /> (1906) and Halle University (1914), was a pedagogue, a mathematician and a lexicographer. From 1909 until 1910, he taught Mathematics in the diocese school of Shushi (at present a city in the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh). In 1914 to 1921, he worked in Tiflis’ Nersissian and Hovnanian Schools, continuing his activity in Yerevan State University between 1921 and 1937.<fnref n="193" />

In the mid-19th century, therapeutist Mekhak Ter-Michaelian, engineer Levon Ter-Michaelian, lawyer Hovhannes Israyelian and others were distinguished in Banants.

## CHANAKHCHI (HAMASRABAK)

**Location.** The village is situated on both banks of the river Gandzak, 13 kilometres south-east of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,370 to 1,470 metres above sea level.

**A Historical Introduction.** The earliest of the available records on the village mentions it in 1617 in connection with a manuscript created by David of Shatakh: “In St. Stepanos Church of Hamasrabak Vil-

<footnote n="190">190 Soviet Armenian Encyclopedia, vol. 11, Yerevan, 1985, p. 663.</footnote>

<footnote n="191">191 St. Ter-Avetikian is the author of a number of works in Armenian, including “Kap Brnogh” (“Luma,” 1896, part 2, pp. 229-248); “Mer Terc” (“Luma,” 1897, part 1, pp. 97-132); “Hayr Surb” (“Luma,” 1897, part 2, pp. 187-221); “Zpogh” (“Luma,” 1898, part 1, pp. 160-190), etc.</footnote>

<footnote n="192">192 Jemaran is an institution of higher education.</footnote>

<footnote n="193">193 Soviet Armenian Encyclopedia, vol. 12, Yerevan, 1986, p. 59.</footnote>
lage, which lies in the gorge of Gyanja in Gandzak District.”<fnref n="194" />

Further reference to the village is found in a bull issued by Catholicos Pilippos (1632 to 1655): “...The churches and priests of Mirzik, Voskanapat, ...Tsentzahal, Getamij and *Hamasrabak*...”<fnref n="195" />

The location of Hamasrabak (“...in the gorge of Gyanja...”) and the sequence of the villages enumerated give us grounds to conclude that present-day Chanakhchi, which abounds in medieval monuments, is identical to the historical village of Hamasrabak.

**Population.** By the early 1890s, Hamasrabak had already been re-inhabited by the Turks: “...the Turkish villages of Tzakarashen, Koshka, Tsentzahal, Hamasrabak and Mertsna...”<fnref n="196" />

The local people totaled 240¹⁹⁷ in 1908, and 405 in 1914.<fnref n="198" />

As attested by the colophon of the aforementioned manuscript, Hamasrabak had a **parish church** dedicated to St. Stepanos. Most presumably, it used to be situated in the centre of the village, but its location can hardly be traced, for it has been totally annihilated.

**Two chapels** stand not far from each other at the flat top of a lofty, steep mountain rising in the south of the village. One of them (exterior dimensions: 6.80 x 4.20 metres), preserved under the canopy of a huge oak-tree, dates back to the period between the 16th and 17th centuries. It represents a single-nave vaulted structure, with its entrance in the west, and its only window opening in the east, i.e. into the rectangular bema. The sanctuary is built of undressed stone and mortar. Its walls and entrance tympanum are absolutely bare of any inscriptions.

The only remnants of the other chapel comprise its walls, which are preserved to a height of 2 metres, their surviving parts being bare of any inscriptions. It represented a uni-nave vaulted structure, with its entrance in the west, and its only window opening in the east, i.e. into the horseshoe-shaped bema. The sanctuary, whose construction peculiarities trace it back to the 12th to 13th centuries, was built of undressed blocks of stone and mortar.

## COBALT

The village whose name derives from the adjacent mines of cobalt is located on the slope of a gorge lying on the right bank of the river Artinajur, opposite Nerkin Karhat, 2 kilometres east of the district centre.

In the late 1880s, Siemens German Company strove hard to gain possession of the aforementioned mines.

However, there was another person claiming to their exploitation so that the parties had to apply to a law-court. The case was settled in behalf of merchant N. Ter-Nersissiants, an inhabitant of Gandzak and the custodian of Khachakap's Sourd Targmanchats Monastery. With that regard, he wrote the following in a letter (1890) addressed to Catholicos of All Armenians Makar I, “...I have found some precious cobalt mines in Gandzak District. Although the representative of the Siemens brothers applied every possible foul means, including bribery and various plots, in order to seize them from me, I did manage to win the case by the grace of the Holy Translators and thanks to Your Holiness' prayers. Having been finally approved as the proprietor of these mines, I have been granted permission to build a mill there and export cobalt...”<fnref n="199" />

## DARDERE

This Turkish village lies 8 kilometres south-east of the district centre, between 1,580 and 1,750 metres of altitude above sea level.

It was established in the early 20th century, when some stock-breeding tribes changed to a sedentary mode of life in the territory of a derelict Armenian village.

The local inhabitants amounted to 292 in 1908,²⁰⁰and 227 in 1914.<fnref n="201" />

## DASHKESAN

The village extends 28 kilometres south-west of Gandzak, at an altitude of 1,550 to 1,700 metres above sea level.

The administrative centre of the district of the same name, it was established in the Soviet years and was granted municipal status in 1948.

Before the 1970s, Dashkesan was mostly inhabited by the Armenians, but later the number of the Turks gradually increased there. It was totally stripped of its Armenian population during the forced deportation of 1988 to 1989.

## DASTAPOR

**Location.** The village is situated on the south-facing slope of a gorge lying on the left bank of the Dastapor, i.e. the left tributary of the river Gandzak, 12 kilometres south-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,250 to 1,330 metres above sea level.

**A Historical Introduction.** As attested by two manuscripts created by a clergyman named Sargis, it was called Dastapyur in the second half of the 17th

<footnote n="194">¹⁹⁴ Colophons, 17th century, vol. 1, p. 613.</footnote>

<footnote n="195">¹⁹⁵ *Barkhutariants, M.*, Artsakh, p. 48.</footnote>

<footnote n="196">¹⁹⁶ Ibid. (note).</footnote>

<footnote n="197">¹⁹⁷ Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 410.</footnote>

<footnote n="198">¹⁹⁸ Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 204.</footnote>

<footnote n="199">¹⁹⁹ National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 18, file 31, p. 94.</footnote>

<footnote n="200">²⁰⁰ Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 237.</footnote>

<footnote n="201">²⁰¹ Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 122.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_196.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_197.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_198.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_199.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_200.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_201.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_202.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_203.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_204.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_205.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_206.png" /><figcaption>DASTAPOR. The village seen from the south; the village site of Hin Dastapor; partial views of the village and its cemetery; the church preserved in the village site from the south-west, south-east and east; a partial view of the southern facade of the church; its interior, plan and some khachkars</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_207.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_208.png" /></figure>

century. One of them is a Gospel written between 1671 and 1673 for a certain Yearamish,<fnref n="202" /> and the other a *Mashtots* dating from 1673 to 1674.<fnref n="203" />

Dastapor retains a 17th-century spacious **church** whose large dimensions indicate that it used to serve a

village with a population between at least 2,000 and 3,000. The existence of another smaller church and several cemeteries extending not far from each other (they predominantly comprise undressed tombstones) attests that it was truly a populous village.

**Population.** Stripped of its Armenian inhabitants in the mid-18th century, Dastapor remained deserted for about a century. In the second half of the 19th century, its site provided an encampment for a small number of

<footnote n="202">202 A Catalogue of Armenian Manuscripts..., vol. 2, manuscript No. 6476, p. 385. Also see *Barkhutarians*, M., idem, p. 264.</footnote>

<footnote n="203">203 A Catalogue of Armenian Manuscripts..., vol. 2, manuscript No. 3576.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_209.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_210.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_211.png" /><figcaption>DASTAPOR. The other church of the village seen from the west and south. Its plan</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_212.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_213.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_214.png" /></figure>

**Archaeological Monuments.** In 1899 German archaeologist E. Resler conducted research into a great number of tumuli found in the territory of Dastapor: he revealed that they dated back to the period between the Bronze and Iron Ages.<fnref n="207" />

**Historical Monuments.** The historical village site of Dastapor extends on the southeast-facing slope of a small gorge lying about half a kilometre south-west of the present-day village of the same name. It abounds in vestiges of various buildings heaped into hills in this grave reposes and there. Mention should be made of three cemeteries, which comprise densely-lying graves, with the surviving tombstones representing undressed blocks. The village site also retains two churches located opposite each other, i.e. on both sides of the small gorge.

**The main church** of this “pair” represents a large, three-nave, vaulted structure (exterior dimensions: 24.25 x 10.90 metres) extending east-westward. It is entirely built of undressed stone and mortar, except for its most important junctions where the stones are finely-cut. The northern wall of the sanctuary, whose entrance opens in the south, outwardly clings to a bare rock. The building, whose interior is thoroughly plastered, is distinguished for its rectangular bema, adjoined by sacristies on both sides. The vault-bearing arches rest on three pairs of pillars, two of those in the southern row having been deliberately destroyed. Light

cattle-breeding Turks. 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>204</sup></td><td>223</td><td>720</td><td>651</td><td>1,371</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>205</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>1,557</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>206</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>457</td></tr></tbody></table>

<footnote n="204">204 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 80-81.</footnote>

<footnote n="205">205 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 248.</footnote>

<footnote n="206">206 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 116.</footnote>

<footnote n="207">207 Resler, E., op. cit., p. 2.</footnote>
penetrates into the monument through eight windows widening inside: three of them open from the eastern facade, one from the western (it later closed), and four from the southern one. The architectural forms of the church are marked by certain disproportion: its western wall has a slanting position, and the aisles are not of equal width.

Below follow the inscriptions preserved on some cross-stones set in the interior walls of the church:

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into the lower part of a finely-decorated khachkar (1.14 x 60 x 20 centimetres) set in the entrance facade of the northern vestry and serving as a tympanum:

Ասոր խաչս աւգնական Ուղղես աղին, բվին Ո. (1551):

transl.: May this Holy Cross help Movses Agha, in the year 1551.

Published for the first time.

Note: See the explanation of the word ‘Agha’ on page 15.

Engraved on another cross-stone (70 x 45 x 10 centimetres) set in the window of the southern vestry and serving as a tympanum:

Թվ(հն) Ո-ՀԵ (1626):

transl.: In the year 1626.

Published for the first time.

Carved on a cross-stone (70 x 44 x 13 centimetres) set in the window of the bema:

Թվ Ո-ՀԵ (1628):

transl.: In the year 1628.

Published for the first time.

A simple cross-stone (38 x 38 x 11 centimetres) with undressed sides lies near the church: it is bare of any inscriptions.

**The other church** is located on the opposite, i.e. right, side of the gorge, about 200 metres south-east of the aforementioned one. It represents a semi-ruined vaulted building with a semi-circular bema in the east. The sanctuary, which can also be considered a chapel due to its dimensions (5.0 x 3.47 metres), is built of undressed stone and mortar, with its entrance opening in the west. At present its western wall lies in ruins.

A cemetery, comprising a number of undressed tombstones, extends on a nearby hill.

## GARDMAN (GERTMANIK, AMERVAR)

**Location.** The village is situated on the east-facing slope of a gorge lying on the left bank of the Gardman, i.e. the right tributary of the river Shamkor, 13 kilometres west of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,370 to 1,520 metres above sea level.

**A Historical Introduction.** The township, that was the administrative centre of the district of the same name in the Middle Ages, was stripped of its Armenian population in the mid-18th century. In the late 19th century, some cattle-breeding Turkish tribes settled

down in its site: “Gardman, the centre of a district which bore its name, was also the seat of the local princes. At present the site of the ruined village, which is called Gertmanik, is inhabited by some Turks.”<fnref n="208" />

As attested by some sources, “...The Bagratid kings put that small district under the sway of Gardman princes who were to pass it from generation to generation by inheritance. The latter’s graves and the ruins of their family stronghold lie in the south-east of the domains of Charek Monastery, near the Turkish village of Amirvar.”<fnref n="209" />

**Population.** As already mentioned above, in the late 19th century, some stock-breeding Turkish tribes took up residence in the territory of the present-day village. The available statistical data on their number 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>1886<sup>210</sup></td><td>104</td><td>449</td><td>314</td><td>763</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>211</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>780</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>212</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>1,137</td></tr></tbody></table>

**Historical Monuments.** In the late 19th century, Gardman retained a semi-ruined church<fnref n="213" /> with some graves lying around it and seven cross-stones standing near each other. They were engraved with inscriptions which, unfortunately, had been distorted to complete unintelligibility,<fnref n="214" /> with the exception of a single one that follows below:

Կանգնեցաւ խաչս Քրիստոսի, բվ. Ո-ՄՂԱ (1842):

transl.: This cross of Christ was erected in the year 1842.

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants, M.** Artsakh, p. 302; **Lalayan, Yer.** Gandzak District, p. 312.

Note: Yer. Lalayan included Barkhutariants’ decipherment of the inscription in his work without any changes.

We think there is some error in the decipherment of the year, for the village had already been stripped of its Armenian inhabitants by the mid-18th century.

By the 1960s, “almost nothing has survived” out of the aforementioned monuments.<fnref n="215" />

**A chapel**, named Serblton and serving as a pilgrimage site, used to be located a little south of Gardman. Once it was surrounded by “A spacious cemetery that comprises many graves with fine tombstones.”<fnref n="216" />

A cross-stone (3.5 metres high) found in this graveyard bore the following inscription:

<footnote n="208">208 **Barkhutariants, M.**, idem, pp. 301-302.</footnote>

<footnote n="209">209 “Mshak,” 1902, No. 199, p. 1.</footnote>

<footnote n="210">210 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 80-81.</footnote>

<footnote n="211">211 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 182.</footnote>

<footnote n="212">212 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 88.</footnote>

<footnote n="213">213 **Barkhutariants, M.**, idem, p. 302.</footnote>

<footnote n="214">214 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="215">215 Corpus Inscriptionum Armenicarum, part 5 (henceforward: Corpus...., part 5). Compiled by **Barkhudarian, S.** Yerevan, 1982, p. 270.</footnote>

<footnote n="216">216 **Barkhutariants, M.**, idem, p. 302.</footnote>
Այս է ստասին ստիր Արագինի, բոնի մեղին Ասոնինի, մեղին Ասոնին ք. ՀՀ (1331):

transl.: *In this grave reposes St. Srapion, the grandson of the Great Samor [and] the Great Sat, in the year 1331.*

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants, M.**, ibid; **Lalayan, Yer.**, ibid; Corpus..., part 5, p. 270.

The earliest record of **Gardman Monastery** dates back to the late 5th century and refers to "...a certain Akit coming from Gardman Monastery."<fnref n="217" /> It is also mentioned under Catholicoses Hovhannes (557 to 574) and Yezr (630 to 641) ("...Yovhanik, bishop of Gardman...",<fnref n="218" /> "...Stepanos, bishop of Gardman ...").<fnref n="219" />

Gardman Monastery served as a bishop residence, four of its spiritual leaders being later ordained as Aghvank Catholicoses: "Lord Nerses..."<fnref n="220" /> (689 to 706); "Lord T'ēodoros..."<fnref n="221" /> (784 to 788); "Lord Gagik..."<fnref n="222" /> (947 to 958), and "Lord Petros... from the bishopric of Gardman"<fnref n="223" /> (971 to 987).

The historiographical sources of the following centuries keep silence about the monument, probably, due to its destruction.

**Gardman Castle.** The earliest records of the monument date back to the 6th century, when "...Vardan the Brave...," a representative of Mihranian Family, "who built the fortress of Gardman in three years."<fnref n="224" />

Prince Jvanshir (637 to 683) "...founded a house of God in his native canton of Gardman-berd, richly ornamenting it for the pleasure and glory of Christ the Lord."<fnref n="225" />

In the mid-9th century, Arab War-Lord Bugha "...invaded the district of Gardman and laid siege to the stronghold. He finally conquered it and captured prince of Gardman Ktrij."<fnref n="226" />

In the mid-10th century, "...Sahak, who was called Sewaday, a brave and capable man, subjected the cantons of Gardman and K'ustip'a'rnay to his rule and

imposed his suzerainty upon the robberchiefs of Joroyget..."<fnref n="227" />

At the end of the same century, King Gagik I made the stronghold and the entire district part of the kingdom of the Armenian Bagratids: "...in the year 989, ...he took the fort and district... together with Parisos..."<fnref n="228" />

In the early 13th century, princes Zakarian liberated "...the impregnable castle of Gardman..."<fnref n="229" /> from the Seljuk-Turks' dominion and put it under Prince Vahram's rule.<fnref n="230" /> Unfortunately, however, the Mongol invasions made him escape without any resistance, leaving the monument to the whims of fate: "...Vahram, who was in Gardman at that time, stealthily ran away under the cloak of night and saved his skin."<fnref n="231" /> The subsequent sources do not make any mention of the monument.

## GETAMIJ (GYADAMISH)

**Location.** The village is situated on a cape-shaped peninsula lying between the rivers Gandzak and Zivlan, 14 kilometres south-east of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,300 to 1,320 metres above sea level.

**A Historical Introduction.** The earliest written source to make reference to Getamij is one of Catholicos Pilippos' (1632 to 1655) bulls which mentions it among some other Armenian-inhabited villages of Gandzak District.<fnref n="232" />

It was stripped of its Armenian population in the second half of the 18th century and lay deserted until the late 19th century, when several families of Turkish stock-breeders settled down there.

**Historical Monuments.** As stated by a visitor in the early 1890s, "...it has... a church of medium size without any pillars. The site of the devastated village is now inhabited by some Turks."<fnref n="233" />

Almost a hundred years later, in 1986, we found the aforementioned Armenian church totally reduced to ruins. Its only surviving part was its northern wall, that formed part of the enclosure of a Turkish garden. The fragments of some khachkars and tombstones could be seen in the vicinity of the monument.

In 1986 we found the **cemetery** of Getamij, lying at the south-western edge of the village, totally destroyed, with all its remarkable gravestones having fallen prey

<footnote n="217">217 History of the Armenian Nation by Ghazar Parpetsy. Yerevan, 1982 (henceforward. Ghazar Parpetsy), p. 468, in Armenian.</footnote>

<footnote n="218">218 *Movsēs Dasxuranči*, p. 72.</footnote>

<footnote n="219">219 Op. cit., p. 229. Also see Melikset-Bek, *L. M.*, vol. 1, p. 45.</footnote>

<footnote n="220">220 *Movsēs Dasxuranči*, p. 229.</footnote>

<footnote n="221">221 Op. cit., p. 230; *Kirakos Gandzaketsy*, p. 198.</footnote>

<footnote n="222">222 *Movsēs Dasxuranči*, p. 231. Also see *Kirakos Gandzaketsy*, p. 198.</footnote>

<footnote n="223">223 *Movsēs Dasxuranči*, ibid. Also see *Kirakos Gandzaketsy*, p. 199.</footnote>

<footnote n="224">224 *Movsēs Dasxuranči*, p. 108.</footnote>

<footnote n="225">225 Op. cit., p. 119.</footnote>

<footnote n="226">226 History of the Armenian Nation by Catholicos Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsy (henceforward: Hovhannes Draskhanakerttsy). Yerevan, 1996, p. 127, in Armenian. According to some Arabic sources, the castle was conquered by war-lord Zirak sent by Bugha (Ibn-al-Asir, p. 159).</footnote>

<footnote n="227">227 *Movsēs Dasxuranči*, p. 226.</footnote>

<footnote n="228">228 Universal History by Stepanos Taronetsy the Asoghik. St. Petersburg, 1885, pp. 255-256, in Armenian. During that period, the mountainous part of Gardmank, where the castle of the same name towered, was known by the name of 'Parisos' deriving from a local kingdom.</footnote>

<footnote n="229">229 *Kirakos Gandzaketsy*, p. 163.</footnote>

<footnote n="230">230 Op. cit., p. 153.</footnote>

<footnote n="231">231 Op. cit., p. 243.</footnote>

<footnote n="232">232 *Barkhutariants, M.*, idem, p. 48.</footnote>

<footnote n="233">233 Idem, p. 275.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_215.png" /><figcaption>GETAMIJ (GYADAMISH). The remnants of a church, and set-in-wall tombstones (16th to 17th cents.). A cemetery and the only inscribed gravestone found there (1712)</figcaption></figure>

to those searching for treasure there. We saw only a single epitaph, dating back to the last period of the history of this once Armenian-populated village.

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a rectangular gravestone having a cross relief on one of its faces:

Այս է դապատին / Հագարին, ՈՒԿԱ (1712): transl.: *In this grave reposes Ghazar, 1712.*

Published for the first time.

## GETISHEN

**Location.** The village is situated on the southeast-facing slope of a gorge lying on the left bank of the Getishinaget (Kheyrachay), i.e. the left tributary of the river Artinajur, 12 kilometres north of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,130 to 1,220 metres above sea level.

**Construction Activity.** It was established in the Soviet years and was within the jurisdiction of the Village Council of Hartshangist (Chovdar) located within a kilometre. It consists of two quarters, *Verin* (i.e. ‘Upper’) and *Nerkin* (i.e. ‘Lower’) stretching at a distance of 200 metres from each other. The gardens of the village extend along the right bank of the river Getishinaget, over which, at the eastern edge of the Lower Quarter, a 5-metre-high waterfall can be seen.

**Population.** In 1971 Getishen comprised 64 families of purely Armenian origin whose number had been reduced to about 20 by the deportation of 1988.

In the late 19th century, **the pilgrimage site of Vosketel,<fnref n="234" />** situated on the right bank of the river Geti-

<footnote n="234">234 ‘Vosketel’ is the Armenian equivalent for ‘Golden-haired’: presumably, hence derives the name of the pilgrimage site.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_216.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_217.png" /><figcaption>GETISHEN. The village seen from the side of Hartshangist (Chovdar). A khachkar from the pilgrimage site of Vosketel</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_218.png" /><figcaption>GETISHEN. A khachkar from the village site of Ghermeragha Karmir Yeghtsy (10th to 11th cents.)</figcaption></figure>

shen, represented “A small chapel of a wooden roof. No records concerning it are available: people remember a legend according to which a golden-haired virgin once suffered martyrdom in this grave reposes.”<fnref n="235" />

In 1980 only some vestiges reminded of the existence of the sanctuary: instead, a small cross-stone dating from the 9th to 10th centuries could be found there.

**The village site of Bakhshik** is located 2 kilometres north of Getishen, at an average altitude of 1,400 metres above sea level.

<footnote n="235">²³⁵ Idem, p. 293.</footnote>
After the village had been totally destroyed, its inhabitants moved to Hartshangist.<fnref n="236" />

Amidst its ruins, a church of large dimensions could be distinguished: “...the building, whose roof is dilapidated now, rests on six pillars, its length amounting to 20 metres 2 centimetres.”<fnref n="237" />

An archive document of 1885 mentions this sanctuary by the name of Sourb Astvatzatzin.<fnref n="238" />

The village site of **Gharamurat's (Ghermeragha) Karmir Yeghtsy** (i.e. 'Red Church' in Karabakh dialect) is located right of the highway of Hartshangist-Pib, on the elevated slope of a gorge lying on the right bank of the river Getishinaget, 3.5 kilometres south-west of Getishen.

It retains a demolished church amidst whose ruins can be found an old-styled cross-stone (100 x 80 centimetres) dating from the 10th to 11th centuries.

The site also comprises a cemetery where the following epitaph was preserved:

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a cradle-shaped gravestone (145 x 60 x 28 centimetres):

Այս է ղապ(է)և Արշամիչ է քար / Թամագ, որ է որի Հարամուրանէ մահն/հայ Օգս-թիւն, ՈՍԴԱ (1762) քլթիւն:

transl.: In this grave reposes Arsham ... Tamaz, who is the son of Mahtesy Ovanes from Gharamurat. 1762.

Published for the first time.

The village site of **Karatak** (the Turks called it Dashalti, literally translating its name from Armenian) is situated on the south-facing slope of a gorge lying on the left bank of the river Hartshangist, 3 kilometres south-west of Getishen.

Two manuscript “Collections” created by Priest Sargis in Getishen mention Karatak in the first half of the 18th century. One of them, written for Mkhitar Aghjaghaletsy, dates back to 1717²³⁹, the other, copied for Arakel Dandzuttsy, to 1721.<fnref n="240" />

In the 18th century, Karatak belonged to the Melik-Arustamiants, who were from Barsum Village of Shamkhor District. In the late 19th century, they shared power over the village with Matevos Virabiants, Karapet Tayiriants, Harutiun Avagiants and Petros Jiljaniants.<fnref n="241" />

## GEYEKHLI

This small Turkish village lies on a mountain slope on the left bank of the river Gandzak, 12 kilometres south-east of the district centre.

In the late 19th century, some stock-breeding Turkish tribes settled down in what was the site of a deserted Armenian village, and eventually founded the present-day village there.

In 1914 it had a population of 352.<fnref n="242" />

## GHABAGHTAPA
(KABAGHTAPA, DAMZHALI)

**Location.** The village, which is surrounded by alpine meadows, is situated 16 kilometres south-west of the district centre of Dashkesan, at an altitude of 1,580 to 1,670 metres above sea level.

**A Historical Introduction.** This ancient village, whose historical Armenian name has sunk into oblivion, was populated with the Armenians beginning with at least the early Middle Ages. The Turkish stock-breeders called it Damzhali and Ghabaghtapa, which is translated into Armenian as 'Ddum Blur': 'ghabagh' is the Turkish equivalent for 'pumpkin,' and 'tapa' is that for 'hill.'

The village lived a period of prosperity in the 17th century, when the local church was erected. Representing a magnificent edifice remarkable for its dimensions, it stood intact until 1988.

**Population.** One of the most populous Armenian villages in the district, it was stripped of its population in the mid-17th century and was inhabited by some Turkish stock-breeders several decades later. The available statistical data on the number of the local people 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>1886<sup>243</sup></td><td>89</td><td>361</td><td>265</td><td>636</td></tr><tr><td>1907<sup>244</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>631</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>245</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>510</td></tr><tr><td>1976<sup>246</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>509</td></tr></tbody></table>

The aforementioned **church**, situated on the roadside, in the centre of the village, represents a three-nave, vaulted basilica (exterior dimensions: 21.75 x 13.30 metres) of rectangular plan. Its vault, lying below a gable roof, is inwardly supported by vault-bearing arches resting on two pairs of pillars and pilasters. The central nave ends in a semi-circular bema in the east, and the two aisles terminate into rectangular vestries. Each of the eastern, western and southern facades of

<footnote n="236">236 “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 20, p. 295.</footnote>

<footnote n="237">237 *Barkhutariants*, M., idem, p. 294.</footnote>

<footnote n="238">238 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3877, p. 29.</footnote>

<footnote n="239">239 A Catalogue of Armenian Manuscripts..., vol. 1, Yerevan, 1965, manuscript No. 1574, p. 586.</footnote>

<footnote n="240">240 A Catalogue of Armenian Manuscripts..., vol. 2, manuscript No. 7008, p. 440.</footnote>

<footnote n="241">241 National Archives of Armenia, fund 93, list 1, file 388, pp. 33-35.</footnote>

<footnote n="242">242 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 143.</footnote>

<footnote n="243">243 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 78-79.</footnote>

<footnote n="244">244 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 264.</footnote>

<footnote n="245">245 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 116.</footnote>

<footnote n="246">246 SAE, vol. 2, Baku, 1978, p. 539.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_219.png" /><figcaption>GHABAGHTAPA. Partial views of the local church and its plan</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_220.png" /></figure>

the sanctuary has three narrow windows widening inside and illuminating the entire building. Its bema, sacristies as well as the northern and southern walls have some small, rectangular niches. Both christening basins, typical of the Armenian religious buildings of the 16th to 17th centuries, lie in the north of the church. The monument, whose entrance opens in the south, is built of roughly-hewn stones and mortar, but its pylons, false arches as well as the entrance tympanum and cornerstones are finely-cut. By the time we visited it in

1986, many parts of its interior had been destroyed, the handiwork of those searching for treasure there.

Two of the church pillars used to bear some brief inscriptions, but by 1986 they had disappeared.

Carved on one of the aforementioned pillars:

Ես` Խորհվս, քվ(հն) Ո-ՃԻԱ (1692):

transl.: I, Khosrov, in the year 1692.

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutarians, M. Artsakh, p. 302; Lalayan, Yer.** Gandzak District, p. 312.
<figure><img src="image_221.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_222.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_223.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_224.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_225.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_226.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_227.png" /><figcaption>GHOTYUL. A general view of the village (photo by courtesy of Colonel Zhora Barsamian)</figcaption></figure>

Ես Համքս կանգ[նեցի] գիաչս որդոյ իմոյ
Էվատին։

transl.: I, Hamza, erected this cross [in memo-
ry of] my son Evat.

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

A cemetery, abounding in finely-adorned khachkars
and tombstones with reliefs of everyday life, used to lie
on the left slope of a nearby gorge.

Carved on a "decorated cross memorial":

U(ուր)ք խաչս Թումանին, Պէկաջին, Թվ. Պ
(1351):

transl.: *This Holy Cross to Tuman, Pekach, in the year 1351.*

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

Incised into a khachkar (1.10 x 95 centimetres):

U(ուր)ք խաչս քարեխաւս Գիչնին, կանկ-
նե...:

transl.: *May this Holy Cross protect...*

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants**, M., idem, pp. 299-300; Corpus..., ibid.

Note: The pedestal of the cross-stone bears “a relief repre-
senting a plough with a ploughman, his brother and some young
shepherds surrounded by oxen and buffaloes. A maiden with a
bowl on her head is depicted bringing the peasants’ midday
meal.”

Engraved on a cross-stone:

Սուրբ խաչս Հուռիսիմի, Մարտիրոսին:

transl.: *The Holy Cross to Huripsim [and] Martiros.*

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants**, M., idem, p. 300; Corpus..., part 5, p. 257.

A single line in the Armenian original inscribed on a khachkar:

U(ուր)ք խ(աչ)ս ք(ա)ք(է)ս(ա)ս... ՌԱ
(1552):

transl.: *May this Holy Cross protect... 1552.*

The Armenian original published in: Corpus..., part 5, p. 255.

5 lines in the Armenian original carved on the western, narrow side of a gravestone:

U(ուր)ք խ(աչ)ս ք[արէխաւս Ներ]սեսին | հ(ն)գո(յ)ն, ՌՂ (1641):

transl.: *May this Holy Cross protect Nerses' soul. 1641.*

The Armenian original published in: Corpus..., part 5, p. 256.

Note: The southern face of the tombstone bears some reliefs with scenes of everyday life.

Engraved on a cross-stone:

U(ուր)ք [խաչ]ս քարեխաւս:

transl.: *May this Holy Cross protect.*

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

5 semi-distorted lines in the Armenian original incised into a khachkar:
Ես Բէկի Խա/քուն / կա(ն)կ(ն)եց(հ) զբս[աչս]
Սկ(քուհ), Ս(ար)զ(բե):

transl.: I, Beki Khatun, erected this cross [in
memory of] Mkrtich [and] Sargis.

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

A single semi-distorted line in the Armenian original inscribed
on the cornice of a cross-stone lying near the ruined church:

[Up թաչս] քոր[թ]եաւս] Ծ(ա)հ(ու)մէին:

transl.: May this Holy Cross protect Shahum.

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

5 lines in the Armenian original incised into the eastern face of
a small, cradle-shaped tombstone:

U(nıր)p թ(ա)չս [p]ար(թ)թ(աւ)ս Ծ(ա)հումէին:

transl.: May this Holy Cross protect Shahum.

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

Engraved on a gravestone:

Ես Երոմ կանգնեցի թաչս Նատարին:

transl.: I, Yeghom, erected this cross [in memo-
ry of] Natar.

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants, M.**, ibid;
Corpus..., part 5, p. 257.

Note: Another tombstone, lying near the aforementioned one,
bears a relief representing "...a plough with some tools, a woman
laying the table, some dancers with wine jugs in their hands as well
as a man playing the saz [a 'saz' is an Oriental string musical instru-
ment] and another beating the drum. It also depicts a prince, with a
hawk in his right hand and a wine glass in the left. Near him a wash
basin, wine jug and an alive ram can be seen. The eastern side of the
gravestone is engraved with a huge eagle raising a lamb"
(Barkhutariants, M., ibid).

HARSNAKAR (GALIN-GAYA)

This Turkish settlement is located between the vil-
lages of Tapan and Hatstap, 18 kilometres south-west
of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,650 to 1,690
metres above sea level.

The elderly inhabitants of the adjacent villages that
were Armenian-populated until the deportation of 1989
remembered the original name of present-day Galin-
Gaya, i.e. Harsnakar. Unfortunately, however, we
failed to find any written sources attesting to it.

Harsnakar was stripped of its Armenian population
in the mid-18th century.

HARTSHANGIST (CHOVDAR)

**Location.** The village is situated 11 kilometres north of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,380 to 1,500 metres above sea level.

Its neighbourhood abounds in quarries providing
stone for the adjacent villages and even Getabek, where
it was used for the purpose of building furnaces.<fnref n="256" />

**Archaeological Monuments.** The territory of pres-
ent-day Chovdar has been inhabited since time imme-
morial, which is attested by different archaeological
finds discovered in the village and its vicinity. They
include various clay vessels, bronze weapons, orna-
ments, etc., dating back to the period between the
Bronze and Iron Ages and having their counterparts in
the monuments of the late Bronze Age found in
Armenia.<fnref n="257" /> Similar items were also unearthed in the
cists D. M. Sharifov excavated in Chovdar in 1926.<fnref n="258" />

**The Origin of the Toponym.** The historical name
of the village, i.e. Hartshangist, is repeatedly men-
tioned in the colophons of a number of manuscripts. It
is also used parallel with its new name of Chovdar in
the records of the late 19th century.

Touching upon the origin of the toponym, the cor-
respondent of the “Ardzagank” periodical, who had,
probably, previously spoken to the elderly inhabitants
of the village on the subject, wrote the following, “It
should be borne in mind that the local people resettled
in this grave reposes from the village of Baghshik
located within an hour’s distance of Chovdar... It is not
clear whether ‘Hartshangist’ (‘Hartsankis’) is the name
of their previous village or not. Presumably, present-
day Chovdar had been a populated village named
Hartsankis long before Baghshik inhabitants moved
there. We are inclined to adhere to this presump-
tion...”<fnref n="259" />

According to a viewpoint, ‘Hartshangist,’ literally
meaning ‘Fathers’ Graves’ in the Armenian lan-
guage<fnref n="260" />, derives from a cemetery lying at the top of a
mountain south-west of the village: “A lot of pagan and
Christian graves are preserved on the mountain: per-
haps, it is due to the existence of this cemetery that the
village is called Harts-Hangist.”<fnref n="261" />

As for the foreign word of ‘Chovdar,’ it literally
means ‘animal dealer.’

**Hartshangist as a Scriptorium.** Below follow
excerpts from several 17th-century Gospels created in
the adjacent monastery of Matznaberd and mentioning
the toponym *Hartshankis*: “...I again beg you ... to
remember those who provided us with haven and gave
us our piece of daily bread which we failed to find any-

<footnote n="256">256 Lalayan, Yer. Gandzak District, p. 309.</footnote>

<footnote n="257">257 Sadikhzade, Sh. G. About the Archaeological Finds Acciden-
tally Unearthed in the Vicinity of Chovdar Village. In: "Izvestya
Akademii Nauk Azerbaijanskoy SSR," a series of social sciences,
1963, No. 6, pp. 13-25, in Russian.</footnote>

<footnote n="258">258 Sharifov, D. M. Excavations near Chovdar Village of Touz District. In: "Proceedings of the Azerbaijanian Committee of Preservation of Ancient Historical and Natural Monuments," part 4, copy-book 2, Baku, 1929, pp. 247-248, in Russian.</footnote>

<footnote n="259">259 "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 20, p. 296.</footnote>

<footnote n="260">260 'Harts' means 'of fathers' in Grabar, i.e. the classical Armenian language, and 'hangist' is the Armenian equivalent for 'repose, eternal rest.'</footnote>

<footnote n="261">261 *Barkhutariants*, M., idem, p. 292.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_228.png" /><figcaption>HARTSHANGIST (CHOVDAR). Partial views of the village</figcaption></figure>

where, wandering from Gandzasar to Hartshankis. Arriving at the village, we were given a cordial welcome. May God bestow all His grace upon the young and the old of this village and may their souls reach the kingdom of heaven”<fnref n="262" /> (from an undated Gospel).

“...in Malaznaberd, Hartsankis Village of Gyanja, under Supreme Pontiff of Aghvank His Holiness Petros, ... Archimandrite Khachatur and Persian King Shah Abbas Junior, in the year 1666 of the Armenian era...”<fnref n="263" /> (from a Gospel created in 1666).

This Holy Gospel was created by the Lord's humble servant Hovhannes in the holy monastery of Malaznaberd located in Hartsanki Village of Gandzak under

Supreme Pontiff of Aghvank His Holiness Petros and Persian Shah Suleyman. It was completed in bitter times when the base enemy constantly persecuted the Christian nation and increased taxes day after day...<fnref n="264" /> (from another Gospel dating back to 1669)

Another Gospel created in 1683 and intended for a certain Nazar (copied and bound by Priest Hovhannes, illustrated by Priest Barsegh and Deacon Ghazar) mentions the village by the name of Hertsankis.<fnref n="265" />

The data relating to the **population** of Hartshangist between 1804 and 1914 reveal that they mainly grew amounting to 1614, the greatest number ever recorded,

<footnote n="262">262 "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 20, p. 296.</footnote>

<footnote n="263">263 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="264">264 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="265">265 A Catalogue of Armenian Manuscripts..., vol. 1, manuscript No. 3994.</footnote>
in 1910. The reduction sometimes observed in their number was due to epidemics and resettlement: thus, from November 1899 until April 1900, 34 children fell victim to smallpox.<fnref n="266" />

Below follows a list of the people living in Hartshangist in 1839:

“1 Widower Maki Sahakian as well as his sons Martiros, and Harutiun with his wife Horom;

2 Ghukas Hakobov, his wife Sultan as well as their children Arzuman, Hakob, Khallu and Vardi;

3 Maki Nazarov, his wife Herik as well as their daughters Khatayi and Tamam; Maki’s brothers Martiros, and Margar with his wife Voski;

4 Harutiun Nersesov, his wife Pari, their sons Nerses, Movses with his daughter Nazi, and Stepan with his wife Herik;

5 Aghajan Ohanov, his wife Margaret, their sons Ohanes and Karapet as well as their daughters Horomsim and Tangi; Aghajan’s brothers 1. Abraham with his wife Voski as well as his daughters Khatun, Pari and Javahir; 2. Hovsep with his spouse Aziz, his daughter Sharmagh as well as his sons Petros and Astvatzatur;

6 Malkhas Malkhasov, his wife Mariam, their son Grigor as well as their daughters Pari and Sabed; Malkhas’ brother Anton, his wife Herik as well as their children Mankasar and Nazlu;

7 Vardan Malkhasov, his wife Sandukht, their sons Gergorg and Sahak as well as their daughters Khatayi and Pari;

8 Arakel Shervanov, his wife Horomsim as well as their sons Yesayi and Arustam; Arakel’s brother Maki, his wife Herik and their son Harutiun;

9 Sargis Nazarov, his wife Anna, their sons Mesrop with his wife Pari, his children Maki and Salbi as well as Arakel with his wife Horomsim, his son Hakob and his daughter Voski;

10 Harutiun Yeghiazarian, his wife Aziz, their sons 1. Movses with his wife Herik as well as his children Sargis and Nazi; 2. Mateos with his wife Sultan as well as their children Ghazar, Khanum, Yasaman and Dovlat; 3. Hovhannes with his spouse Horomsim, his daughter Margaret, his daughter-in-law Mariam, her son Ohanes as well as her daughters Pari, Nakhshun, Khatun and Sharmagh;

11 Allahverdi Harutiunov, his mother Zani, his wife Khallu as well as their children Grigor, Harutiun, Annman and Sirunna;

12 Sahak Vardanov with his wife Sarah and his daughter Margaret;

13 Badal Grigorov, his wife Mariam as well as their son Sargis and their daughter Ghumash;

14 Babajan Grigorian, his wife Herik, their sons Grigor, and Stepan with his wife Herik and his daughter Zada; Babajan’s brothers 1. Hakob with his wife Sarah as well as his children Anton, Hovhannes, Margaret and Vardi; 2.

Vardan with his wife Sarah, his daughter Anna as well as his sons Maki, Mateos and Baghdasar;

15 Gabriel Ter-Khachaturov, his wife Magtagh, his daughter Mariam as well as his sons Hakob and Avag;

16 Abgar Grigorov, his wife Mariam as well as their sons Simeon, Grigor and Nerses;

17 Michael Harutiunian, his wife Herik as well as their children Ghazar, Harutiun and Vardi; Michael’s brother Mesrop, his wife Sabet, their son Arzuman as well as their daughters Sultan and Anna;

18 Stepan Davidov, his wife Javahir, their sons David and Sargis as well as their daughters Shahgul, Margaret and Pari;

19 Abraham Ghazarov, his wife Horomsim, their daughter Annman as well as their sons Karapet and Movses;

20 Khachatur Kirakosov, his mother Murvat, his wife Sanam, their son Sargis as well as their daughters Sabed, Mariam and Zada; Khachatur’s brother Soghomon, his wife Zani, their daughter Khatum as well as their sons Sargis and Grigor;

21 Harutiun Voskanov, his wife Anna, their sons Mkhitar, Voskan and Michael as well as their daughters Sandukht and Nakhshun; Harutiun’s brothers 1. Martiros with his wife Guli, his son Vardazar as well as his daughters Javahir, Sultan and Herik; 2. Allahverdi with his wife Zarneshan as well as his sons Grigor, Sargis and Maki;

22 Arakel Abrahamian, his wife Sabet, their sons Ghevond and Sargis as well as their daughters Tellu and Tamam;

23 Sahak Ter-Avagian, his mother Mariam, his wife Khatayi, their daughter Sona as well as their sons Avag, Mktich, Poghos and Petros;

24 Vardanan Laliov, his wife Margaret, their son Harutiun as well as their daughters Gyuli and Sirunna.”<fnref n="267" />

The available statistical records on the number of the population of Hartshangist during the aforementioned period are as follows:

<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>268</sup></td><td>9</td><td>25</td><td>21</td><td>46</td></tr><tr><td>1839<sup>269</sup></td><td>24</td><td>102</td><td>100</td><td>202</td></tr><tr><td>1845<sup>270</sup></td><td></td><td>173</td><td>155</td><td>328</td></tr><tr><td>1847<sup>271</sup></td><td></td><td>175</td><td>180</td><td>355</td></tr><tr><td>1849<sup>272</sup></td><td></td><td>186</td><td>160</td><td>346</td></tr><tr><td>1850<sup>273</sup></td><td>32</td><td>192</td><td>189</td><td>381</td></tr><tr><td>1852<sup>274</sup></td><td></td><td>199</td><td>194</td><td>393</td></tr><tr><td>1861<sup>275</sup></td><td>35</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

<footnote n="267">267 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3800, p. 27.</footnote>

<footnote n="268">268 Collected Acts..., vol. 2, p. 596.</footnote>

<footnote n="269">269 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3800, p. 27.</footnote>

<footnote n="270">270 Idem, file 3811, pp. 4-5.</footnote>

<footnote n="271">271 Idem, file 3814, pp. 97-98.</footnote>

<footnote n="272">272 Idem, file 3818, pp. 96-97.</footnote>

<footnote n="273">273 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 2596, p. 110.</footnote>

<footnote n="274">274 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3819, pp. 106-107.</footnote>

<footnote n="275">275 Idem, file 3835, pp. 148-149.</footnote>

<footnote n="266">266 “Mshak,” 1900, No. 77, p. 2.</footnote>
<table><tr><td>1862<sup>276</sup></td><td>35</td></tr><tr><td>1866<sup>277</sup></td><td>62</td><td>297</td><td>226</td><td>523</td></tr><tr><td>1869<sup>278</sup></td><td>63</td></tr><tr><td>1870<sup>279</sup></td><td></td><td>312</td><td>236</td><td>548</td></tr><tr><td>1872<sup>280</sup></td><td></td><td>385</td><td>254</td><td>639</td></tr><tr><td>1873<sup>281</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>573</td></tr><tr><td>1875<sup>282</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>545</td></tr><tr><td>1876<sup>283</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>563</td></tr><tr><td>1877<sup>284</sup></td><td></td><td>358</td><td>223</td><td>581</td></tr><tr><td>1878<sup>285</sup></td><td></td><td>361</td><td>229</td><td>590</td></tr><tr><td>1881<sup>286</sup></td><td></td><td>393</td><td>266</td><td>659</td></tr><tr><td>1882<sup>287</sup></td><td></td><td>398</td><td>274</td><td>672</td></tr><tr><td>1883<sup>288</sup></td><td></td><td>416</td><td>283</td><td>699</td></tr><tr><td>1885<sup>289</sup></td><td>90</td><td>250</td><td>225</td><td>475</td></tr><tr><td>1886<sup>290</sup></td><td>98</td><td>472</td><td>383</td><td>855</td></tr><tr><td>1887<sup>291</sup></td><td></td><td>284</td><td>265</td><td>549</td></tr><tr><td>1888<sup>292</sup></td><td></td><td>302</td><td>276</td><td>578</td></tr><tr><td>1889<sup>293</sup></td><td></td><td>224</td><td>303</td><td>527</td></tr><tr><td>1890<sup>294</sup></td><td></td><td>236</td><td>319</td><td>555</td></tr><tr><td>1891<sup>295</sup></td><td></td><td>246</td><td>326</td><td>572</td></tr><tr><td>1892<sup>296</sup></td><td></td><td>366</td><td>332</td><td>698</td></tr><tr><td>1893<sup>297</sup></td><td></td><td>381</td><td>338</td><td>719</td></tr><tr><td>1894<sup>298</sup></td><td></td><td>395</td><td>352</td><td>747</td></tr><tr><td>1897<sup>299</sup></td><td></td><td>454</td><td>386</td><td>840</td></tr><tr><td>1898<sup>300</sup></td><td></td><td>470</td><td>395</td><td>865</td></tr><tr><td>1899<sup>301</sup></td><td></td><td>476</td><td>401</td><td>877</td></tr><tr><td>1900<sup>302</sup></td><td></td><td>509</td><td>421</td><td>930</td></tr><tr><td>1901<sup>303</sup></td><td></td><td>519</td><td>425</td><td>944</td></tr><tr><td>1902<sup>304</sup></td><td></td><td>532</td><td>435</td><td>967</td></tr></table>

<table><tr><td>1905<sup>305</sup></td><td>536</td><td>434</td><td>970</td></tr><tr><td>1906<sup>306</sup></td><td>592</td><td>475</td><td>1,067</td></tr><tr><td>1907<sup>307</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>1,356</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>308</sup></td><td>170</td><td>905</td><td>622</td><td>1,519</td></tr><tr><td>1909<sup>309</sup></td><td></td><td>620</td><td>482</td><td>1,102</td></tr><tr><td>1910<sup>310</sup></td><td></td><td>959</td><td>655</td><td>1,614</td></tr><tr><td>1912<sup>311</sup></td><td></td><td>631</td><td>485</td><td>1,116</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>312</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>1,227</td></tr><tr><td>1917<sup>313</sup></td><td>99</td><td></td><td></td><td>1,227</td></tr></table>

Hartshangist participated in World War II with 380 of its inhabitants, 178 of whom sacrificed their lives on the battle-field.

One of them, First Lieutenant Ghazaros Avetis Avagian (1918 to 1945) was awarded the honourary title of *Hero of the Soviet Union* after his death.

Their grateful fellow villagers built a memorial and a museum to perpetuate their memory.

**St. Hovhannes Church.** Before the construction of its present-day church (it stood intact in the days of the deportation of 1989), Hartshangist had another dedicated to St. Hakob (mentioned in the archive documents of 1849,<fnref n="314" /> 1852³¹⁵ and 1861³¹⁶).

In 1869 a new church was built in the site of St. Hakob and consecrated after St. Hovhannes: “...St. Hovhannes Church, which rests on four pillars, has a gavit and a belfry in the south.”<fnref n="317" />

In the 19th century, the sanctuary retained a parchment manuscript (Tarson City, Cilicia, 1221) thanks to which it enjoyed great fame.<fnref n="318" />

St. Hovhannes Church had the following inscriptions:

5 lines in the Armenian original engraved on the tympanum:

Արդեամք Չովհառայ | ժողովրդոց Ս(ուր)ք
Յոհանելես / եկեղեցիս շինվեցաւ ի 1869 ամի, /
եկայք ռա իս ամենայն աշխատեաք | և ձան-
քարեռենեաք և ես հանգուցից զձեզ:

<footnote n="276">276 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 4254, p. 28.</footnote>

<footnote n="277">277 Idem, file 3848, p. 57.</footnote>

<footnote n="278">278 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 4254, p. 142.</footnote>

<footnote n="279">279 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3857, pp. 49-50.</footnote>

<footnote n="280">280 Idem, file 3872, pp. 62-63.</footnote>

<footnote n="281">281 Idem, file 3862, pp. 59-60.</footnote>

<footnote n="282">282 Idem, file 3866, pp. 45-46.</footnote>

<footnote n="283">283 Idem, file 3868, pp. 57-58.</footnote>

<footnote n="284">284 Idem, file 3869, pp. 55-56.</footnote>

<footnote n="285">285 Idem, file 3870, pp. 23-24.</footnote>

<footnote n="286">286 Idem, file 3879, pp. 27-28.</footnote>

<footnote n="287">287 Idem, file 3874, p. 30.</footnote>

<footnote n="288">288 Idem, file 3875, pp. 56-57.</footnote>

<footnote n="289">289 Idem, file 3877, p. 30. Also see "Ardzagank," 1885, No. 4, p. 51.</footnote>

<footnote n="290">290 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 78-79. According to another source, the village had 60 houses in the same year ("Ardzagank," 1886, No. 20, p. 295).</footnote>

<footnote n="291">291 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3880, p. 74.</footnote>

<footnote n="292">292 Idem, file 3882, p. 131.</footnote>

<footnote n="293">293 Idem, file 3884, pp. 228-229.</footnote>

<footnote n="294">294 Idem, file 3887, p. 150.</footnote>

<footnote n="295">295 Idem, file 3889, p. 149.</footnote>

<footnote n="296">296 Idem, file 3891, p. 121.</footnote>

<footnote n="297">297 Idem, file 3895, pp. 78-79.</footnote>

<footnote n="298">298 Idem, file 3896, pp. 174-175.</footnote>

<footnote n="299">299 Idem, file 3899, pp. 147-148.</footnote>

<footnote n="300">300 Idem, file 3897 p. 169.</footnote>

<footnote n="301">301 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3903, pp. 128-129.</footnote>

<footnote n="302">302 Idem, file 3905, pp. 94-95.</footnote>

<footnote n="303">303 Idem, file 3906, pp. 100-101.</footnote>

<footnote n="304">304 Idem, file 3907, pp. 23-24.</footnote>

<footnote n="305">305 Idem, file 3912, pp. 226-267.</footnote>

<footnote n="306">306 Idem, file 3915, p. 24.</footnote>

<footnote n="307">307 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 240, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="308">308 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 559, p. 12. Another statistical source of 1908 mentions 1,095 inhabitants for that year (Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 416).</footnote>

<footnote n="309">309 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 18, file 764, p. 117. Another statistical source mentions 1,519 residents (Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 207).</footnote>

<footnote n="310">310 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3917, pp. 60-61.</footnote>

<footnote n="311">311 Idem, file 3919, pp. 62-63.</footnote>

<footnote n="312">312 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 207.</footnote>

<footnote n="313">313 Avetissian, M. M., idem, p. 166.</footnote>

<footnote n="314">314 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3818, pp. 96-97.</footnote>

<footnote n="315">315 Idem, file 3819, p. 106.</footnote>

<footnote n="316">316 Idem, file 3835, pp. 148-149.</footnote>

<footnote n="317">317 Barkhutariants, M. Artsakh, p. 292.</footnote>

<footnote n="318">318 "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 20, pp. 295-296. Also see Barkhutariants, M., idem, pp. 292-293.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_229.png" /><figcaption>HARTSHANGIST (CHOVDAR). St. Hovhannes Church</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_230.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_231.png" /></figure>

transl.: This church of St. Hovhannes was built through the means of Chovdar inhabitants in the year 1869. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

The Armenian original published in: "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 20, p. 295.

Note: The first publisher of this inscription made certain additions and misread some parts, deciphering the year as '1863.' The earliest record mentioning the church by the name of St. Hovhannes dates from 1862, which probably marks the year its foundations were blessed.

Carved on a cross-stone set in one of the church walls:

ԹՎ(ՀԻ) Ո-Հ (1621):

transl.: In the year 1621.

The Armenian original published in: Corpus..., part 5, p. 264.

Carved on another cross-stone set in one of the church walls:

ԹՎ(ՀԻ) Ո-Ճ (1651):

transl.: In the year 1651.

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

St. Hovhannes functioned until 1928, its building being used as a storehouse in the Soviet years.<fnref n="319" />

The church built of ashlar and mortar represents a three-nave basilica of rectangular plan (exterior dimensions: 17.70 x 11.75 metres). In the east, it has a semi-circular bema adjoined by rectangular vestries. The vault of the prayer hall, resting on two pairs of pillars and pilasters, lies below a gable roof.

<footnote n="319">³¹⁹ National Archives of Armenia, fund 409, list 1, file 2658, p. 12.</footnote>
The entrance of the church opens into the first floor of a double-story belfry adjoining its southern facade.

**Priests.** For about 20 years beginning with 1849, Hartshangist did not have its own priest. It was only in 1869 that Ghazar Ter-Mkhitarians was ordained to serve the local population.<fnref n="320" />

Vardan Voskanian Yeremians was ordained in 1898. He had six children: Mariam, born in 1882; Astvatzatur, born in 1883; Arsen, born in 1885; Herik, born in 1889; Arshak, born in 1895, and Khachatur, born in 1898.<fnref n="321" />

The elderly people of the village remember that the last person to be baptized by Usepants (from Hovsep's family) priest was a certain Gagik Makich Vanian, that event taking place in 1932.

One of the most important historical monuments preserved in the neighbourhood of Hartshangist is the castle of Matznaberd ('Meleznaberd,' 'Sourb Malaznaberd') towering at the top of a mountain surrounded by deep precipices, south-east of the village: "Three lofty, wooded mountains, each having a fort at its summit, rise on the road to Gandzak, within three versts of the village."<fnref n="322" />

The vulnerable parts of the mountain where the stronghold towered were fortified by pyramidal ramparts built of rough stone and mortar. By the late 19th century, however, they had already reached a state of partial destruction.<fnref n="323" />

Some historical sources mention the castle as the seat of Aghsartan Kyurikian.<fnref n="324" />

After the fall of the Kyurikian Kingdom, Kyurike I's son David (1113 to 1145) settled down in Matznaberd in about 1113 and founded Kyurikian Principality there. The Kyurikians of Matznaberd, who retained power until the late 13th century, also held control over the adjacent forts and districts: "The Bagratids' descendants, who reigned in Georgia, Matznaberd and Nor Berd, also established their dominion in many districts and built a great number of strongholds..."<fnref n="325" />

For some time, Matznaberd was under the sway of the Kyurikians of Nor Berd: "Prince David of Nor Berd married his daughter to young Aghsartan by deception and thus took possession of Matznaberd. Later, however, he called his daughter back."<fnref n="326" />

The castle was subjected to the incursions of Gandzak's Seljuks in the first half of the 12th century and appeared under the Mongol rule in the mid-13th

century. The king of Matznaberd, who died in 1170, was buried in the Kyurikians' family vault in Haghpat (a monastery in present-day Lori Marz of the Republic of Armenia): "In 1170 the Kyurikian King of Matznaberd yielded up his spirit to God and his remains were interred in Haghpat amidst those of his ancestors."<fnref n="327" />

In 1886 "The only surviving vestiges of the castle comprise the ruins of its ramparts and some dwellings..."<fnref n="328" />

In the 1880s, the remnants of the stronghold included three 12th-century cross-stones: "...One can see some circular fortified walls rising at an inch over the ground in a plain lying at the foot of a mountain. The excavations conducted in these ramparts unearthed three white inscribed khachkars."<fnref n="329" />

Below follow the inscriptions incised into these cross-stones:

8 lines in the Armenian original carved on the lower part of a finely-decorated cross-stone:

Թվ(ի)ն ՈԳ (1154). անուամբն Ա(ստուծո)յ ես Ամրգարիտ, դուստո՝ Ուխտիկայ, կանկ-(ե)եցի գ(ուր)բ նշանս, ի փրկութի(տ)ն հոգոյն՝ Վարդաուրին, Սմիքարայ և Կանանին, որք յաղաւք յիշէք եւ զԱտոմ, որ գործող էր խաչիս:

transl.: In the year 1154. By the name of God, I, daughter of Ukhtik Margaret, erected this Holy Sign for the salvation of the souls of Vardember and Vardavor, Mkhitar and Kanan. May you pray for them and may you remember Atom, who sculpted this cross.

The Armenian original published in: "Nor-Dar," 1886, No. 120, p. 1; **Barkhutarians**, M. Artsakh, p. 292; **Lalayan**, Yer. Gandzak District, pp. 309-310; Corpus..., part 5, pp. 264-265.

Note: It was one of the correspondents of the "Nor-Dar" periodical who found the cross-stone and first published its inscription. Several years later, Barkhutarians saw the same khachkar in St. Hovhannes Church of Hartshangist Village and wrote the following, "The sanctuary retains a small, white, ancient cross-stone brought from Meleznaberd. It fascinates visitors with its delicate motifs."

Yer. Lalayan included Barkhutarians' decipherment in his work without any changes. Later the khachkar disappeared from the church so that S. Barkhudarian did not find it in the same place during his visit to the monument in the early 1960s. A meritorious specialist in lapidary inscriptions, he deciphered the lines carved on the cross-stone from its photo kept in the History Museum of the Republic of Armenia.

Թիվն ՈԽԴ (1195) էր. ես Թարին կանգնեցի գուրբ նշանս ի բարեխատութիւն հար իմոյ՝ Հայրապետին եւ եղբար իմոյ՝ Սերորին, որք երկրպագանէք յաղաւք յիշեցէք և Աստուած գձեզ յիշեսէք, ամէն:

<footnote n="320">320 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 5394, p. 10. Also see file 4254, p. 142.</footnote>

<footnote n="321">321 National Archives of Armenia, fund Պ461, list 1, file 12, pp. 70-71.</footnote>

<footnote n="322">322 "Nor-Dar," 1886, No. 120, p. 1.</footnote>

<footnote n="323">323 **Barkhutarians**, M., idem, p. 293.</footnote>

<footnote n="324">324 **Kirakos Gandzaketsy**, p. 153; Corpus..., part 5, p. 265.</footnote>

<footnote n="325">325 **Mkhitar Ayrivanetsy**, p. 153.</footnote>

<footnote n="326">326 **Kirakos Gandzaketsy**, p. 153.</footnote>

<footnote n="327">327 Brief Chronicles, vol. 2, p. 502.</footnote>

<footnote n="328">328 "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 21, p. 307.</footnote>

<footnote n="329">329 "Nor-Dar," 1886, No. 120, p. 1.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_232.png" /><figcaption>HARTSHANGIST (CHOVDAR). The church of Matznaberd Monastery seen from the south-west, southeast and west. An inscription commemorating the repairs carried out in the church, and khachkars set in its western facade</figcaption></figure>
<figure><img src="image_233.png" /><figcaption>HARTSHANGIST (CHOVDAR). Eastward and westward views of the interior of the church of Matznaberd Monastery. Cross-stones found inside the church</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_234.png" /></figure>

transl.: In the year 1195, I, Tarin, erected this Holy Sign in memory of my father Hayrapet and my brother Serob. May you pray for them and may God be graceful towards you. Amen.

The Armenian original published in: "Nor-Dar," 1886, No. 120, p. 1.

Թի(վն) հա(յոց) Ո... որդի տւրբ ուխտնս Եսժաղանգ վարդապետ նա հանեի ու առէի Սխիթար կանգնեցար զուրբս տարան վարդապետին քարեխաւսութիւն եղբարին մերոյ:

transl.: In the year ... of the Armenian era, ... Archimandrite... in memory of our brother.

The Armenian original published in: "Nor-Dar," 1886, No. 120, p. 1.

Note: The decipherment contains many errors which make it impossible to translate it.

One of the summer residences of Javat Khan of Gandzak was situated near Matznaberd: "At the summit of another lofty mountain west of the castle towers the palace of Javat Khan of Gandzak, once serving him as a summer house."330

Matznaberd Monastery, one of Gardmank's most famous medieval sanctuaries called after the adjacent fort, is situated at the top of a mountain rising high in the area, 2.2 kilometres south-east of Hartshangist, at an altitude of 1,648 metres above sea level. It comprises a church known by the names of St. Vardanants Zoravarats ('Of St. Vardan the War-Lord')331 and St. Sargis (mentioned in an inscription commemorating the repairs of 1891).

<footnote n="330">330 "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 21, p. 307.</footnote>

<footnote n="331">331 "Nor-Dar," 1892, No. 126, p. 2.</footnote>
The major overhaul implemented in Matznaberd in 1891 changed it beyond recognition. With this regard, a record handed down by a visitor who saw it before its restoration is of immense significance: “...there is a small stone church with its roof destroyed. At Easter and other festivals, believers come in this grave repos- es on pilgrimage.”<fnref n="332" />

Bishop Makar, who visited the monument early in the 1890s, writes, “...A small church, resting on two iron vaults, stands in the site of the former monas-tery.”<fnref n="333" />

The semi-ruined church, which survived in that state until 1891, had been repaired earlier in 1631, this being attested by an inscription which was, fortunate-ly, deciphered before the reconstruction of the monastery:

Carved on the tympanum (125 x 58 centimetres) representing an ink-coloured sandstone:

Կամաւն Աստուծոյե Սելիք Ի... նորոգեցի սուրբ մենաստ... յիշատակ հոգոց իմոց և կողակիցն Հիրխանին և որդիքն իմ Բասխանին, Աղաճանին, Ամիրճանին և ծնողացն իմ Արխստակէս քահանային և մայրն իմ Պարոն Գիտեղինին, ի ժամանակս Շահսէֆին ...ուք... Ղուլիխանին կաթուղիկոս Գանձաքա Տէր Գրիգորին, քվ. Ո-Ք... (1630-ական):

transl.: By the will of God, I, Melik I... repaired this holy monastery in memory of my spouse Hurkhan, my sons Isakhan, Aghajan, Amirjan, my parents, Priest Aristakes and my mother mister Gughin in the days of Shahsef and Gandzak Catholicos Grigor, in the 1630s.

The Armenian original published in: “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 21, p. 307.

Note: Aghvank Catholicos Grigor held Patriarchal throne in Gandzak between 1634 and 1653. Evidently, the inscription suffered still greater damage during the renovation of 1891: its initial line and some marginal letters are buried under the stones of the entrance arch of the church. Despite that, however, we succeeded in deciphering it further in 1986.

Another inscription engraved above the tympanum of the western facade provides information on the over-haul carried out in 1891.

8 lines in the Armenian original incised into a rectangular piece of marble:

Հնադարեան ուխտատեղիս յան/ուն Ս(ուր)ք Սարգսի, որ է Սյզնարերդ / հիմնովին նորոգեց գանձակեցի / Աղղոմօն Յար(ուրիւնեան) Նալչագարեանցն / ծախսիք իւրովք, ի յիշատակ / իւր կինջն Բայախանումի, որդ/ոյն Լեւօնի եւ համայն ննջեցել/ն իրոն, ի 1891, Ո-Յխ ամի:

transl.: This ancient pilgrimage site of St. Sargis also known as Meleznaberd was thoroughly repaired by Soghomon Harutiunian Nalchagarians from Gandzak in memory of his wife Balakhanum, his son Levon and all his dead relatives. 1891.

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants, M.** Artsakh, p. 293.

The church was to be consecrated as soon as its restoration was completed in 1892: “Mr. Soghomon Nalchakariants from Gandzak has sponsored the recon-struction of the pilgrimage site of Matznaberd known by the name of St. Vardanants Zoravarats and located near Chovdar. The spiritual authorities are now expect-ed to grant permission to consecrate the finely-rebuilt sanctuary during the feast of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin celebrated on 16 August. The church authorities of Gandzak have already applied to the appropriate bodies for that purpose.”<fnref n="334" />

St. Sargis represents a single-nave basilica (exterior dimensions: 12.07 x 6.75 metres), with its vault lying below a gable roof and supported by false arches rest-

<figure><img src="image_235.png" /><figcaption>HARTSHANGIST (CHOVDAR). The plan of the church of Matznaberd Monastery</figcaption></figure>

ing on the two pairs of pilasters of the longitudinal walls of the prayer hall. Its only entrance that is enframed in an arch opens in the west. Light penetrates into the sanctuary through four rectangular windows (their upper parts are shaped like a vault) opening from its northern (later closed) and southern walls, and two narrower ones, each opening from its eastern and western walls (the latter has a circular opening). The monument is built of rough stone and mortar, but its corner-stones, borderstones, pilasters and false arches are fine-ly-cut. The northern wall retains a font.

The western pediment of the church bears a small, four-pillar belfry entirely built of finely-dressed stone and ending in a broach.

<footnote n="332">332 “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 21, p. 307.</footnote>

<footnote n="333">333 **Barkhutariants, M.**, idem, p. 293.</footnote>

<footnote n="334">334 “Nor-Dar,” 1892, No. 126, p. 2.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_236.png" /><figcaption>HARTSHANGIST (CHOVDAR). A khachkar and tombstone from the ancient site of Ghermeragha Yeghtsy</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_237.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_238.png" /><figcaption>HARTSHANGIST (CHOVDAR). The mountain of Matznaberd (photo by courtesy of R. Abgarian), and a cross-stone (1154) found in Matznaberd (History Museum of Armenia)</figcaption></figure>

Both the outer and inner walls of the sanctuary bear inscribed cross-stones:

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a khachkar (42 x 35 centimetres) lying in one of the niches of the bema:

Թվ(հն) | ՈՒԴ (1555):

transl.: *In the year 1555.*

The Armenian original published in: Corpus..., part 5, p. 265.

Incised into a cross-stone:

ՈՒԴ (1641):

transl.: 1641.

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

2 lines in the Armenian original inscribed below the cornice of a khachkar lying in the font:

Թ(վհն) | ՈՒՃԽԷ (1698):

transl.: *In the year 1698.*

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

A single line in the Armenian original engraved on the cornice of a cross-stone (35 x 25 centimetres) lying at one of the corners of the bema:

Ըղվարին:

transl.: *To Eghpat.*

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

Note: It was previously deciphered as “To Shepat.”

Incised into a khachkar (70 x 40 centimetres) set in the western facade of the church:

U(ուր)ք քս(ա)քս | քարէքաւս | Սալվարի | հնոգյն| քվ(հն) Ո...:

transl.: *May this Holy Cross protect Salvar's soul, in the year...*

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