Artzvashen :: ARTSAKH LOCATIONS

1978 y․ 30 Monuments

Azerbaijan (Country) / Northern Artsakh (Area) / Artzvashen (Village)

Geographical Environment

In the Soviet years, Artzvashen formed an administrative part of Karmir (Krasnoselsk) District of Soviet Armenia, but in fact, it represented an enclave within the Republic of Azerbaijan, bordering on its Touz and Getabek Districts.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 550.

Location

Artzvashen is situated 15 kilometres north-east of the former district centre of Karmir (Krasnoselsk), at an altitude of 1,460 to 1,510 metres above sea level.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 551.

Historical Introduction

Originally called Bashgyugh, Bashkyand and Hin Bashkyand to be differentiated from Nor Bashgyugh located in the same district, the village was renamed Artzvashen on 25 January 1978.

The Administrative-Territorial Division of the Armenian SSR (as of 1 August 1988). Yerevan, 1988, pp. 74, 89, in Armenian.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 551.

Foundation
18 c․

The ancestors of Artzvashen Armenians were natives of Jraberd District of Artsakh Province of Metz Hayk, who left their birthplace in the late 18th century, moving first to Choratan Village of Shamshadin District (the present-day sub-district of Shamshadin, Tavush Marz, Republic of Armenia), and then (in the mid-19th century) to the Armenian village site of Parakert (Paragyugh, Parakyand), where they founded Artzvashen (Bashgyugh). The existing sources are not unanimous in mentioning the exact date of their resettlement but, apparently, it took place between 1845 and 1859. Some records state the following with that regard, “The village was founded in 1845.” “The village was established in 1852 by some resettlers from Nerkin Choratan...” “Some 39 families from Choratan... founded Artzvashen in 1854...” “The village dates back to 1859.”

Petrossian, A. The Problems of a Neglected District. In: “Azatamart,” September 1991, No. 29, p. 12, in Armenian.
Also see Hovhannissian, H. The Aerie beyond the Mountains. In: “Hayreniki Dzayn,” 12 October 1990, No. 41, pp. 3-4, in Armenian.
Soviet Armenian Encyclopedia, vol. 2, Yerevan, 1976, p. 297; “Nor-Dar,” 1888, No. 105, p. 3.
Petrossian, A. Artzvashen: Its Past and Present. In: “Azatamart,” 1992, No. 1, p. 12, in Armenian.
Dictionary of Toponymy of Armenia and Adjacent Territories, vol. 1, Yerevan, 1986; p. 453.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 551.

Artzvashen Armenians recall the following legend connected with the establishment of their village: “...The residents of Artzvashen and the Turks inhabiting the nearby plain entered into a conflict, the latter demanding that the former leave the territory serving them as a pasture. The Armenians, however, refused to do so declaring that they were in their native land and had nowhere else to go to. The problem was finally settled through wrestling and a bullfight: the Armenian side won both of them thanks to wrestler Arzuman Dallakian and a bull named Tzaghik that belonged to a certain Sahak’s family. Thus, the territorial dispute was resolved in favour of the Armenians.”

Petrossian, A. The Problems of a Neglected District. In: “Azatamart,” September 1991, No. 29, p. 12, in Armenian.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 551.

Historical Introduction
19 c․

In the late 19th century, Artzvashen belonged to the Melik-Kalantarians’ family of landowners.

“Nor-Dar,” 1888, No. 105, p. 3.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 551.

Construction Activity

The centre of the village, where stood a House of Culture, was surroundeded by Nerkin (Lower) or Kachal Quarter. Shushaniants’ Quarter was located in the neighbourhood of the local secondary school, above which Haram extended. Tsits Kar lay in the north of the village, and Verin (Upper) Quarter adjoined the Saribekiants’ Quarter. Another two quarters, one of them named Chinastagh (Chinastan), and the other ironically called Palkh-Kyand, came into being due to the development and enlargement of Artzvashen.

The Armenian equivalent for ‘bald.’ The quarter was so called due to the small number of gardens it comprised. Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 551.

Waterwork
1945 y․

In 1945 Artzvashen inhabitants arranged the conveyance of the water of Varar (the Armenian equivalent for ‘abundant’) Aghbyur to their village. With the expansion of the village, Gyagunts Aghbyur joined it to meet the local people’s needs. They also received water from the springs of Chamchi, Sevjur, Shinataki, Tsits Kar, Ghazan and Sar.

Arakelian (Madunts), A. A Troublesome Spring in “Smaller Artsakh.” In: “Avangard,” 21 May 1992, p. 2, in Armenian.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 551.

1968 y․

In 1968 a water reservoir was built in Artzvashen for the irrigation of the village lands that covered 500 hectares. As the construction proceeded, a number of nearby tombs were left buried under it.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 551.

Armenian-Turkish Fights of 1905 to 1906
1905 y․

An enclave encircled by Turkish villages, Artzvashen could not escape the Turkish assaults so that it had to resort to self-defence under Michael Astvatzatrian’s leadership. Assisted by Parish Priest Vahan Ter-Ghukassian and Sahak Ghukassian (commonly known as Nadirants Sahak (i.e. Sahak from the Nadiriants family) and Ofitser Sahak (i.e. Officer Sahak)), an officer of the Tsarist army, he “collected gold and silver jewellery from the local people and obtained fire-arms from Baku and Tiflis at their expense. The blacksmiths cast cannons from the alloy of samovars and different copper articles. Their shells did not explode and injure the enemy, but their formidable thunder created unspeakable panic among them.”

Public figure Michael Astvatzatrian (1878 to 1939), a graduate of Tiflis’ Nersissian School and an accredited representative of Hay Heghapokhakan Dashnaktsutiun in the district of Ghazakh-Shamshadin, published a spate of articles in the contemporary press (“Horizon,” “Mshak,” “Khariskh,” “Vtak,” etc.) under the pen-name of Hayk or Hayk Ayunts. A student of folk-lore, he also taught the Armenian language and literature in his native village, in Nersissian School, Akhaltskha as well as Dilijan and Yerevan. Michael Astvatzatrian fell victim to Stalin’s repressions on 26 November 1937 (Ayunts, L. Michael Astvatzatrian: A Patriot and a Defender of His Homeland. Yerevan, 2000, in Armenian).
Priest Vahan (1872 to 1921), a graduate of Echmiatzin’s Gevorgian Jemaran, was held in high esteem throughout the district. Treacherously arrested in Nor-Saratovka Village of Getabek District, by Rostam Aliyev, First Secretary of Shamkhor’s District Committee, he was executed without trial. A memorial erected near the castle of Parisos and a village in Getabek District “commemorate” the “feat” of the former gang leader, who was killed by a revengeful Armenian (“Hayreniki Dzayn,” 10 October 1990, No. 41, p. 4). Father Vahan was buried in Artzvashen’s cemetery, a village in Karmir District of the Republic of Armenia perpetuating his name.
Petrossian, R. Artzvashen. In: “Yerekoyan Yerevan,” 13 November 1989, in Armenian.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, pp. 551-552.

1906 y․

The first attack against Artzvashen (on the whole, the enemy mounted 13 offensives against the village) was launched by the Turkish inhabitants of Ghazakh, Gandzak and Bayazed on 19 January (6 January according to the old calendar) 1906. The contemporary press wrote the following with that regard, “Bashkyand shared the fate of the other Armenian villages of Shamshadin and did not escape clashes which ended in the victory of the local residents thanks to the heroic self-defence put up by a number of prudent, valorous young fellows who were members of the Dashnaktsutiun. During the first assault, launched on 6 January, the Turks, between 4,000 and 5,000 in number, were repelled, suffering great losses.”

“Hayrenik,” 10 May 1906; “Haraj,” 24 January 1906. M. Astvatzatrian’s memoirs provide most valuable information concerning these events: “On 19 January 1906, a Turkish mob, led by Mullah Seid, was seen in the distance, some of them on carts and the others on horseback... They were absolutely calm, firmly believing that they would not encounter any resistance. Their conviction grew even stronger when they saw the lifeless village and several wandering animals. Their volleys remaining unanswered, the Turks came closer... Meanwhile, the warriors of Bashkend were impatiently waiting for Hayk’s signal: he had ordered them to save the bullets and open fire only when the enemy had approached their positions within some 50 to 60 steps... ...The intensity grew with every single passing minute among the Armenian fighters. ...Taken aback by the very first volleys, ...the Turks withdrew, leaving a great number of casualties behind. The unusual thunder of the Armenians’ cannon horrified the enemy into a panic-stricken escape. Overcoming their shock, they resumed the offensive, and the fighting lasted for two days. The enemies who had suffered total defeat placed their victims’ corpses onto carts and left the impregnable settlement of Bashkend: that was the first attack against the village” (Ayunts, L. Michael Astvatzatrian: A Patriot and a Defender of His Homeland. Yerevan, 2000, p. 34).
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 552.

1906 y․

Despite that, however, the situation was truly critical, “Bashkend and Chambarak being doomed to most certain annihilation, if only the neighbouring principalities did not immediately come to their rescue.” Artzvashen Armenians turned to haydook leader Sevkaretsy Sako for help, but he refused under the excuse that their situation was equally harrowing. He also added that “...if Bashkend fails to defend itself, it will be sacrificed for the sake of the salvation of the other Armenian villages.”

“Haraj,” 22 January 1906.
Sevkaretsy Sako (Sargis Tzovanian), born in 1870, took an active part in the Armenian liberation struggle. In 1890 he went to Western Armenia and fought in Moosh, Sasun, Van, Erzrum and other places as a member of the local haydook groups. In 1899 he was sentenced to a term of 101 years. In 1900 the Turkish authorities condemned him to death, but he was sent to Russia through the mediation of the Russian authorities. In 1908 Sevkaretsy Sako was to leave for Iran to take part in the Iranian revolution, but he fell prey to cholera (Soviet Armenian Encyclopedia, vol. 10, Yerevan, 1984, p. 329); Ayunts, L. Michael Astvatzatrian: A Patriot and a Defender of His Homeland. Yerevan, 2000, p. 37.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 552.

It was only the Armenians of Verin Chambarak who extended a helping hand to their compatriots in Artzvashen by sending an armed detachment there on the eve of the second Turkish attack. Thanks to a well-organized self-defence, Artzvashen Armenians saved their village from devastation; moreover, they rendered help to a number of Armenian villages in Shamshadin, and also mounted attacks against some neighbouring Turkish villages, their actions mitigating the Turks’ furiosity.

Isolated from the other Armenian villages like Artzvashen, Verin and Nerkin Chambarak suffered numerous attacks by the Turkish mob, Ayunts-Astvatzatrian taking an active part in the organization of their self-defence as well. In the last days of January, an armed detachment reached Artzvashen from Chardakhlu, but the fighting had already ceased by then. Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 552.

Historical Introduction
1920 y․

Artzvashen between 1918 and 1920. The Red Army failing to conquer Artzvashen in 1920, it was only after some negotiations that the Soviet powers took over the village, the only settlement throughout Northern Artsakh to have formed part of the Soviet Republic of Armenia.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 552.

1930 y․

Artzvashen between 1920 and 1930. Artzvashen was included within the territory of Soviet Armenia until the 1930s: a map of the republic, published by the Central Statistical Department of Armenia in 1927 (cartographer: A. Minassian; editor: Z. Korkotian) shows it linked with Dilijan District like a peninsula.

Vardanian, S. A Mystery: No, Usurped Lands. In: “Khorhrdayin Hayastan,” 18 October 1989, p. 3, in Armenian.
“Azatamart,” September 1991, No. 29, p. 12.
Grigorian, R. The Annexation of the Armenian Border Territories by Soviet Azerbaijan between the 1920s and ‘30s. In: “Areresum,” 1996, No. 16, p. 7.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 552.

1929 y․

Artzvashen between 1920 and 1930. On 18 February 1929, the Soviet leadership made a decision concerning some border changes the three Transcaucasian republics were to undergo. Under the plea of settling certain frontier disputes and introducing verification into the territories of the aforementioned countries, it was decided to include the lands of Shinikh-Ayrum, covering 11,659 dessiatinas and lying between Karmir District and Artzvashen, in Ghazakh District of the Republic of Azerbaijan. That, however, meant the secession of Artzvashen from Armenia, although the same resolution stated that “...the Armenian village of Bashkend and the territories allocated to it remain part of the Soviet Socialist Republic of Armenia. Since the aforementioned border changes will inevitably result in the inclusion of Artzvashen into Ghazakh District, it has been decided to cede an area, comprising the southern pastures of Shinikh-Ayrum, to Bashkend Village to territorially link it with Dilijan District of Soviet Armenia.”

Vardanian, S. A Mystery: No, Usurped Lands. In: “Khorhrdayin Hayastan,” 18 October 1989, p. 3, in Armenian.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 552.

1934 y․

Artzvashen between 1920 and 1930. A map of 1934 shows Artzvashen as still part of Soviet Armenia, but the first volume of the Grand Soviet Encyclopedia (Moscow, 1949, in Russian) mentions it as an enclave. This comes to suggest that the aforementioned resolution, if ever put into effect, was valid for only a short time, and the village was surreptitiously annexed to Soviet Azerbaijan between 1934 and 1949.

Some of the local microtoponyms reflect the territorial disputes existing between the Armenians and Azeris: ‘Hoghachapi Aghbyur’ (i.e. ‘Surveyor’s Spring’), ‘Metz and Pokr Vijasarer’ (i.e. ‘Greater and Smaller Mountains of Discord,’ also known by the Russian name of ‘Sporny,’ i.e. ‘Disputed’), etc. Afterwards the latter founded Mtu-Dara Village in the village’s summer pastures. Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, pp. 552-553.

Great Patriotic War
1945 y․

On 31 May 1945, Saribek Soghomon Chilingarian (born on 18 May 1925), a native of Artzvashen, was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union for his participation in an operation during which a five-member group had conquered a castle in the vicinity of Berlin in April of the same year: it was he who had hoisted the Red Flag over the occupied stronghold.

Soviet Armenian Encyclopaedia, vol. 9, Yerevan, 1983, p. 24.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 553.

Historical Introduction
1992 y․

The year 1992 marked the beginning of another heavy struggle for survival in Artzvashen. The local inhabitants realized that “If anything happens, our situation will be even worse than that of entire Artsakh. They will regret it, but it will be too late: this fight is to be extremely different from the previous one... Absolute indifference reigns everywhere so that you cannot trace even an apology for a state structure to rest upon.” Artzvashen was surrounded by the members of the Azerbaijani OMON (Russian: Отряд милиции особого назначения; Otryad Militsii Osobogo Naznacheniya, “Special Purpose Detachment of Militsiya”) armed with the latest military equipment. On the main road leading to the village was established a military outpost with the goal of banning the penetration of any arms and ammunition there. Although the village was being defended by police and the warriors of Yerkrapah,24 the forces were incredibly unequal. On 4 August 1992, Artzvashen, a village boasting a glorious history of self-defence, was completely devastated and stripped of its inhabitants.

“Azatamart,” No. 1, 1991, p. 12.
The name, literally meaning ‘Country Guard,’ is used with reference to some volunteer detachments that took an active part in the Liberation Struggle of Artsakh. Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 553.

Population
1923 y․

As indicated by the table, the residents of Artzvashen continually increased. In the course of some years, however, certain reduction could be observed in their number due to fighting and resettlement (a considerable part of the inhabitants of Vahan Village and the township of Karmir (in Gegharkunik Marz of the Republic of Armenia) come from Artzvashen). In 1923 some of Artzvashen Armenians abandoned the village under the leadership of Michael Astvatzatrian (Hayk Ayunts) and founded Nor Bashgyugh (the present-day village of Getik in the sub-district of Karmir, Gegharkunik Marz, Republic of Armenia) on the south-western slope of Mount Merghuz, on the bank of the river Getik.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 554.

1990 y․

The highly unfavourable socio-economic conditions of Artzvashen gave rise to large-scale emigration into different cities in Armenia (Yerevan, Nor Hajn, Kanaker, Abovian, Charentsavan, Vanadzor, etc.) and the Russian Federation. As a result, by 1990 “the number of the local houses has dropped from 850 to 600, with some 50 to 60 of them standing semi-deserted. The number of the village’s population, once totaling 5,000, has plummetted down to 2,750..., the majority of them aged people. It is growing smaller and smaller with every single passing day.”

Hovhannissian, H. The Aerie beyond the Mountains. In: “Hayreniki Dzayn,” 10 October 1990, p. 4.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 554.

Families

Artzvashen’s elderly inhabitants remembered that the family of the Madunts living in Nerkin (Kachal) Quarter was from Van, Western Armenia, in origin.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 554.

Below follows a list of the other outstanding families of the village: the Ghazariants, Thorossiants, Tukhaniants, Stepaniants, Saribekiants, Ayunts, Kherzaniants, Gyagunts (Kirakossiants), Tzaturiants, Ghalechiants, Ghulunts, Iskandariants, Yeritsiants, Terteriants, Khechoviants, Ghahermaniants, Tizunts, Damerchiants, Balunts, Brutiants, Shushaniants, Avaliants, etc.

The local dialect has distorted most of the family names which have the ending of ‘ants’ instead of the customary ‘ian,’ that is more common for Armenian surnames: thus,’Ghazariants’ was pronounced as ‘Ghzarants,’ ‘Thorossiants’ as ‘Thorosants,’ etc. Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 554.

Monuments

The territory of Artzvashen abounds in various ancient historical and cultural monuments, including Bronze Age tombs (they were destroyed during the construction of a local pond), medieval churches, cemeteries, sanctuaries, cross-stones, etc.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 554.

Below follow some inscriptions found in the vicinity of Artzvashen. They were published without any reference to the location of the stones bearing them. Unable to make any verification ourselves, we are presenting them without any changes: Below follow some inscriptions found in the vicinity of Artzvashen. They were published without any reference to the location of the stones bearing them.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 559.

Type Photo
View Partial view
Source Colour Negative
Date 1992 y․

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Hovhannes Zakarian
Source Colour Negative

Type Photo
View Partial view
Author Hovhannes Zakarian
Source Colour Negative

Name	Year/Century	Etymology
Bashgyugh
Bashkyand
Hin Bashkyand

The available statistical data regarding the local population represent the following picture:

Dates	Armenian Houses	Armenians (Male)	Armenians (Female)	Total (Armenians)	Notes	Source
1873				1015		Dictionary of Toponymy of Armenia and Adjacent Territories, vol. 1, Yerevan, 1986, p. 453; Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 553.
1882		549	416	965		National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3874, p. 130; Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 553.
1883		573	430	1003		National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3875, p. 3; Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 553.
1885		592	441	1033		National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3877, p. 8; Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 553.
1886	114	791	639	1430		Yelizavetpol Province: A Statistical Survey Based on the Family Lists of Caucasia's Population. Tiflis, 1888, pp. 144-145; Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 553.
1887		675	486	1161		National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3880, p. 31; Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 554.
1888	120					“Nor-Dar,” 1888, No. 105, p. 3; Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 554.
1890	115	804	639	1443		Barkhutariants, M. Artsakh. Baku, 1895, p. 311; Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 554.
1897				1847		Dictionary of Toponymy of Armenia and Adjacent Territories, vol. 1, Yerevan, 1986, p. 453; Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 554.
1908				2687		Caucasian Calendar for 1910, Tiflis, 1909, p. 200; Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 554.
1909		1679	1260	2939		National Archives of Armenia, fund Պ56, list 18, file 764, p. 121; Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 554.
1914				3079		Caucasian Calendar for 1915, Tiflis, 1914, p. 97; Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 554.
1926				2909		Dictionary of Toponymy of Armenia and Adjacent Territories, vol. 1, Yerevan, 1986, p. 453; Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 554.
1939				4280		Dictionary of Toponymy of Armenia and Adjacent Territories, vol. 1, Yerevan, 1986, p. 453; Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 554.
1959				4112		Dictionary of Toponymy of Armenia and Adjacent Territories, vol. 1, Yerevan, 1986, p. 453; Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 554.
1970				3368		Dictionary of Toponymy of Armenia and Adjacent Territories, vol. 1, Yerevan, 1986, p. 453; Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 554.
1979				2771		Dictionary of Toponymy of Armenia and Adjacent Territories, vol. 1, Yerevan, 1986, p. 453; Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 554.
1990				2750		Hovhannissian, H. The Aerie beyond the Mountains. In: “Hayreniki Dzayn,” 10 October 1990, p. 4; Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 554.