Chakhalaberd Castle :: ARMENIAN HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

Chakhalaberd Castle 10 — 13 cc․

RA (Republic of Armenia) / Lori / Tumanian / Jiliza

Location

This medieval castle, which is preserved in quite a good condition, rises at the lofty summit of a mountain branch extending like a cape between two gorges from the north southwards, 1.8 km north-east of Jiliza in a straight line, at an altitude of 1,043 metres above sea level (N 41°13՛39.76՛՛; E 044°39՛00.82՛՛).

Karapetian Samvel, The Historical Monuments of Jiliza, Yerevan, 2013, p. 7.

Historical Introduction

The solid fortification, known under the name of Chakhalaberd to the inhabitants of Jiliza, is generally identified with another stronghold, Bazaberd, mentioned in Armenian historiographical sources in connection with the events of the 9th century.

Վարդան Արևելցի, Տիեզերական պատմություն, Երևան, 2001, էջ 131: Also see Ջալալեանց Ս., Ճանապարհորդութիւն ի Մեծն Հայաստան, հ. Ա, Տփխիս, 1842, էջ 88: Յովհաննէսեան Մ., Հայաստանի բերդերը, Վենետիկ, 1970, էջ 583: Karapetian Samvel, The Historical Monuments of Jiliza, Yerevan, 2013, p. 7.

Architectural Description

The smooth grounds of the castle are separated from the neighbourhood by ramparts with towers which are laid with the local undressed stone and mortar, their height reaching 12 metres. The western wall is strengthened by two semi-circular towers having rooms of a circular plan. The entrance to the castle opened from the south. Inwardly, its eastern wall used to be adjoined by several rooms of a quadrangular plan, only the remnants of which are preserved at present.

Karapetian Samvel, The Historical Monuments of Jiliza, Yerevan, 2013, p. 9.

Type Photo
View Partial view
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative

Type Photo
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Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 2013 y․

Type Photo
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Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 2013 y․

Type Photo
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Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 2013 y․

Type Photo
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Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 2013 y․

Type Measurement
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Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Sketch

A schematic plan of the castle of Bazaberd or Chakhalaberd (measurement by G. Shakhkian)

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 2013 y․

Type Photo
View Partial view
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 2013 y․

Name	Year/Century	Etymology
Bazaberd