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

• 08.12.2015, 09:52
•  NKR,  Info

Martuni region occupies the south-eastern part of NKR. The district was formed in 1991, and its eastern part is currently occupied by Azerbaijan.

Territory and Population

Martuni region in the northwest and west borders Askeran, in the south - Hadrut region. The state border with Azerbaijan passes through eastern and northeastern part of Martuni. The total area of the region is 951 square kilometers. According to 2005 census, 23,200 people live in Martuni region.

Economy

The population of the NKR Martuni region is mainly engaged in agriculture. Mostly cultivation of grain, viticulture and horticulture is developed in the region. 24.2% of grain and 58.9% of grape harvest throughout the country is produced in Martuni region.

Sightseeings

Numerous monuments have been preserved in Martuni region, among which the most interesting ones are the monasteries Amaras (IV-XVII centuries.), Bree Ehtsi fortress Kusaberd-Ahchkaberd, the monument of the fallen soldiers in Berdashen. One of the most interesting sights of Martuni district is a huge tree - the oldest plane tree in the village Skhtorashen, which age, according to scientists, is more than two thousand years.

Amaras Monastery - famous religious and cultural center of medieval Armenia – is located in the province Myus Abando of historical Artsakh. According to Armenian historian of IV-V centuries, Favstos Buzand, Amaras monastery church was founded at the beginning of the IV century by Grigor Lusavorich (Gregory the Illuminator). Amaras became very famous in the middle of the IV century, when the grandson of Gregory the Illuminator, Bishop Grigoris was buried here. At the beginning of the V century Mesrop Mashtots opened in Amaras the first school in Artsakh, which contributed to the spread of Christianity in Artsakh-Utica.

At the end of the same century, in 489, the king Aranshakhiks Vachagan III (the Pious) found the already forgotten grave of Grigoris and built on it a chapel, as well as restored the church built by St. Gregory the Illuminator. It is this chapel that is preserved to this day almost unchanged under the altar of the Church of the Monastery of Amaras.

In thirty-seven kilometers north of Stepanakert near village Skhtorashen stands a huge plane tree, which was given a passport - as the oldest and tallest tree on the territory of the former USSR. The hollow tree has an area of 44 sq.m. In this area more than 100 people can freely stand. According to legend, under the tree the creator of the Armenian alphabet M. Mashtots, the legendary singer-ashugh Sayat-Nova have rested.

 Martuni region is also called "Artsakh Champagne" since almost all locals make homemade wine, which is famous all over Karabakh and beyond.

Be sure to come to the NKR Martuni region, relax in the shade of an old plane tree, drink homemade wine of Martuni, and you will have a whole new view towards the world - the way it always happens in Karabakh, where there is a time for rest and thinking...