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

• 08.05.2015, 10:40
•  NKR,  Info

Hadrut region of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) occupies the south-eastern part of the country. It was liberated from Azerbaijani forces in late 1993.

The Area and Population

Hadrut region borders on Martuni, Askeran and Shoushi regions in the north and in the  west- on Kashatagh region. The southern boundary runs through the Araks River, which is on the border with Iran. Hadrut region borders on Azerbaijan in the east.

Hadrut occupies about 1876.8 square kilometers. The southern and south-eastern parts of the region are relatively flat. The northern and north-western parts are mountainous, which are covered with mass forests and alpine meadows. The highest peak of NKR, Dizapayt, is also situated here. Ishkhanaget river runs through the region and flows into the Araks River.  

According to 2013 data, the Hadrut region is inhabited by 13163 people. In terms of ethnicity, region's population is homogeneous; it is mainly populated by Armenians.

Climate

The climate is generally subtropical dry. The average annual temperature in low-lying areas is +11,7 ° C and in mountainous areas -1 ° C. In January the average temperature is -0,7 ° C and in July +23,6 ° C. The average annual rainfall is 500-700 mm.

Economy

Hadrut region's population is mostly engaged in agriculture - farming. animal husbandry, horticulture. One of the developed sectors of economy is the granite production.

The Administrative Division

Hadrut region has 1 urban, 30 rural communities and 42 rural settlements. In rural areas, the most notable ones are the Tagher, Old Tagher, Togh, Tumi, Azokh, Drakhtik, Ukhtadzore, Taghot, Khtsaberd and Arakyal.

The centeral town of Hadrut region is 75 kilometers far from NKR capital city Stepanakert. The exact date of its foundation is unknown, but on its territory several cultural monuments from pre-Christian era can be seen. It is obvious that in the 16th century Khonashen (Armenian roots cornel and prosperous settlement) had already existed, which was later renamed Hadrut (Mesopotamia). Up to the present day Hadrut's old districts with narrow streets, houses built in 18-19th centuries, 17th century Church of the Holy Resurrection are maintained.

Sightseeings

Hadrut region, which is known in Armenian history as Dizak, is rightly considered a museum in the open air.  The region is known for many monastic complexes, churches, ancient settlements and fortresses. It is no coincidence that the famous Armenian actor V.Papazian, being in the Hadrut region, expressed the following idea, which then became Artsakh’s famous expresstions. "If Karabakh is a gold ring, in that case Hadrut is the diamond of that ring’’.

Hadrut region's most famous sights are Gtchavank (XIII century), Azokh Cave, Dizak, which is Yeganyan melics palace (XVIII-XIX centuries), Okhty Drni Monastery, Hadrut Holy Resurrection Church (XVII century), Taghaser settlement (XVII century); Air Marshal, Soviet Union hero Khamferiants’ (Khudyakov) House-Museum in his native village Grand Taghlar.

Yeganyan Meliks’ two-storied palace Dizak is an interesting architectural complex that includes residential and economic areas and Melik Yegan’s reception. Palace complex was gradually built in the 20-30's of the 18th century and was supplemented by new buildings until the mid of 19th century. Despite facing some changes, the palace virtually maintained its original appearance. It gives a clear picture of the 18-19 centuries traditional Caucasus and particularly of the then houses.  Since 2009, the palace is in a restoration phase, after which a museum of Artsakh carpets and handicrafts is to be opened.

Gtchavannk was destroyed in the 7th century during the Arab rule and was again re-built in the 13th century by two bishop brothers, Lord Sargis and Lord Vrdanes. In the territory of the complex magnificent khachkars have been maintained, the oldest of which dates back to the ninth century. The church played a significant role in the cultural life of Artsakh. Up to present many valuable manuscripts have been created.

Azokh cave is one of the world's most ancient and famous stopping places. For the first time in the layer of the so-called Acheul archaeological culture hunting stone tools and frescoes were found, which belonged to people who lived and worked here more than three hundred thousand years ago. In southern entrance of the cave, at a depth of seven meters, archaeologists discovered a large piece of Neanderthal jaw.

 According to the legend, Okhty Drni Monastery was built by the sister of seven brothers, killed in the struggle against the invaders. Some scholars consider 570s as the  date of its construction. Khachkars, the oldest of which dates back to the 10-12th centuries, are maintained in the territory of the monastery.