**The village site of Shatakh** lies on the left bank of the stream Shatakh (Danayer), between the villages of Hartshangist and Khachakap, 2.6 kilometres south of the former, at an altitude of 1,360 to 1,400 metres above sea level.

**A Historical Introduction.** One of the historical villages of the region, it was Armenian-populated from at least the early Middle Ages. The local families included that of the Praziants who later moved from Shatakh to Khachakap.

This village site retains a cross-stone bearing an exact year (981).

The earliest record mentioning the village dates from 1621: "...In Sourb Astvatzatzin Church situated in the village of Shatakh, Gyanja..."<fnref n="335" />

In the course of time, the local monuments, particularly, the cross-stones fell prey to merciless plunder perpetrated by the inhabitants of the nearby villages and, especially, Khachakap.

Below follow the inscriptions of several khachkars scattered here and there:

4 lines in the Armenian original carved on one of the faces of a cross-stone:

Հերում / կանգ(ն)եա/գ զխաչս. / ՆԼ (981):

transl.: Hetum erected this cross. 981.

The Armenian original published in: Corpus..., part 5, p. 254.

Note: The khachkar was found in a site called Nahataki Dzor (the Armenian equivalent for 'Martyr's Gorge') in 1965.

4 lines in the Armenian original engraved on the lower part of a cross-stone:

Ես Դալարաւ(η)րս կ(ա)նկ(ն)եցի զխ(ա)չս հնա եւ / ձնդոց իմ Իսպասիարին, Էլմին, / ԶՀ/Ե (1526):

transl.: I, Davlatavor, erected this cross [in memory of] my parents Elm, Ispatiar and in my memory. 1526.

The Armenian original published in: Corpus..., part 5, p. 255.

Note: The khachkar was moved from the ruins of Shatakh and placed onto the edge of the road leading from Khachakap to Targmanchats Monastery.

8 lines in the Armenian original incised into the western face of a big, cradle-shaped tombstone whose southern side bears a scene of everyday life:

Թվ(հն) Ոէ (1558) / ես` Ասքք/հս, կամաւն / Ա(սուուծո)յ ... / ...կանկնեցի / զխաչս քարք/քաւս որոն(յ)ն ինյ:

transl.: In the year 1558, by the will of God, I, Sargis... erected this cross in memory of my son.

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

Note: The gravestone was moved from Shatakh and put over a grave in Khachakap Cemetery.

Inscribed on a cross-stone:

Թվ[[հն] ՈԼԼ (1589):

transl.: In the year 1589.

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

Note: It is one of those eight khachkars that were moved from Shatakh to be used as troughs in a place called Gomer in Khachakap Village.

**Shatakh as a Scriptorium.** The 17th century proved particularly prolific for Shatakh, where Priests David and Hovhannes, Sexton Nazar and other scribes created, bound and repaired a number of manuscripts.

On the order of the prior of Khoranashat, in 1627 Priest Hovhannes Shatakhetsy repaired a Gospel (1476) "...in the newly-consecrated church of Sourb Astvatzatzin..."<fnref n="336" /> Unfortunately, the source does not mention the village name.

In 1634 Priest Hovhannes copied another manuscript "...in my village of Shatakh lying in Gyanja Gorge, Gandzak District. Completed in Sourb Katoghike Church under Paronter Mkrtich."<fnref n="337" />

In 1636 "...on honourable Melik Simavon's order, sinful priest Hovhannes" wrote a manuscript in Shatakh Village of Gyanja ..."<fnref n="338" />

In 1637 the same priest wrote another manuscript "in the newly-consecrated church of Sourb Astvatzatzin located in Gyanja Gorge, near Shatakh Village of Gandzak District..."<fnref n="339" />

In 1644 Priest David copied a manuscript Gospel "...in Sourb Astvatzatzin Church situated in Shatakh Village of Gandzak District..."<fnref n="340" />

In 1661 Sexton Nazar copied a Gospel on the order of village head of Shatakh Khachatur.<fnref n="341" />

Meeting Melik Hakhnazar's request, in 1687 scribe Barsegh made certain additions to the manuscript copied by Hovhannes Shatakhetsy in 1636.<fnref n="342" />

The scribes of some other manuscripts copied in Banants (1625)<fnref n="343" /> and Shakarbek (1633)<fnref n="344" /> were from Shatakh in origin.

As is apparent from the aforementioned records, **the village church**, whose year of construction is unknown, was repeatedly mentioned by the name of Sourb Astvatzatzin in the 17th century.

**A memorial spring**, tracing back to the 20th century, used to be located near a bridge on the left bank of the stream Shatakh, south-west of the village site.

<footnote n="335">³³⁵ Colophons, 17th century, vol. 2, p. 1.</footnote>

<footnote n="336">³³⁶ Op. cit., p. 255.</footnote>

<footnote n="337">³³⁷ Colophons, 17th century, vol. 2, p. 560.</footnote>

<footnote n="338">³³⁸ Op. cit., p. 654.</footnote>

<footnote n="339">³³⁹ Op. cit., p. 710.</footnote>

<footnote n="340">³⁴⁰ Colophons of the Armenian Manuscripts of the 17th century, vol. 3. Compiled by Hakobian, V. Yerevan, 1984 (henceforward: Colophons, 17th century, vol. 3), pp. 150-151.</footnote>

<footnote n="341">³⁴¹ A Catalogue of Armenian Manuscripts..., vol. 2, manuscript No. 5072, p. 28.</footnote>

<footnote n="342">³⁴² A Catalogue of Armenian Manuscripts..., vol. 1, manuscript No. 713; Colophons, 17th century, vol. 2, p. 654.</footnote>

<footnote n="343">³⁴³ Idem, p. 186.</footnote>

<footnote n="344">³⁴⁴ Idem, p. 531. Also see "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 12, p. 162.</footnote>
It used to bear the following bilingual (Armenian and Russian) inscription:

1941-1945 | պատերազմում զոհված Ս. Հարուրյուն | Ապկարյանի հիշատակին. | իր որդիներից:

transl.: 1941 to 1945. In memory of S. Harutiun Apkarian, a victim of the war. From his sons.
Published for the first time.

## HATSTAP (ASTAF)

**Location.** The village is situated on the southwest-facing slope of a gorge lying on the right bank of the right tributary of the river Shamkor, 20 kilometres south-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,500 to 1,680 metres above sea level.

**A Historical Introduction.** The available sources keep silence about the history of Hatstap, but the monuments preserved there attest that it was stripped of its Armenian population in the mid-18th century. In the Soviet years, the site of the village was inhabited by some Turkish stock-breeders.

**The cemetery** of Hatstap extends on a bare hillside

<figure><img src="image_239.png" /><figcaption>HATSTAP. A cemetery</figcaption></figure>

at the south-western edge of the village. Distinguished for its densely-lying graves, it retains several low, rectangular tombstones with double-stepped edges, and more than a 100 undressed stone slabs placed in an east-west-facing position. The surviving gravestones, dating from the 14th to 18th centuries are devoid of any reliefs and epitaphs, with the exception of a single one.

**The village site of Adishen (Atishen)** is situated on the west-facing slope of a wooded mountain rising on the right bank of the river Shamkor, oppo-

site Parisos Monastery, 2 kilometres west of Hatstap.

Its remnants comprise a church and a cemetery.<fnref n="345" />

## KARHAT (NERKIN)

**Location.** The village is situated on the south-east-facing slope of a gorge lying on the left bank of the river Artinajur, a kilometre east of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,280 to 1,380 metres above sea level.

It retains some burial mounds dating back to the period between the Bronze and Iron Ages, as attested by the results of excavations conducted there.<fnref n="346" />

**A Historical Introduction.** Karhat boasts a remarkable history. The monuments of material culture preserved in its territory prove that it has existed since at least the Middle Ages, although the earliest sources mentioning it date from the 17th century, when it became a scriptorium. Below follows a list of the surviving manuscripts once created there:

1 A Gospel "...completed in Karhat Village of Gyanja under Shah Abbas Junior in the year 1655."<fnref n="347" />

2 A Collection of Motets (1656) copied and illustrated by Priest Grigor "...in St. Hakob and Sourb Astvatzatzin Churches of Karahat Village of Gandzak..."<fnref n="348" /> for a certain Sandukht.

3 A Gospel of 1659 copied by Priest Grigor "...in Sourb Astvatzatzin Church of Karahat Village of Gyanja..."<fnref n="349" />

4 A Prayer-Book, including a calendar of religious festivals copied in 1665 by scribe Grigor.<fnref n="350" />

5 A Gospel of 1675 copied and illustrated by Priest Grigor for Archimandrite Ignatios.<fnref n="351" />

6 A Gospel of 1676 copied and illustrated by Priests Barsegh and Grigor respectively for a clergyman named Movses.<fnref n="352" />

A record of 1691 makes mention of "...Hakob, the head of Karhat Village..."<fnref n="353" />

**The Economy of the Village and the Main Occupation of Its Inhabitants.** The name of Karhat indicates what the local people's chief business was: it is composed of the word 'kar,' i.e. the Armenian equivalent for 'stone,' and the root 'hat' of the verb 'hatel,' i.e. the Armenian equivalent for 'to quarry.' They prac-

<footnote n="345">345 **Barkhutariants**, M., idem, pp. 303, 305.</footnote>

<footnote n="346">346 **Resler**, E., op. cit., p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="347">347 "Meghu Hayastani," 1885, No. 74, p. 3; Colophons, 17th century, vol. 3, p. 663. In 1884 researcher Haykuny saw the parchment in Gandzasar Monastery.</footnote>

<footnote n="348">348 Colophons, 17th century, vol. 3, p. 697; A Catalogue of Armenian Manuscripts..., vol. 2, manuscript No. 10044, p. 1036.</footnote>

<footnote n="349">349 Colophons, 17th century, vol. 3, p. 852.</footnote>

<footnote n="350">350 A Catalogue of Armenian Manuscripts..., vol. 2, manuscript No. 9448, p. 931.</footnote>

<footnote n="351">351 Idem, manuscript No. 8965, p. 845.</footnote>

<footnote n="352">352 Idem, manuscript No. 5636, p. 153.</footnote>

<footnote n="353">353 "Ararat," 1900, p. 320.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_240.png" /><figcaption>NERKIN KARHAT. The village seen from the south</figcaption></figure>

tised that craft from time immemorial: "The local residents who were once known as miners used to extract iron ore and obtain iron, but they were soon obliged to give it up, for the iron imported from Russia proved far cheaper."<fnref n="354" />

In the second half of the 19th century, the inhabitants of Karhat stopped processing iron altogether.

The number of those engaged in husbandry was reduced due to the appropriation of most of the village lands by Siemens German Company: "The local people once possessed large lots of land which, however, shifted into the possession of Siemens Company. Its cobalt mines are located quite near the village..."<fnref n="355" />

By the late 1880s, Karhat Armenians had reached such a grave financial and economic predicament that they thought of leaving their place of residence: "The position of the village is highly unfavourable so that its inhabitants, who are now on the verge of abject poverty, have serious intentions to resettle somewhere else."<fnref n="356" />

Shortly thereafter, between 1894 and 1895, more than half of the local Armenians abandoned their homes and founded another village of the same name in the area of the upper course of the river Artinajur, 4 kilometres south-west of their previous place of living.

It was called Verin (i.e. 'Upper') Karhat to be differentiated from the other village of Karhat, which was later renamed Nerkin (i.e. 'Lower') Karhat.

**Population.** Karhat Armenians were natives of the village.

Below follows a list of the families living there in 1839.<fnref n="357" />

1 Maki Harutiunian, his wife Horom, their son Allahverdi and their daughter Tamar; Maki's brother Khachatur, his wife Anna as well as their sons Hovhannes, and Gevorg with his wife Khatun and his daughter Javahir;

2 Sargis Nersissian, his wife Yetar, their sons 1. Ghukas with his wife Shoghi and his son Cherkez; 2. Babi with his wife Aziz, and 3. Harutiun with his wife Shoghi; Sargis' brother Barsegh, his wife Aziz as well as their sons Khachatur and Beglar;

3 Babajan Nersissian, his sons 1. Arzuman with his wife Sirunna and his son Ohannes, and 2. Minas with his wife Mariam;

4 Michael Ter-Antonian, his wife Khampervan as well as their son Simeon with his wife Herik and his daughter Shahgul;

5 Mkrtich Virapian, his wife Margaret, their daughter Vardi and their son Babi with his wife Sandukht; Mkrtich's brother Yesayi, his wife Margaret, their sons Ghuli and Hakob as well as their daughters Shoghi and Herik;

6 Vardan Mkhitarian, his sons 1. Sargis with his wife Pari and his son Mkhitar, and 2. Ohannes with his wife Anakhas, his son Harutiun and his daughter Gyuli; Vardan's brother

<footnote n="354">³⁵⁴ "Nor-Dar," 1890, No. 122, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="355">³⁵⁵ Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="356">³⁵⁶ Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="357">³⁵⁷ *Barkhutariants*, M. Artsakh, p. 286.</footnote>
Khalat, C his wife Sabed as well as their son Mkhitar with his wife Nigar, his son Karapet and his daughter Zari;

7 Hovhannes Ter-Harutiunian, his wife Margaret, their sons 1. Grigor with his wife Mariam, his son Karapet and his daughter Sabed; 2. Stepan with his wife Mariam as well as his children Vardazar, Khatun and Khallu, and 3. widower Gevorg with his son Mnatsakan;

8 Hakob Grigorian, his wife Pari, their sons Grigor, Mkrtich with his wife Sandukht, and Melik with his daughter Shahalam;

9 Barsegh Stepanian, his mother Zada, his brother Grigor and his sister Mariam;

10 Sargis Simeonian, his wife Vari and their son Virap with his spouse Voski; Sargis' sister Herik as well as his brother Ohan with his wife Herik, his son Beglar and his daughter Khatun;

11 Gaspar Michaelian, his mother Mariam, his wife Pari as well as his daughters Herik and Tangi;

12 Tsakan Astvatzaturian with his mother Parunna and his sister Herik.<fnref n="358" />

The available statistical data relating to the period between the 19th and 20th centuries show that Karhat's inhabitants continually increased until 1894 to 1895, when more than half of them left their village and founded Verin Karhat.

In the course of some years, the village suffered losses due to various lethal infectious diseases: thus, between November 1899 and April 1900, 61 children fell victim to smallpox.<fnref n="359" />

The aforementioned statistical data are as follows:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1839<sup>360</sup></td><td>12</td><td>63</td><td>60</td><td>123</td></tr><tr><td>1845<sup>361</sup></td><td></td><td>99</td><td>114</td><td>213</td></tr><tr><td>1847<sup>362</sup></td><td></td><td>91</td><td>80</td><td>171</td></tr><tr><td>1849<sup>363</sup></td><td></td><td>91</td><td>95</td><td>186</td></tr><tr><td>1852<sup>364</sup></td><td></td><td>96</td><td>92</td><td>188</td></tr><tr><td>1861<sup>365</sup></td><td>18</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1866<sup>366</sup></td><td>40</td><td>190</td><td>145</td><td>335</td></tr><tr><td>1871<sup>367</sup></td><td>47</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1872<sup>368</sup></td><td></td><td>434</td><td>221</td><td>655</td></tr><tr><td>1873<sup>369</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>551</td></tr><tr><td>1874<sup>370</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>961</td></tr><tr><td>1875<sup>371</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>575</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table><tbody><tr><td>1876<sup>372</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>599</td></tr><tr><td>1877<sup>373</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>413</td><td>211</td><td>624</td></tr><tr><td>1878<sup>374</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>420</td><td>213</td><td>633</td></tr><tr><td>1881<sup>375</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>432</td><td>223</td><td>655</td></tr><tr><td>1882<sup>376</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>443</td><td>225</td><td>668</td></tr><tr><td>1883<sup>377</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>459</td><td>244</td><td>703</td></tr><tr><td>1885<sup>378</sup></td><td>55</td><td></td><td>402</td><td>354</td><td>756</td></tr><tr><td>1886<sup>379</sup></td><td>80</td><td></td><td>435</td><td>361</td><td>796</td></tr><tr><td>1887<sup>380</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>447</td><td>353</td><td>800</td></tr><tr><td>1888<sup>381</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>448</td><td>354</td><td>802</td></tr><tr><td>1889<sup>382</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>463</td><td>366</td><td>829</td></tr><tr><td>1890<sup>383</sup></td><td>100</td><td></td><td>479</td><td>378</td><td>857</td></tr><tr><td>1891<sup>384</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>486</td><td>393</td><td>879</td></tr><tr><td>1892<sup>385</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>491</td><td>398</td><td>889</td></tr><tr><td>1893<sup>386</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>488</td><td>416</td><td>904</td></tr><tr><td>1894<sup>387</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>494</td><td>420</td><td>914</td></tr></tbody></table>

The statistical sources regarding the period between 1897 and 1914 do not separate the populations of Verin and Nerkin Karhat:

<table><tbody><tr><td>1897<sup>388</sup></td><td></td><td>529</td><td>448</td><td>977</td></tr><tr><td>1898<sup>389</sup></td><td></td><td>541</td><td>461</td><td>1,002</td></tr><tr><td>1899<sup>390</sup></td><td></td><td>548</td><td>463</td><td>1,011</td></tr><tr><td>1900<sup>391</sup></td><td></td><td>563</td><td>482</td><td>1,045</td></tr><tr><td>1901<sup>392</sup></td><td></td><td>568</td><td>491</td><td>1,059</td></tr><tr><td>1902<sup>393</sup></td><td></td><td>572</td><td>490</td><td>1,062</td></tr><tr><td>1905<sup>394</sup></td><td></td><td>575</td><td>494</td><td>1,069</td></tr><tr><td>1906<sup>395</sup></td><td></td><td>622</td><td>521</td><td>1,143</td></tr><tr><td>1907<sup>396</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>1,119</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>397</sup></td><td>130</td><td>614</td><td>580</td><td>1,094</td></tr><tr><td>1910<sup>398</sup></td><td></td><td>643</td><td>518</td><td>1,161</td></tr><tr><td>1912<sup>399</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>1,113</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>400</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>1,001</td></tr></tbody></table>

<footnote n="358">358 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3800, p. 29.</footnote>

<footnote n="359">359 "Mshak," 1900, No. 77, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="360">360 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="361">361 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3811, pp. 4-5.</footnote>

<footnote n="362">362 Idem, file 3814, pp. 96-97.</footnote>

<footnote n="363">363 Idem, file 3818, pp. 96-97.</footnote>

<footnote n="364">364 Idem, file 3819, pp. 106-107.</footnote>

<footnote n="365">365 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3835, pp. 148-149.</footnote>

<footnote n="366">366 Idem, file 3848, p. 57.</footnote>

<footnote n="367">367 Idem, file 5835, p. 1.</footnote>

<footnote n="368">368 Idem, file 3872, pp. 62-63.</footnote>

<footnote n="369">369 Idem, file 3864, pp. 39-40. Another source of the same year mentions 540 inhabitants (ibid., file 3862, pp. 58-59).</footnote>

<footnote n="370">370 Caucasian Calendar for 1886, p. 125.</footnote>

<footnote n="371">371 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3866, pp. 44-45.</footnote>

<footnote n="372">372 Idem, file 3868, pp. 57-58.</footnote>

<footnote n="373">373 Idem, file 3869, pp. 54-55.</footnote>

<footnote n="374">374 Idem, file 3870, pp. 22-23.</footnote>

<footnote n="375">375 Idem, file 3873, pp. 27-28.</footnote>

<footnote n="376">376 Idem, file 3874, p. 30.</footnote>

<footnote n="377">377 Idem, file 3875, pp. 56-57.</footnote>

<footnote n="378">378 Idem, file 3877, pp. 22-23. Also see "Ardzagank," 1885, No. 21, p. 300.</footnote>

<footnote n="379">379 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 84-85.</footnote>

<footnote n="380">380 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3880, p. 73.</footnote>

<footnote n="381">381 Idem, file 3882, p. 131.</footnote>

<footnote n="382">382 Idem, file 3884, pp. 27-28, 227-228.</footnote>

<footnote n="383">383 Idem, file 3887, p. 150. Also see "Nor-Dar," 1890, No. 122, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="384">384 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3889, p. 149.</footnote>

<footnote n="385">385 Idem, file 3891, p. 121.</footnote>

<footnote n="386">386 Idem, file 3895 pp. 78-79.</footnote>

<footnote n="387">387 Idem, file 3896, pp. 73-74, 174-175.</footnote>

<footnote n="388">388 Idem, file 3899, pp. 147-148.</footnote>

<footnote n="389">389 Idem, file 3897, p. 169.</footnote>

<footnote n="390">390 Idem, file 3903, pp. 127-128.</footnote>

<footnote n="391">391 Idem, file 3905, pp. 92-93.</footnote>

<footnote n="392">392 Idem, file 3906, pp. 98-99.</footnote>

<footnote n="393">393 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3907, pp. 23-24.</footnote>

<footnote n="394">394 Idem, file 3912, pp. 266-267.</footnote>

<footnote n="395">395 Idem, file 3915, p. 24.</footnote>

<footnote n="396">396 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 237.</footnote>

<footnote n="397">397 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 559, p. 10.</footnote>

<footnote n="398">398 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3917, pp. 58-59.</footnote>

<footnote n="399">399 Idem, file 3919, pp. 62-63.</footnote>

<footnote n="400">400 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 116.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_241.png" /><figcaption>NERKIN KARHAT. A cemetery and khachkars (9th to 13th cents.)</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_242.png" /></figure>

In the following years, however, the inhabitants of
Nerkin Karhat are presented separately:

<table><tr><td>1907<sup>401</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>428</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>402</sup></td><td>48</td><td>229</td><td>171</td><td>400</td></tr><tr><td>1910<sup>403</sup></td><td></td><td>252</td><td>201</td><td>451</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>404</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>340</td></tr></table>

Immediately after the Tsarist Government had
granted permission to Armenian educational institu-
tions to resume their activity in 1905, the Armenians of
Karhat convened a meeting (27 September) which
decided to found a one-year school without losing
time.<fnref n="405" /> Gandzak inhabitant Mrs. Yeghisabet N. Ham-

bardzumian Malkhassians committed herself to spon-
soring its construction in memory of her late husband
Stepanos Malkhassians.<fnref n="406" />

St. Stepanossian Unisex School opened in 1908,<fnref n="407" /> its pupils amounting to 54 that year.<fnref n="408" /> In 1909 the institution, whose staff comprised a single teacher, had 70 schoolchildren, including 4 girls.<fnref n="409" /> In 1911 they totaled 82, including 6 girls, with the school personnel consisting of 2 teachers.<fnref n="410" />

Although St. Stepanossian School had its own building
and budget, in 1913 it closed for absence of teachers.<fnref n="411" />

<footnote n="401">401 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 237.</footnote>

<footnote n="402">402 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 559, p. 10.</footnote>

<footnote n="403">403 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3917, pp. 58-59.</footnote>

<footnote n="404">404 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 116.</footnote>

<footnote n="405">405 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 140, p. 1.</footnote>

<footnote n="406">406 Idem, file 433, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="407">407 Idem, file 559, p. 15.</footnote>

<footnote n="408">408 Idem, file 433, p. 10.</footnote>

<footnote n="409">409 National Archives of Armenia, fund 57, list 2, file 1849, p. 18.</footnote>

<footnote n="410">410 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 682, p. 57.</footnote>

<footnote n="411">411 "Mshak," 1913, No. 145, pp. 3-4.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_243.png" /><figcaption>NERKIN KARHAT. A cross-stone, 1292</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_244.png" /></figure>

According to some manuscript colophons, Karhat had **two churches**: St. Hakob, mentioned in 1656, and Sourb Astvatzatzin, mentioned in 1656 and 1659. A great number of archive documents dating from the period before 1878 (1849,<fnref n="412" /> 1852,⁴¹³ 1861,<fnref n="414" /> 1872,<fnref n="415" /> 1878⁴¹⁶) attest that the village had a wooden church (indeed, its wooden roof is meant) called St. Stepanos. From 1882 onwards (1882,<fnref n="417" /> 1885⁴¹⁸), the same sanctuary is referred to as a stone monument dedicated to the Holy Virgin. This suggests that between 1878 and 1882, the local church of St. Stepanos was reconstructed (perhaps, thoroughly) and reconsecrated.

In 1903 the roof of the church was in bad need of repairs: “Nerkin Karhat and its Sourb Astvatzatzin Church are absolutely devoid of any support. The latter does not have any benefactors to meet its economic and other needs. It is now on the verge of utter collapse so that we should certainly prevent its final destruction by tiling its roof. The sanctuary should have its own patrons and trustees to sponsor its renovation. Taking into account the aforementioned, we are applying to

You for permission to spend three hundred rubles from the church budget to carry out the necessary work...”<fnref n="419" />

According to an estimate, the overhaul expenses amounted to 1,473 rubles, but the local people had managed to procure only 262 rubles through donations.<fnref n="420" />

As attested by an archive document of 1911, the spiritual powers did not meet Karhat inhabitants' request, and the condition of the sanctuary did not improve at all.<fnref n="421" />

Sourb Astvatzatzin Church was totally demolished in 1927.

**Priests.** *Anton Verdian Papikiants*, who was appointed priest in the village in 1871, served the local population until 1908.<fnref n="422" />

**A cemetery**, extending in the centre of the village, retains several inscribed cross-stones dating from the 9th to 11th centuries and imparting great historic value to it.

Below follow the epitaphs found in this graveyard:

17 extremely weathered lines in the Armenian original carved between the cross wings of a khachkar:

<footnote n="412">412 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3818, pp. 96-97.
413 Idem, file 3819, p. 106.</footnote>

<footnote n="414">414 Idem, file 3835, pp. 148-149.</footnote>

<footnote n="415">415 Idem, file 3872, pp. 30-31.</footnote>

<footnote n="416">416 Idem, file 3870, pp. 22-23.</footnote>

<footnote n="417">417 Idem, file 3874, p. 30.</footnote>

<footnote n="418">418 Idem, file 3877, p. 29.</footnote>

<footnote n="419">419 Idem, file 3368, pp. 17-18.</footnote>

<footnote n="420">420 Idem, p. 16.</footnote>

<footnote n="421">421 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 1273, p. 11.</footnote>

<footnote n="422">422 Idem, file 5835, p. 1; file 817, p. 7.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_245.png" /><figcaption>NERKIN KARHAT. Partial views of the castle of Ghala and its plan</figcaption></figure>

Թւ(ին) ՅՀԹ (930), | ... | ի քար|էխաւս|ու-քի(ոն)| ... | hnq|ng:

transl.: In the year 930, ... in memory of ... souls.

Published for the first time.

4 semi-distorted lines in the Armenian original engraved on the lower part of a cross-stone:

Ես Եղիեայ էրէց... | ...կանգնեցի սուրբ | ... | ...զիս յիշեասջ[իք] ...:
transl.: I, Priest Yeghia ...erected this holy ...
May you remember me...

Published for the first time.

A **khachkar** called *Gyozal Kar* used to be located at the beginning of the village: "Within several steps of Karhat, we came across a cross-stone standing under the canopy of some four to five trees, almost on the brink of the gorge, as far as I remember. We found out that people commonly referred to it as *Gyozal Kar*."<sup>423</sup>

Later the inhabitants of Karhat moved that valuable cross-stone to the centre of the village, where it stood until the deportation of 1989.

8 lines in the Armenian original incised into the lower part of Gyozal Kar:

Θυλιυ | ΘιυΩ (1292), | ես Θ/ասի/կ ու Սա/ք-նս կանգնեցար քս(ուր)ք ն/շանս ի քարեիաս-տորք(ին)...:

transl.: In the year 1292, Matios and I, Zatik, erected this Holy Sign in memory of...

Published for the first time.

The fort of Ghala represents a small medieval building towering at the top of an almost impregnable rock, hardly a kilometre south of the village.

The monument, whose entrance opens in the west, has a semi-circular tower in the north-west. The surviving remnants of its ramparts are built of undressed stone and mortar. Evidently, the stronghold, soaring at an inaccessible height, communicated with the outer world through a hanging ladder. The vestiges of some walls and earthen buildings can be seen in its vicinity.

## KHACHAKAP (GHUSHCHI)

**Location.** The village is situated on the south-facing slope of a gorge lying in the valley of one of the left tributaries of the river Artinajur, 4 kilometres north of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,090 to 1,230 metres above sea level.

**The Origin of the Toponym.** There exist a number of versions etymologizing the name of the village. Thus, a record states, "...The neighbourhood of the village abounds in stones bearing ancient cross reliefs: hence the name of Khachakap<sup>424</sup> derives."<sup>425</sup>

According to another source, "...these cross-stones were erected by St. Mesrop after he had uprooted the last traces of paganism in Gardman on local prince Khurs' permission. The village was called Kha-chakap, or Khachapak in commemoration of that event."<sup>426</sup>

The Persians and later the Turks called the village *Ghushchi*,<sup>427</sup> that name being etymologized in the following way: "During one of Shah Abbas' incursions into the region, a local inhabitant named Grigor attempted to catch a hawk and present it to him. Unfortunately, however, he fell down from a rock and smashed himself up to death. Learning about that, the shah decided to give the village to Grigor's father as a gift, but the man refused to accept it, asking him to liberate the whole village community from the yoke of invaders so that they would pray for his dead son's soul. The shah met his request and named the village Ghushchi."<sup>428</sup>

**Archaeological Monuments.** The territory of Khachakap has been inhabited since time immemorial, which is attested by the results of the excavations' Archaeological Society held in 1903: "On the third of last May, he came across an inscribed stone within a verst of Khachakap Village. Seemingly, it bears a cuneiform inscription which, however, can not be easily declared a piece of written speech, for it does not have regular lines. The stone, which resembles a reference-book, should be brought to Tiflis and delivered over to the Archaeological Society.

"During the excavations near the village of Khachakap, Schultz unearthed an ancient cemetery comprising huge blocks of stone, apparently, once moved there from a distance of 15 to 20 versts. Each of them is two arshins long and weighs between 40 and 50 poods. The grave-yard, which extends from the south-west to the north-east, retains some agate beads and bronze articles, including daggers, bracelets, spears, knives, head brooches, etc. So far, however, specialists have not established what purposes they were once used for. Two small holes, seen along a bronze knife, make it particularly remarkable..."<sup>429</sup>

**Construction Activity.** A visitor who saw Khachakap in the 1890s reports the following about it, "Most of the dwellings are sunken, the others representing single- or double-storied houses."<sup>430</sup>

The available statistical data on the local population show a continuous increase in their number between the early 19th century and the 1910s. In the course of some years, however, certain changes could be observed due to resettlement or lethal infectious diseases. Thus, in 1884 about 30 families abandoned their native village because of the shortage of arable lands

<footnote n="423">423 "Nor-Dar," 1890, No. 122, p. 3. Note: 'Gyozal Kar' is the Armenian equivalent for 'Beautiful Stone.'</footnote>

<footnote n="424">424 'Khach' is the Armenian equivalent for 'Cross.'</footnote>

<footnote n="425">425 "Nor-Dar," 1886, No. 65, p. 1.</footnote>

<footnote n="426">426 Lalayan, Yer. Gandzak District, p. 313.</footnote>

<footnote n="427">427 'Ghush' is the Armenian equivalent for 'Hawk.'</footnote>

<footnote n="428">428 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="429">429 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="430">430 "Mshak," 1903, No. 117, 3 June, p. 1.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_246.png" /><figcaption>KHACHAKAP. Partial views of the village; the older part of the local cemetery, and a khachkar (10th to 11th cents.)</figcaption></figure>

and founded a new village called Armavir<fnref n="431" /> not far
from Getashen Village of Khanlar District. Between

November 1899 and April 1900, smallpox took away
the lives of 29 children.<fnref n="432" />

<footnote n="431">⁴³¹ See the present work, p. 396.</footnote>

<footnote n="432">⁴³² “Mshak,” 1900, No. 77, p. 2.</footnote>
According to the inhabitants of Khachakap, the local family of the Prazians was from Shatakh Village of Dashkesan District.

Below follows a list of the local residents found in an archive document of 1839:

“I Gevorg Shahdinarov, his wife Aziz, their son Karapet, his wife Zani, as well as their children Khachatur, Harutiun and Horom; Gevorg’s brothers Mnatsakan and Vardan, the former’s wife Zani, their children Sargis, Harutiun and Horom; the latter’s wife Herik, their daughter Javahir, as well as their sons Hovsep, Haron, Shapakayn, Maki and Baghdasar;

2 Ghukas Harutiunian, his mother Khatun, his wife Anna, their sons Mateos, Arakel, Sargis, Grigor and Movses with his wife Marinos; Ghukas’ brothers Hovhannes and Karapet, the former’s wife Gyuli, their children Arzuman, Salbi and Parunna; the latter’s wife Anna, their son Khachatur, as well as their daughters Mariam and Nazani;

3. Harutiun Grigorian, his mother Vari, his wife Sirunna, their children Sona, Grigor and Martiros; Harutiun’s brother Hakob, his wife Tangi and their daughter Zada;

4 Verdi Harutiunian, his wife Antaram, their children Arustam, Karapet, Mariam and Sirunna;

5 Mkhitar Gabrielian, his mother Anna, his wife Margaret, their daughter Javahir, their sons Hovhannes, Nerses and Harutiun with his wife Mariam; Mkhitar’s brother Vardan, his wife Mariam and their daughter Marmar;

6 Aghabab Harutiunian, his mother Mariam, his wife Anna, their children Arzuman, Sahak and Sirunna; Aghabab’s sisters Tellu, Margaret and Herik, as well as his brothers Hayrapet and Galust with his wife Heriknaz;

7 Yeremia Hovsepian, his wife Mariam, their sons Vardan, Mkhitar, Grigor, Voskan with his daughter Pari, as well as Aram with his wife Tamar and his daughter Horom; Yeremia’s brothers Sargis and Hakob with his wife Herik, as well as his daughters Guli and Mariam;

8 Avag Mnatsakanian, his brother Harutiun, their sisters Mariam and Sirunna, as well as their mother Javahir;

9 Maki Soghomonian, his wife Tellu, their sons Karapet, Grigor, Soghomon with his wife Sabet and his daughter Javahir, as well as Martiros with his wife Sandukht and their children Ghazar, Verdi, Horom and Herik;

10 Sargis Ananian, his wife Sandukht, their sons Theodoros, Papi, Badal, Arzuman and Harutiun; Sargis’ brother Ohannes and his wife Sharmagh;

11 Badal Stepanian, his wife Tellu, their children Karapet and Khatun; Badal’s mother Margaret, as well as his brothers David, Mkrtich, Ohannes and Harutiun;

12 Karapet Ohannissian, his wife Vardi, as well as their children Ohannes, Grigor, Harutiun, Anakhas, Sirunna and Mariam; Karapet’s brother Badal and his wife Sirunna;

13 Barsegh Avagian, his mother Mariam, his wife Anna, their son Bozi and their daughter Horom; Barsegh’s brothers Harutiun, Arzuman and Grigor with his wife Gyuli;

14 Tzatur Harutiunian, his wife Aziz, their daughters Herik and Horom; Tzatur’s mother Sandukht, his brother Gabriel, his wife Herik, as well as their children Badal, Harutiun and Gyuli;

15 Petros Badalian, his wife Parunna, as well as their children Vardi, Sargis and Harutiun; Petros’ brothers Andreas, Hayrapet, Harutiun and Poghos with his wife Mariam and his son Harutiun; Petros’ nephews 1. Grigor with his wife Aziz, his son Tzatur and his daughter Mariam, and 2. Ohannes with his wife Sarah, as well as his sons Hovakim, Arustam, Yengibar and Petros;

16 Mkrtich Ghazarian, his wife Sabed and their son Ghazar; Mkrtich’s mother Margaret, as well as his brothers Harutiun and Khachatur;

17 Movses Sargissian, his wife Pari, as well as their sons Beglar and Arustam; Movses’ mother Herik, as well as his brothers Mirza, Ohannes, Tzatur and Grigor;

18 Sargis Petrossian, his wife Magtagh, as well as their children Badal, Anakhanum and Horomsim; Sargis’ brother Hakob, his wife Sandukht and their son Beglar;

19 Khachatur Ohanian and his wife Mariam.”<fnref n="433" />

The available statistical data on the number of Khachakap’s population between 1804 and 1917 represent the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1804<sup>434</sup></td><td>8</td><td>30</td><td>23</td><td>53</td></tr><tr><td>1839<sup>435</sup></td><td>19</td><td>114</td><td>90</td><td>204</td></tr><tr><td>1845<sup>436</sup></td><td></td><td>258</td><td>254</td><td>512</td></tr><tr><td>1847<sup>437</sup></td><td></td><td>215</td><td>205</td><td>420</td></tr><tr><td>1849<sup>438</sup></td><td></td><td>215</td><td>210</td><td>425</td></tr><tr><td>1852<sup>439</sup></td><td></td><td>239</td><td>217</td><td>456</td></tr><tr><td>1861<sup>440</sup></td><td>40</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1866<sup>441</sup></td><td>54</td><td>419</td><td>343</td><td>762</td></tr><tr><td>1870<sup>442</sup></td><td></td><td>459</td><td>378</td><td>837</td></tr><tr><td>1872<sup>443</sup></td><td></td><td>550</td><td>485</td><td>1,035</td></tr><tr><td>1873<sup>444</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>957</td></tr><tr><td>1874<sup>445</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>961</td></tr><tr><td>1875<sup>446</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>968</td></tr><tr><td>1876<sup>447</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>985</td></tr><tr><td>1877<sup>448</sup></td><td></td><td>517</td><td>468</td><td>985</td></tr><tr><td>1878<sup>449</sup></td><td></td><td>536</td><td>469</td><td>1,005</td></tr><tr><td>1881<sup>450</sup></td><td></td><td>551</td><td>479</td><td>1,030</td></tr><tr><td>1882<sup>451</sup></td><td></td><td>570</td><td>482</td><td>1,052</td></tr><tr><td>1883<sup>452</sup></td><td></td><td>583</td><td>475</td><td>1,058</td></tr><tr><td>1885<sup>453</sup></td><td>73</td><td>585</td><td>523</td><td>1,108</td></tr></tbody></table>

<footnote n="433">433 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3800, pp. 27-28.</footnote>

<footnote n="434">434 Collected Acts..., vol. 2, p. 596.</footnote>

<footnote n="435">435 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3800, p. 28.</footnote>

<footnote n="436">436 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3811, pp. 4-5.</footnote>

<footnote n="437">437 Idem, file 3814, pp. 96-97.</footnote>

<footnote n="438">438 Idem, file 3818, pp. 96-97.</footnote>

<footnote n="439">439 Idem, file 3819, pp. 106-107.</footnote>

<footnote n="440">440 Idem, file 3835, pp. 148-149.</footnote>

<footnote n="441">441 Idem, file 3848, p. 57.</footnote>

<footnote n="442">442 Idem, file 3857, pp. 49-50.</footnote>

<footnote n="443">443 Idem, file 3872, pp. 62-63.</footnote>

<footnote n="444">444 Idem, file 3864, pp. 39-40.</footnote>

<footnote n="445">445 Caucasian Calendar for 1886, p. 125.</footnote>

<footnote n="446">446 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3866, pp. 44-45.</footnote>

<footnote n="447">447 Idem, file 3868, pp. 57-58.</footnote>

<footnote n="448">448 Idem, file 3869, pp. 54-55.</footnote>

<footnote n="449">449 Idem, file 3870, pp. 22-23.</footnote>

<footnote n="450">450 Idem, file 3873, pp. 27-28.</footnote>

<footnote n="451">451 Idem, file 3874, p. 30.</footnote>

<footnote n="452">452 Idem, file 3875, pp. 56-57.</footnote>

<footnote n="453">453 Idem, file 3877, p. 30. Also see “Ardzagank,” 1885, No. 4, p. 51.</footnote>
<table><tr><td>1886<sup>454</sup></td><td>114</td><td>676</td><td>637</td><td>1,313</td></tr><tr><td>1887<sup>455</sup></td><td></td><td>638</td><td>562</td><td>1,200</td></tr><tr><td>1888<sup>456</sup></td><td></td><td>653</td><td>586</td><td>1,239</td></tr><tr><td>1889<sup>457</sup></td><td></td><td>663</td><td>589</td><td>1,252</td></tr><tr><td>1890<sup>458</sup></td><td></td><td>677</td><td>607</td><td>1,284</td></tr><tr><td>1891<sup>459</sup></td><td></td><td>699</td><td>631</td><td>1,330</td></tr><tr><td>1892<sup>460</sup></td><td></td><td>696</td><td>634</td><td>1,331</td></tr><tr><td>1893<sup>461</sup></td><td></td><td>725</td><td>644</td><td>1,369</td></tr><tr><td>1894<sup>462</sup></td><td></td><td>744</td><td>654</td><td>1,398</td></tr><tr><td>1897<sup>463</sup></td><td></td><td>817</td><td>729</td><td>1,546</td></tr><tr><td>1898<sup>464</sup></td><td></td><td>832</td><td>747</td><td>1,579</td></tr><tr><td>1899<sup>465</sup></td><td></td><td>838</td><td>751</td><td>1,589</td></tr><tr><td>1900<sup>466</sup></td><td></td><td>857</td><td>773</td><td>1,630</td></tr><tr><td>1901<sup>467</sup></td><td></td><td>881</td><td>791</td><td>1,672</td></tr><tr><td>1902<sup>468</sup></td><td></td><td>891</td><td>811</td><td>1,702</td></tr><tr><td>1905<sup>469</sup></td><td></td><td>894</td><td>814</td><td>1,708</td></tr><tr><td>1906<sup>470</sup></td><td></td><td>964</td><td>865</td><td>1,829</td></tr><tr><td>1907<sup>471</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>1,514</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>472</sup></td><td>206</td><td>760</td><td>740</td><td>1,500</td></tr><tr><td>1909<sup>473</sup></td><td></td><td>909</td><td>832</td><td>1,741</td></tr><tr><td>1910<sup>474</sup></td><td></td><td>383</td><td>376</td><td>759</td></tr><tr><td>1912<sup>475</sup></td><td></td><td>923</td><td>341</td><td>1,264</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>476</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>661</td></tr><tr><td>1917<sup>477</sup></td><td>119</td><td></td><td></td><td>1,013</td></tr></table>

**The Armeno-Turkish Fights between 1905 and 1906.** The Turkish mob, attacking the neighbouring Armenian villages, did not spare Khachakap either. On 14 September 1905, “The Turks attempted to drive away the cattle belonging to the local inhabitants, but some guards from Chovdar freed the animals from

<figure><img src="image_247.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_248.png" /><figcaption>KHACHAKAP. Sourb Astvatzatzin Church</figcaption></figure>

their hands in a place called *Saruyal* and returned them to their owners.”<fnref n="478" />

Khachakap participated in World War II with 397 of its residents, 197 of whom sacrificed their lives on the battle-field. Their grateful fellow villagers built a memorial and a museum in the settlement in perpetuation of their memory.

Lieutenant Colonel Grigor Karapet Baghian (1914 to 1965) was awarded the honourary title of *Hero of the Soviet Union* for his valour and great commanding skills. Later he was promoted to *Major-General*.<fnref n="479" />

Since the school of Targmanchats Monastery, founded in 1872, was located quite near Khachakap, it

<footnote n="454">454 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 82-83. In some other sources the number of the village population oscillates between 100 ("Nor-Dar," 1886, No. 65, p. 1) and 78 houses ("Ardzagank," 1886, No. 21, p. 310).</footnote>

<footnote n="455">455 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3880, p. 73.</footnote>

<footnote n="456">456 Idem, file 3882, p. 131.</footnote>

<footnote n="457">457 Idem, file 3884, pp. 227-228.</footnote>

<footnote n="458">458 Idem, file 3887, p. 150.</footnote>

<footnote n="459">459 Idem, file 3889, p. 149.</footnote>

<footnote n="460">460 Idem, file 3891, p. 121.</footnote>

<footnote n="461">461 Idem, file 3895, pp. 78-79.</footnote>

<footnote n="462">462 Idem, file 3896, pp. 174-175.</footnote>

<footnote n="463">463 Idem, file 3899, pp. 147-148.</footnote>

<footnote n="464">464 Idem, file 3897, p. 169.</footnote>

<footnote n="465">465 Idem, file 3903, pp. 126-127.</footnote>

<footnote n="466">466 Idem, file 3905, pp. 92-93.</footnote>

<footnote n="467">467 Idem, file 3906, pp. 98-99.</footnote>

<footnote n="468">468 Idem, file 3907, pp. 23-24.</footnote>

<footnote n="469">469 Idem, file 312, pp. 23-24.</footnote>

<footnote n="470">470 Idem, file 3915, p. 24.</footnote>

<footnote n="471">471 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 240, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="472">472 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 559, p. 10. Another statistical source of 1908 mentions 1,660 inhabitants for this year (Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 303).</footnote>

<footnote n="473">473 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 18, file 764, p. 117.</footnote>

<footnote n="474">474 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3917, pp. 58-59.</footnote>

<footnote n="475">475 Idem, file 3919, pp. 62-63.</footnote>

<footnote n="476">476 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p.149.</footnote>

<footnote n="477">477 Avetissian, M. M., idem, p. 166.</footnote>

<footnote n="478">478 “Arshaluys,” 1905, No. 17, 20 September.</footnote>

<footnote n="479">479 For further information on G. Baghian, see **Ghalachian, K. Memorials of Glory: An Album. Yerevan, 1986**, pp. 31-32, in Armenian.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_249.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_250.png" /><figcaption>KHACHAKAP. The chapel of Khach Ketsy and its construction inscription (1913). Cross-stones from the sacred site of Tzaghkots (11th cent.), and a broken khachkar found in the village (16th to 17th cents.)</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_251.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_252.png" /></figure>

was only comparatively later that the inhabitants of the village felt the necessity of opening their own **parish school**.

In 1876 they had a **female school**.<fnref n="480" />

The parochial school of the village, which had reopened in 1906,<fnref n="481" /> had a teacher and 63 pupils in 1914.<fnref n="482" />

Khachakap also had a **Russian public school**, which functioned from 1903 until 1904.

**Sourb Astvatzatzin Church**, founded in 1650, was located in the centre of the village (the earliest archive documents mentioning it date from 1847).<fnref n="483" /> It represented a “magnificent” edifice (exterior dimensions: 18.9 x 12.28 metres) of finely-dressed stone “resting on four splendid pillars.”<fnref n="484" />

The monument, which was preserved intact as of 1988, used to have inscriptions commemorating its foundation and repairs.

Carved on the facade of the church:

Արդեամք և ծախիր Խաչակապաց ժողովրդոց շինեցաւ 1650 ամի, նորոգեցաւ 1864 ամի:

Եկայր առ իս ամենայն աշխատեալք և ծանրաքեոնեալք և ես հանգուցից զձեզ:

transl.: *Built in the year 1650 through the means and efforts of the people of Khachakap, repaired in the year 1864.*

*Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.*

The Armenian original published in: "Nor-Dar," 1886, No. 65, p. 1; *Barkhutariants, M.*, Artsakh, p. 288.

Found in the belfry:

Արդեամք շինեցաւ զանգակատունս 1864 ամի Վերտի Յարուրինեան Տոուգեանց:

transl.: *This belfry was built through the means of Verti Harutiunian Truziants in the year 1864.*

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

<footnote n="480">480 “Meghu Hayastani,” 1876, No. 40, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="481">481 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 214, p. 1.</footnote>

<footnote n="482">482 **Khudoyan, S.**, idem, p. 479.</footnote>

<footnote n="483">483 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list1, file 3818, pp. 96-97.</footnote>

<footnote n="484">484 “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 21, p. 310. Also see “Nor-Dar,” 1886, No. 65, p. 1; *Barkhutariants, M.* Artsakh, p. 308; *Lalayan, Yer.* Gandzak District, p. 313.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_253.png" /><figcaption>KHACHAKAP. Cross-stones from the ancient site of Okhtnaghber</figcaption></figure>

Parallel with the construction of the belfry in 1864, some repairs were carried out in the church. Further overhaul was implemented in 1880, the following inscription attesting to it:

4 lines in the Armenian original engraved near the northern corner of the western facade of the church:

1880 ամի, Հ. ՈՅԻԹ / U(ուր)ք եկեղեցոյս սեղանի և ժողովրդի տեղի սալա(յա)/տակը շինել տվեց փիքեցի Աբունց Յակորի աղ/ջիկ Թամանք. յիշատակ հգույ իրոն:

transl.: In the year 1880. The bema and hall of this holy church were paved through the means of Tamam, the daughter of Abunts Hakob from Pib. In memory of their souls.

Published for the first time.

In the late 19th century, Sourb Astvatzatzin was again in need of renovation: “The Reverend Father Tavakaliants, who had come to our village on an

informal visit, noticed that the church roof was in a state of dilapidation, water constantly leaking through its ceiling. He started collecting money and raised 300 rubles for the overhaul scheduled for the summer.”<fnref n="485" />

The sanctuary closed in 1928.<fnref n="486" />

Below follows a chronological list of the clergy-men who served in Khachakap:

Movses Yepiskopossiants performed priestly duties between the 1840s and 1860s.<fnref n="487" />

Anton Grigorian Malkhassiants, mentioned in 1858, served simultaneously the communities of Ki-rants and Karhat Villages.<fnref n="488" />

Before coming to Khachnakap, Grigor Ter-Hov-hannissian Ter-Avetikiants (1904 to 1910), who was ordained in 1884, was the spiritual shepherd of the

<footnote n="485">485 "Nor-Dar," 1896, No. 118, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="486">486 National Archives of Armenia, fund 409, list 1, file 2658, p. 12.</footnote>

<footnote n="487">487 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 31, pp. 56-58.</footnote>

<footnote n="488">488 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list1, file 3831, pp. 39-40.</footnote>
Armenian refugees living in Veliaminov Region on the shore of the Black Sea.<fnref n="489" /> From 1908 until 1910, Priest Hovhannes Ter-Yeghiazariants joined him in his work.<fnref n="490" />

Hovhannes Davtian Ter-Yeghiazariants, mentioned between 1898 and 1919,<fnref n="491" /> was ordained priest in 1898. From 1903 till 1904, he taught Religion and Armenian in Khachakap's Russian public school. During the period between 1898 and 1919, he "...dedicated himself to the education of the younger generation and soon initiated the purchase of a building for Khachakap's parish school..."<fnref n="492" />

**The Village Cemeteries.** A small cemetery, extending around Sourb Astvatzatzin Church, retains several tombstones tracing back to the 19th century. Most presumably, beneath one of them reposes a person of great significance in the social life of the village, whose foundation is ascribed to him.

10 lines in the Armenian original carved on a white marble gravestone:

Այս է տապան Խաչա/կապ գիտի հիմնա/ղիր Տեր Աբրահամ Ըահնագրեանցի եւ որույն որա Սելիք-Մովսեսի։ (Այսներեսի) Տեր Աբրահամը վլս. 1758 ք., Սելիք Մովսեսը վլս. 1790 ք.:

transl.: In this grave repose Father Abraham Shahnazariants, the founder of Khachakap Village, and his son Melik Movses. The other face reads: Father Abraham died in 1758 [and] Melik Movses passed away in 1790.

Published for the first time.

Another epitaph found in the cemetery reads:

Այս է տապան մելիք Պարին, քվ. ՈՍԼէ (1788):

transl.: In this grave reposes Melik Pab, in the year 1788.

The Armenian original published in: Lalayan, Yer. Gandzak District, p. 313.

Another grave-yard, extending on a hillside at the eastern edge of the village, retains several khachkars dating from the 9th to 11th centuries. One of them (100 x 40 x 13 centimetres) bears two cross reliefs carved below each other. Standing at the foot of the hill can be seen another cross-stone (110 x 73 x 11 centimetres)

which is distinguished for its simplicity. Only some letters have survived out of the inscription once engraved on its upper part.<fnref n="493" />

**A pilgrimage site**, called Tzaghkots and located at the southern extremity of Khachakap, has preserved two 11th-century cross-stones. One of them is engraved with a semi-distorted inscription:

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on the lower part of the khachkar:

Ի րուական/խս ԸԵ (1056), ի յաշ...

transl.: In the year 1056...

The Armenian original published in: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, pp. 10-11.

An ornate cross-stone fragment, lying in the yard of a house in the centre of the village, bears the following inscription:

2 lines in the Armenian original incised into the cornice of the khachkar (43 x 52 x 15 centimetres):

...կանգնեցի ս(ուր)ք խ(ա)չս ք(ա)ր(է)խ(աւս)հգոյն Առաքէլին:

transl.: ...erected this Holy Cross in protection of Arakel's soul.

Published for the first time.

Note: The inscription dates from the period between the 16th and 17th centuries.

Another **pilgrimage site** called **Khach Ketsi**<fnref n="494" /> is located at the southern edge of Khachakap: "At the end of the village stands a chapel built of undressed stone. That sanctuary, where the remains of a certain saint repose in eternal peace, is called Khach Ketsi: young men and ladies cast lots over the saint's grave to learn their destiny..."<fnref n="495" />

According to an inscription carved on the western facade of the chapel, it was reconstructed in 1913:

Ոխտատեղիս շինեացի արդեամք և ծախոսիր խաչակապցի քարեաաշտ գրիգոր Յարուրինեան Մկրոչեանցի, 1913 ք.:

transl.: This pilgrimage site was re-built through the means of pious believer Grigor Harutiunian Mkrtchiants from Khachakap, 1913.

Published for the first time.

The pilgrimage site of **Tziranavor**, situated in the centre of the village, used to represent a stone structure of a wooden roof.

<footnote n="489">489 National Archives of Armenia, fund 461, list 1, file 12, pp. 65-66. Also see fund 53, list 1, file 817, p. 7.</footnote>

<footnote n="490">490 National Archives of Armenia, fund 458, list 1, file 184, p. 7. Also see fund 53, list 1, file 817, p. 7.</footnote>

<footnote n="491">491 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 5, file 250, p. 94. Also see fund 56, list 6, file 1174, p. 11.</footnote>

<footnote n="492">492 National Archives of Armenia, fund 461, list 1, file 12, pp. 65-66.</footnote>

<footnote n="493">493 **Karpetian, S.** The 8th-11th-century Khachkars of Gardmank. In: "Gardmank," 1996, No. 3, pp. 10-11, in Armenian.</footnote>

<footnote n="494">494 'Khach Ketsi' is the Armenian equivalent for 'Cast a Cross,' the name, evidently, deriving from the aforementioned custom.</footnote>

<footnote n="495">495 **Barkhutariants, M.**, idem, p. 288.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_254.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_255.png" /><figcaption>KHACHAKAP. Targmanchats Monastery in 1911 and in the 1980s</figcaption></figure>

Okhtn neighbor.<fnref n="496" /> Seven old-styled west-facing cross-
stones stand in the site of this sanctuary, 2 kilometres

north-west of Khachakap. The khachkars, dating from
the 9th to 11th centuries, are bare of any inscriptions.

The bridge of Kchaghbyur, preserved in the south-
east of the village as of the early 20th century, repre-

<footnote n="496">⁴⁹⁶ ‘Okhtnəghber’ is the Armenian equivalent for ‘Seven Brothers.’</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_256.png" /><figcaption>KHACHAKAP. Partial views of Targmanchats Monastery</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_257.png" /></figure>

sented a single-span, vaulted structure. It was built of undressed stone and mortar, except for the cornerstones of its vault-bearing arch, which were finely-cut. Its span amounted to 3.95 metres, and the passage-way,

originally 4.05 metres wide, was later extended by another 3 metres.

**The Monuments in the Neighbourhood of Kha-chakap.** An area between 4 and 5 kilometres north of
<figure><img src="image_258.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_259.png" /><figcaption>KHACHAKAP. Partial views of Targmanchats Monastery</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_260.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_261.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_262.png" /><figcaption>KHACHAKAP. The plan of Targmanchats Monastery</figcaption></figure>

the village retains a specimen of the early period of the art of cross-stones. It represents a block of undressed stone (2.01 x 1.05 x 0.25 to 0.35 metres) bearing three identical cross reliefs.<fnref n="497" />

**Targmanchats Monastery** is located on the south-facing slope of a mountain rising between two small gorges, 1.5 kilometres north of the village, at an altitude of 1,315 metres above sea level.

Its foundation is traditionally connected with the activity of St. Mesrop Mashtots, who preached Christianity in Artsakh in the 5th century; hence comes its name, i.e. *Targmanchats*, which means '*Of the Holy Translators*'<fnref n="498" />

One of the most famous and prolific spiritual and cultural centres in North-Eastern Armenia, the monastery repeatedly suffered destruction, which left traces in its stonework. With this regard, a record states, "...In Timur's times, this sanctuary was so heavily dilapidated that its walls were almost levelled with the ground..."<fnref n="499" />

Seeing the evident marks of frequent renovation in the monument, a visitor wrote the following in 1885, "...throughout many centuries, the monastery was periodically destroyed and repaired so that its once virgin antiquity gradually withered away. Its bema, however, seems to have preserved its original position. Early in the 11th century<fnref n="500" /> (1029), the choir and hall were repaired, becoming narrower and smaller in dimensions."<fnref n="501" />

The only church of the monastery was dedicated to Sts. Sahak and Mesrop.<fnref n="502" />

<footnote n="497">497 The old-styled motifs of the khachkar trace it back to the 8th century (The Medieval Steles of Armenia: Khachkars of the 9th to 13th centuries. Compiled by **Shahinian, A.** Yerevan, 1984, p. 22, in Armenian). However, their comparison with other dated monuments of the area reveals that the reliefs and decorative patterns adorning the khachkars of Central Armenia between the 8th and 9th centuries were used in the khachkars of Gardmank, a remote district of Historical Armenia, only in the 10th to 11th centuries.</footnote>

<footnote n="498">498 **Alishan, Gh.** Political Georgraphy. Venice, 1853.</footnote>

<footnote n="499">499 "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 21, p. 308.</footnote>

<footnote n="500">500 The original of this extract reads "10th century," a mistake which we have corrected.</footnote>

<footnote n="501">501 "Ardzagank," 1885, No. 4, p. 55.</footnote>

<footnote n="502">502 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list14, file 205, pp. 231-232.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_263.png" /><figcaption>KHACHAKAP. The eastern facade of the church of Targmanchats Monastery</figcaption></figure>

Between 1872 and 1890, an amount of 9,116 rubles was collected for the overhaul of the monastery. In fact, it needed 9,880 rubles, with another 15,000 rubles still necessary for the accomplishment of the work.<fnref n="503" /> In 1888 the spiritual authorities called upon the local people to contribute to that work of the utmost importance.<fnref n="504" />

Despite the aforementioned, however, in the 1880s the prospering sanctuary aroused admiration, a visitor writing the following with that regard, “Leaving behind some luxuriant fields abounding in harvest, together with a number of magnificent forests and arable lands, a traveller approaches a gorge presently called Arjadzor. On the opposite side, on a slope right at the beginning of the canyon rises the fine edifice of Sourb Targmanchats Monastery, surrounded by well-built dwellings, gardens, meadows and a newly-growing wood. ... Thanks to different donations and the strenuous efforts of its benefactor (Armenian merchant and exporter Nerses Ter-Nersissants - S. K.), at present the cloister has two antechambers, a dwelling of four rooms, and a basement built of mortar. That abode is adjoined by the prior's large, fine room: you can hardly find one like that in the residences of the bishops of Holy Echmiatzin. ... The church represents a finely-decorated building with inner and outer courts, and a cattle-pen located in the latter. Now the construction of a garden is underway within the large enclosure of the

monument. There is a magnificent spring with a fine basin in the upper part of that garden...”<fnref n="505" />

About ten years later, another visitor wrote, “The monastery, fortified by a mighty enclosure, comprises a garden, a hive, eight cells, some bridges and a splendid spring. With its newly-built bridges, as well as its finely-repaired gavit, enclosure and cells, it is truly the most superb sanctuary I have ever seen. We owe all this revival and magnificence to Nerses Bey Abrahamian Ter-Nersissants from Gandzak.”<fnref n="506" />

Unfortunately, with its benefactor's death in 1896, the monastery started gradually losing its significance. Concerned about that situation, Echmiatzin assigned “...provisional leader of Georgia's Armenian diocese Bishop Yeprem to charge vicar of Gandzak Diocese Levon the Archimandrite with establishing regular control over Targmanchats Monastery.”<fnref n="507" />

Before his death, in 1888 N. Ter-Nersissants addressed a letter to the Catholicos, expressing concern about the future state of the monastery. He particularly wrote, “...What especially worries me is who is going to take care of the expensive property, utensils, library, newly-erected buildings, etc. belonging to the sanctuary. I am afraid lest all our efforts and hard work should prove futile once Prior Theodoros Shirakuny, who is an old sick man, passes away. Is all this to fall prey to robbery and appropriation, which is, unfortunately, the

<footnote n="503">503 Idem, list 6, file 31, p. 97.</footnote>

<footnote n="504">504 “Nor-Dar,” 1888, No. 109.</footnote>

<footnote n="505">505 “Ardzagank,” 1885, No. 4, p. 55.</footnote>

<footnote n="506">506 *Barkhutariants*, M., idem, p. 291.</footnote>

<footnote n="507">507 “Ararat,” 1913, p. 106.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_264.png" /><figcaption>KHACHAKAP. Eastward and westward views of the interior of the church of Targmanchats Monastery. Its drum and an eastward view of the interior of the gavit</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_265.png" /></figure>

case in many Armenian churches and monasteries, a
crying shame for the entire Armenian nation...?”<fnref n="508" />

Regretfully, N. Ter-Nersissants’ fears and forebod-
ings were to come true, and that not after the Prior’s
death, but right in his lifetime.

After N. Ter-Nersissants’ death, in 1898 the Father
Superior of the cloister applied to Georgia and Imeret’s
Armenian Consistory for permission to raise means to
implement renovation and purchase some church uten-
sils.<fnref n="509" /> Most probably, his petition was not met.

In 1917 the church roof was in bad need of repairs,
the amount necessary for the fulfillment of the work
coming up to 13, 472 rubles. However, selling the

unnecessary woodwork and iron articles of the sanctu-
ary by auction, its trustees managed to raise only 277
rubles by 1919.<fnref n="510" /> Thus, the monument was actually in
rather a poor state of preservation on the eve of the
Soviet takeover.

Throughout the subsequent 70 years, it was con-
signed to total oblivion.

In the 1980s, when we visited it for several times,
we found its cemetery totally reduced to ruins, its
enclosure being in almost the same condition. No
traces of the annexes and the once functioning monas-
tic school could be seen anywhere. Although standing,
St. Sahak-Mesrop Church, its gavit and belfry were in

<footnote n="508">508 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 18, file 31, p. 56.</footnote>

<footnote n="509">509 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 9450, pp. 1-2.</footnote>

<footnote n="510">510 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 1174, p. 11, list 5, file 250, p. 94.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_266.png" /><figcaption>KHACHAKAP. A tombstone (1879) from the cemetery of Targmanchats Monastery. A fallen fragment of the spire of the church, and the year of the construction of the bridge of the monastery</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_267.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_268.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_269.png" /></figure>

a state of utter collapse. The same could be said of a vaulted underground building which had probably served as the basement of some structure.

Originally, **St. Sahak-Mesrop Church** represented a single-nave, vaulted basilica of rectangular plan, with a semi-circular bema in the east and two vestries jutting out of its main structure. One of the most essential composition peculiarities of the monument consists in the existence of an open apse in the exterior west-facing wall of its northern sacristy. Its counterparts can be found in a number of early medieval religious monuments in Odzun (in Lori Marz of the Republic of Armenia), Yereruyk, Talin, Artik (Shirak Marz of the Republic of Armenia), etc. Interestingly enough, the section adjoining the aforementioned open bema has preserved its original stonework, despite the fact that the monastery often underwent

overhaul. The existence of this open bema and its comparison with other similar structures suggest that Targmanchats Monastery dates back to the early Middle Ages.

The walls of St. Sahak-Mesrop Church, which repeatedly underwent repairs, bear stones dated 989, undoubtedly, in commemoration of some renovation carried out there.

The monument was entirely built of finely-cut stones, this being attested by the remnants of an older church which were widely used in its eastern facade during further repairs. During the overhaul implemented between the 17th and 18th centuries, a great number of cross-stones, dating from the 10th to 17th centuries and, probably, removed from the monastery's medieval cemetery, were used in the masonry of the building. At the same time, a dome was added to it.
<figure><img src="image_270.png" /><figcaption>KHACHAKAP. Cross-stones set in the walls of the church and gavit of Targmanchats Monastery</figcaption></figure>

The church, whose entrance is in the west, is illuminated through three small, narrow windows opening into the eastern facade, and four others set in the drum. Its walls bear some inscribed stones and khachkars:

Incised into a finely-dressed stone lying in the southern wall of the church:

ՆԼԸ (989):

transl.: 989.

The Armenian original published in: "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 21, p. 308; Lalayan, Yer. Gandzak District, p. 340; Corpus..., part 5, p. 252.

Note: S. Barkhudarian found another two stones dated 989 on the northern and southern walls of the gavit (Corpus..., ibid).

Carved on the entrance facade of the church:

Ի կարուղիկոսութեան ամենայն Հայոց Գէրգայ Դ-դի, յառաջնորդութեան Գաբրիէլ արքեպիսկոպոսի Այվազեան և Արիստակէս ե-պիսկոպոսի Սեղրակեան և ի վանահայրութեան Թէոդորոս վարդապետի Շիրակունոյ, ձեռնտուութեամբ բարեպաշտ զաւակաց Հայաստանեայց Ս. եկեղեցոյ, նորոգեալ բարեզարդեցաւ սուրբ մենաստանս, որ կառուցեալ է ի է. դարու և մնայր աւերակ: Բացաւ աստ վանկան դպրոց, նորոգ կառուցան դպրոցական, տնտեսական շինութիւնք, կամուրջ, սայլուղիք և այլն, նորոգեցան լայնացան պարիսպք նորա, ճոխացան կարասիք և պիտոյք դպրոցին հանդերձ մատենադարանիւ ի հոգևոր մխիթարութիւն Հայազնեայց 1872-1885 ամի:
<figure><img src="image_271.png" /><figcaption>KHACHAKAP. Cross-stones set in the walls of the church and gavit of Targmanchats Monastery</figcaption></figure>

transl.: This holy cloister, that dates from the 7th century and was in a ruined state, was repaired through the assistance of the pious sons of the Armenian Church in the days of Catholicos of All Armenians Gevorg IV, Archbishop Gabriel Ayvazian, Bishop Aristakes Sedrakian and Father Superior Theodoros Shirakuny. A monastic school opened here, a bridge, cart-roads and annexes were built and the ramparts enlarged. The school and repository acquired new utensils and stationery for the spiritual comfort of the Armenian nation. 1872 to 1885.

The Armenian original published in: "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 21, p. 309.

Engraved on a stone placed in front of the bema like a reading-
stand:

Միւնս այս կանգնեցաւ ի վանս Թարգման-
չաց ի յիշատակ նորոգութեան և բարեզարդու-
քեան սրբոյ տաճարիս և հոգևոր դպրոցի նորին
ի 1875 և 1880 ամի նպաստիւք Կովկասեան
Հայազն բարեմիտ և կրօնասեր ժողովրդակա-
նաց ի հայրապետութեան Գէրգայ Դ-դի և ա-
ոաջնորդութեան Գաբրիէլ արքեպիսկոպոսի
Այվազեան:

transl.: This pillar was erected in Targman-
chats Monastery in commemoration of the repairs
carried out in the holy church and its spiritual
school in the years 1875 and 1880 through the
donations made by Caucasia's pious Armenian
believers in the days of Catholicos Gevorg IV and
Father Superior Gabriel Ayvazian the Archbi-
shop.
<figure><img src="image_272.png" /><figcaption>KHACHAKAP. Cross-stones set in the walls of the church and gavit of Targmanchats Monastery</figcaption></figure>

The Armenian original published in: “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 21, p. 309.

4 semi-distorted lines in the Armenian original inscribed around the cross wings and on the lower part of a khachkar set in the western pylon of the gavit:

ՈԼԵ (1186). | S(է)ρ Առաքել սո[աջնորդ], | U(ուρ)ρ ուխտիս կանգ[ների] զխաչս:

transl.: 1186. I, leader of this holy monastery
Father Arakel, erected this Cross.

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

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on a cross-stone set in the western wall of the northern vestry:

U(ուρ)ρ Ակ/ուρ:

transl.: Saint Akob.

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

Note: The inscription dates back to the 12th century.

A single line in the Armenian original engraved on a khachkar lying in the western cornice of the drum:

ԹՎ(հն) ՊՀԲ (1423):

transl.: In the year 1423.

The Armenian original published in: Corpus..., part 5, p. 253.

A single line in the Armenian original incised into a cross-stone (70 x 52 centimetres) forming part of the false arch of the southern wall of the gavit:

ԹՎ Ո- (1551):

transl.: 1551.

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

2 lines in the Armenian original carved on both sides of the upper cross wing of a khachkar set outwardly near the eastern window:

ԹՎ(հն) Ո-/Ե (1556):
<figure><img src="image_273.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_274.png" /><figcaption>KHACHAKAP. A cross-stone (1608) from Targmanchats Monastery (in the days of the deportation, it was moved to Bagratashen Village of Tavush Marz of the Republic of Armenia through the efforts of local inhabitant Isaac Baghian)</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_275.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_276.png" /></figure>

transl.: In the year 1556.

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

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved around the cross wings of a khachkar lying in the upper part of the window of the southern vestry:

ԹՎ (ՀՄ) ՈՒԹՅ (1576):

transl.: In the year 1576.

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

Incised into a cross-stone set in the northern wall of the gavit:

ՈԼԷ (1588):

transl.: 1588.

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

2 lines in the Armenian original carved around the cross wings of a khachkar set in the upper part of the eastern window of the southern vestry:

ԹՎ(ՀՄ) ՈՒԹՅ (1596):

transl.: In the year 1596.

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

Engraved on a cross-stone (38 x 34 x 10 centimetres) lying in the bema:

ԹՎ (ՀՄ) ՈՒԾԷ (1608):

transl.: In the year 1608.

Published for the first time.

Note: The upper part of the cross-stone is broken.

A single line in the Armenian original inscribed on the cornice of a cross-stone (56 x 43 centimetres) set in the eastern wall of the drum:

U(ուր)ք քս(աշ)ս քարքս(աւ)ս Վ(ա)րդ(ա)-
նքս:

transl.: May this Holy Cross protect Vardan.

The Armenian original published in: Corpus..., part 5, p. 254.

A single incomplete line in the Armenian original incised into the lower part of another cross-stone (80 x 53 centimetres) set in the eastern wall of the drum:

Կ փրկուրի (ւն) հոգ ամուսն իմո...:

transl.: For the salvation of my husband's soul...

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

Note: The upper part of the cross-stone is broken.

A single line in the Armenian original inscribed on a cross-stone lying at the top of the drum:
U(ուր)բ խ(աչ)ս բարէխ(ատ)ս Ակորին՝
transl.: May this Holy Cross protect Akob.

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

A single line in the Armenian original engraved on the cornice of
a cross-stone (65 x 28 centimetres) set in the southern wall of the
drum:

Թո(տ)բակ:

transl.: Tutak.

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

Carved on a cross-stone lying in the lower part of the drum:

U(ուր)բ խ(աչ)ս բարէխ(ատ)ս Գահ(ա)րին:

transl.: May this Holy Cross protect Gohar.

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

Incised into a cross-stone (60 x 47 centimetres) forming part of
the southern false arch of the drum:

Խ(ա)չս յիշատ(ա)կ Յարայմիշին:

transl.: This Cross [stands] in memory of
Haraymish.

Published for the first time.

Inscribed on another cross-stone lying in the lower part of the
drum:

U(ուր)բ խ(աչ)ս բարէխ(ատ)ս Մրանին (°):

transl.: May this Holy Cross protect Mrans (?).

Published for the first time.

Engraved on a cross-stone set outwardly in the west of the drum:

Ապրհա(մին) ատ(գնական)...:

transl.: To protect Aprham...

Published for the first time.

The gavit, built in 1800, adjoins St. Sahak-Mesrop
Church in the west. It represents a rectangular, vaulted
structure of gable roof, built of undressed stone and
mortar. Its interior walls bear about ten khachkars and
gravestones some of which are inscribed.

Carved above the entrance of the gavit:

Գահիթս այս կառուցաւ ի վանահայրութեան
Սամուէլ եախկոպոսի, 1800 ամի:

transl.: This gavit was built under Prior Samuel
the Bishop in the year 1800.

The Armenian original published in: "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 21, p. 308; **Barkhutariants**, M. Artsakh, p. 289; **Lalayan**, Yer. Gandzak District, p. 340.

Engraved near the western corner of the northern wall of the
gavit:

Շինեցաւ բիւ / հայոց ՈՄՆԹ (1800):

transl.: Built in the year 1800 of the Armenian
era.

Published for the first time.

Inscribed on a rectangular stone lying on the roof:

Հիմնարկուին այս 450 առաջին նորոգոի
1029 վերջին վերանորոգում 1875-1880:

transl.: Founded in 450, repaired for the first
time in 1029 [and] between 1875 and 1880 for the
last.

Published for the first time.

Incised into a cross-stone (100 x 62 centimetres) forming part of
the false arch of the southern wall:

Ես ...եպ(խսկոսո)ս կա(ն)կնեցի զխ(ա)չս / եղբ(ո)րորդյն իմոյ Աղեքսոնս աբեղին:

transl.: I, Bishop... erected this cross [in
memory of] my nephew, celibate priest
Alexanos.

The Armenian original published in: Corpus..., part 5, p. 254.

Carved on a cross-stone (58 x 40 centimetres) set inwardly in the
interior southern wall:

Յ(ա)րայպետուրե(ան) Տ(է)ր Ոհանիսին
...ամա բողին ու փախան:

transl.: Under Father Ohanis ... abandoned and
ran away.

Published for the first time.

The belfry, adjoining the western facade of the ga-
vit, dates back to 1856. It represents a double-storey
structure entirely built of finely-cut stone and mortar.
For the last time, major overhaul was implemented
there in 1890 at 550 rubles donated by Karapet Poghos-
sian Lalayants.<fnref n="511" />

Below follow the inscriptions found in the belfry:

3 lines in the Armenian original engraved on the western facade:

Չանգակատունս կառոյց | Գանձակեցի
Պորոս | Ամիրխանեանցն, ի 1856 ամի:

transl.: This belfry was built by Poghos Amir-
khaniants from Gandzak in the year 1856.

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants**, M., ibid; **Lalayan**, Yer., idem, p. 341.

7 lines in the Armenian original incised into the northern wall:

...որ կա/(ո)ուցաւ ի անուն ս(ուր)բ առա-
քելոց ետու յիշատակ ինձ | Սանուէլն, Գրի-
գորն եւ | Սիմօն, դստերն՝ Սակքա/ղն, Բալա-
խան, Միւն ... եան Խու/մարն հարսն իմ
Սարիամ, 1876 ամի:

transl.: ...built in the name of the Holy Apostles
in memory of Manuel, Grigor and Simon, [his]
daughters Maktagh, Balakhan, ... Khumar, my
daughter-in-law Mariam, 1876.

Published for the first time.

4 lines in the Armenian original carved on the capitals of two
eastern pillars:

Եկայք պատուէսցուք տաճարս շինեալ յա-
նուն / սրբոց Թարգմանչացն մերոց Սահակայ

<footnote n="511">511 "Nor-Dar," 1890, No. 13, p. 2. Also see National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 31, p. 94.</footnote>
Եւ | Մերուրայ, քանգի իսմա ձագեաց մեզ (450) |
[լոյս] ի Հաեաստան աշխարհի, ի 1029 փրկչ(ակա)ն ամի։

transl.: Come and honour this church built in
the name of our Holy Translators Sahak and
Mesrop, for they spread enlightenment (450)
through the Armenian land in the year 1029
A.D.

The Armenian original published in: **Lalayan, Yer.**, idem, p. 340.

Note: According to Lalayan, this inscription is engraved in the gavit.

**Annexes.** From time immemorial Targmanchats Monastery had a number of buildings inside its enclosure intended for the monks and pilgrims. As stated in a record, in 1847 "The ramparts are adjoined by a large dwelling and three small rooms, where the members of the monastic community live."<fnref n="512" />

In 1902 the Prior received 220 rubles<fnref n="513" /> raised for the repairs of the monasctic rooms. Despite that, however, a report made up in 1910 revealed that the condition of the rooms was becoming still more deplorable: "...I found the roofs of the bakery and kitchen in bad need of overhaul, the other parts of the monastery sharing that miserable state. At present it is highly important to establish strict control over the entire monument to save it from final collapse."<fnref n="514" />

Below follows a list of the most famous **Fathers Superior** of the monastery:

Bishop Israel is mentioned in 1764.<fnref n="515" />

Archimandrite Yeprem died in 1781 and was buried
in the gavit of the monastery.

2 lines in the Armenian original engraved on his tombstone that
is decorated with a verge:

Այս է տապան Եփրեմ | վարդապետ(ին),
բվ(ի)ն Ո-ԱԼ (1781):

transl.: In this grave reposes Archimandrite
 Yeprem, in the year 1781.

Published for the first time.

Note: M. Barkhutarians mentions Archimandrite Yeprem's tombstone among some others lying in the gavit, but he makes no reference to the epitaph (**Barkhutarians, M.**, idem, p. 289).

Bishop Samuel, mentioned in 1800, was buried in
the gavit built in his days, but we failed to find his
gravestone.

According to his epitaph, Archimandrite Grigor
Ter-Hovhannissiants, who was still a coenobite in

1839, served as prior from 1830 till 1852.<fnref n="516" /> That period marked certain outrages perpetrated against the property of the monastery.

Grigor Ter-Hovhannissants’ tombstone, which lies
in the south of the church broken in two, bears an epi-
taph of 6 lines in the Armenian original:

Այս է շիրիմ Գանձակեցի Գրիգոր վարդա-
պետին Տ(է)ր Յոհաննէսեան | Շահին-
քէկեանց, որ վարեաց գվանահայրուքիւն
վանից | Սրոն Թարգմանչանց ի 1830 ամէ,
վախճանեցաւ ի 1852 ամի: | Յաւուրս տրա
կառուցաւ վանքական մէկ սենեակ: | Սրա
հերոր որդի Դանել ք(ա)հ(անա) Տ(է)ր Մար-
տիրոսեանս ետու արձանագր(ել), | ՌԻԸ՝
1879 ամի:

transl.: In this grave reposes Archimandrite Grigor Ter-Hovhannissian Shahinbekiants from Gandzak, who served as Father Superior of Sourb Targmanchats Monastery from the year 1830 [and] died in 1852. In his days, a cell was built in the monastery. I, his nephew, Priest Danel Ter-Martirossian, had [this epitaph] inscribed in the year 1879.

Published for the first time.

Two archimandrites are mentioned as priors of the
sanctuary in 1860.<fnref n="517" />

In 1867 the spiritual powers removed Archimandrite Theodoros Shirakuny from his post of the spiritual leader of Vanevank, located in Nor Bayazet<fnref n="518" /> (present-day Gegharkunik Marz in the Republic of Armenia), and appointed him Father Superior of Targmanchats Monastery, meeting the petition Khachakap inhabitants had twice addressed to them. Under Theodoros Shirakuny, the cloister gained even greater fame and significance. The year 1872 marked the opening of a school, the foundation of a college and the beginning of large-scale renovation there. The prior taught at the aforementioned school, wrote some works and translated others. In the meantime, he also focused his efforts on the preservation of the estates belonging to the monastery. In appreciation of all his endeavours, in 1898 the Catholicos issued a bull stating, "The diocese consistory is to appoint Archimandrite Theodoros Shirakuny lifelong prior of Khachakap's Targmanchats Monastery."<fnref n="519" />

<footnote n="512">512 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3814, pp. 108-109.</footnote>

<footnote n="513">513 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 18, file 435, p. 37.</footnote>

<footnote n="514">514 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 775, p. 11.</footnote>

<footnote n="515">515 *Barkhutarians, M.*, idem, p. VI.</footnote>

<footnote n="516">516 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 457, p. 8.</footnote>

<footnote n="517">517 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3833, pp. 112-113.</footnote>

<footnote n="518">518 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 31, pp. 56-58.
Also see "Ararat," 1884, pp. 420-421.</footnote>

<footnote n="519">519 Idem, file 775, p. 10.</footnote>
In 1910 Theodoros Shirakuny, who had reached rather an advanced age, still performed the duties of Father Superior. A contemporary, however, wrote the following with that regard, "How can Prior Theodoros Shirakuny look after such a monastery now that he himself needs care and attention? It is not surprising that he has brought the cloister to such a lamentable state."<fnref n="520" />

Priest Hovhannes Ter-Yeghiazariants is mentioned between 1917 and 1919 as provisional Father Superior of Targmanchats Monastery and parish priest of Khachakap Village. At that time, the church roof was in need of overhaul, and he himself made up the estimate of expenditures of that work.<fnref n="521" />

**The Movable Property Belonging to the Monastery.** In compliance with the will of Patriarch of Constantinople Archbishop Melkisedek Muradian, who died in 1904, his vestment was sent to Targmanchats Monastery.<fnref n="522" />

On 7 February 1924, spiritual leader of Gandzak Armenians Bishop Levon entered a protest to Echmiatzin's Spiritual Council, particularly stating the following, "Without consulting anybody, the Executive Committee of Khachakap Village moved the copper pans, carpets, clock and boards belonging to Sourd Targmanchats Monastery to the village, and sold them at 75 million rubles by February 1923."<fnref n="523" />

The earliest archive documents, containing information on the boundaries, economic state and income of the large **domains** of the cloister, date back to the 19th century.

Between 1840 and 1860, Priest Movses Yepiskopossians illegally allocated some of the monastic estates to certain relatives of his.<fnref n="524" />

The forest belonging to the monastery was so mercilessly exploited that it "... resembles a pasture rather than a wood: the trees having been ruthlessly chopped down, it now comprises merely some bushes."<fnref n="525" />

The neglected state of the monastic domains aroused the peasants' and spiritual powers' righteous indignation.

Together with Nerses Ter-Nersissants, who had been appointed guardian of the sanctuary in 1872, Prior Theodoros Shirakuny made great endeavours for the preservation of the monastic estates. They succeeded in

maintaining "a territory of 183 dessiatinas, including some arable lands, a hayfield and a forest."<fnref n="526" /> They also took some actions for the restoration of the aforementioned wood.<fnref n="527" /> In 1880 the income received from the pastures, garden and arable lands of the monastery amounted to 451 rubles.<fnref n="528" />

In 1886 the cloister had some arable lands, a kitchen garden and 5 rooms.<fnref n="529" />

Despite all the measures taken, the monastic domains again suffered losses so that in 1890 they were confined to 10 dessiatinas.<fnref n="530" />

In 1901 the real estate of the sanctuary comprised a garden, 5 rooms and some arable lands.<fnref n="531" />

According to a reference-book of 1910, the estates of Targmanchats Monastery covered 92 dessiatinas, including 30 dessiatinas of arable land, another 30 dessiatinas of pastures and 32 dessiatinas of forest, all of them lying in total neglect.<fnref n="532" />

**Targmanchats Monastery** used to be a famous scriptorium where a **manuscript repository** was founded in 1877.<fnref n="533" /> As attested by Sargs Jalaliants, "Once it retained a great number of important manuscripts..."<fnref n="534" />

The repository was enriched thanks to the activity of the monastic school. With this regard, special mention should be made of Prior Theodoros Shirakuny, who wrote works on Armenian musical instruments, the poetry of Grigor Narekatsy (951 to 1003),<fnref n="535" /> etc.

According to a reference-book of 1890, the monastery had a "rich repository" with a manuscript Gospel dating from the 6th century.<fnref n="536" /> Another document (1910) reports that it was handed over to Holy Echmiatzin through Gandzak Vicarate.<fnref n="537" />

The repository of Targmanchats Monastery retained "...an illustrated manuscript Gospel which can be considered a precious gift for any repository thanks to both its old age and superb images. The date of its creation is unknown, but one of the lower lines of its ninth illustrated page contains the following sentence, 'The Holy Gospel was illustrated in the year 1233. May our Lord Jesus Christ have mercy upon us.' In 1312 prince of Syunik Grigor Orbelian had it written in memory of his late wife Aspa and donated it to Khadar (Khatra)

<footnote n="520">520 Idem, file 775, pp. 10, 13.</footnote>

<footnote n="521">521 Idem, file 1174, list 5, file 250, p. 94.</footnote>

<footnote n="522">522 "Ararat," 1904, p. 739.</footnote>

<footnote n="523">523 Documents on the History of the Armenian Church (1921 to 1938). Yerevan, 1994, p. 46, in Armenian.</footnote>

<footnote n="524">524 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 31, pp. 56-58.</footnote>

<footnote n="525">525 "Ardzagank", 1885, No. 4, p. 55.</footnote>

<footnote n="526">526 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="527">527 "Ardzagank," 1885, No. 21, p. 308.</footnote>

<footnote n="528">528 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 31, p. 98.</footnote>

<footnote n="529">529 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 18, file 138, pp. 100-101.</footnote>

<footnote n="530">530 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 31, pp. 56-58.</footnote>

<footnote n="531">531 Idem, list 14, file 205, pp. 231-232.</footnote>

<footnote n="532">532 Idem, list 6, file 775, p. 11.</footnote>

<footnote n="533">533 Idem, p. 9.</footnote>

<footnote n="534">534 **Jalaliants, S.**, idem, part 1, pp. 168-169.</footnote>

<footnote n="535">535 A prominent Armenian poet, musician and philosopher.</footnote>

<footnote n="536">536 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 31, p. 100.</footnote>

<footnote n="537">537 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 775, p. 9.</footnote>
Monastery (in Martakert District of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh)."<fnref n="538" />

Among the miniatures the Gospel is illustrated with "that of the Holy Virgin can be distinguished. Dating back to an ancient period, it represents the Holy Mother of God in quite a different manner which I have never seen anywhere before. St. Mary is depicted with her breast in her child's mouth, which can hardly be discerned."<fnref n="539" />

Mentioning the illustrations of this Gospel, Bishop Makar writes, "The images, pictures, flowers, ornaments, bird-patterned capital letters and all the details in general are superb and unsurpassed in their colours and magnificent gilding. The delicacy of the motifs attracts visitors like a powerful magnet, something quite rare in the ancient manuscripts."<fnref n="540" />

The other manuscripts kept in the repository included:
A Gospel written in 1324 by scribe Vardan;<fnref n="541" />

Another Gospel written in 1652 by Priest Grigor Byurakantsy for Christian believer Sarkhosh Vardenistsy;<fnref n="542" />

*An Echo of Narek.* Written between 1870 and 1872 by Archimandrite Theodoros Shirakuny;<fnref n="543" />

*Vahan Mamikonian's Activity.* Written in verse (1873) by Archimandrite Theodoros Shirakuny;<fnref n="544" />

*Musical Instruments*, vol. 1. Written in 1874 by Archimandrite Theodoros Shirakuny;<fnref n="545" />

*Musical Instruments*, vol. 2. Written in 1876 by Archimandrite Theodoros Shirakuny;<fnref n="546" />

*Musical Instruments*, vol. 3. Written in 1876 by Archimandrite Theodoros Shirakuny;<fnref n="547" />

*A New Armenian Lyre.* Written in 1876 by Archimandrite Theodoros Shirakuny;<fnref n="548" />

*The Christian Doctrines.* Written in 1876 by Archimandrite Theodoros Shirakuny;<fnref n="549" />

*The Armenian Guitar.* Written between 1877 and 1878 by Archimandrite Theodoros Shirakuny;<fnref n="550" />

*A New Armenian Lyre.* Written in 1891 by Archimandrite Theodoros Shirakuny.<fnref n="551" />

Indeed, Theodoros Shirakuny was of immense significance in Targmanchats Monastery, which is also attested by the following record, "The Very Reverend Father Theodoros is one of those exceptional clergymen who adore the classical Armenian language. He has concentrated his love, work and attention on the magnificent works by Narekatsy, whose poems, although in prose, are distinguished for great splendour. Having rendered the prayer-book of Narek into a poem in the old Armenian language, Father Theodoros is now translating it into modern Armenian."<fnref n="552" />

Regretfully, very few of the manuscripts once kept in the repository have come down to us, a considerable number of books being lost under Prior Movses Yepiskopossiants (1840 to 1860).<fnref n="553" />

Touching upon the indifference and careless attitude many monks showed towards the scriptorium-repository and stressing their rather limited mentality, S. Jalaliants writes, "...Due to the laziness of the members of monastic community, the manuscripts were doomed to uttermost neglect, as a result of which they were damaged. Later the monks buried the books under the ground, thus displaying great respect to them, according to their rustic mode of thinking."<fnref n="554" />

In 1895 the scriptorium contained more than a 1,000 books of which only 391 had survived by 1902.<fnref n="555" /> By 1910 the repository had ceased working altogether: "The place of the former repository being insecure, all the books belonging to Sourd Targmanchats Monastery have been gathered in a disorderly heap in a big bookcase standing in the left vestry of the cloister."<fnref n="556" />

The repository remained consigned to that deplorable state for about twenty years. Eventually, on 12 January 1911, Echmiatzin Synod decided that "... the vicar of Gandzak should send its manuscripts to the Holy See, allocate the books appropriate for a village school to the Armenian school of Banants Village and hand the others to the libraries of the parish schools of Gandzak's St. Hovhannes and Sourd Lusavorich Churches."<fnref n="557" />

Even before the foundation of its **school**, Targmanchats Monastery played an important educational role for the adjacent villages. Actually, "...over many centuries, it was the only institution of enlightenment throughout the nearby villages."<fnref n="558" />

Founded in 1872,<fnref n="559" /> the monastic school functioned until the Tsarist order of closing all the

<footnote n="538">538 "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 21, p. 309. Also see **Yeganian, O. S.**
The Armenian Manuscripts of Targmanchats Monastery, in
Armenian. In: "Echmiatzin," 1971, No. 5, p. 57. **Matevossian, A.**
The Gospel of Targmanchats Monastery, in Armenian. In:
"Echmiatzin," 1992, Nos. 9-11, pp. 102; 1993, Nos. 1-3, p. 105.</footnote>

<footnote n="539">539 "Ardzagank," 1885, No. 4, p. 55.</footnote>

<footnote n="540">540 **Barkhutariants, M.**, idem, p. 308.</footnote>

<footnote n="541">541 A Catalogue of Armenian Manuscripts..., vol. 1, No. 2837.</footnote>

<footnote n="542">542 "Echmiatzin," 1971, No. 5, p. 57.</footnote>

<footnote n="543">543 A Catalogue of Armenian Manuscripts..., vol. 1, No. 2847.</footnote>

<footnote n="544">544 Idem, No. 3094.</footnote>

<footnote n="545">545 Idem, No. 3346.</footnote>

<footnote n="546">546 Idem, No. 3150.</footnote>

<footnote n="547">547 Idem, No. 3549.</footnote>

<footnote n="548">548 Idem, No. 3550.</footnote>

<footnote n="549">549 Idem, No. 2938.</footnote>

<footnote n="550">550 Idem, No. 2737.</footnote>

<footnote n="551">551 Idem, No. 2740.</footnote>

<footnote n="552">552 "Ardzagank," 1885, No. 4, p. 56.</footnote>

<footnote n="553">553 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 31, pp. 56-58.</footnote>

<footnote n="554">554 **Jalaliants, S.**, idem, part 1, pp. 168-169.</footnote>

<footnote n="555">555 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 775, pp. 9-10.</footnote>

<footnote n="556">556 Idem, p. 11.</footnote>

<footnote n="557">557 "Ararat," 1911, p. 92.</footnote>

<footnote n="558">558 "Ardzagank," 1885, No. 4, p. 56.</footnote>

<footnote n="559">559 "Meghu Hayastani," 1875, No. 11, p. 2.</footnote>
Armenian schools throughout the Russian Empire in 1885. As attested by a record, "In the same year, that institution taught Religion and Conduct of Divine Service to those poor adults who could not afford to attend Echmiatzin Jemaran or any diocese school."<fnref n="560" />

From the very beginning of the school's activity, its only teacher was Prior Theodoros Shirakuny, who taught Classical and Modern Armenian, as well as Conduct of Public Worship, Arithmetics and Russian there.<fnref n="561" />

Gandzak inhabitant N. Ter-Nersissants, who held the school under his custody, was of immense instrumentality in its preservation.<fnref n="562" />

In the 1870s, the activity of the institution represented the following picture:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Further Information</th><th>Teachers</th><th>Pupils</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1873<sup>563</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>20</td></tr><tr><td>1874<sup>564</sup></td><td>Parish school for males</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1875<sup>565</sup></td><td></td><td>1</td><td>40</td></tr><tr><td>1876<sup>566</sup></td><td></td><td>1</td><td>40</td></tr><tr><td>1878<sup>567</sup></td><td></td><td>1</td><td>30</td></tr></tbody></table>

The facade of the school building was engraved with the following inscription:

Հոգոր դարոն բացա ի վանահարու-
րեան թէորորո վարդապետի Ըիրակունեյ, ի
1872 սամի:

transl.: *This spiritual school opened under Father Superior Theodoros Shirakuny in the year 1872.*

The Armenian original published in: "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 21, p. 309.

The educational level of the institution was rather low, which was proved during the diocese inspector's visit to the monastery and his examination of some pupils: "When we arrived there, the prior was absent: we were told he had gone to Gandzak to raise some money. We saw only two boarding pupils who told us that their school had about thirty pupils coming from Khachakap Village (a local priest whom we had taken there with us confirmed it). As I wanted to get some idea about the educational level of the institution, I found it expedient to examine the aforementioned

boarders. They were between 14 and 15 years old and had been studying there for already three years, as far as I remember. The examination - it was not difficult at all - revealed that the pupils had only satisfactory knowledge of the Armenian language. They were even worse at writing (we dictated them a few sentences) and had rather poor command of Arithmetics so that they proved unable to solve the simplest problems up to forty..."<fnref n="568" />

Catholicos of All Armenians Makar Teghutsky I and school custodian N. Ter-Nersissants intended to open a central monastic school in the monastery:<fnref n="569" />

"They make every possible endeavour to establish a two year monastic school which is planned to have a crafts department for adults, indeed, if the founders can afford to constantly sustain it. For that purpose, the condition of the monastic dominions should be improved so that they will yield permanent income, thus sparing the sanctuary the trouble of pinning all its hopes on fund-raising and unstable sources of income."<fnref n="570" />

Besides, it was decided to "convey iron water-pipes from Tzaghkadzor, situated within 200 sazhens, to the plain adjoining the monastery of Harants Takht (the pipeline could not stretch via the sandy soil in any other way) and build a big reservoir there. It was also found necessary to extend a cart-road from Banants Village, located within 8 to 9 versts, up to the monastery. That would finally secure the future existence of the cloister, its two-year school, workshop and monastic community without any donations which were not always easy to receive..."<fnref n="571" />

However, the curtailment of the income received from the monastic estates and some other factors hindered the foundation of the aforementioned school.

Once a **cemetery** lay within the enclosure of the monastery, in the south of its yard. It was mostly ruined in the Soviet years, the surviving tombstones being removed and broken to pieces. Several others, which were mentioned by some topographers in the late 19th century, could not be found in their original places in 1980.

Below follow a number of epitaphs found in this grave-yard:

Inscribed on a tombstone set in the eastern facade of the church:

Թվ. ՈԽԹ (1600), ես Սարուխանա կազմել
տուի սուրբ խաչն հար խոյ Սարգին հոգուն:

transl.: *In the year 1600, I, Sarukhan, had this Holy Cross sculpted [in memory of] the soul of my father Sargis.*

<footnote n="560">560 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 775, p. 9.</footnote>

<footnote n="561">561 "Ardzagank," 1885, No. 4, p. 56.</footnote>

<footnote n="562">562 "Murj," 1896, Nos. 10-11, p. 1433.</footnote>

<footnote n="563">563 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3862, p. 68.</footnote>

<footnote n="564">564 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 3, file 52, p. 28.</footnote>

<footnote n="565">565 Idem, file 52, p. 45.</footnote>

<footnote n="566">566 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3850, p. 52; fund 56, list 3, file 62, p. 46. Another source reports 20 pupils for the same year ("Meghu Hayastani," 1876, No. 40, p. 3).</footnote>

<footnote n="567">567 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3850, p. 178.</footnote>

<footnote n="568">568 "Mankavarzhakan Tert," 1878-1879, pp. 10-11.</footnote>

<footnote n="569">569 "Ardzagank," 1885, No. 4, p. 56.</footnote>

<footnote n="570">570 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56մ, list 18, file 31, p. 97.</footnote>

<footnote n="571">571 Idem, p. 98.</footnote>
The Armenian original published in: "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 21,
p. 309.

Note: The tombstone was distinguished for the abundance of reliefs carved on it: "...one of its faces bears crosses, the other some images, including a table-cloth with a variety of dishes and fruits on it. Somebody is playing the saz, another person giving him a bunch of flowers, his hand on his chest in token of respect. Opposite him, someone is filling his glass with wine, while another man kneeling below is turning a barbecue spit over the fire" ("Ardzagank," 1886, No. 21, p. 309).

Carved on a gravestone set in the western facade of the church:

Յիշատակ է Կարապետ Տէր Նե(ր)սէսեանից, որ վախճանեցաւ, ի ծաղկեալ հասակի, ի վանս սրբոց Թարգմանչաց, ի 21 օգոստոսի 1879 ամի և քաղեցաւ ի գերեզմանատան Գանձակայ, ի 23 ոլյն ամսոյ:

transl.: In memory of Karapet Ter-Nersessians, who died in the prime of life in Sourd Targmanchats Monastery on 21 August 1879 and was buried in the cemetery of Gandzak on the 23rd of the same month.

A little below:

Կանգնեցաւ այս մահարձան Կարապետի Տ. Ներսէսեան, Գանձակեցի պերճ իշխան, աստէն էառ զվախճան:

transl.: This funerary stone was erected [in memory of] Karapet T. Nersessian, a handsome prince from Gandzak who found repose in this grave.

On the eastern facade:

Չմահարձանս այս կանգնեաց ի 1879 ամի Ներսէս Տ. Ներսէսեանցն յանմոռանալի յիշատակ երբորն իրոյ Կարապետի, զոր թլեաց ի կրծից որա յանկարծակի մահն, հանդիպողք հայցեցէր նմա զհանգիստ և զխաղաղութիւն:

transl.: This funerary stone was erected in the year 1879 by Nerses T. Nersessians in perpetual memory of his brother Karapet, whose life was taken away by untimely death. May those who come across it pray for the repose and peace of his soul.

A little below:

Ծաղկեալ յիտրն ի հասակ, թառամեցաւ զէտ բուսակ, զայս արձանս խաչափակ, եթող յետոյ յիշատակ:

transl.: He faded away in the prime of life. May this gravestone, decorated with crosses, perpetuate his memory.

The Armenian original published in: "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 21,
p. 309.

4 lines in the Armenian original engraved on the western marble
face of a memorial cross located in the north-east of the church:

Աստ անփոփին կմախր նախնեաց, բանձուցելոց ընդ հովանեաւ մենաստանիս Սուրբ Թարգմանչաց, ի 450-1800 ամս:

transl.: Here, in this monastery of Sourd Targmanchats, repose the remains of our forefathers. 450 to 1800.

4 lines in the Armenian original incised into the eastern face of
the same cross:

Կանգնի այս մահարձան ի պատի ուկերաց, որ աստ երևեցան ի վերանորոգման, 1872-1883 ամս:

transl.: This funerary memorial [stands] in honour of the remains that were unearthed here during the repairs, 1872 to 1883.

The Armenian original published in: "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 21, pp. 308-309; Lalayan, Yer. Gandzak District, p. 341.

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on the cornice and
around the rosette of immortality of a cross-stone (155 x 65 x 20 cen-
timetres) standing on an elevation in the south-west of the monastery,
outside its enclosure:

Ս(որր) բ(աչ)ս բարէխ(ան)ս է Յովանիսի
հ(ն)գ(ոյ)ն ամէն, թվ(ին) ՌԾ (1608):

transl.: May this Holy Cross protect Hovanis'
soul. Amen, in the year 1608.

The Armenian original published in: Corpus... part 5, p. 253.

Note: In the days of the deportation of Northern Artsakh in 1989, Isaac Tigran Baghian, an inhabitant of Khachakap, moved the cross-stone to his new place of residence, i.e. Bagratashen Village of Tavush Marz, Republic of Armenia, with great care and difficulty. With his son Sergei helping him, he placed it in the yard of his house (for further details, see "Gardmank," 1996, No. 1, p. 8).

4 semi-distorted lines in the Armenian original incised into the
pedestal of a cross-stone (80 x 47 x 37 centimetres):

Կանկ... երեե զո(ա)ն(ո)տ(է)լ սի(մ)էնի
սա... թարգնել մի խնդրէք(՞)... վ(ա)սն
Ս(սոտոն)յ սիրոյն ...է:

transl.: ...village head Simeon... for the sake of
God's love...

Published for the first time.

In 1881 famous benefactor A. Tayirians built a bridge on the cart-road leading to Khachakap, east of the monastery. It represented a single-span vaulted structure engraved with the following construction inscription:

Շինեցաւ կամուրջս, երկու վերստ ճանապարհն սուրբ վանուց ծախիւք երևանցի Աղէթաւանդր Սկրտչեան Թայիրեանցի, 1880-1883:

transl.: This bridge [and] two-verst road [leading to the] holy monastery were built under the patronage of Alexandre Mkrtchian Tayirians from Yerevan, 1880 to 1883.
"Without consulting Mr. Tayirants, the pious prior asked the Lord to forgive him for his debts and sins through the following lines from a poem by Nerses Shnorhali (the Gracious) engraved on the pedestal of the inscribed stone."

Պարգահ քրեաց պարգահա հող պատեացս քնուրին:

transl.: You, that bestow all blessings upon man, please, forgive me my vain illusions.

The Armenian original published in: "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 21, p. 309.

Note: The exact date of the construction of the bridge (1881) is engraved on a finely-cut stone set in one of its walls. In 1988 it was still preserved in its original position.

A memorial spring, built on the road-side near Targmanchats Monastery, bore the following inscription:

Հիշատակ Սելիքյան Տիգրանից հորը՝ Սելիքյան Աղղոնին:

transl.: From Tigran Melikian to his father Soghomon Melikian.

Published for the first time.

## KHACHBULAGH

**Location.** The village is situated on the south-facing slope of a gorge lying on the left bank of the river Artinajur, 9 kilometres south-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,710 to 1,790 metres above sea level.

**The Origin of the Toponym.** 'Khachbulagh,' which is translated from Turkish into Armenian as 'Khachaghbyur' ('bulagh' is the Turkish equivalent for the Armenian word 'aghbyur,' i.e. 'spring'), is used with reference to a local spring whose name has spread to the entire village: "A fast-flowing spring located a little below the church has a cruciform basin; hence comes its name of Khachbulagh ('Khach' is the Armenian equivalent for 'Cross')."<fnref n="572" />

**The archaeological monuments** preserved both in the territory and neighbourhood of Khachbulagh attest that it has been inhabited since time immemorial.

Working in a site called Hamamgyuzi in 1959, the archaeological expedition of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Azerbaijan, headed by I. Narimanov and G. Ismayilov, unearthed three burial mounds covered with soil and stones. One of them was absolutely empty, while the other two contained a silver button, 4 bronze volutes, 16 grey-blackish clay vessels, some cornelian beads and a metal spearhead, all these findings dating back to the middle of the second millennium B.C.<fnref n="573" />

It is interesting to note that similar articles and clay containers were also discovered in a number of other Bronze Age monuments found in the territory of Armenia.

The ceramic objects remarkable for their white ornaments have their parallels in the archaeological finds of Ljashen (in Gegharkunik Marz of the Republic of Armenia) dating from the 16th to 14th centuries B.C.<fnref n="574" />

**A Historical Introduction.** The earliest records containing reference to Khachbulagh trace back to the late 17th century. Thus, in 1691 mention is made of "... Usta Papum from Khachpulagh..."<fnref n="575" /> and "...sexton Khachum from Khachpulagh..."<fnref n="576" />

Stripped of its Armenian population between the '50s and '60s of the 18th century, the village remained derelict until the '70s to '80s of the following century, when it was inhabited by a small number of stock-breeding Muslim tribes. By the early 1890s, it had already turned into a Turkish settlement: "At present the village is populated by the adherents of Islam. It has a market where Muslim nomads buy and sell some essentials before leaving for their summer encampment."<fnref n="577" />

A list (1839) of the population of Pib Village mentions a certain David Khachbulaghian, whose family name, undoubtedly, derives from that of his birthplace. This suggests that the inhabitants of Pib also included some of the natives of Khachbulagh.<fnref n="578" />

In the late 19th century, a visitor described the local church in the following way, "The devastated village site retains a remarkable church dated 1710. It is built of finely-cut stones and rests on 4 pillars. A little far from the sanctuary extends a grave-yard."<fnref n="579" />

In 1927 Badam Grigorian, an inhabitant of Brajur (born in 1914), saw the monument still standing, with part of its vaulted roof destroyed. According to him, it was located on a mountain slope on the left bank of the river Artinajur and bore a weathered inscription on its entrance arch.

Badam Grigorian also speaks of an ornate cross-stone set in one of the walls of Khachbulagh Spring.

## KIRANTS (SHARUKKAR, SEYIDKEND)

**Location.** The village, which is surrounded by bare hills, is situated on the south-west-facing slope of a gorge lying on the left bank of the Vochkharajur, i.e. the

<footnote n="572">572 **Barkhutariants**, M., idem, p. 287.</footnote>

<footnote n="573">573 **Narimanov, I.**, **Ismayilov, G.** Archaeological Excavations in Khachbulagh in 1959 (in Azerbaijanian). In: "Izvestya Akademii Nauk Azerbaijanjanskoy SSR." A serial of social sciences, 1961, No. 3, pp. 19-30.</footnote>

<footnote n="574">574 **Mnatsakanian, A.** About the Two-Coloured Ceramics of Ljashen. In: "Izvestya," 1957, No. 5, p. 109, in Russian.</footnote>

<footnote n="575">575 "Ararat," 1900, p. 320.</footnote>

<footnote n="576">576 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="577">577 **Barkhutariants, M.**, idem, p. 287.</footnote>

<footnote n="578">578 See the present work, p. 208.</footnote>

<footnote n="579">579 Ibid.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_277.png" /><figcaption>KIRANTS. A general view of the village from the road leading to Kaghi Khach Monastery</figcaption></figure>

left tributary of the river Artinajur, 3 kilometres north-
west of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,230 to
1,380 metres above sea level.

The Turks referred to Kirants by the name of Seyid-
kend.

**A Historical Introduction.** Written records regard-
ing Kirants can be found only in some press publica-
tions, archive documents and a number of topographi-
cal works of the late 19th century. Despite this fact,
however, the historical monuments preserved both in
the village and its neighbourhood show that it has been
inhabited since time immemorial,<fnref n="580" /> also attesting that
it was populated by the Armenians beginning with at
least the early Middle Ages.

In the late 19th century, the village belonged to
Turkish landowners Vali Bey, Mahmed Agha
Abul-Bey oghli and Soyun Agha Novruz-Agha
oghli.<fnref n="581" />

**Population.** Kirants inhabitants are considered to be natives of the village,<fnref n="582" /> although some of them are known to have resettled there from Ghabaghtapa.<fnref n="583" />

The available statistical data relating to the local
population between 1804 and 1917 reveal an increase
in their number, which reached a maximum of 723 in
1908.

Although in the course of some years, resettlement
and various lethal infectious diseases caused reduction
in the number of Kirants Armenians, their growing rate
was always remarkably high. Thus, between November
1899 and April 1900, 24 children fell victim to a raging
epidemic of smallpox; in the meantime, however, the
village population showed increase.<fnref n="584" />

Below follows a list (1839) of Kirants' inhabitants
which is of great significance to the study of the histo-
ry of local families:

"1 Hakob Manucharian, his wife Anayi, their sons Khachatur, Poghos as well as their daughters Khallu and

<footnote n="580">580 Resler, E., op. cit., p. 2. Working in the neighbourhood of Kirants in 1899, E. Resler unearthed and excavated several burial mounds dating back to the period between the Bronze and Iron Ages.</footnote>

<footnote n="581">581 National Archives of Armenia, fund 93, list 1, file 388, pp. 37-38.</footnote>

<footnote n="582">582 Barkhutariants, M., idem, p. 287.</footnote>

<footnote n="583">583 Lalayan, Yer., Gandzak District, p. 314.</footnote>

<footnote n="584">584 “Mshak,” 1900, No. 77, p. 2.</footnote>
Javahir; Hakob's nephews 1. Yesayi with his wife Herik as well as his sons Maki and Beglar; 2. Sahak with his sister Margaret; Hakob's brother Hovhannes, his wife Vari, their sons Mesrop and Petros with his wife Herik and his son Maki;

2 Zakaria Manucharian, his wife Mariam, their daughter Salbi as well as their sons Vardan and Aghajan;

3 Hovhannes Margarov, his wife Khatayi, their daughter Salbi, their sons Harutiun, Poghos, Martiros with his wife Khatayi, and Sargis with his wife Sandukht, his son Avet and his daughter Margaret;

4 Galust Margarov, his wife Horom, their daughter Margaret as well as their sons Simeon and Grigor with his wife Pari and his son Khachatur;

5 Kochar Gabrielian, his mother Gayane, his wife Herik, their daughter Tangi as well as their sons Grigor and Khachatur; Kochar's nephew Verdi, his wife Mariam, their daughter Sabed as well as their sons Melik and Ohannes;

6 Tanes Movsissian, his wife Tamam, their daughter Vari, their sons 1. Aghajan with his wife Horom, his daughter Khatun as well as his sons Melkum and Mkrtich; 2. Hovsep with his wife Tamam and his daughter Taguhi; Tanes' brother Ohan, his wife Nazlukhan as well as their sons Mnatsakan and Papi with his wife Taguhi;

7 Ghazar Ter-Zakarian, his daughters Herik and Zani, his sons Galust, Grigor, Mateos and Yesayi with his wife Voski; Ghazar's brother Ohanes, his wife Nazi, their daughter Anakhas as well as their sons Hakob, Mkrtich and Vardazar;

8 Yesayi Ter-Zakarian, his wife Herik as well as their sons Avet, Tzatur and Navasard; Yesayi's brothers 1. Avag with his wife Sirunna and his son Grigor; 2. Vardan with his wife Margaret as well as his sons Sargis and Harutiun; Yesayi's nephews Mnatsakan, Hovhannes and Harutiun with their mother Horom;

9 Karapet Ter-Zakarian, his wife Khatayi, their daughter Pari, their sons Mkrtich, Mnatsakan and Grigor with his wife Paronna;

10 Karapet Sarukhanian, his wife Mariam, their daughter Tangi as well as their sons Ghuli, Voskan and Vardan; Karapet's brothers 1. Adam with his wife Sabed, his son Mkrtich as well as his daughters Annman, Taguhi and Magtagh; 2. Sarukhan with his wife Margaret, his son Hovhannes as well as his daughters Vardi and Sirunna;

11 Ohannes Harutiunian, his wife Gyuli as well as their son Sahak and their daughter Aziz; Ohannes' brother Virap and his wife Mariam;

12 Onan Ter-Martirossian, his daughter Salbi, his sons Martiros and Sargis with his wife Aziz as well as his son Gevorg and his daughter Tellu."585

Below follow the available statistical data on the number of Kirants' population between 1804 and 1917:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1804<sup>586</sup></td><td>8</td><td>26</td><td>21</td><td>47</td></tr><tr><td>1839<sup>587</sup></td><td>12</td><td>81</td><td>71</td><td>152</td></tr><tr><td>1845<sup>588</sup></td><td></td><td>134</td><td>94</td><td>228</td></tr><tr><td>1847<sup>589</sup></td><td></td><td>104</td><td>97</td><td>201</td></tr><tr><td>1849<sup>590</sup></td><td></td><td>112</td><td>94</td><td>225</td></tr><tr><td>1852<sup>591</sup></td><td></td><td>126</td><td>115</td><td>241</td></tr><tr><td>1861<sup>592</sup></td><td>29</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1866<sup>593</sup></td><td>24</td><td>156</td><td>124</td><td>280</td></tr><tr><td>1872<sup>594</sup></td><td></td><td>237</td><td>125</td><td>362</td></tr><tr><td>1873<sup>595</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>304</td></tr><tr><td>1875<sup>596</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>311</td></tr><tr><td>1876<sup>597</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>326</td></tr><tr><td>1877<sup>598</sup></td><td></td><td>219</td><td>110</td><td>329</td></tr><tr><td>1878<sup>599</sup></td><td></td><td>225</td><td>118</td><td>343</td></tr><tr><td>1881<sup>600</sup></td><td></td><td>238</td><td>127</td><td>365</td></tr><tr><td>1882<sup>601</sup></td><td></td><td>240</td><td>134</td><td>374</td></tr><tr><td>1883<sup>602</sup></td><td></td><td>241</td><td>132</td><td>373</td></tr><tr><td>1885<sup>603</sup></td><td></td><td>181</td><td>172</td><td>353</td></tr><tr><td>1886<sup>604</sup></td><td>35</td><td>237</td><td>199</td><td>436</td></tr><tr><td>1887<sup>605</sup></td><td></td><td>204</td><td>201</td><td>405</td></tr><tr><td>1888<sup>606</sup></td><td></td><td>216</td><td>203</td><td>419</td></tr><tr><td>1889<sup>607</sup></td><td></td><td>216</td><td>210</td><td>426</td></tr><tr><td>1890<sup>608</sup></td><td></td><td>218</td><td>214</td><td>432</td></tr><tr><td>1891<sup>609</sup></td><td></td><td>224</td><td>224</td><td>448</td></tr><tr><td>1892<sup>610</sup></td><td></td><td>227</td><td>219</td><td>446</td></tr><tr><td>1893<sup>611</sup></td><td></td><td>230</td><td>224</td><td>454</td></tr><tr><td>1894<sup>612</sup></td><td></td><td>237</td><td>229</td><td>466</td></tr><tr><td>1897<sup>613</sup></td><td></td><td>255</td><td>267</td><td>522</td></tr></tbody></table>

<footnote n="586">586 Collected Acts..., vol. 2, p. 596.</footnote>

<footnote n="587">587 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3800, p. 29.</footnote>

<footnote n="588">588 Idem, file 3811, pp. 4-5.</footnote>

<footnote n="589">589 Idem, file 3814, pp. 96-97.</footnote>

<footnote n="590">590 Idem, file 3818, pp. 96-97.</footnote>

<footnote n="591">591 Idem, file 3819, pp. 106-107.</footnote>

<footnote n="592">592 Idem, file 3835, pp. 148-149.</footnote>

<footnote n="593">593 Idem, file 3848, pp. 57.</footnote>

<footnote n="594">594 Idem, file 3872, pp. 62-63.</footnote>

<footnote n="595">595 Idem, file 3864, pp. 39-40.</footnote>

<footnote n="596">596 Idem, file 3866, pp. 44-45.</footnote>

<footnote n="597">597 Idem, file 3868, pp. 57-58.</footnote>

<footnote n="598">598 Idem, file 3869 pp. 54-55.</footnote>

<footnote n="599">599 Idem, file 3870, pp. 22-23.</footnote>

<footnote n="600">600 Idem, file 3873, pp. 27-28.</footnote>

<footnote n="601">601 Idem, file 3874, p. 30.</footnote>

<footnote n="602">602 Idem, file 3875, pp. 56-57.</footnote>

<footnote n="603">603 Idem, file 3877, p. 30.</footnote>

<footnote n="604">604 A Statistical Survey..., pp. 84-85. According to another source, the village had a population of 28 houses in the same year ("Ardzagank," 1886, No. 21, p. 310).</footnote>

<footnote n="605">605 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list. 1, file 3880, p. 73.</footnote>

<footnote n="606">606 Idem, file 3882.</footnote>

<footnote n="607">607 Idem, file 3884, pp. 227-228.</footnote>

<footnote n="608">608 Idem, file 3887, p. 150.</footnote>

<footnote n="609">609 Idem, file 3889, p. 149.</footnote>

<footnote n="610">610 Idem, file 3891, p. 121.</footnote>

<footnote n="611">611 Idem, file 3895, pp. 78-79.</footnote>

<footnote n="612">612 Idem, file 3896, pp. 174-175.</footnote>

<footnote n="613">613 Idem, file 3899, pp. 147-148.</footnote>

<footnote n="585">585 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3800, p. 29.</footnote>
<table><tr><td>1898<sup>614</sup></td><td></td><td>266</td><td>276</td><td>542</td></tr><tr><td>1899<sup>615</sup></td><td></td><td>269</td><td>281</td><td>550</td></tr><tr><td>1900<sup>616</sup></td><td></td><td>277</td><td>293</td><td>570</td></tr><tr><td>1901<sup>617</sup></td><td></td><td>287</td><td>305</td><td>592</td></tr><tr><td>1902<sup>618</sup></td><td></td><td>298</td><td>314</td><td>612</td></tr><tr><td>1905<sup>619</sup></td><td></td><td>303</td><td>315</td><td>618</td></tr><tr><td>1906<sup>620</sup></td><td></td><td>323</td><td>330</td><td>653</td></tr><tr><td>1907<sup>621</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>710</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>622</sup></td><td>93</td><td>356</td><td>367</td><td>723</td></tr><tr><td>1909<sup>623</sup></td><td></td><td>362</td><td>361</td><td>723</td></tr><tr><td>1910<sup>624</sup></td><td></td><td>369</td><td>361</td><td>730</td></tr><tr><td>1912<sup>625</sup></td><td></td><td>372</td><td>364</td><td>736</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>626</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>665</td></tr><tr><td>1917<sup>627</sup></td><td>45</td><td></td><td></td><td>277</td></tr></table>

Kirants participated in **World War II with** 197 of its inhabitants, 93 of whom did not return from the battle-field.

The exact date of foundation of the **village church**, mentioned in archive documents of 1847,<fnref n="628" /> 1852,<fnref n="629" /> 1861,<fnref n="630" /> 1878,<fnref n="631" /> 1882⁶³² and 1885,<fnref n="633" /> remains unknown. It is named St. Sargis in 1861, and Sourb Astvatzatzin from 1885 onwards: most probably, it was reconstructed and reconsecrated between the '60s and '80s of the 19th century.

The sanctuary, which used to represent a stone building of a wooden roof, was destroyed in the 1930s, its stones, including some inscribed fragments, being used in the construction of a local warehouse.

Carved on a cross-stone fragment (80 x 29 centimetres):

Թվ(հն) ՈՒ (1571):

transl.: *In the year 1571.*

Published for the first time.

Note: According to the local inhabitants, the stone was removed from Kaghni Khach Monastery.

4 lines in the Armenian original incised into a tombstone fragment (51 x 30 x 25 centimetres):

...հանգչի Յոո... | ...հնգետասանն նո... | ...ացո գայս աղեր... | ...յիշեալ լիջիր յիշ...:

transl.: ...repose...

Published for the first time.

Note: The inscription is absolutely unintelligible and, therefore, impossible to translate.

A cemetery extends in the yard of the once standing church, in the centre of the village. Although the highway traversing it has partly ruined it, it still retains some tombstones the oldest of which trace back to the early 19th century.

5 lines in the Armenian original engraved on a gravestone (186 x 63 x 40 centimetres):

Այս է տասպան | Մանիչարանց | Պողոսի կող-ուակից Շահզուկին, թվ(հն) Ո-ՄԿ (1811):

transl.: *In this grave reposes Poghos Manicharants' spouse Shahgyul, in the year 1811.*

Published for the first time.

5 lines in the Armenian original carved on a tombstone (140 x 62 x 27 centimetres):

Այս է տասպան | Մարգարանց Հոնանի կողակից | Չանեչանի, թվ(հն) | Ո-ՄԿԱ (1812):

transl.: *In this grave reposes Honan Margarants' spouse Chanechan, in the year 1812.*

Published for the first time.

6 lines in the Armenian original incised into a gravestone (170 x 70 x 50 centimetres):

Այս է տասպան | Մանիչարանց | Արուրինի | կողակից Պա|րոննանին, թվ(հն) | Ո-ՄԿԹ (1820):

transl.: *In this grave reposes Arutiun Manicharants' wife Paronna, in the year 1820.*

Published for the first time.

4 lines in the Armenian original inscribed on a tombstone (170 x 92 centimetres):

Այս է տասպան Տ(է)ր Մարդիրոսի որդի | Ունանին 1846 | ի տասպանս Անախաքուն, | որ է կին՝ Ունանին:

transl.: *In this grave reposes Priest Martiros' son Unan, 1846. In this grave [lies] Anakhatun, who is Unan's spouse.*

Published for the first time.

The monastery of Kaghni Khach ('Standing Cross' in the Karabakh dialect) is situated in a small gorge a kilometre south-west of Kirants.

<footnote n="614">614 Idem, file 3897, p. 169.</footnote>

<footnote n="615">615 Idem, file 3903, pp. 127-128.</footnote>

<footnote n="616">616 Idem, file 3905, pp. 92-93.</footnote>

<footnote n="617">617 Idem, file 3906, pp. 98-99.</footnote>

<footnote n="618">618 Idem, file 3907, pp. 23-24.</footnote>

<footnote n="619">619 Idem, file 3912, pp. 266-267.</footnote>

<footnote n="620">620 Idem, file 3915, p. 24.</footnote>

<footnote n="621">621 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 240, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="622">622 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 559, p. 10. According to another statistical source of 1908, Kirants had a population of 775 that year (Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 363).</footnote>

<footnote n="623">623 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 18, file 764, p. 117.</footnote>

<footnote n="624">624 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3917, pp. 58-59.</footnote>

<footnote n="625">625 Idem, file 3919, pp. 62-63.</footnote>

<footnote n="626">626 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 180.</footnote>

<footnote n="627">627 Avetissian, M. M., idem, p. 166. These figures seem highly improbable and cannot be considered trustworthy.</footnote>

<footnote n="628">628 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3818, pp. 96-97.</footnote>

<footnote n="629">629 Idem, file 3819, p. 106.</footnote>

<footnote n="630">630 Idem, file 3835, pp. 148-149.</footnote>

<footnote n="631">631 Idem, file 3870, pp. 22-23.</footnote>

<footnote n="632">632 Idem, file 3874, p. 30.</footnote>

<footnote n="633">633 Idem, file 3877, p. 29.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_278.png" /><figcaption>KIRANTS. Partial views of the village cemetery; a tombstone, khachkar and inscribed fragments from this grave-yard</figcaption></figure>

An archive document of 1853 provides the first comparatively detailed description of the sanctuary: "...this cloister, surrounded by the graves of the members of monastic community, i.e. bishops, archimandrites, priors, etc., is located within about half a verst of Kirants Village. It consists of a church having a stone gavit at present semi-destroyed, as well as five small and large cells and dwellings once housing the monks, but now lying in ruins. ...A little far from the monastery, a chapel rises over the graves of three holy martyrs, now consigned to

oblivion. Their inscribed tombstones attract pilgrims from various places: they kiss the stones in token of love for those saints..."634

Another record states, "Two small stone chapels stand within several steps of each other in a forest located at a distance of two versts from the village. A big khachkar can be seen near one of these sanctuaries, which are famous pilgrimage sites. According to some people, they retain the remains of a boy and his sister,

<footnote n="634">634 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 2742, p. 14.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_279.png" /><figcaption>KIRANTS. The grave-yard of the village church and its tombstones</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_280.png" /></figure>

but we failed to find out who they had been. On an
adjacent plateau north of these monuments stands
another stone chapel, which is considered a monastery
among the local people. It functioned until 1838.
...Some semi-ruined cells and annexes can be seen
west and south of this sanctuary."635

It is traditionally assumed that one of Gardman's
prominent princes reposes in the monastery of Kaghi

Khach: “...the holy remains of an honourable person
are said to rest in eternal peace below the bema. People
believe it is the grave of prince of Gardman District
Khurs, who once owned a large number of mines.”636

In 1986 a chapel built of undressed stone and mor-
tar was preserved amidst the ruins of the monastery,
with its walls dilapidated and its roof totally
destroyed. It represented a single-nave structure of

<footnote n="635">635 "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 21, p. 310.</footnote>

<footnote n="636">636 **Barkhutariants**, M. Artsakh, p. 288.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_281.png" /><figcaption>KIRANTS. The church and cemetery of Kaghni Khach Monastery. A khachkar</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_282.png" /><figcaption>KIRANTS. The plan of Kaghni Khach Monastery</figcaption></figure>

rectangular plan (exterior dimensions: 7.90 x 4.92 metres), with a semi-circular bema in the east and an entrance opening in the south. Inside the chapel stood a simple cross-stone (210 x 82 x 8 centimetres) dating

<figure><img src="image_283.png" /></figure>

from the 12th to 13th centuries. It was bare of any inscriptions.

Once the functioning monastery had a Father Superior and a community, which lived there until 1834 or 1838. With this connection, a record states, "This document has been signed by some people of advanced age who reliably attest that within 70 years from 1834 onwards (namely, between 1764 and 1834 - S. K.), the following priors and monks dwelled in the cloister: Bishop Simeon Odznetsy as well as Archimandrites Yeprem Khachabaktsy, Kostand Shamkoretsy and Karapet Melik-Babayan. The last of these people mentioned passed away in 1834 and was buried in the monastery by ...Archimandrite Sargis Davtians."637

<footnote n="637">637 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 2742, p. 14.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_284.png" /><figcaption>KIRANTS. A cross-stone from Kaghi Khach Monastery</figcaption></figure>

**The Monastic Estates.** The aforementioned archive document (1853) contains valuable information on the domains of Kaghi Khach Monastery, particularly stating the following, “...as attested by some honourable inhabitants of Kirants ... and others from the villages adjoining Yelizavetpol, the estates of the sanctuary bordered on a site called Bazkakar in the east. Its community lived on the income yielded by its arable lands, woods, etc. They also received a certain amount of money from those involved in lime business...”<fnref n="638" />

The earliest record bearing reference to the *lapida ry inscriptions* of the monastery dates back to 1853: “The walls of some buildings, at present totally dilapi dated due to their old age, are engraved with inscrip tions, presumably, containing information on two standing cross-stones.”<fnref n="639" />

Unfortunately, however, the author of the afore- mentioned lines confined himself to only copying the years inscribed on the aforementioned khachkars.

Carved on a cross-stone:

CLL (1089):

transl.: 1089.

Published for the first time.

Note: See the unpublished inscription in: National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 2742, p. 14.

Incised into another khachkar:

Սուրբ խաչս տէրունական պարոն Հասանին, հատուն` Պոլդադարին, եղբաւրն` Ղազանին, որդոյն` Ալբունին, Պապաճանին, կենակցին` Ազիզին, Խաստրաւին, Կիւխանմին, տէրթոմայ. թվ. ԶԻ (1471):

transl.: The Holy Cross to Mr. Hasan, his father Polghadar, his brother Ghazan, his sons Altun, Papachan, his spouse Aziz, Khosrov, Kyulkhanum, Father Toma. In the year 1471.

The Armenian original published in: “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 21, p. 310.

Note: Another researcher copied only the year of the inscription in 1853 (National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 2742, p. 14).

Some other cross-stones are preserved on Katnasar rising in the north-east of the village.

## KYOLLU (GULLAR)

The village extends on the east-facing slope of a gorge lying on the left bank of the river Gandzak, 15 kilometres south-east of the district centre.

Most presumably, present-day Kyollu is identical to the village of Gullar, where Priests Sargis and Grigor

respectively copied and illustrated a manuscript Gospel for a certain Tarchi in 1667.<fnref n="640" />

In the late 19th century, the site of the village, which had been lying derelict since the 1770s, provid ed an encampment for a small number of Turkish stock-breeders.

In 1914 the local population amounted to 95.<fnref n="641" />

In 1986 the remnants of a chapel, blown up in 1983, were preserved about a kilometre north of the village.

<figure><img src="image_285.png" /><figcaption>KYOLLU (GULLAR). The remnants of a blown-up chapel</figcaption></figure>

<footnote n="640">640 A Catalogue of Armenian Manuscripts..., vol. 2, manuscript No. 6771, p. 390.</footnote>

<footnote n="641">641 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 139.</footnote>

<footnote n="638">638 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="639">639 Ibid.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_286.png" /><figcaption>PIB (ZAGLIK). A general view of the village from the south-west</figcaption></figure>

## MOOSHAVAKH

The village is located 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, 9.5 kilometres south-east of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,580 to 1,640 metres above sea level.

It was stripped of its Armenian population in the second half of the 18th century and lay deserted until the late 19th century, when some stock-breeding Turkish tribes founded the present-day settlement in its site.

It had 340 inhabitants in 1908,<fnref n="642" /> and 362 in 1914.<fnref n="643" />

## PIB (ZAGLIK)

**Location.** The village extends on the west-facing slopes of a gorge lying near the watershed division between the right and left tributaries of the rivers Shamkor and Artinajur respectively, 7 kilometres north-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,360 to 1,620 metres above sea level.

**A Historical Introduction.** The archaeological and medieval monuments preserved in Pib and its neighbourhood attest that it has been populated since time

immemorial. According to some researchers, its Armenian inhabitants were natives of the area.<fnref n="644" />

The present-day village was founded by the former residents of Hin (Older) Pib, who had left their place of living because of its unfavourable climate.

**The Origin of the Toponym.** As legend has it, the name of Pib derives from that of Virgin Pepronya, who suffered martyrdom in the village and was buried in the local church.

Foreigners, especially the Turks, called the village Zaglik, the name deriving from the nearby alum mines: ‘zag’ is the Turkish equivalent for ‘alum.’

**The Armeno-Turkish Fights between 1905 and 1906.** One of the most populous villages in Northern Artsakh, Pib boasted proud and valorous inhabitants who always succeeded in putting up proper resistance against the Turks. On 6 September 1905, “...seven Turkish bandits on horseback drove away the Armenians’ cattle from a place called Tyureki.<fnref n="645" /> The proper owners of the animals, however, managed to kill two of them and free their stock, with four of the brigands

<footnote n="642">642 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 328.</footnote>

<footnote n="643">643 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p 162.</footnote>

<footnote n="644">644 *Barkhutariants*, M., idem, p. 296.</footnote>

<footnote n="645">645 The Turks referred to the historical village site of Aghyusashen (Aghvesashen), located near Pib, by the names of ‘Tyureki’ or ‘Tyulkikyand’ ("Mshak," 1883, No. 128, p. 1).</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_287.png" /></figure>

escaping to the forest, where they were surrounded by some local people. The Armenians of Zaglik, including several armed women, also captured the Turks' horses, seven in number."<fnref n="646" />

The favourable geographical position of the village, the adjacent alum mines, providing constant employment, as well as the abundance of springs, woods and arable lands played a significant role in the increase and development of the local population.

Below follows a list of Pib Armenians made up in 1839: "1 Sargis Ter-Ohannissian, his sons Aghajan, Arakel with his wife Horom, Ohanes with his wife Vardi, and Khachatur with his wife Nakhshun;

2 Hakob Antonian, his wife Sandukht, their sons 1. Martiros with his wife Herik as well as his children Khachatur, Beglar and Vardi; 2. Poghos with his wife Javahir as well as his daughters Aziz and Nazlukhan; 3. Petros with his wife Khatun and his son Grigor; 4. Anton with his wife Anna; Hakob’s brother Arakel, his wife Anakhas as well as their children Harutiun, Hovhannes, Voski, ... and Shoghakat;

3 Arakel Mirumian, his wife Antaram, their sons Martiros, Sargis with his wife Zari, and Karapet with his wife Margaret; Arakel’s brother Mateos, his wife Aziz and their son Hovsep;

4 Khachatur Vardanian, his mother Tamam and his son Simon; Khachatur’s brother Poghos and his wife Tamam;

5 Babajan Allahverdov, his mother Aziz, his wife Sona as well as their children Karapet and Javahir; Babajan’s brother Avetis, his wife Sandukht and their daughter Vardi;

6 David Ter-Khachaturian, his mother Heriknaz, his wife Zanazan, their sons Hovhannes and Stepan as well as their daughters Sandukht and Taguhi; David’s nephews Martiros and Harutiun as well as his sister-in-law Herik;

7 Virap Harutiunian, his wife Parunna and their son Vardan;

8 Khachatur Khojayan, his wife Yetar, their sons 1. Sargis with his wife Anna as well as his daughters Vardi and Yeghisabet; 2. Hovhannes with his wife Herik and his son Voskan; 3. Galust with his wife Aziz; Khachatur’s nephews Mkrtich, Ghazar and Karapet;

9 Hovhannes Abrahamov, his wife Horomsim, their son Karapet, his wife Shahgul and his son Harutiun;

<footnote n="646">646 “Arshaluys,” 1905, No. 9, p. 1. Another issue of this newspaper reports the following about that incident, “On the 6th of September, 9 Turkish horsemen from Seghnakh’s Ildir Village attacked the shepherds of Zaglik. During the fighting, two of the former were killed and two others injured, while the rest of them took to their heels” (“Arshaluys,” 1905, No. 17, p. 1). Another source states, “Pib has a summer encampment called Aghvesashen where the village cattle is generally kept. One day some armed Turks invaded it and drove away a herd of 70 horses. Upon hearing that news, a group of armed young men rushed from the village to block the enemy’s way. Not only did they manage to set free the animals but they also seized 7 horses and 2 guns from the Turks. The fighting left two Armenian and several Turkish casualties” (A-Do, The Armeno-Turkish Fights in Caucasia. Yerevan, 1907, p. 337, in Armenian).</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_288.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_289.png" /><figcaption>PIB (ZAGLIK). Partial views of the village</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_290.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_291.png" /></figure>

10 Babakyokhva Martirosov, his wife Mariam, their sons Aghabeg with his wife Margaret, and Mnatsakan with his wife Mariam and his daughter Vardi;

11 Stepan Melikov, his mother Yeghisabet, his wife Hripsime as well as their children Arakel and Khatun; Stepan's niece Hripsime as well as his nephews Poghos with his wife Anayi, and Sargis with his wife Mariam;

12 Poghos Badalov, his wife Sandukht, their sons Harutiun, Arakel and Gabriel with his wife Shoghakat; Poghos' brother Sargis, his wife Anayi, their children Nazi, Guli, Mariam, Vanes and Hovhanes with his wife Margaret;

13 Harutiun Melikov, his wife Shoghakat, their sons Sargis and Movses, their daughters Zani and Mariam; Harutiun's sister Annman, his nephew Margar with his wife Voski as well as his daughters Javahir and Yeghisabet;

14 Hovakim Petrosov, his sons 1. Petros with his wife Varvar and his son Gabriel; 2. Poghos with his wife Margaret as well as his children Michael, Mariam, Yeghisabet, Herik and Tamam;

15 Mkrtich Manuelian, his wife Sona, their sons 1. Petros with his wife Javahir and his daughter Zani, and 2. Hovhannes with his wife Tangi; Mkrtich's sisters Tamam and Mariam;

16 Stepan Baliov, his mother Khannan, his wife Mariam as well as his daughters Vardi, Voski, Aziz and Yeghisabet; Stepan's brother Sargis, his wife Aziz and their son Avag;

17 Petros Apoyev, his wife Aziz as well as their sons Karapet and Martiros with his wife Javahir; Petros' brothers 1. Simon with his wife Margaret and his daughter Javahir; 2. Hakob with his wife Herik as well as his daughters Vardi and Tamam;

18 Thomas Kostandov, his wife Hripsime, their daughter Gozal, their sons Grigor, Arakel, Melikset and Harutiun with his wife Tamam;

19 Mkhitar Tavakalov, his wife Vardi, their sons 1. Vardan with his wife Margaret and his daughter Javahir; 2. Harutiun with his wife Tamam and his son Hovhannes; 3. Gabriel with his wife Mariam and his son Michael...;

20 Vardan Gorgiov, his wife Margaret, their sons 1. Mkrtich; 2. Harutiun with his wife Sultan as well as his children Grigor, Petros and Yeghisabet; 3. Hovhannes with his wife Anayi;

21 Arakel Tavakalov, his wife Anna as well as their sons Mirza and Harutiun;

22 Khachatur Chobanov, his wife Zarneshan, their sons Stepan, Movses as well as their daughters Sona and Shoghakat; Khachatur's brothers 1. Petros with his wife Margaret and his son Vardanan, 2. Grigor with his wife Vardi and his daughter Taguhi; Khachatur's uncles 1. Sargis; 2. Simeon with his daughter Guli; 3. Mnatsakan, his wife Margaret as well as his sons Simeon and Martiros with his wife Aziz;

23 Avet Mirzayov, his wife Mariam, their sons Harutiun, Khachatur, Mirza with his wife Hripsime, and Hovhannes with his daughters Yeghisabet and Nazlukhan;

24 Tzatur Mnatsakanov, his wife Anayi, their sons 1. Simon; 2. Sahak with his wife Tamam as well as his daughters Hripsime and Mariam; 3. Stepan with his daughters Anna and Voski; Tzatur's nephews 1. Gabriel with his wife Hripsime as well as his children Hovhannes, Voski and Yeghisabet; 2. Michael with his wife Anakhas as well as his daughters Vardi, Tamam and Nazi; 3. Martiros with his wife Hripsime;

25 Grigor Dashiov, his wife Vardi, their sons Mnatsakan, Harutiun with his daughter Javahir, and Sargis
<figure><img src="image_292.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_293.png" /><figcaption>PIB (ZAGLIK). Partial views of the village</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_294.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_295.png" /></figure>

with his wife Javahir and his daughter Herik; Grigor's nephews 1. Vardan with his wife Voski as well as his children David, Petros and Pari; 2. Avag with his wife Zanazan as well as his sons Adam and Harutiun; 3. Arakel with his wife Yeghisabet as well as his daughters Aziz and Margaret; 4. Poghos with his wife Margaret as well as his children Petros and Yeghisabet;

26 Mnatsakan Khojayev, his mother Hripsime, his wife Anna, their daughters Javahir, Herik and Sirunna, their sons Karapet, Ohannes and Virap with his wife Sandukht; Mnatsakan's cousin Avag, his wife Khanum, their children Arakel and Mariam; Mnatsakan's brother Sargis and his wife Marinos;

27 Barsam Ghusumov, his son Petros with his wife Varvar and his son Harutiun; Barsam's sister Mariam, his brother Khachatur with his wife Margaret, their son Arzuman, his wife Huri and their daughter Anayi; Arzuman's sister Khatun, his daughter-in-law Khatun and his grandson Sargis;

28 Arzuman Konjorov, his wife Sandukht, their children Nerses, Poghos and Aziz; Arzuman's brother Grigor, his wife Javahir as well as his daughters Khatun and Gyuli; Arzuman's cousin Ghazar, his wife Yetar, their sons Mirza, Petros and Yeghia, their daughters Taran and Tangi as well as Arzuman's nephews Voskan, Shoghakat and Zarneshan;

29 Voskan Ter-Ghazarov, his mother Javahir, his wife Javahir as well as his daughters Gyuli and Pari; Voskan's brothers Avag and Barsegh;

30 Khachatur Makikeokhvian, his wife Margaret, their sons Ghazar, Arakel and Voskan with his wife Zani and his daughter Herik; Khachatur's brother Petros as well as his children Khachatur and Aziz;

31 Vardan Kostandov, his wife Margaret, their son Voskan with his wife Zari and his daughter Herik; Vardan's brother Petros, his sons Khachatur and Arakel as well as his daughter Aziz;

32 Arakel Muradov, his mother Horomsim, his wife Sandukht as well as their children Galust, Hovhannes, Anayi, Voski and Mariam;

33 Gevorg Ghazarov, his mother Yeghisabet, his wife Zarneshan as well as his brothers Yesayi and Margar with his wife Khatun; Gevorg's sisters Herik, Tamam and Sandukht;

34 Arustam Chilinkarov, his mother Herik, his wife Aziz, their sons Arakel, Martiros with his daughters Mariam and Hripsime, and Harutiun with his spouse Sirunna and his daughter-in-law Hripsime; Arustam's brothers 1. Hovakim with his wife Sona as well as his children Avetis, Hakob, Vardi and Margaret; 2. Sargis with his wife Heriknaz and his son Hovhannes;

35 Tzatur Ter-Grigorov, his wife Zani as well as their children Sahak and Shoghakat; Tzatur's brothers 1. Thomas with his wife Herik as well as his children Simon and Aziz, the former's wife Taguhi and his daughter Yeghisabet; 2. Mnatsakan with his wife Mariam as well as his children Harutiun, Yeghisabet and Tangi; 3. Martiros with his wife Khanum as well as his sons Khachatur and Abraham;

36 Arakel Balbabov, his wife Aziz as well as his sons Mkrtich and Grigor; Arakel's nephews 1. Petros with his spouse Yeghisabet as well as his children Harutiun, Margar and Mariam; 2. Aghajan with his wife Tamam as well as his children Hakob, Yeghisabet, Anayi, Vardi and Margaret;

37 Grigor Manvelov, his mother Herik, his wife Shoghakat, their daughter Sandukht as well as their sons
Vardan and Harutiun; Grigor's brothers Aghajan and Poghos with his wife Mariam;

38 Harutiun Apov, his mother Margaret, his wife Vardi as well as his children Petros, Gozal and Mariam; Harutiun's brothers 1. Virap with his wife Vardi as well as his children Yesayi and Gabriel; 2. Galust with his wife Mariam and his daughter Shoghakat; Harutiun's sisters Voski and Nakhshun, his nephew Abraham with his wife Tamam, and his brother Aslan with his wife Margaret;

39 Grigor Gorgiov, his wife Mariam, his sons 1. Petros with his wife Sirunna as well as his children Zakaria, Aghajan and Nanakir; 2. Anton with his wife Aziz, their children Voskan and Sandukht as well as their grandson Vardan;

40 Mkrtich Ghazarov, his wife Voski as well as his sons Sargis and Vardan; Mkrtich's brothers Harutiun and Karapet with his wife Voski;

41 Khachatur Tzuzanov, his wife Sandukht as well as his sons 1. Avetis with his wife Gyuli, his sons Aghajan, Mnatsakan, and Arakel with his wife Mariam; 2. Poghos with his wife Malak and his son Harutiun;

42 Harutiun Azarian, his wife Khatun and their son Arakel; Harutiun's brother Avag, his wife Aziz and their daughter Tamam; Harutiun's nephews 1. Hovsep with his wife Sandukht and his son Navasard; 2. Movses with his mother Mariam, his wife Nazi and his daughter-in-law Mariam;

43 Galust Jumov, his mother Mariam, his wife Aziz, his brothers Ghazar with his wife Mariam, and Poghos with his spouse Nazlukhan;

44 David Khachbulaghian, his wife Hripsime, their sons Hovhannes and Grigor with his wife Sanam as well as his children Vardan, Harutiun, Mariam and Herik;

45 Hovhannes Dalakov, his wife Hripsime as well as his children Aghajan, Khachatur, Pari, Heriknaz and Vardi;

46 Virap Azriov, his sons 1. Mkrtich; 2. Arushan with his wife Yeghisabet as well as his children Grigor and Mariam; 3. Stepan with his spouse Voski and his daughter Margaret; 4. Harutiun with his wife Tangi;

47 Vardan Azariov, his wife Herik, their sons 1. Arzuman with his wife Aziz as well as his children Grigor, Stepan, Sargis and Hripsime; 2. Mirza with his wife Zarneshan; 3. Martiros with his spouse Margaret;

48 Movses Gulumov, his mother Zani, his wife Pari as well as his son Vardan and his daughter Parunna; Movses' brothers 1. Arakel with his wife Sirunna, their son Hakob with his wife Margaret, her mother Herik and their daughter Mariam; 2. Poghos with his son Grigor; Movses' uncle Khachatur;

49 Simeon Antonov, his wife Heghinan, their son Stepan, his spouse Mariam, his sons Nikoghos, Khachatur and Karapet as well as his daughter-in-law Voski with her son Mkhitar and her daughters Zani and Margaret;

50 Aghajan Melikov, his wife Khanum as well as his children Hakob, Yeghisabet, Sanam, Zani and Tamam; Aghajan's brother Aslan, his wife Zani as well as their children Tzatur, Khachatur, Zarneshan and Aziz."647

Below follow the available statistical data on Pib's population between 1804 and 1917:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1804<sup>648</sup></td><td>40</td><td>100</td><td>57</td><td>157</td></tr><tr><td>1839<sup>649</sup></td><td>50</td><td>286</td><td>259</td><td>545</td></tr><tr><td>1845<sup>650</sup></td><td></td><td>703</td><td>598</td><td>1,301</td></tr><tr><td>1847<sup>651</sup></td><td></td><td>625</td><td>517</td><td>1,142</td></tr><tr><td>1849<sup>652</sup></td><td></td><td>539</td><td>621</td><td>1,160</td></tr><tr><td>1850<sup>653</sup></td><td>126</td><td>551</td><td>620</td><td>1,171</td></tr><tr><td>1852<sup>654</sup></td><td></td><td>559</td><td>631</td><td>1,190</td></tr><tr><td>1853<sup>655</sup></td><td></td><td>571</td><td>633</td><td>1,204</td></tr><tr><td>1854<sup>656</sup></td><td></td><td>602</td><td>650</td><td>1,252</td></tr><tr><td>1857<sup>657</sup></td><td></td><td>573</td><td>649</td><td>1,222</td></tr><tr><td>1858<sup>658</sup></td><td></td><td>585</td><td>659</td><td>1,244</td></tr><tr><td>1859<sup>659</sup></td><td>90</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1860<sup>660</sup></td><td></td><td>594</td><td>661</td><td>1,255</td></tr><tr><td>1861<sup>661</sup></td><td>135</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1863<sup>662</sup></td><td></td><td>680</td><td>665</td><td>1,345</td></tr><tr><td>1864<sup>663</sup></td><td></td><td>703</td><td>680</td><td>1,383</td></tr><tr><td>1865<sup>664</sup></td><td></td><td>705</td><td>685</td><td>1,390</td></tr><tr><td>1866<sup>665</sup></td><td>155</td><td>979</td><td>750</td><td>1,729</td></tr><tr><td>1872<sup>666</sup></td><td></td><td>1,365</td><td>1,055</td><td>2,420</td></tr><tr><td>1873<sup>667</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>2,210</td></tr><tr><td>1874<sup>668</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>2,187</td></tr><tr><td>1875<sup>669</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>2,252</td></tr><tr><td>1876<sup>670</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>2,282</td></tr><tr><td>1877<sup>671</sup></td><td></td><td>1,308</td><td>1,001</td><td>2,309</td></tr><tr><td>1878<sup>672</sup></td><td>201</td><td>1,328</td><td>1,012</td><td>2340</td></tr><tr><td>1881<sup>673</sup></td><td></td><td>1,306</td><td>1,031</td><td>2,337</td></tr><tr><td>1882<sup>674</sup></td><td></td><td>1,326</td><td>1,034</td><td>2,360</td></tr><tr><td>1883<sup>675</sup></td><td></td><td>1,366</td><td>1,071</td><td>2,437</td></tr></tbody></table>

<footnote n="647">647 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3800, pp. 32-33.</footnote>

<footnote n="648">648 Collected Acts..., vol. 2, p. 596.</footnote>

<footnote n="649">649 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3800, pp. 32-33.</footnote>

<footnote n="650">650 Idem, file 3811, pp. 4-5.</footnote>

<footnote n="651">651 Idem, file 3814, pp. 97-98.</footnote>

<footnote n="652">652 Idem, file 3818, pp. 97-98.</footnote>

<footnote n="653">653 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 2596, p. 111.</footnote>

<footnote n="654">654 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3819, pp. 106-107.</footnote>

<footnote n="655">655 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 2743, pp. 17-18.</footnote>

<footnote n="656">656 Idem, file 3825, pp. 69-70.</footnote>

<footnote n="657">657 Idem, file 3830, pp. 75-76.</footnote>

<footnote n="658">658 Idem, file 3831, pp. 42-43.</footnote>

<footnote n="659">659 Tkachev, G., op. cit., p. 43.</footnote>

<footnote n="660">660 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3833, pp. 109-110.</footnote>

<footnote n="661">661 Idem, file 3835, pp. 148-149.</footnote>

<footnote n="662">662 Idem, file 3843, pp. 15-16.</footnote>

<footnote n="663">663 Idem, file 3846, pp. 23-24.</footnote>

<footnote n="664">664 Idem, file 3848, p. 50.</footnote>

<footnote n="665">665 Idem, file 3848, p. 57.</footnote>

<footnote n="666">666 Idem, file 3872, pp. 62-63.</footnote>

<footnote n="667">667 Idem, file 3864, pp. 39-40.</footnote>

<footnote n="668">668 Caucasian Calendar for 1856, Tiflis, 1855, p. 124.</footnote>

<footnote n="669">669 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3866, pp. 44-45.</footnote>

<footnote n="670">670 Idem, file 3868, pp. 57-58.</footnote>

<footnote n="671">671 Idem, file 3869, pp. 54-55.</footnote>

<footnote n="672">672 Idem, file 3870, pp. 22-23. Also see "Meghu Hayastani," 1878, No. 46, p. 4.</footnote>

<footnote n="673">673 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3873, pp. 27-28.</footnote>

<footnote n="674">674 Idem, file 3874, p. 30.</footnote>

<footnote n="675">675 Idem, file 3875, pp. 56-57.</footnote>
<table><tr><td>1885<sup>676</sup></td><td>377</td><td>1,366</td><td>1,183</td><td>2,549</td></tr><tr><td>1886<sup>677</sup></td><td>205</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1887<sup>678</sup></td><td></td><td>1,504</td><td>1,282</td><td>2,786</td></tr><tr><td>1888<sup>679</sup></td><td></td><td>1,559</td><td>1,322</td><td>2,881</td></tr><tr><td>1889<sup>680</sup></td><td></td><td>1,574</td><td>1,335</td><td>2,909</td></tr><tr><td>1890<sup>681</sup></td><td></td><td>1,594</td><td>1,355</td><td>2,949</td></tr><tr><td>1891<sup>682</sup></td><td>400</td><td>1,641</td><td>1,407</td><td>3,048</td></tr><tr><td>1892<sup>683</sup></td><td></td><td>1,638</td><td>1,404</td><td>3,042</td></tr><tr><td>1893<sup>684</sup></td><td></td><td>1,704</td><td>1,442</td><td>3,146</td></tr><tr><td>1894<sup>685</sup></td><td></td><td>1,732</td><td>1,464</td><td>3,196</td></tr><tr><td>1897<sup>686</sup></td><td></td><td>1,819</td><td>1,563</td><td>3,382</td></tr><tr><td>1898<sup>687</sup></td><td></td><td>1,862</td><td>1,605</td><td>3,467</td></tr><tr><td>1899<sup>688</sup></td><td></td><td>1,867</td><td>1,609</td><td>3,476</td></tr><tr><td>1900<sup>689</sup></td><td></td><td>1,872</td><td>1,659</td><td>3,531</td></tr><tr><td>1901<sup>690</sup></td><td></td><td>1,939</td><td>1,710</td><td>3,649</td></tr><tr><td>1902<sup>691</sup></td><td></td><td>1,946</td><td>1,738</td><td>3,684</td></tr><tr><td>1905<sup>692</sup></td><td></td><td>1,958</td><td>1,755</td><td>3,713</td></tr><tr><td>1906<sup>693</sup></td><td></td><td>2,096</td><td>1,855</td><td>3,951</td></tr><tr><td>1907<sup>694</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>3,713</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>695</sup></td><td>768</td><td>2,200</td><td>1,800</td><td>4,000</td></tr><tr><td>1909<sup>696</sup></td><td></td><td>2,061</td><td>1,803</td><td>3,864</td></tr><tr><td>1910<sup>697</sup></td><td></td><td>2,347</td><td>1,920</td><td>4,267</td></tr><tr><td>1912<sup>698</sup></td><td></td><td>2,083</td><td>1,824</td><td>3,907</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>699</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>5,838</td></tr><tr><td>1915<sup>700</sup></td><td>800</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1917<sup>701</sup></td><td>627</td><td></td><td></td><td>5,838</td></tr></table>

As the table reveals, on the whole, the local population constantly increased, although in the course of some years, certain reduction was observed in their number due to various infectious lethal diseases. Thus, between the autumn of 1880 and the spring of 1881, 120 people fell prey to some unknown disease.<fnref n="702" /> The smallpox epidemic, raging

<figure><img src="image_296.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_297.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_298.png" /><figcaption>PIB (ZAGLIK). The seal of the local parish school. St. Stepanos Church seen from the south and north-west</figcaption></figure>

in the village from November 1899 till April 1900, proved still more disastrous, taking away the lives of 375 children.<fnref n="703" />

In 1891 Pib inhabitants planned to found a pharmacy and have a local doctor to resist such calamities.<fnref n="704" />

**The Economy of the Village.** Apart from farming, stock-breeding and bee-keeping, Pib Armenians also exploited the alum mines located in the lofty mountains towering in the south of the village, an occupation they had had since time immemorial.

According to G. Tkachev, in the 1850s, Pib Armenians exploited 10,000 *poods* of alum per year, this being also attested by the local inhabitants. The

<footnote n="676">676 Idem, file 3877, p. 30. Also see “Ardzagank,” 1885, No. 4, p. 51.</footnote>

<footnote n="677">677 “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 23, p. 329.</footnote>

<footnote n="678">678 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3880, p. 73.</footnote>

<footnote n="679">679 Idem, file 3882, p. 132.</footnote>

<footnote n="680">680 Idem, file 3884, pp. 227-228.</footnote>

<footnote n="681">681 Idem, file 3887, p. 151.</footnote>

<footnote n="682">682 Idem, file 3889, p. 150. Also see “Mshak,” 1891, No. 18, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="683">683 Idem, file 3891, p. 122.</footnote>

<footnote n="684">684 Idem, file 3895, pp. 78-79.</footnote>

<footnote n="685">685 Idem, file 3896, pp. 175-176.</footnote>

<footnote n="686">686 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3899, pp. 148-149.</footnote>

<footnote n="687">687 Idem, file 3897, p. 170.</footnote>

<footnote n="688">688 Idem, file 3903, pp. 128-128.</footnote>

<footnote n="689">689 Idem, file 3905, pp. 93-94.</footnote>

<footnote n="690">690 Idem, file 3906, pp. 98-99.</footnote>

<footnote n="691">691 Idem, file 3907, pp. 24-25.</footnote>

<footnote n="692">692 Idem, file 3912, pp. 267-268.</footnote>

<footnote n="693">693 Idem, file 3915, p. 24.</footnote>

<footnote n="694">694 Idem, file 240, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="695">695 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 559, p. 12. Another source of 1908 reports 3,992 inhabitants for that year (Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 254).</footnote>

<footnote n="696">696 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 18, file 764, p. 118.</footnote>

<footnote n="697">697 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3917, pp. 59-60.</footnote>

<footnote n="698">698 Idem, file 3919, pp. 63-64.</footnote>

<footnote n="699">699 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 124.</footnote>

<footnote n="700">700 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 1062, p. 4.</footnote>

<footnote n="701">701 Avetissian, M. M., idem, p. 166.</footnote>

<footnote n="702">702 “Meghu Hayastani,” 1881, No. 44, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="703">703 “Mshak,” 1900, No. 77, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="704">704 “Mshak,” 1891, No. 18, p. 2.</footnote>
same rate of work was also typical of the period between 1805 and 1864.<fnref n="705" />

In 1865 an ore processing mill was built at the south-western edge of the village. The mines were exploited under contract for about 3,000 rubles per year.<fnref n="706" /> (in 1873 contractor Mirzoyan assumed that work).<fnref n="707" />

From 1887 until 1888, the Government stopped the exploitation of mines due to some disagreement over certain estates.<fnref n="708" /> As a result, the inhabitants of Pib suffered heavy financial losses: “It was thanks to mining that this Armenian-populated village gradually grew into the largest settlement throughout Gandzak...”<fnref n="709" />

The residents of Pib and the Melik-Arustamiants, landowners from Barsum, had some conflict over certain lands. The discrepancy aggravated to such an extent that it finally led to a clash (27 July 1892) during which three villagers were wounded.<fnref n="710" />

Pib was one of the first villages in Northern Artsakh to open a school. The available archive documents are not unanimous in mentioning the date of its foundation: thus, according to one of them, in 1866 it had 88 pupils.<fnref n="711" /> Another states that in 1915 the institution boasted 43-year-long existence, which suggests that it had opened in 1872.<fnref n="712" />

According to a reference-book of 1878, in 1875 “...it is already three years since its Gevorgian School started functioning...”<fnref n="713" />

As alleged in a record, “The village school was established on 15 April 1876, when Mr. Alexandre Araratiants commenced delivering lectures there at my invitation...”<fnref n="714" />

Two inscriptions carved on the walls of the institution attest that it was founded in 1877.<fnref n="715" /> (fortunately, Priest Hovhannes Khojayants put them down in 1904):

Engraved on the south-eastern wall of the school:

Ըինեցաւ Փիրի Ս. Գէորգեան դպրոցի արդեամքր և ծախինք Չարեքրայ անապատի վանահայք Ա(ստուա)ծատուր Տ(է)ք Յարուրիւնեան վարդապետի Աղնախեցու և Փիրի հասարակուրեան 1877:

transl.: Pib's St. Gevorgian School was built in 1877 through the efforts and means of the local

inhabitants and the financial assistance of Prior of Charek Cloister Archimandrite Astvatzatur Ter-Harutiunian from Seghnakh.

Reference: National Archives of Armenia, fund 461, list 1, file 9, p. 187.

Incised into one of the school walls:

Ըինեցաւ դպրոցի ի ծամանակի տետոչ Մոլես Եպիսկոպոսեանի և ուսուցիչ Աղեք-սանդք Արարատեանի, 1877:

transl.: This school was built in the days of inspector Movses Yepiskopossian and teacher Alexandre Araratian in 1877.

Reference: National Archives of Armenia, ibid.

The period between 1876 and 1878 marked true bloom and prosperity for the school. Alexandre Araratiants, a graduate of Tiflis' Nersissian School who taught there at that time, enjoyed respect and popularity both among the pupils and villagers. Diocese Inspector H. Ter-Hovhannissian, who visited all the schools within that bishopric, was particularly pleased with the educational level of Pib's schoolchildren.<fnref n="716" />

The institution was established in 1877 through the income received from the estates of Charek Monastery.<fnref n="717" /> (its pupils had their lessons in a private house before that).<fnref n="718" /> Its building, which was completed in 1878, consisted of four rooms.<fnref n="719" />

The school, known by the name of St. Gevorgian between 1877 and 1878, remained closed from 1879 till 1880: “When teacher Alexandre Araratiants refused to continue working in Pib Village, the school closed and did not function for two years, since Diocese Inspector Mr. Barkhudariants did not descend to approve the candidacy of the teacher the local inhabitants had put forward. This year, however, the people themselves have appointed a teacher there, realizing that they should not have relied on that official.”<fnref n="720" />

Beginning with 1883, the spiritual authorities ordered that Charek Monastery allocate an annual allowance of 100 rubles to Pib's school.<fnref n="721" />

Sharing the fate of the other Armenian educational institutions in the Russian Empire, it closed on the order of the Tsarist authorities in 1885.

In 1888 Catholicos Makar I issued a bull approving the candidacy of Vahan Grigorian, Priest Petros Sargissian and verger Michael Gulumiants as the trustees of Pib's parish school.<fnref n="722" />

<footnote n="705">705 “Meghu Hayastani,” 1873, No. 29, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="706">706 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="707">707 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="708">708 “Mshak,” 1890, No. 144, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="709">709 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="710">710 “Nor-Dar,” 1892, No. 129, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="711">711 “Meghu Hayastani,” 1878, No. 25, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="712">712 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 18, file 1062, p. 1.</footnote>

<footnote n="713">713 “Meghu Hayastani,” ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="714">714 “Meghu Hayastani,” 1879, No. 46, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="715">715 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 15, file 571, p. 20.</footnote>

<footnote n="716">716 “Mankavarzhakan Tert,” Tiflis, 1878-1879, pp. 12-13.</footnote>

<footnote n="717">717 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 364, p. 34.</footnote>

<footnote n="718">718 “Meghu Hayastani,” 1883, No. 18, p. 4.</footnote>

<footnote n="719">719 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 364, p. 11.</footnote>

<footnote n="720">720 “Meghu Hayastani,” 1881, No. 120, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="721">721 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 500, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="722">722 “Ararat,” 1888, p. 129.</footnote>
In 1896 classes were again interrupted there on the order of the Tsarist authorities and resumed only in 1906 (the school is mentioned as having a library at that time).<fnref n="723" />

Comparing the number of the local population with that of the pupils, we reveal that the majority of children of school age did not attend classes. With some other reasons put aside, they were unable to receive education due to their involvement in agricultural work. The pupils' number varied from season to season: "In winter they amount to about 120, but beginning with May, their number is gradually reduced to 20."<fnref n="724" />

In the school year of 1915/1916, Echmiatzin Synod allocated an allowance of 100 rubles to the institution from the General Fund of Parish Schools.<fnref n="725" />

Below follows a chronology of the activity of Pib's parish school:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Teachers</th><th>Pupils</th><th>Further Information</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1866<sup>726</sup></td><td></td><td>88</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1876<sup>727</sup></td><td>1</td><td>30</td><td>Functioned as a male school.</td></tr><tr><td>1877<sup>728</sup></td><td>1</td><td>95</td><td>St. Gevorgian</td></tr><tr><td>1878<sup>729</sup></td><td>1</td><td>93</td><td>St. Gevorgian</td></tr><tr><td>1882<sup>730</sup></td><td>2</td><td>65</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1883<sup>731</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>Functioning</td></tr><tr><td>1878<sup>732</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>Reopened</td></tr><tr><td>1890<sup>733</sup></td><td></td><td>54</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1890<sup>734</sup></td><td></td><td>58</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1891<sup>735</sup></td><td></td><td>60</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1892<sup>736</sup></td><td></td><td>52</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1893<sup>737</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>Functioning</td></tr><tr><td>1894<sup>738</sup></td><td>1</td><td>58</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1906<sup>739</sup></td><td></td><td>87(28 girls)</td><td>Reopened on 15 September as a one-year school of 4 classes.</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table><tr><td>1907<sup>740</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>Functioned as a one-year male school.</td></tr><tr><td>1909<sup>741</sup></td><td>2</td><td>98 (37 girls)</td><td>Unisex</td></tr><tr><td>1910<sup>742</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>Functioned as a uni-sex school.</td></tr><tr><td>1911<sup>743</sup></td><td>2</td><td>107 (47 girls)</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1911/12<sup>744</sup></td><td></td><td>90 (14 girls)</td><td>Galust Mamikonian, Yermonia Yeghian</td></tr><tr><td>1912<sup>745</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>Functioning</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>746</sup></td><td>2</td><td>75</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1915<sup>747</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td>Functioning. The building was in need of repairs.</td></tr></table>

### Pib's Russian public school
that opened on 1 September 1899, represented a one-year institution of 3 classes. It had 120 pupils, including 96 boys and 24 girls.<fnref n="748" />

### The Local Sanctuaries
Nor Pib had three churches, the oldest of which was known by the name of Sourb Astvatzatzin: “The village’s ancient church, which has a wooden roof…”<fnref n="749" />

The sanctuary, mentioned in archive documents in 1790,<fnref n="750" /> 1815,<fnref n="751" /> 1823,<fnref n="752" /> 1860⁷⁵³ and 1885,<fnref n="754" /> had the following inscriptions:

Incised into a wooden pillar:

Կշաւնուրեան մէլիք Հախնազարի, պապեր ի Լրիսոս յիշեցէք, Հրապետն. որեք՝ Պալին, Սարգս, հանգուցեալ որեին Տէր Ղազար, մայրն իր Նարկիզն, քվ. ՈՇԼՈ (1687):

transl.: During the reign of Melik Hakhnazar. ...may you pray for Hrapet, his sons Pal, Sargis, the late Father Ghazar [as well as] his mother Narkiz, in the year 1687.

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants, M.**, Artsakh, p. 298.

Carved on one of the walls of the church:

Սուր Ասուսածածին քարեսու Տէր Ըսե-փանոսին, քվ. ՈՇԴԹ (1670):

<footnote n="723">723 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 364, pp. 2, 16.</footnote>

<footnote n="724">724 “Meghu Hayastani,” 1878, No. 25, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="725">725 “Ararat,” 1916, p. 13.</footnote>

<footnote n="726">726 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3848, p. 115.</footnote>

<footnote n="727">727 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3850, p. 52; fund 56, list 3, file 62, p. 46.</footnote>

<footnote n="728">728 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3850, p. 130.</footnote>

<footnote n="729">729 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3850, p. 178.</footnote>

<footnote n="730">730 **Khudoyan, S.**, idem, p. 482.</footnote>

<footnote n="731">731 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 500, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="732">732 **Khudoyan, S.**, idem, p. 482.</footnote>

<footnote n="733">733 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="734">734 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3887, p. 151.</footnote>

<footnote n="735">735 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3889, p. 150.</footnote>

<footnote n="736">736 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3891, p. 122; fund 56, list 15, file 11, pp. 12-13.</footnote>

<footnote n="737">737 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3895, pp. 126-127.</footnote>

<footnote n="738">738 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3895, p. 99; file 3896, pp. 34, 175-176.</footnote>

<footnote n="739">739 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 207, p. 19. Another archive document mentions 1907 as the year of the school's reopening (National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 15, file 571, p. 20).</footnote>

<footnote n="740">740 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 285, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="741">741 National Archives of Armenia, fund 57, list 2, file 1849, p. 17.</footnote>

<footnote n="742">742 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 605, p. 4.</footnote>

<footnote n="743">743 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 682, p. 57.</footnote>

<footnote n="744">744 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 15, file 571, p. 20.</footnote>

<footnote n="745">745 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 718, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="746">746 **Khudoyan, S.**, idem, p. 482.</footnote>

<footnote n="747">747 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 1062, p. 1.</footnote>

<footnote n="748">748 National Archives of Armenia, fund 461, list 1, file 9, p. 146.</footnote>

<footnote n="749">749 **Barkhutariants, M.** Artsakh, p. 298.</footnote>

<footnote n="750">750 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3833, pp. 131-132.</footnote>

<footnote n="751">751 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3833, pp. 132-133.</footnote>

<footnote n="752">752 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3833, pp. 130-131.</footnote>

<footnote n="753">753 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3834, pp. 22-23.</footnote>

<footnote n="754">754 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3877, p. 29.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_299.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_300.png" /><figcaption>PIB (ZAGLIK). St. Stepanos Church</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_301.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_302.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_303.png" /><figcaption>PIB (ZAGLIK). The churches of Sts. Stepanos and Hovhannes. An inscription commemorating the repairs carried out in the latter</figcaption></figure>

transl.: May the Holy Virgin protect Father Stepanos, in the year 1670.

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

**St. Stepanos Church** represented “…a magnificent stone edifice resting on six splendid pillars. It was built in 1849 through the local people’s support and Tpkhis inhabitant Mr. Stepan Mirimaniants’ financial assistance. An inscription carved on a small marble slab set in the western wall of the sanctuary perpetuates his memory.”<fnref n="755" />

Another record mainly focuses on the architectural features of the monument: “…built of mortar and resting on six pillars, it is 22 metres long and 12 metres

wide. A dome surmounts the choir, and a belfry rises on top of the roof, at the western edge of the church. It also has a stone cross-carrier…”<fnref n="756" />

The aforementioned small belfry was built through the sanctuary’s own means in 1847 (“...eighteen rubles for the construction of the church dome”).<fnref n="757" />

St. Stepanos finally closed in 1928.<fnref n="758" />

The following inscription was found in the sanctuary:

1849. Ω-ΥΛΛ Ρυλλι:

transl.: *In the year 1849.*

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants, M.**, idem, p. 296.

<footnote n="755">755 “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 23, p. 329.</footnote>

<footnote n="756">756 **Barkhutariants, M.**, idem, p. 296.</footnote>

<footnote n="757">757 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3814, p. 105.</footnote>

<footnote n="758">758 National Archives of Armenia, fund 409, list 1, file 2658, p. 12.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_304.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_305.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_306.png" /><figcaption>PIB (ZAGLIK). Springs flowing in the neighbourhood of the village, and the church of St. Pepronya</figcaption></figure>

Undoubtedly, the year 1849 mentioned above marks the completion of the church.

In 1862 “170 rubles were spent on the paving of the floor of the sanctuary and the overhaul of its roof.”<fnref n="759" />

St. Stepanos represents a domed hall of rectangular plan built of undressed stone and mortar, except for its dome and most important junctions, which bear finely-finished stones.

The church used to retain four manuscript Gospels.<fnref n="760" />

All the available information on **St. Hovhannes Church** comprises the year of its renovation, i.e. 1912, found in the following inscription:

Ս(ուր)բ Յովհաննէս եկեղեցիս / նորոգեցաւ արդեամբ Փիի / գիւղի հասարակութեան հանգա/նակուրեամբ եւ ջանքերով Եղի/սապետ Պօրուեանցի եւ Ազիզ | Բաղդեանցի, 1912 սեպտ. 8:

transl.: *This church of St. Hovhannes was repaired through the means of the inhabitants of Pib Village assisted by Yeghisabet Poghossians and Aziz Baghdiants. 8 September 1912.*

Published for the first time.

**The Priests of the Village.** Pib always had between two and three clergymen serving their flock simultaneously.

In 1832 *Petros Ter-Vardanian* was ordained priest.<fnref n="761" />

*Father Galust Mamikonian*, who served in the village from the very day of his ordination (6 March

<footnote n="759">759 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3836, pp. 40-41.</footnote>

<footnote n="760">760 "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 23, pp. 329-330. Also see **Barkhutariants, M.**, idem, pp. 296-298.</footnote>

<footnote n="761">761 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3833, pp. 131-132.</footnote>
1823), was of immense instrumentality in the construc-
tion of St. Stepanos Church. In 1851 "His Holiness
Nerses V awarded him a gilded cross in token of grati-
tude for the strenuous efforts he had made during the
establishment of the church of Pib Village. In 1860
Galust Mamikonian still worked for the satisfaction of
the local people's spiritual needs.<fnref n="762" />

Galust Ter-Khachatrian Shahnazariants, who
joined Father Galust in 1834, continued performing his
duties until 1860.<sup>763</sup>

In 1878 Pib had three priests.<fnref n="764" />

After some brief illness, Hovhannes Mamikonians
died at the age of 45 on 21 October 1892.<fnref n="765" />

In 1897 Hovhannes Voskanian Khojayants was
ordained (he had two children: Hayk, born in 1892, and
Haykanoush, born in 1896).<fnref n="766" /> In 1908 he served the
village together with Movses Mamikonians,<fnref n="767" /> per-
forming priestly duties until at least 1922.<fnref n="768" />

The village site of Hin Pib is situated on the south-
facing slope of a gorge lying on the right bank of the
Pib (Zaglik), i.e. the right tributary of the river Sham-
kor, within 0.8 kilometre of its right bank, 5 kilometres
north-west of Nor Pib, at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,050
metres above sea level.

In 1886 a visitor wrote the following about a
church standing in the village site, that had turned into
a winter encampment, "...it has a well-built, large
stone church whose walls are 3.5 arshins wide."<fnref n="769" />

According to an archive document of 1885, the
sanctuary was dedicated to Holy Virgin Pepronia.<fnref n="770" />

It was distinguished for its large dimensions which,
indeed, speaks of the existence of a once prospering
populous village in that area. With this regard, a record
states, "...the church, resting on two arches, stands
intact. Two openings, serving as secret closets, can be
seen on the right and left of its main bema. This mag-
nificent sanctuary is 26 metres 35 centimetres long and
12 metres 70 centimetres wide, the thickness of its
walls amounting to 2 metres 40 centimetres."<fnref n="771" />

St Pepronia had the following inscriptions:

Carved on the entrance tympanum:

Կամալն Աստուծոյ մեր Փիփեցոց ժողո-
վուրոն միարան շինեցար զեկեղեցիս, ի հայ-
րապետութեան տեառն Պետրոսի, ձեռամր

Արգևս վարդապետին, իշխանութեան Մուր-
քուա Պուի խանին. իշեցէք ի Քրիստոս տա-
նուտէր Վարդանէսն և կողակից Մարեան:

transl.: By the will of God, we, the inhabitants of Pib, built this church with united efforts in the days of Catholicos Petros and Murtuza Ghuli Khan, with Archimandrite Sargis supporting us. May you pray for village head Vardanes and his spouse Maria.

The Armenian original published in: "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 23, p. 330; **Barkhutariants**, M., idem, p. 301; **Lalayan**, Yer. Gandzak District, p. 311.

Note: The "Ardzagank" refers to 'Pib' as 'Pab' in its decipher-
ment of the inscription.

The inscription dates back to the days of Aghvank Catholicos
Petros (1653 to 1675).

Engraved on the font:

Յիշեցէք ի Քրիստոս ճատուրն և կողակիցն
իր Մարեան, թվ. Ռճթ (1670):

transl.: May you remember Tzatur and his
spouse Maria in your prayers, in the year 1670.

The Armenian original published in: "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 23, p. 330; **Barkhutariants**, M., idem, p. 300; **Lalayan**, Yer., idem, p. 311.

Incised into the wall right of the altar:

Յիշեցէք ի Քրիստոս քահանաք եկեղեցոյ
Տէր Ոսկանն, Տէր Եղին: Յիշեցէք ի Քրիստոս
Սիմիքարն:

transl.: May you pray for priests of this church
Fathers Voskan [and] Yeghi. May you pray for
Mkhitar.

The Armenian original published in: "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 23, p. 330.

Inscribed on the entrance of the northern vestry:

Յիշեցէք ի Քրիստոս Գարկին և ճատուրն
...Ասարեալն և որդին իր Յուհան:

transl.: May you pray for Gorki and Tzatur ...
Arakeal and his son Hovhan.

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants, M.**, idem, pp. 300-301.

The chapel of Barsam Ignavor (Barsam the Her-
mit) used to be located in the south of St. Pepronia
Church. It retained three tombstones bare of any epi-
taphs.

One of them was adjoined by a khachkar reading:

Ես Մաղազայ եասիկոպոս կանգնեցի
զիաչս հար ... երբարն իմոյ տէր Պար... մարի
եասիկոպոսին, թվ. ԶԶ (1457):

transl.: I, Bishop Maghagia, erected this cross
[in memory of my] father ... my brother Father
Par... Bishop ..., in the year 1457.

The Armenian original published in: "Ardzagank," 1886, No. 23, p. 330; **Barkhutariants, M.**, idem, p. 301; **Lalayan, Yer.**, idem, p. 311.

<footnote n="762">762 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3833, pp. 130-131.</footnote>

<footnote n="763">763 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="764">764 “Meghu Hayastani,” 1878, No. 46, p. 4.</footnote>

<footnote n="765">765 “Nor-Dar,” 1892, No. 171, p. 2.</footnote>

<footnote n="766">766 National Archives of Armenia, fund 461, list 1, file 12, pp. 68-69.</footnote>

<footnote n="767">767 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 817, p. 7.</footnote>

<footnote n="768">768 National Archives of Armenia, fund 57, list 3, file 375, p. 3.</footnote>

<footnote n="769">769 “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 23, p. 330.</footnote>

<footnote n="770">770 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3877, p. 29.</footnote>

<footnote n="771">771 **Barkhutariants, M.**, idem, p. 300.</footnote>
Note: The "Ardzagank" deciphers the epitaph in the following way, "I...erected this cross in memory of my father Priest Parsam in the year 1457."

**The chapel of Magtum Zade.** Not far from a cemetery, "in a picturesque plain lying on the right, i.e. river-directed slope of a gorge, a grave-yard and a ruined chapel"<fnref n="772" /> were located.

The latter was adjoined by two cross-stones one of which bore the following inscription:

Սուր խաչս բարեխաս խամբի, ՆՀԳ
(1024):

transl.: May this Holy Cross protect Khambik,
1024.

The Armenian original published in: **Barkhutariants**, M., idem, p. 313; Corpus..., part 5, p. 257.

Note: M. Barkhutariants does not consider it right to regard the last three letters of the Armenian original of the inscription, i.e. ՄԱԳ, as representing a year. Rather, he is inclined to think that they stand for the Armenian equivalent of the word 'soul.'

**The pilgrimage site of Karahat Khach** is situated on Mount Shibasar rising in the south of Pib: "...has a wooden roof and retains the remains of a saint whose name is unknown."<fnref n="773" />

Another pilgrimage site, known by the name of **Ruskan Nahatak** (the Armenian equivalent for **'Ruskan the Martyr'**.) and located at the top of a mountain north-west of Pib, used to retain a big cross-stone.<fnref n="774" />

**The Fort of Kerstavank** rises on a west-facing, slanting mountain branch, on the right bank of the river Shamkor, a little below the pilgrimage site of Ruskan Nahatak, in an isolated area surrounded by deep gorges on both sides.

In the late 19th century, a visitor wrote the following about Kerstavank, "The monument is fortified by an enclosure which is partially destroyed. Its only remnants comprise the lower part of the ramparts and the vestiges of some stone buildings."<fnref n="775" />

## SHAHUMIAN

**Location.** Shahumian extends in the gorge of one of the right tributaries of the river Shamkor, 10 kilometres west of the district centre.

**A Historical Introduction.** In 1922 some 50 to 60 families from Pib founded the present-day settlement in the site of an ancient derelict Armenian village.

In the 1970s, it shifted into the jurisdiction of the Village Council of Amervar.

**Population.** In the 1960s, Shahumian's Armenian population comprised 160 houses. However, with the

Turks' penetration into the village in the 1970s, they started gradually leaving their place of residence. On the eve of the deportation of Northern Artsakh (1988), the number of the local Armenian families was limited to 18.

**The village school,** which opened in 1922, originally worked on a four-year basis, shifting to a seven-year course of instruction between 932 and 933. From 1946 till 1947, it functioned as a secondary educational institution.

The school continued its activity until 1988, different classes having their lessons together there.

**The cemetery of Shahumian,** extending over a hill called *Verin* (i.e. '*Upper*'') *Ghelashen*, comprises nearly 80 to 90 densely-lying medieval tombstones of undressed limestone.

**The site of Okht** (Yeghtsy)<fnref n="776" /> represents seven churches "built" into a rock called *Ughti Kar* (the Armenian equivalent for '*Camel Stone*') and located 2.5 kilometres north-west of the village, 3.5 kilometres south-east of Charek Castle.

In the late '20s of the 13th century, Aghvank Catholicos Hovhannes (1195 to 1235) found haven in some caverns in the vicinity of Charek Castle to escape enemy persecution. Some records state the following with this regard, "...in a cave near a fort called Charek..."<fnref n="777" />

"...He moved the Patriarchal Throne to the neighbourhood of Charek..."<fnref n="778" />

Most probably, it was during that period that a number of rock-cut and semi-rock-cut chapels and churches were erected there: "...seven caves, surrounded by thick forests, can be seen in a rock whose open parts are hidden behind a wall of mortar. Two of them represent churches with their altar stones still preserved. A road extending in front of the rock leads to these caves..."<fnref n="779" />

## SHAHVELEDLI

**Location.** The village is situated on the west-facing slope of a gorge lying 2 kilometres north of the historical village of Dastapor, 9 kilometres south-east of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,640 to 1,720 metres above sea level.

Shahveledli preserved its Armenian population until the '70s of the 18th century.

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

It had 382 inhabitants in 1908,<fnref n="780" /> and 396 in 1914.<fnref n="781" />

<footnote n="772">772 Ibid.</footnote>

<footnote n="773">773 Idem, p. 299.</footnote>

<footnote n="774">774 Idem, p. 300.</footnote>

<footnote n="775">775 **Barkhutariants**, M., idem, p. 304.</footnote>

<footnote n="776">776 The Armenian equivalent for 'Seven Churches.'</footnote>

<footnote n="777">777 **Kirakos Gandzaketsy**, p. 178.</footnote>

<footnote n="778">778 Idem, p. 182.</footnote>

<footnote n="779">779 **Barkhutariants**, M., idem, p. 301.</footnote>

<footnote n="780">780 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 421.</footnote>

<footnote n="781">781 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 209.</footnote>
## TAPAN

**Location.** The village lies 17 kilometres south-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,490 to 1,580 metres above sea level.

**A Historical Introduction.** No records relating to Tapan have been preserved, but presumably, it was stripped of its Armenian population in the mid-18th century.

The present-day Turkish settlement was established in the early 20th century, when some cattle-breeding tribes settled down in the site of the ancient Armenian village.

**The cemetery** of this once Armenian-populated village used to be located at its southern edge, where at present an “Azerbaijani” grave-yard extends.

Most of its tombstones were later smashed and appropriated by the newly-arrived herdsmen.

In 1986 a **church** was preserved standing in a forest in a site called *Pirin-Geleja* and situated between the villages of Tapan and Hatstap.

It represented a single-nave, vaulted structure (exterior dimensions: 7.50 x 4.78 metres) mainly built of undressed stone and mortar. Most of the corner-stones of the monument, whose entrance adjoined the western corner of its southern wall, were dressed and even finely-cut. Light penetrated there through two small, narrow windows widening inside, each of them

<figure><img src="image_307.png" /><figcaption>TAPAN. The plan of the village church</figcaption></figure>

opening from the eastern and western facades. The church was devoid of any ornamentation, the stones preserved on its outer walls being bare of any inscriptions. We, however, cannot claim that it never had any, for its entrance tympanum, which has been intentionally destroyed, might have been engraved with some. The western facade of the sanctuary was preserved without any damages, but its eastern wall was outwardly buried in the earth.

In 1986 the sanctuary lay in terrible dilapidation, with many of the facing stones of its northern and southern facades having fallen down. The trees as well as the moss growing in its walls and on the roof in their turn seemed to “contribute” to its final collapse. The monument also bore signs of deliberate demolition left by those searching for treasure there.

<figure><img src="image_308.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_309.png" /><figcaption>TSENTZAHAL. A general view of the village. The school built with the stones of the demolished church of the village</figcaption></figure>

## TSENTZAHAL (ZINZAGHAL)

**Location.** The village is situated on the south-facing slope of a gorge lying on the left bank of the river Gandzak, 14 kilometres south-east of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,400 to 1,480 metres above sea level.

It is first mentioned in one of Catholicos Pilippos' bulls among a number of other Armenian-inhabited villages.<fnref n="782" />

The village was stripped of its Armenian population in the second half of the 18th century. Its site served as an encampment for some Turkish stock-breeders in the late 19th century.

In 1914 Tsentzahal had 655 inhabitants.<fnref n="783" />

<footnote n="782">782 *Barkhutariants, M.*, idem, p. 48.</footnote>

<footnote n="783">783 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p 131.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_310.png" /><figcaption>VERIN KARHAT. The village seen from the southeast</figcaption></figure>

In the early 1890s, a visitor wrote, “...It has...a large church built of stone and mortar, with its roof lying in ruins.”<fnref n="784" />

By 1986 the sanctuary had been replaced by a school founded over its remnants. The walls of that institution bear some finely-dressed stones, which suggests that at least the cornerstones of the church were finely-finished.

The village used to have a spacious **grave-yard** which has been totally annihilated.

## VERIN KARHAT

**Location.** The village extends on the slightly slanting and mostly south-facing slope of a gorge lying on the left bank of the river Artinajur, 4 kilometres south of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,480 to 1,640 metres above sea level.

**A Historical Introduction.** The area retains several simple cross-stones which are typical of the period between the 10th and 11th centuries. This suggests that beginning with at least the Middle Ages, an Armenian-inhabited village existed in the territory of what is present-day Verin Karhat. Supposedly, it was stripped of its residents in the second half of the 18th century and was re-populated between 1894 and 1895, when some

Armenian families from Nerkin Karhat founded a new village there and named it Verin Karhat.

**Population.** As we have already mentioned, the number of the populations of Nerkin and Verin Karhat Villages is generally presented as merged together. It is only in the following years that the available statistical sources separate the residents of Verin Karhat from those of Nerkin Karhat:

<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Houses</th><th>Males</th><th>Females</th><th>Total</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1907<sup>785</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>691</td></tr><tr><td>1908<sup>786</sup></td><td>82</td><td>385</td><td>309</td><td>694</td></tr><tr><td>1910<sup>787</sup></td><td></td><td>391</td><td>317</td><td>708</td></tr><tr><td>1914<sup>788</sup></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>661</td></tr></tbody></table>

**The village school** began functioning in 1908 as a unisex educational institution of 70 pupils, including only 4 girls.

In the school year 1911/12, it started working on a three-year basis, having 3 classes with 2 teachers (Aram Papiants, Ishkhan Hayriants) and 29 pupils, including 3 girls.<fnref n="789" />

The newly-arrived Armenian inhabitants of Verin Karhat embarked upon the construction of a **church** without any delay. It was erected at the edge of a group

<footnote n="784">784 *Barkhutariants, M.*, idem, p. 275.</footnote>

<footnote n="785">785 Caucasian Calendar for 1910, p. 237.</footnote>

<footnote n="786">786 National Archives of Armenia, fund 35, list 1, file 559, p. 10.</footnote>

<footnote n="787">787 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3917, pp. 58-59.</footnote>

<footnote n="788">788 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 116.</footnote>

<footnote n="789">789 National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 15, file 571, p. 21.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_311.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_312.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_313.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_314.png" /><figcaption>VERIN KARHAT. Partial views of the cemetery lying at the south-eastern edge of the village</figcaption></figure>

of hills extending like a cape at the eastern extremity of the village, on the brink of a gorge lying on the left bank of the river Artinajur.

The sanctuary was dedicated to the Holy Translators, an archive document of 1903 stating the following with this connection, "It is already eight to nine years since half of our people resettled in the village site of Verin Karhat, where at present a village extends with a newly-built church named Sourb Targmanchats..."<fnref n="790" />

In 1914 the spiritual authorities met the villagers' request to contribute to the renovation of the church roof, which was to be tiled at 300 rubles.<fnref n="791" />

In the 1920s, however, the monument was totally demolished.

In 1898 *Anton Barseghian Ter-Antoniants* was ordained priest in Verin Karhat.<fnref n="792" />

A large **cemetery**, surrounded by a stone enclosure, extends at the south-eastern edge of the village. Its graves date back to the late 19th and mainly the early 20th centuries.

A smaller cemetery, tracing back to the same period, lies around the once standing church.

A. Papiants, one of the teachers of the local school, is buried in the aforementioned spacious grave-yard. His tombstone bears the following epitaph:

<footnote n="790">790 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3368, p. 18.</footnote>

<footnote n="791">791 National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3460, pp. 1-3.</footnote>

<footnote n="792">792 National Archives of Armenia, fund 461, list 1, file 12, pp. 67-68.</footnote>
<figure><img src="image_315.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_316.png" /><figcaption>VERIN KARHAT. A bridge extending over the river Artinajur</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_317.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_318.png" /></figure>

3 lines in the Armenian original carved on the northern face of the gravestone:

Այսեղ ե հանգչում մարմինը Վ. Քարհատի
| ուսոցիչ Արամ Տեր Անտոնի Պապյանի | ծն.
1886 թ., վաիսք. 1918 թ.:

transl.: In this grave reposes one of Verin Karhat teachers, Priest Anton's son Aram Papian. Born in 1886, he died in 1918.

Published for the first time.

Note: The spelling used in the epitaph suggests that the tombstone was erected much later than 1918, in the Soviet years.

A bridge lying over the river Artinajur is located at the eastern edge of the village. A double-centered, single-span structure with an arched vault, it is entirely built of undressed stone and mortar, except for the finely-cut cornerstones of the arch. The construction inscription of the monument (indeed, if it had one) has not been preserved. The building peculiarities of the bridge trace it back to the second half of the 19th century.
GETABEK DISTRICT

The administrative district of Getabek, established in 1930, occupies an area of 1,225 square kilometres and comprises 112 residential settlements, including 111 villages. It borders on Touz, Shamkhor and Dashkesan Districts of the Republic of Azerbaijan as well as Tavush Marz and the subdisrects of Karmir and Vardenis within Gegharkunik Marz of the Republic of Armenia. With the total devastation of the Armenian village of Ghazakh-Getabak in 1918, the entire district was stripped of its inhabitants.

<figure><img src="image_319.png" /></figure>
## AGHAMALI (GHAZANCHI)

The village, formerly known by the name of Ghazanchi, is situated on the east-facing slope of a gorge lying in the north-east of Mount Shakarbek, in the area of the source of the river Legharak (Badajur),<fnref n="1" /> 14.5 kilometres north-west of the district centre, between 1,550 and 1,660 metres of altitude above sea level.

Its historical name has fallen into oblivion. Stripped of its Armenian population in the 1770s, it was devastated and reduced to a summer encampment for some cattle-breeding Turkish tribes.

In the second half of the 19th century, the village was the seat of famous landowner Zulghadarov, who “...spent winters in an estate named Khennalu and moved to the elevated settlement of Ghazanchi in summers.”<fnref n="2" />

In 1890 Allahyar Bey Zulghadarov lived there:

> “I had been told that the Zulghadarovs did not welcome those interested in their domains. I, however, did not intend to anyhow harm their family; moreover, I even planned to pay a visit to Allahyar Bey in the mountain encampment of Ghazanchi...”<fnref n="3" />

In 1976 the local population amounted to 1,824.<fnref n="4" />

## ALI-ISMAYILI

The village is located on the southeast-facing slope of a gorge, 14.5 kilometres south-west of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,440 to 1,510 metres above sea level.

Stripped of its Armenian population in the 1770s, it provided a place of encampment for several houses of Turkish Ayrums in the early 20th century.

The stock-breeding newcomers completely removed all the remnants of the local Armenian monuments.

## AMIRASLANLI

The village, tracing back to the Soviet years, extends on the right bank of the river Shakarbek, 8 kilometres west of the district centre, between 1,470 and 1,670 metres of altitude above sea level.

It was established in the site of an Armenian village abandoned in the 1770s.

## ARABACHI

Arabachi is situated 21 kilometres west of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,360 to 1,420 metres above sea level.

It was established in the late 19th century in the site of an Armenian village devastated and laid derelict in the 1770s. The local Turkish Ayrums amounted to 189 in 1914,<fnref n="5" /> and 509 in 1976.<fnref n="6" />

West of the village, a semi-ruined church is preserved. It represents a uni-nave vaulted structure built of undressed stone and mortar.

## AREGHDAM

This village, dating from the late 19th century, extends on the east-facing slope of a gorge lying 3 kilometres north of the district centre, between 1,450 and 1,580 metres of altitude above sea level.

It was established in the site of a deserted Armenian village (its historical name is consigned to oblivion) which had been stripped of its Armenian residents in the 1770s, becoming a summer encampment for some stock-breeding Turkish tribes.

In 1914 Areghdam had 513 inhabitants,<fnref n="7" /> whose number had grown to 1,780 by 1976.<fnref n="8" />

## ARIGHERAN

<figure><img src="image_320.png" /><figcaption>ARIGHERAN. The area of the upper course of the river Zakam near the village (photo by courtesy of A. Ghulian)</figcaption></figure>

The village is situated on the west-facing slope of a gorge lying on the right bank of the river Zakam, 17

<footnote n="1">1 It was known by the name of ‘Mrejur’ in the area of its upper course.</footnote>

<footnote n="2">2 **S. Kamalian** Fund, copy-book No. 1, VI-11, p. 11. A record states the following about the estates belonging to the Zulghadarovs, “From the top of Khachyal you could enjoy a fascinating view of Mount Yanegh Paya dominating the entire environment. You could also take great delight in watching the opposite gorges and mountains: the peaks of Tyulkelu and Kyaran with the ravine of Hayvalu; Ghalaboyin with the gorge of Ahmadi Band below it as well as Yelludagh and Isakhan with the nearby ravines of Aghdara, Kujur Shamlugh and Metz Shamlugh. All these gorges and peaks form part of a mountain chain extending on the left bank of the river Zakam (I shall enlarge upon them while descending the gorge). On the right bank of the same river, at the foot of Mount Valijan, opposite Aghdara stands the monastery of Mkrtich. Another cloister, called ‘Kilisa Darasi,’ can be found in a village re-inhabited by Turks and located in the gorge of Gharanlekh adjoining Choban Seghnakh. All the aforementioned ravines, rivers, mountains and villages belong to Zulghadarov...” (idem, pp. 10-11).</footnote>

<footnote n="3">3 Op. cit., p. 17.</footnote>

<footnote n="4">4 SAE, vol. 1, p. 97.</footnote>

<footnote n="5">5 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 89.</footnote>

<footnote n="6">6 SAE, vol. 1, p. 378.</footnote>

<footnote n="7">7 Caucasian Calendar for 1915, p. 91.</footnote>

<footnote n="8">8 SAE, vol. 1, p. 392.</footnote>