Akhurian River
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| Akhurian Ախուրյան Arpaçay Ахурян |
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| Origin | Lake Arpi, Shirak, Armenia |
| Mouth | Near Bagaran |
| Basin countries | Armenia and Turkey |
| Length | 186 kilometers |
| Source elevation | 2023 m |
| Mouth elevation | N/A |
| Avg. discharge | N/A |
| Basin area | N/A |
The Akhurian (Armenian: Ախուրյան; Turkish: Arpaçay; Russian: Ахурян) is a river in the South Caucasus. It originates in Armenia and flows along the border with Turkey, forming part of the geographic border between the two states, until it falls into Aras as a left tributary near Bagaran. The Akhurian drains an area of about 9500 km² and has total length of 186 km.
Gyumri, the second largest city of Armenia, is located on the east bank of the river, and along the river four of the twelve historical capitals of Armenia: Ani, Bagaran, Yervandashat and Yerazgavors.
Among the smaller rivers of Armenia are the Akhurian, a tributary of the Aras flowing from Lake Tseli past the ruins of the medieval city of Ani and forming part of the present border of Turkey and Armenia.[1]
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[edit] 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.[2] A battle ensued in which the invaders were routed with great slaughter. The fight was so ferocious that the effusion of blood flowing into the Akhurian River is said to have coloured its waters completely red.[3][2] The Byzantines left 20,000 dead behind. This victory allowed Vahram Pahlavuni along with Catholicos Petros Guedadarts to crown Gagik II king of Armenia and subsequently take the fortress of Ani, which was in the hands of Vest Sarkis.
[edit] The bridge over the Akhurian River
The bridge over the Akhurian River may date back to the Bagratuni Dynasty.[4] More likely it dates to the thirteenth century. An inscription found nearby said that building work was done on the approach to the bridge in the early fourteenth century.[5]
The bridge's single arch has fallen, leaving only tall abutments that were perhaps part of a fortified gate.[5] Nineteenth century travelers reported a guardhouse next to the bridge, but this was lost.[5]
[edit] References
- ^ The Armenian people from ancient to modern times: from antiquity to the fourteenth century By Richard G. Hovannisian – Page 8
- ^ a b 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'
- ^ 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
- ^ A system of geography, popular and scientific: or A physical, political, and statistical account... – Page 143 by James Bell – 1832
- ^ a b c VirtualAni: The Bridge Over the Akhurian River
