Tnjri: 2039 Years-Old Unique Tree of Artsakh

• 05.31.2020, 20:45
•  World,  NKR,  No-politics

Not far from the Skhtorashen village in the Martuni district of Artsakh rises a great tree, named Tnjri.

Tnjri, which in Artsakh dialect means plane tree is of 2039 years of age. This unique tree is the oldest and tallest tree not only in Artsakh but in former Soviet republics as well.

The hollow of the tree is 44 sq.m., where more than 40 people can stand. The area covered by the foliage of the tree is 1400 sq.m. The circumference of the tree is 27 m and the height is more than 54 m which can be compared with an 18-story building. 

The tree in regard to its size surpasses the famous trees of the Kos Island in the Aegean Sea, as well as the trees of the Piruze Canyon near Ashgabat. So it is not surprising that locals have been venerating the tree up to this day, calling it Tnjri, allinnet.info reports. 

Near the tree stands a natural spring water (Tengru spring), which is the main source of irrigation for it. According to experts, the tree drinks 4.5 tons of water per day. The spring was built by the residents of Skhtorashen.

Tree has been visited by many famous people - such as inventor of Armenian alphabet Mesrop Mashtots (5th century AD), first Armenian historian Movses Khorenatsi (5th century AD), musician and poet Sayat-Nova (18th century). All of them used to rest under the canopy of this tree.

People leave different notes inside the nest and despite the fact that it is not allowed to light a candle inside the nest because it is dangerous for the tree, however, people continue to do it. It is necessary to remind the visitors of the prejudice spread among the people, according to which, if a person spoils the sacred tree, he will have a short life.

For the local population it is a sacred place; a place of pilgrimage for the people of Artsakh. One who visits Tnjri will never forget it. This is why every year thousands of pilgrims and tourists who visit Artsakh come to visit also the Tnjri  tree.

This glorious tree, despite being 2039 years old, still stands firmly on its deep, strong roots. According to experts, it can last for eternity. The tree seems to have become the symbol of the people of Artsakh - unfaltering and strong.