Learn More about Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic): Kashatagh

• 07.24.2015, 14:28
•  NKR,  Info

Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is divided into 8 administrative regions, of which the largest on is Kashatagh.

Geography and Population

Kashatagh is located in the south-eastern part of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. It is the largest region in Artsakh (another name of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic) and by its territory is equal to the size Syunik region in the Republic of Armenia.

The surface of the region is 3377 km². Kashatagh encompasses the basin of Hagar River and the lower basin of Vorotan River . The region borders RA Syunik region in the west, Karvachar, Martakert, Askeran, Shushi, Hadrut regions  in the north and east and Iran in the south.

The northern part of it territory is mountainous, while the southern part includes foothill areas of the mountain chains in Artsakh, Bargushat and Meghri. The difference among the heights in this area is relatively small.

During the historical times this area was included in the Kovsakan province of Syunik.

According to 2005 census the population is 9.763. The ethnic composition is largely homogeneous comprising of mainly the Armenians. 

Climate

The climate of Artsakh is moderate subtropical. The average temperature is +11°C. The warmest and the most sunny months are July and August, during which average temperature is +22°C and +21°C.

Administrative Division

In the region there are 94 places of residence, of which 53 has community status. The urban areas are Kovsakan and Mijnavan (in the southern part of Kashatagh region). The regional center of Kashatagh is city Berdzor (former name Lachin), the population of which is 3000. Bardzor is strategically extremely important for Artsakh, as the Goris-Stepanakert freeway, which connects NKR to the Republic of Armenia passes through Berdzor. Berdzor was liberated in 1992.

The distance from one border of the city to another is not large; however the height between them is 300 meters making the city extremely beautiful.

Economy

Kashatagh is rich with water resources. To use those resources in a profitable way a pond was constructed. Agriculture is the main activity in the region.

The budget of Kashatagh for 2008 formed 2 billion and 370 million AMD.

Sightseeing

At present there are 30 monasteries and churches, historical monuments in Kashatagh.

The very popular among the monasteries is Tsitsernavank built in 4^th century. The monastery was reconstructed after liberation of the territory.

The well-preserved churches built in the 17^th century are Saint Minas in Hak village, Saint. Mary in Mirik village, Saint Stepanos in Hrchants village, Saint Gevorg in Herik village, sanctuaries of Shalua, Stunis, Arakhish, Marza.

One kilometer away from the right bank of the river Aghavno, high on the rock under which there are caves, the chapel-church called Mknatam Khach is situated. 60 kilometers north from Berdzor, in the village called Arakhish there is  arched church again in the half-ruined position, which was bombed in 1983. In a worse condition are the churches of  Harar (16-17 century), Vakunis, Katosavank (9-11 century), Aghbradzor monastery (9-11 century). There are also rock-cut churches in Tsaghkaberd (Kronk monastery), in Tandzut, Hrchants. On the latter the reference  is also made in “History” book by Arakel Davrizhetsi. According to the historian from Tatev Hermitage (Tatevi Mets Anapat) several high-ranking clerics came here and establish hermitage.

Another rock-cut chapel is north-east  on the high cliffs from Tandzut village situated in the left bank of Aghavno river.

A pillar of modern architecture is the church of  Saint Hambardzman, which decorates the entrance of the Berdzor town. The church was founded by A. Hakobyan’s initiative in 1996.

In the north eastern part of Kashatagh region there is a geyser of natural hot waters which is different from the similar one in Karvachar by its  low temperature.  Curative and restorative features of the natural  geyser are the same as Jermajrin of Karvachar region (warm waters).