Syunik (historical province)

1921: 1356: 1506:, Eastern Armenia entirely passed under Russian control. In the 1830s, the western regions of Syunik (Gegharkunuk, Sotk, Vayots-Dzor, Chakhuk, Shahaponk, Alinja) were incorporated into the Armenian Oblast, while the eastern regions became part of the Karabakh province. Despite the centuries-long expulsions and deportations, the Armenians remained a majority population in Syunik. After the formation of the Erivan Governorate, several regions of Syunik (Gelakunik, Sotk, Vayots-Dzor, Chakhuk, Sahapon, Alinka, Dzork, Balk, Arevik and part of Kovsakan) formed part of the province. Tsghuk, Shahaponl and the rest of Kovsakan were integrated into the Shamakhi Governorate. Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the regions to the west of the Zangezur Mountains formed part of the Erivan Governorate, with those in the eastern part being on the territory of the 1936: 1964: 1846: 677: 1785: 1292:, the Qara Qoyunlu leader, appropriated Smbat Orbelian's possessions, forcing the latter to flee to Georgia with his sons Ivane, Beshken and Shah. In 1417, Ivane and Pashken were re-appointed as rulers of the lands under their control. According to Tovmen Motspatsi, a contemporary historian who served as the main Armenian source of that particular period, the early years of the Qara Qoyunlu rule were relatively peaceful. That quiet period, however, was disrupted by the arrival of Iskander Khan who turned Armenia into a "desert", "devastating and looting" the country. Nevertheless, Isander Khan also made attempts of reconciliation with the feudals and the clergy. Thus he adopted the title of 1308:... The king, hypocritically offering him honor, handed over the Lori Fortress to him. Pious and theopathetic, he established orders with love and similarly treated the poor with love, offering his appeals and gathering them all. He showed reverence and supplied bread, food and clothing to all of the Armenian nation who turned to him for help. The bloodthirsty and ruthless beast, , out of fear - stemming from vain and false suspicions lest all the Armenians head towards his palace in a crowded march eventually leading up to the devastation of all the regions of Iberia (heard especially from the mouths of evil Ishkhans /princes/), gave him poison through an Armenian's husband... 1906: 5108: 1646:, a prominent medieval Armenian scholar, practiced enlightenment in the late 9th and early 10th centuries. Also the Seminary of Syunik, a distinguished institution of the time (from the 8th century onwards, part of the Mekenis monastery, Sotk), was founded in the province. Many outstanding representatives of Armenian culture were born in Syunik. Stephen Syunetsi (I), a historian and a hymnographer, has been known since the 5th century. The province was also home to Petros Syunetsi, Matusagh and Stephen Syunetsi, who lived here in the 6th, 7th and 8th centuries, respectively. The episcopacy of Syunik which, since the reign of 1557:. Nzhdeh and Ter-Davtyan did not recognize the accord and organized a partisan battle against the Red Army and the Turkish defense units allying with the latter (Ter-Davtyan died shortly afterwards, with Nzhdeh alone concentrating in his hands the military command in Zangezur). In early October, a mass rebellion broke out in Zangezur, leading to the region's full liberation by late November. A congress held in the Tatev Monastery on December 25, 1920, proclaimed the "Autonomous Republic of Syunik", with Nzhdeh being its de facto leader and accepting the ancient title of 769:. Valinak (c. 400–409) was followed by Vasak (409–452). Vasak had two sons: Babik (Bagben), Bakur and a daughter who married Vasak's successor, Varazvahan (452–472). Varazvahan's son Gelehon ruled from 470–477, who died in 483. Babik (Bagben) the brother of Varazvahan became the new Naxarar in 477. Hadz the brother of Gelehon died on September 25, 482. The Syunik Province was later governed by Vahan (c. 570), Philip (Philipo, c. 580), Stephen (Stephanos, c. 590–597), Sahak (Isaac, c. 597) and Grigor (Gregory, until 640). 1463: 299: 307: 877: 1203: 1800: 1215:

Vasak descended from the from Khakhbakyan dynasty who came from the neighboring Armenian region of Khachen. As recounted by Kirakos, a 13th-century historian, "They were natives of Khachen, people of noble origin. adherents of the Christian creed and Armenians by nationality". Enthroned in Syunik, the Orbelians were among the influential princedoms of Armenia. Their liberation from the Seljuk hegemony contributed to the cultural development of the district. The

1635: 1133:. The latter, according to a medieval historian "cheated the Armenian king into death, seizing the land of Syunik". Afterwards, the territory of Syunk, like a range of other regions of Armenia, passed, little by little, under Seljuk control. In early 1103, the Seljuks, led by Chortman, destroyed Kapan, the kingdom's capital city. In 1104, they invaded the fortress of Vorotan and a year later Bghen. Below are Stephen Orbelian's recounts of the events: 981: 1812: 1451:. The same year, the Safavids also recognized David Bek's authority over the region, with the military leader himself gaining the right to mint coins. Sometime later, however, the strife among the heads of the movement caused some of them to enter into negotiations with the Turkish authorities under the leadership of priest Ter-Avetis. The developments eventually led to the handover of Halidzor to the Turks. After David Bek's death in 1728, 1978: 1891: 1084:

of Syunik," Stephen Orbelian writes. A year later, however, he had to acknowledge the vassal dependence upon the Bagratid Armenia. Both before and after the formation of the vassal Kingdom of Syunik, the paramount leaders of the region took part in all the politico-military actions of the Armenian statehood (974, 998, 1003, 1040), remaining true to the Bagratids' allies. In the early 990s, King

568: 1329:. In the meantime, Jahan Shah sought the Armenians' support in the fight against his enemies. Yet those princes no longer enjoyed great authority. After Jahan Shah's death, the Qara Qoyunlus' possessions passed under the control of their main rivals, the united nomadic tribes identifying themselves as Aq Qoyunlu (White Sheep Turkomans). In 1501, the Aq Qoyunlus' state was overtaken by the 1285:, especially the Qara Koyunlu and Ak Qoyunlu tribes, had severe consequences: with the powerful forces disintegrated, a part of the population was looted and annihilated, and cultural monuments were destroyed. The local population was robbed of its lands which later became home to the nomad re-settlers; a part of the Armenian population was forced into exile from the historic homeland. 554:) in the following record: "The regions of Armenia at the junction of the rivers Euphrates, Kir ad Aras; here's the essence: Kotarzen – near the Moschian Mountains, above the so-called "heavenly creatures" (?), Tosarensk (?) and Otene – along the river Kir, Koltensk (?) – along the river Aras, and Sodukensk – below it; Sirekan and Sakasensk at the foot of Mounts Sirekan and Sakasensk". 1861: 1155:, Eldigüz, the Seljuk atabek at the time, annexed the fortresses of Grgham, Geghi, Kakavaberd and Kanots to his possessions. In 1170, Baghaberd was invaded, with over 10,000 Armenian manuscripts being burnt, thereby closing the chapter on the Armenian Kingdom of Syunik. "Thus, also that candlestick was extinguished there, marking the beginning of the Persian reign", writes 1876: 1831: 1523: 1427:, the son of the Melik Israel of Syunik, organized a secret assembly in Angheghakot, bringing together 11 meliks. They adopted an appeal to a range of Western European countries with a request for help in the Armenian national liberation movement. Israel Ori was the first leader to opt for a Russian orientation. In 1701, he headed to Moscow to introduce to 1948: 1189:... they stood out with a great valor during the battles. They conquered and seized most of the Armenian regions under Persian and Muslim control - gavars located around the Gagarkuni sea, Tashir, Ayrarat, the city of Bjni, Dvin, Anberd, the city of Ani, Kars and Vayots Dzor, the region of Syunik and the fortresses nearby, as well as towns and gavars. 1262: 29: 1069: 1296:(King of Armenians), as well as appointed an ethnic Armenian advisor, Rustam, who was Prince Beshken Orbelian's son. Between 1425 and 1430, Rustam was the governor of Ayrarat, with Yerevan being the center of the province. His authority extended to Syunik which was ruled by his father (still holding the title of "prince of princes"). 1394:) populated the lands between Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and Syunik with Kurdish tribes (with a goal of undermining and disengaging the regions under the Armenian meliks' rule). When Shah Abbas dispossessed a population of 250,000 during the 1604 Great Sürgün, the residents of Syunik were also deported. A contemporary of the events, 130: 1214:

and Proshians (Khaghabakyans) (formerly the Zakaryans' vassals) – were formed there after the region's liberation. The founders of those dynasties received their possessions for merits in the war against the Seljuks. The Orbelians in Syunik traced their ancestral roots to Liparit, Elikum's son, while

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However, Vasak, the great prince of Syunik diminutively referred to as Ishkhanik (little prince), obeyed the Prince of Princes, Ashot with an irrevocable discretion, tacit modesty and totally of his own will. He closely heeded his advice in just the same way as he respected the law, keeping it all in

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of Balk, with the rights of the sovereign being bestowed upon Prince Smbat (the grandson of Ashot Siwni). The latter, taking advantage of the undermined Armenian statehood, in 978 proclaimed Syunik an independent kingdom. "They crowned Smbat, the Armenian and the superb husband, the paramount leader

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Numerous Armenian manuscripts, including "The Testament of Gladzor", are known as prominent samples of national script art originated in Syunik. The school of fine arts (Syunik school) representing monuments of architecture and stone ornamentations, developed in the Vayots Dzor between the 13th and

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was established, becoming initially famed as a key cultural center of pan-Armenian importance. In the 10th and 11th centuries, Armenian culture experienced the most liberal ever period of its development in Syunik – and the rest of the Armenian states – since the 5th century. The relative political

1470:

From the 17th to the 18th centuries, the territory of historical Syunik fell within the boundaries of different territorial-administrative units: the coast of Lake Sevan formed part of Chokhur-e Sa'd. In the second half of the 18th century, Vayots-Dzor, Chakhuk, Shahaponk and Alinja were annexed to

1243:

Smbat's successor, Tarsaich Orbelian (1273–1290) concentrated in his hands the entire province, including Vayots Dzor and Gegharkunik. Under Elikum Orbelian (1290–1300), relative peace dominated Syunik as opposed to the other regions of Armenia. His heir, Prince Burtel (ca. 1300–1344), reigned over

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9. To the east from Ayrarat - between Yeraskh (Araks) and Artsakh - Syrunik has 12 regions: 1. Alijna , 2. Chaguk, 3. Vayots Dzor, 4. Gelakuni with the sea, 5. Sotk, 6. Agaghechk, 7. Tsgak, 8. Gaband, 9. Bagk or Balk, 10. Dzork, 11. Arevvik, 12. Kusakan. The province is known for such endemic plant

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and those owned by the younger branch of the princedom covered the shore of Sevan. Thanks to the rulers, as well as the right to immunity, the conditions in that part of Armenia were relatively tolerable, which in turn promoted economic and cultural life across the region. A glaring example is the

1617:

After the re-establishment of Armenia's independence in 1991, the marzes (provinces) were formed in the Armenian part of the historical province: Syunik, Vayots-Dzor and Gegharkunik. In the period of the Nagorno-Karabakh war, Syunik was in the zone of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. The region

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s of Balk (south of Syunik) and Gegharkunik (vicinity of Lake Sevan) devastated. After Vasak Siwni's demise, his sons, Philip and Sahak, ruled the province. The former became the ruler of Eastern Syunik and Vayots Dzor and the latter the ruler of Western Syunik and the founder of the family of

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Afterwards, he left for Syunakan, a region bordering on (Goghtn). There he received the God-loving and docile acceptance of Vaghinak, the prince of Syunik. While travelling across the province, he (Mashtots) benefited from his great assistance in the realization of the task set before

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After the death of sovereign Ashot, (ca. 909), Syunik was divided into two princedoms between his sons. Prince Smbat came into possession of Western Syunik (Chaguk) and his brother, Sahak of the eastern part, the region of Balk along the river Akera. During the reign of King

1402:... he turned Armenia into an uninhabited . For upon resettlement, he exiled to Persia of not just a few but a vast number of Gavars, starting from the borders of Nakhivivan and reaching the Geghama coasts, the gavars of Lori, Hamzachiman and Aparan through Yeghegnadzor ... 1459:. Two years later – in 1730 – the Armenian military leader was killed, and the Armenians' uprising for Syunik gradually appeared at a low ebb. After accession to power in the 1730s, Nader Shah recognized the semi-autonomous status of the meliks of Syunik and Karabakh. 1750:

14th centuries, also becoming famed for its illuminated manuscripts. Syunik was a major center of creative art in early 14th-century Armenia. One of the most ancient illuminated manuscripts, the Gospel Book dating from 989, was written in the Monastery of Noravank.

1746:(1346–1409 or 1410), a distinguished medieval scholar who carried out his creative activity there. The Monastery of Tatev is also known as an intellectual center of medieval Armenia as it housed a large library and developed the school of Armenian miniature art. 867:

and took sides with the Persians, his move predetermining the adversary's victory. It was apparently from that moment on that the Siwnis committed themselves also to the defense of the Derbent fortress, thereby reinforcing the positions of the princes of Syunik.

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From 821 onwards, a larger part of Syunik belonged to Vasak Siwni, who ruled the province in the status of a protector. Later the same year, Syunik was invaded by the Arab forces; however, Prince Vasak managed to clear the region of Arabs by seeking aid from

1567:

was proclaimed, with Nzdeh holding different government posts, including that of the prime minister, defense minister and minister of foreign affairs. On July 1, Mountainous Armenia was renamed the Republic of Armenia as the successor of the First Republic.

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his consideration on the liberation of Armenia (with the engagement of the armed formations of Syunik and Artsakh, as well as Russian support) and gain promises of a collaboration. In 1711, Israel Ori died without carrying his task to completion (see also

1137:

A thick fog broke over the Armenian nation. All the churches of Armenia and Christianity plunged into mourning, Yet, Baghaberd, Geghi, Kakaverd, Shlorut, Karchavavan, Meghri and Krkham remained untouched thanks to the grandsons of Ashot, King Grigor, and

949:. Before Vasak Ishkanik's return, the sovereign of Gegharkunik was Vasak Gabur. "At that time, Ishkhanats Ishkhan (Prince of Princes) Ashot appointed Vasak Haykazn (also known as Gabur) the Prince of Syunik, giving him a royal honor ...". 1379:, were preserved in Syunik and the neighboring Nagorno-Karabakh (with their own armed squadrons) despite the Muslim tribes which had settled on the territory of Eastern Armenia. The most outstanding among them included those owned by 1176:

and the major part of Central Armenia. As early as in 1196, Gegharkunik was liberated. In 1211, Armenian-Georgian troops, led by Zakare and Ivane Zakaryan, liberated the entire Syunik from the Seljuk yoke. A historian of Syunik,

1372:, which ended the four-decade-long war, redefined Eastern Armenia as part of the Safavid dynasty. In 1590, it passed under Ottoman control but was returned to the Safavids in 1639 subject to the terms of the Qasr-e-Shirin Treaty. 1575:

The Red Army troops soon went on the offensive, and on July 9, Nzhdeh, obtaining the guarantees of Soviet Armenia's leadership (regarding the maintenance of Syunik as part of Armenia), headed to Iran with the remaining rebels.

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Toros Taronetsi and Tiratur Kilikietsi, theologian Mkhitar Sasnetsi and others. In 1373, a student of University of Gladzor, Hovan Vorotnetsi, founded the University of Tatev (14th–15th centuries) which later became home to

1719:

calm in the province in the late 8th and early 14th centuries, increased Syunik's prominence as the main cultural and intellectual center of Armenia at the time. A distinguished educational institution since the 1280s, the

1272:

In 1403, the Princes Smbat and Burtel were captured and exiled to Samarkand. However, they were liberated soon and re-appointed as the rules of the lands under their control. In that period, Syunik fell under the power of

1240:, which functioned here. Meantime, the region also became the main stronghold of the national and state establishment across the entire territory of historical Armenia where the Armenian state anatomy was still preserved. 1723:

situated in Vayots-Dzor reached the peak of its prosperity under Burtel Orbelian in the early 14th century. It was the most famous Armenian monastic center of the time, which also preserved the traditions of the Armenian

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Due to the Ottoman expansion spanning from the 16th century until the first half of the 18th century, Armenia and the adjacent regions repeatedly became an arena of war between the Ottoman Empire and Iran. The 1555 Peace

1447:. In the meantime, he also led successful battles against the Ottoman troops attempting to seize control over the region in the period between 1725 and 1727. Of especially great significance was the 1727 victory near 1477:

of Karabakh, with Dzork, Bal and Arevik forming part of Tabriz. From the mid-18th century onwards, the coast of Sevan was within the boundaries of the Erivan Khanate and southern Syunik within the boundaries of the

1121:, remained invincible unlike most other regions of Armenia. After death of Grigor I (about 1072), the last remaining heir to the throne, Senekerim, became the King of Syunik, his authority being affirmed by Sultan 916:

With the onset of the Arab invasion in the early 8th century, the Armenian Syunik, along with Eastern Georgia and the territory of the former Sasanian Albania, was integrated into one of the regions of Armaniya, a

1355: 1303:

launched his third raid against the Qara Qoyunlu; Syunik was devastated, and Beshken, with 6,000 liegemen, had to flee to Georgia, having received the Armenian region of Lori from Alexander, his father-in-law.

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culture. The university attracted young people from across Armenia who came there to study. Among the outstanding students of the institution were Stephen Orbelian, the historian of Syunik and the author of

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From the 12th century onwards, the Armenian intellectual elite, uniting its efforts with the Georgian Kingdom and relying on the Armenian population's support, embarked on the expulsion of the Sekjuks form

1162:

The Seljuk raids had a crucial impact on the Armenian ethnicity. Before the Seljuk invasion, Syunik had an estimated 1,000 settlements, whereas in the late 13th century, the number was reduced by a third.

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upon ascension to the throne, recognizing his reign over Syunik. In 875 B.C., Grigor Supan II and Vasak Ishkhanik took part in the assembly of the Armenian intellectuals convened upon the initiative of

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In 1126, Kapan and the region of Arevik were devastated by the troops of Amir Kharon. In 1152, the Seljuks invaded the Fortress of Shlorut, and in 1157 the Fortress of Meghri. Between 1166 and 1169,

1845: 1181:, left the following record in the 13th century: "They made enormous efforts to liberate our country, Armenia, from the Persian yoke ... in 660 (1211), they liberated Syunik, Vorotan and Bkhen." 780:, a state register regulating the quantity and order of military troops in the ancient states, the province of Syunik displayed its cavalry designed for 9,400 chevaliers in wartime. According to 1000:(who proposed the Khalif to bring Ashot II to the Armenian throne). Vasak Ishkhanik acknowledged the Vassal dependence on Ashot Bagratuni, the Prince of Princes. In an early X century record, 746:

ruler was Vaghinak Siak (c. 330) and his successor was his brother Andok or Andovk (Antiochus, c. 340). In 379 Babik (Bagben) the son of Andok was re-established as a Naxarar by the

5480: 1258:. Nevertheless, at the close of the 15th century, the province was among the remaining semi-autonomous Armenian princedoms still populated by the local Armenian feudal intelligentsia. 5018: 1963: 1689:, Gegharkunik ... the entire territory of Porakn which provoked many disagreements yet received the Armenian catholicoses' acceptance, albeit highly indignant. Also the borders with 1057:, the rulers of Vaspurakan at the time, the Sajid emir, Yusuf, attacked Armenia in 909 and, devastating settlements and fortresses across Syunik, annexed Alinja to his possessions. 1088:

annexed the sovereign possession of Vayots Dzor while uniting Armenian lands under a centralized authority and a range of other Syunik regions to the Ani Kingdom. The records of

896:

It is also important to know all the regional dialects of one's own language ... of both Ispir and Syunik and Artsakh in addition to classical Armenian (middle and central) ...

75: 1223:. In 1236, both dynasties were forced to recognize the Mongol authority over them (after the latter's invasion of Armenian lands). In 1251, Smbat Orbelian obtained the right 5107: 1498:, gaining independence from Persia. From that moment on, also regions to the north-east of Lake Sevan (de jure, starting from 1813, i.e. after the entry into force of the 1443:

who liberated the region's south, including the city of Kapan. Also part of the Nakhichivan was liberated in the rebellion; in particular, David Bek seized the village

1905: 2677: 1545:). In November, the Armenian troops managed to halt the Azerbaijanis' attack and launched a subsequent counterattack. On August 10, 1920, an agreement proposing the 676: 4954: 4796: 4767: 4627: 4565: 4462: 4413: 4369: 4320: 4243: 4211: 4180: 3777: 3670: 3602: 3527: 3229: 3137: 3030: 2996: 2948: 2834: 2805: 2755: 2647: 2488: 2459: 2362: 589: 729:

To the east, along the borders of the Armenian language (he appointed) two governors - ten-thousanders - from the noble families of Sisakan and Kadmean (?) ...

1773:(9th–11th centuries), and Zorats (14th century). In the late 13th century, Stephen Orbelian compiled a long list of the monasteries in that part of Armenia. 1550: 787:

In the early 4th century, Syunik was Christianized along with the rest of Armenia. The princes of Syunik, together with other Armenian magnates, accompanied

1219:

extended their authority mainly to the Gavars of Gegharkunik in the south-west of Lake Sevan, and Vayots Dzor, holding their residence in the small city of

5485: 5011: 1626:, a popular mountain spa town, is situated here. The Iran-Armenia gas pipeline, a strategic underground communication channel, runs across the province. 1563:(military leader). As a result, Nzhdeh extended his authority also to a part of Nagorno-Karabakh, uniting with the rebels there. On April 27, 1921, the 910: 498:). In the north-west, Syunik shared a border with lands situated in the direct neighborhood of Ganja, and in the south-west, it bordered on Nakhichevan ( 784:, a register of noble families in the ancient Armenian state, the prince of Syunik ranked the first among the Armenian aristocrats in the royal palace. 2315:

Arméniens et byzantins à l'époque de Photius: deux débats théologiques après le triomphe de l'orthodoxie // Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium

892:". Stephen Syunetsi, a local scholar and a theologian, left records about the Syunik dialect of the Armenian language at the close of the 7th century. 1034:, which he said was situated on the roadway connecting Bardva with Dvin (the Armenian Highlands, the kingdom of Smbat and Ashot I). Byzantine Emperor 2181:

Petrosyan, Armen (2006). "Ուրարտուի արքայատոհմի և իշխող դասի ծագման շուրջ" [On the origin of the ruling dynasty and ruling class of Urartu].

5436: 1325:(reign: 1436–1467), the feudals of Syunik and Vayots Dzor obtained control over several regions and were even granted permission to use the title 822:

in 406, he opened the first schools there with the help of princes Vaghinak and Vasak Siwni to teach the new Armenian scripts to his apprentices.

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and later married Arsaces II as her second husband. Babik's rule lasted for less than ten years and by about 386 or 387, Dara was deposed by the

1423:. The meliks of Syunik took part in the 1677 Echmiadzin assembly aimed at organizing the struggle for the liberation of Armenia. In 1699, Melik 5004: 1607: 952:

In the run-up to the rebellion by the centralized Armenian state, Syunik was one of the three major political units of Armenia (along with the

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Studies in medieval Georgian historiography: early texts and Eurasian contexts // Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium, Subsidia

1799: 5204: 3937: 3910: 3819: 1599: 1065:, the northern part of Syunik – along Lake Sevan (to the north of Vardenis ridge) – was united to the estates of the Bagratid family. 1811: 1503: 1433: 4887: 4857: 4081: 4054: 4012: 3981: 3495: 3439: 3391: 3318: 3162: 3106: 2426: 2297: 2263: 2150: 2067: 1471:

the Tabriz Khanate to later become part of the Khanate of Nakhichivan. Arevik, Tghuk, Aghaechk and Aband were incorporated into the

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has enjoyed the status of a metropolitan area with 12 subordinate episcopacies, played a paramount role in the history of the

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concluded in 387 A.D., Syunik remained part of the vassal Kingdom of Armenia. The division of the Armenian statehood between

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Between 831–832 Syunik was involved in the rebellions against the Arab vicegerent, Hall. In 853 the province was invaded by

5028: 3349: 444:, the name of the ancient princely dynasty of Syunik (the noble house, like the province, is also alternatively called 5277: 5072: 1977: 578: 4919: 5272: 5156: 5056: 1118: 1001: 755: 290:

kingdoms and principalities to maintain its autonomy following the Turkic invasions of the 11th to 14th centuries.

1657:. The metropolitan of Syunik held the title of a "protofrontes" of Greater Armenia. A historian of Syunik, Bishop 597: 582: 5134: 5090: 1602:, and some time later, and certain parts of historical Syunik – the territories of Chakhuk and Alinja – into the 1554: 1526: 720: 1462: 1041:

In the early 10th century, the sovereigns of Syunik attempted to take possession of Nakichivan, the neighboring

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in ancient Armenia. Ancient records which have survived to the present bear vivid evidence. Thus, according to

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and Poghos Ter-Davtyan were appointed respectively as the defense chiefs of southern and northern Zangezur (

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Syunik was a big region in the east of historical Armenia. In the west and north-west, it bordered on the

71: 5350: 1113:, achieving sovereignty with the fall of the Kingdom of Ani in 1045. Despite the Seljuk invasions led by 1096:

Sembat's brother, Gagik, was enthroned in the city of Ani the very day he died in the winter of 989 A.D.

5188: 5140: 4679: 3287:"Из истории армяно-византийских отношений второй половины X—XI в. (к атрибуции монет Кюрикэ куропалата)" 3265:"Из истории армяно-византийских отношений второй половины X—XI в. (к атрибуции монет Кюрикэ куропалата)" 3187: 1720: 1376: 1237: 1202: 464:), noting the similarity between the names and the high number of sun-related placenames in the region. 242: 1947: 913:, Syunik, along with several other regions of Armenia, was recognized as part of the Sasanian Dynasty. 703:

Starting in at least the 3rd century B.C., Syunik was ruled by representatives of the ancient Armenian

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The ultimate etymology of the name Syunik is unknown. At first glance, it appears to be the plural of

5340: 1911: 1686: 1593: 1589: 1572:, formerly the prime minister of the short-lived independent state, was declared its prime minister. 1152: 1038:

addressed his officials letters "to the Prince of Syne, Armenia; to the Prince of Vaitzor, Armenia".

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The Kingdom of Syunik reached its peak in the first half of the 11th century under Kings Vasak and

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The princes descending from the Siunia dynasty were among the more influential Armenian kingdoms.

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is not to be identified with Syunik, then the earliest mention of the name in Greek sources is by

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Early Seljūq History: A New Interpretation // Routledge Studies in the History of Iran and Turkey

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Between Islam and Byzantium: Aght'amar and the visual construction of medieval Armenian rulership

3024: 2990: 2942: 2865: 2828: 2799: 2749: 2641: 2482: 2453: 2356: 2346: 2002: 1665:

the boundaries of the parishional regions subject to him were as follows: Syunik, Baghk, Arevik,

1499: 1251: 1232: 992: 803: 491: 283: 3853: 3836: 3792: 1860: 1444: 4446: 2536: 1830: 5407: 5162: 5150: 5066: 4883: 4853: 4077: 4050: 4008: 3977: 3933: 3906: 3815: 3491: 3435: 3387: 3314: 3158: 3102: 2789: 2609: 2422: 2293: 2259: 2146: 2063: 1851: 1674: 1391: 1244:

the region for more than four decades, bringing his contribution to its cultural development.

984: 969: 957: 889: 885: 864: 856: 819: 792: 716: 412: 335: 323: 3654: 3511: 3286: 3264: 1875: 5402: 5084: 5062: 5052: 2857: 2538:"История Армении»; «Спасительное обращение страны нашей Армении через святого мужа-мученика" 2136: 1743: 1690: 1658: 1479: 1452: 1439:

In 1722, the Armenians of Syunik rebelled against the Persian yoke. The uprising was led by

1395: 1369: 1350: 1211: 1178: 1156: 1089: 1023: 975: 930: 848: 841: 693: 465: 222: 4996: 2140: 980: 5178: 5128: 5048: 4692: 3200: 3014: 2932: 1896: 1766: 1754: 1715: 1694: 1654: 1643: 1634: 1585: 1428: 1231:

and his successors. The lands under Stephen Orbelyan's control extended to the borders of

1173: 1072: 811: 766: 758: 515: 327: 287: 17: 5328: 5318: 5166: 4195: 2963: 1698: 1619: 1569: 1534: 1511: 1495: 1338: 1282: 1277:(Black Sheep Turkomans), a united Turkish nomadic tribe who were later replaced by the 1250:, who attacked Armenia in 1380, captivated tens of thousands of Armenians from Syunik, 942: 888:

localizes the royal family's possessions "at the eastern end, along the borders of the

855:

appointed Prince Vasak Siwni as the ruler of the entire Armenian state. During the 451

847:

After the dissolution of the Kingdom of Armenia in 428 A.D, Syunik was integrated into

704: 438: 339: 3059:Караулов, Н. (1901). "Сведения арабских писателей о Кавказе, Армении и Адербейджане". 2107: 945:, an Arab commander; Princes Vasak Ishkhanik and Ashot were taken captive and sent to 933:, the Khurramites' leader. The subsequent war with the Khurramites (826–827) left the 5469: 5333: 5323: 5232: 4810: 4614:Очерки по истории феодальных отношений в Азербайджане и Армении в XVI - начале XIX вв 4552:Очерки по истории феодальных отношений в Азербайджане и Армении в XVI - начале XIX вв 4400:Очерки по истории феодальных отношений в Азербайджане и Армении в XVI - начале XIX вв 4230:Очерки по истории феодальных отношений в Азербайджане и Армении в XVI - начале XIX вв 4167:Очерки по истории феодальных отношений в Азербайджане и Армении в XVI - начале XIX вв 2869: 2475:Очерки по истории феодальных отношений в Азербайджане и Армении в XVI - начале XIX вв 2055: 1983: 1738: 1334: 1126: 1079:

From 970 until 980 the political center of the province extended to the south of the

452:). Historian Armen Petrosyan has suggested that Syunik is related to the name of the 80: 44: 4304: 2142:

The Geography of Ananias of Širak (Ašxarhacʻoycʻ): The Long and the Short Recensions

1618:

presently stands out especially with its developing tourism; particularly, in 2010,

1598:

After the fall of the rebellious state of Zagezur, Syunik was incorporated into the

1129:. Shortly afterwards, however, Senekerim was killed, presumably by the Emir of the 810:

and Persia drastically reduced Armenia's territory. In the second half of the 390s,

5262: 3081: 2330:

The Geography of Ananias of Širak: Ašxarhacʻoycʻ, the Long and the Short Recensions

1836: 1725: 1682: 1455:

took over the campaign for independence, managing to gain control over the town of

1274: 1122: 519:

in the 7th century, Syunik was divided into 12 administrative-territorial regions (

495: 64: 4257: 4877: 4847: 4071: 4044: 4002: 3971: 3927: 3900: 3809: 3429: 3365: 3096: 2821:Армения и страны южного Кавказа в условиях византийско-иранской и арабской власти 2443: 1549:

control over the disputed regions (including Zangezur) was concluded between the

314:

The name Syunik is ancient and appears in the earliest Armenian written sources.

3636: 2605:

The Heritage of Armenian Literature: From the Eighteenth Century to Modern Times

1770: 1228: 860: 796: 567: 159: 4493: 3513:Хронографическая история, составленная отцом Мехитаром, вардапетом Айриванкским 3336:

The Emperor Romanus Lecapenus and his reign: a study of tenth-century Byzantium

2217:

The Emperor Romanus Lecapenus and his reign: a study of tenth-century Byzantium

1375:

Between the 16th and 17th centuries, the Armenian feudal possessions, i.e. the

1254:

and Parskahayk, while just a few years later – in 1387 – Syunik was invaded by

5412: 5387: 5282: 5267: 3367:Всеобщая история Степаноса Таронскаго Асохьика по прозванию: Писателя 11. стол 2861: 2182: 1969: 1926: 1866: 1762: 1647: 1424: 1384: 1341:(which gained control over all the territorial conquests by the Aq Qoyunlus). 1322: 1289: 1278: 1247: 1130: 1050: 918: 814:, a great Armenian enlightener and scholar, engaged in enlightening Alinja, a 751: 747: 697: 681: 528:

species as myrtus, gereri (?) and grenade. It also has many mountainous areas.

507: 499: 278:

control. In 821, it formed two Armenian principalities: Kingdom of Syunik and

226: 5451: 5438: 5247: 5080: 1440: 1330: 1300: 1220: 1216: 1114: 1068: 1054: 852: 807: 762: 712: 379: 4938: 4751: 2348:"Армянская География VII века по Р. Х (приписывавшаяся Моисею Хоренскому)" 1522: 1383:-Shahnazar in Gegharkunik, Melik Haykaz in Kashatagh, and Melik-Safraz in 342:, the name of one of the descendants of the legendary Armenian progenitor 5392: 5257: 5242: 5144: 5076: 2387:

Borisov ""nscriptions of Artaxia (Artashes), King of Armenia, 1946, No 2"

1881: 1817: 1758: 1559: 1546: 1448: 1416: 1415:

In the period between the 17th and 18th centuries, the south of Syunik –

1265: 1255: 1110: 1062: 1027: 953: 922: 743: 461: 369: 259: 4920:"Сюникская школа армянской миниатюры второй половины XIII—начала XIV вв" 1642:

Syunik was one of the cultural centers of Medieval Armenia. It is where

5422: 5397: 5345: 5302: 5252: 5237: 5096: 4476: 3997: 3995: 3993: 1821: 1666: 1611: 1473: 1456: 1261: 1085: 1046: 946: 541: 487: 457: 274:

from 189 BC until 428 AD. From the 7th to 9th centuries, it fell under

218: 138: 4528:

The Cambridge history of Iran: From Nadir Shah to the Islamic Republic

3241: 3239: 5292: 3471:

The Caucasian knot: the history & geopolitics of Nagorno-Karabagh

1623: 1542: 1360: 475: 453: 422: 383: 373: 363: 357: 351: 347: 4671: 3966: 3964: 1622:, the world's longest cableway so far, was launched in Syunik. Also 510:. In the south, the territory of Syunik extended to the Aras River. 2232:

The Crusades from the Perspective of Byzantium and the Muslim World

5417: 1954: 1734: 1633: 1538: 1521: 1461: 1380: 1354: 1260: 1201: 1067: 979: 875: 675: 402: 305: 297: 4073:

The Former Soviet Union's Diverse Peoples: A Reference Sourcebook

1227:

from the Mongol royal palace. Those rights were retained also by

863:

failed to stand up for the defense of the Armenian troops led by

5297: 5287: 1661:, provides the following characterization of its jurisdictions: 708: 503: 343: 275: 230: 129: 5000: 4830: