Handaberd Castle :: ARMENIAN HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

Handaberd Castle 5 — 14 cc․

NKR / Karvajar / Chapni

Location

Mighty system of fortifications distinguishes the fortress of Handaberd not only among other fortresses of the Tzar principality, but also among the strongholds of Artsakh and the entire Eastern Armenia in general. It is situated between the villages Chapni and Ghanlikyand, 600 m south of the right bank of the Lev River, on the summit with almost steep woody slopes, on the altitude of 1665 m, about 280 m above the riverbank. A narrow path passing through the rocks under the southwestern wall, which approaches to the main entrance in the north provides the only access to the fortress, standing on almost vertical rocks.

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 20.

Historical Introduction
9 c․

As a fortress with glorious historical background Handaberd is mentioned in a number of Armenian chronicles. As witnessed by Kaghankatvatsi, “this fortress of Hand was erected by Atrnerseh, the son of Sahl Smbatian, descendant of Armenian Aranshahik princely dynasty” presumably at the second quarter of the IX cent.

Movses Kaghankatuatsi, History of the Albanian Land, Yerevan, 1983, p. 340 (in Arm.).
Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 20.

854 y․

As far as Atrnerseh died in the seventies of the IX cent, and Samara - residence of the Arab Khalifas was taken by commander Bugha in 854, we assume that the fortress was built before 854.

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, pp. 20-21.

Architectural Description

It deserves mentioning that investigation of the wall masonry revealed that initially Handaberd was a small fortification with irregular perimeter walls and a single entrance in the eastern side. Its interior dimensions were 19x16 m. This section of the fortress later turned to the citadel, showed apparent signs of an earlier structure, presumably of the V cent., which was expanded by the prince and fortified anew by massive walls and reliable accommodations necessary for long defense under the siege (water pits cut deep in the rocks, false entrances, 8 counterforts for the purpose of strengthening the walls, etc.).

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 21.

Historical Introduction

In conformity with the inscription on one of the Dadi-Vank khachkars, in 1142-1182 Handaberd belonged to Hassan Vakhtanghian, the prince of Upper Khachen.

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 21.

1250 y․

It is mentioned again in 1250 in the History by Kirakos Gandzaketsi.

Kirakos Gandzaketsi, Armenian History, Yerevan, 1961, p. 322 (in Arm.).
Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 21.

1312 y․

As one of the strongholds of Dopian principality Handaberd is recorded once more in the colophon of the New Testament of the Khachakap Targmanchats Church.

"Colophons of the Armenian Manuscripts of the XIV cent.", Yerevan, 1950, p.84. (in Arm.).
Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 21.

Architectural Description

Handaberd (and its small citadel) was enlarged after the constructive changes made by Atrnerseh. Inner dimensions of the fortress are 92x60 sq. m. It was planned as an irregular quadrangle, with walls slightly bent eastwards. Medium thickness of the walls was 1.30 m and the maximum height preserved -8m. Besides 5 or 6 deep pits cut in the rock (their depth reached 5 m, even though they were partially filled with the debris of the fallen masonry), there were the ruins of an oblong building within the fortress. Both of them - the small building and the whole complex of the fortress were built of the coarse local stone cemented with lime mortar. Right under the northwestern tower, on the edge of the narrow rocky path leading to the fortress, in one of the perpendicular rocks facing westwards there was a small semi-circular room with smooth floor, wholly cut in the rock, which might have served a shelter for the guards, or a chapel for praying.

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 21.

Description

As a part of mighty defense system Handaberd was associated with watchtowers, which patrolled the vicinity from the mountain peaks.

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 21.

Type Photo
View Exterior
Direction From the west
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Date 1994 y․

Type Photo
Direction From the south-west
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Date 1994 y․

Handaberd (5th to 14th cents.) lies on the right side of the river Lev, the left tributary of the Trtu.

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Date 1997 y․

One of the semi-towers of the western ramparts of the stronghold

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Date 1994 y․

An imitation of a gate