Akhuryan (river)

The Akhuryan () or Arpachay () is a river in the South Caucasus. It originates in Armenia and flows from Lake Arpi, along the closed border with Turkey, forming part of the geographic border between the two states, until it flows into the Aras as a left tributary near Bagaran. The Akhuryan is long, and has a drainage basin.Ахурян, Great Soviet Encyclopedia

Gyumri, the second largest city of Armenia, is located on the east bank of the river.

History

When the Byzantine army arrived in the province of Shirak in 1041, local Armenian nobles (nakharars) assembled together against them under the command of the Pahlavuni general Vahram Pahlavouni. Vahram then selected a body of 30,000 infantry and 20,000 cavalry, forming three divisions, which fought against the Byzantines.History of Armenia by Father Michael Chamich from B.C. 2247 to the Year of Christ 1780, or 1229 of the Armenian era – Page 124 by Mik'ayel Ch'amch'yants' A battle ensued in which the invaders were routed. The fighting was so ferocious that the effusion of blood flowing into the Akhurian River is said to have coloured its waters completely red.History of Armenia by Father Michael Chamich from B.C. 2247 to the Year of Christ 1780, or 1229... – Page 124 by Mik'ayel Ch'amch'yants'History of Armenia: From B.C. 2247 to the Year of Christ 1780, Or 1229 of the Armenian Era – Page 124 by Michael Chamich, John Audall, Mikʻayel Chʻamchʻyantsʻ, Hovhannēs Avdaleantsʻ – 1827 The Byzantines left 21,000 dead behind. This victory allowed Vahram along with Catholicos Petros Getadardz to crown Gagik II king of Armenia and subsequently take the fortress of Ani, which had been in the hands of Vest Sarkis.

Bridges Several medieval bridges once existed over the Akhuryan.

The bridge at Ani may date back to the Bagratuni dynasty.A system of geography, popular and scientific: or A physical, political, and statistical account... – Page 143 by James Bell – 1832 More likely it dates to the thirteenth century. An inscription found nearby said that building work on the approach to the bridge was done in the early fourteenth century.VirtualAni: The Bridge Over the Akhurian River The bridge's single arch has fallen, leaving only tall abutments that were perhaps part of a fortified gate. Nineteenth-century travelers reported a guardhouse next to the bridge, but this has since disappeared. The bridge is now set to be rebuilt as a move to further diplomatic ties between Turkey and Armenia. This agreement was signed on May 4, 2026, by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Notes

References

Akhuryan (river)

Bron en licentie