Editing Aragatsotn Province

{{short description|Province of Armenia}}
{{for|the village of the same name|Aragatsotn (village)}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                            = Aragatzotn
| native_name                     = Արագածոտն
| native_name_lang                = hy<!-- ISO 639-2 code e.g. "fr" for French. -->
| settlement_type                 = [[Administrative divisions of Armenia|Province]]
| image_skyline                   = <!-- images and maps  -----------> {{multiple image
| border                   = infobox
| perrow            = 1/2/2/2/2
| total_width       = 250
| image1 = Vishap (Dragon-stone) near lake Qari, Aragats - panoramio.jpg
| image2 = Kasakh gorge near Sagmosavank monastery.jpg
| image3 = -Հովհաննավանք վանական համալիր 22.jpg
| image4 = Արագածի ալպիական պետական արգելավայր 10.jpg
| image5 = Թուխ Մանուկ մատուռը Քուչակ գյուղում 12.jpg
| footer = From the top to bottom-right: A [[Vishapakar|Vishap Stone]] near [[Lake Kari]], [[Kasagh (river)|Kasakh Gorge]], [[Hovhannavank Monastery]], [[Mount Aragats|Mount Aragats Alpine Sanctuary]], [[Khachkar|Khachkars]] in Aragatsotn Province}}
| image_alt                       = 
| image_caption                   = 
| image_flag                      = 
| flag_alt                        = 
| image_shield                    = 
| shield_alt                      = 
| image_map                       = Aragatsotn in Armenia.svg
| map_alt                         = 
| map_caption                     = Location of Aragatzotn within Armenia
| coordinates                     = {{coord|40|25|N|44|10|E|region:AM_type:adm1st|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_footnotes           = 
| subdivision_type                = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name                = [[Armenia]]
| established_date                = 
| seat_type                       = [[Capital city|Capital]]<br/>{{nobold|and largest city}}
| seat                            = [[Ashtarak]]
| government_footnotes            = 
| leader_party                    = 
| leader_title                    = [[Governor]]
| leader_name                     = Sergey Movsisyan<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.am/en/regions/1079/|title=Government - Regions - The Government of the Republic of Armenia|first=Helix Consulting|last=LLC|website=www.gov.am}}</ref>
| area_footnotes                  = 
| area_total_km2                  = 2,773
| area_land_km2                   = 
| area_water_km2                  = 
| area_water_percent              = Negligible
| area_rank                       = [[Administrative divisions of Armenia|4th]]
| area_note                       = 
| elevation_footnotes             = 
| elevation_m                     = 
| population_footnotes            = 
| population_total                = 128,941<ref name="2022 Census">{{cite web|url=https://www.armstat.am/en/?nid=82&id=2623|title=The Main Results of RA Census 2022, trilingual / Armenian Statistical Service of Republic of Armenia|website=www.armstat.am|access-date=2024-11-07}}</ref>
| population_as_of                = 2022
| population_rank                 = [[Administrative divisions of Armenia|8th]]
| population_density_km2          = auto
| population_note                 = 
| demographics_type2 = GDP<ref>{{cite|title=Համախառն ներքին արդյունքն (ՀՆԱ) ըստ ՀՀ մարզերի եւ Երեւան քաղաքի 2015-2017թթ|url=https://armstat.am/file/article/sv_08_19a_112.pdf|website=armstat.am}}</ref>
| demographics2_title1 = Total
| demographics2_info1 = [[Armenian dram|֏]] 175.229 billion<br/>([[US$]] 363 million) 
| demographics2_title2 = Per capita
| demographics2_info2 = ֏ 1,371,121 <br/>(US$ 2,842) 
| timezone1                       = [[Armenia Time|AMT]] ([[UTC+04]])
| timezone1_DST                   = 
| postal_code_type                = [[postal codes in Armenia|Postal code]]
| postal_code                     = 0201-0514
| iso_code                        = [[ISO 3166-2:AM|AM.AG]]
| blank_name                      = [[FIPS 10-4]]
| blank_info                      = AM01
| blank_name_sec2                 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] (2022)
| blank_info_sec2                 = 0.770<ref name="GlobalDataLab">{{Cite web|url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/|title=Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab|website=hdi.globaldatalab.org|language=en|access-date=2018-09-13}}</ref><br/>{{color|#0c0|high}} · [[List of Armenian provinces by Human Development Index|7th]]
| website                         = [http://aragatsotn.mtad.am/ Official website]
| footnotes                       = 
| official_name                   = 
| population_est                  = 125,400<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://armstat.am/en/?nid=111|title=Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia|website=armstat.am}}</ref>
| pop_est_as_of                   = 1 January 2019
}}

'''Aragatsotn''' ({{langx|hy|[[wikt:Արագածոտն|Արագածոտն]]}}, {{IPA|hy|ɑɾɑɡɑˈt͡sɔtən|audio=Hye-Aragatsotn.ogg}}) is a [[administrative divisions of Armenia|province]] (''[[Marz (country subdivision)|marz]]'') of [[Armenia]]. It is located in the western part of the country. The capital and largest city of the province is the town of [[Ashtarak]]. The [[Statistical Committee of Armenia]] reported its population was 128,941 in the 2022 census.<ref name="2022 Census"/>

==Etymology==
{{Armenia sidebar}}
Literally meaning "the foot of [[Mount Aragats|Aragats]]" (the highest mountain of [[Armenia]]), it is named after the '''Aragatsotn''' canton of the historic [[Ayrarat]] province of [[Kingdom of Armenia (antiquity)|Ancient Armenia]], ruled by the [[Amatuni]] noble family under the reign of the [[Arsacid dynasty of Armenia|Arsacid dynasty]].

==Geography==
[[File:Hovhannavank 2014-05-04 18-51-34 IMG 6588-2 (32575561382).jpg|thumb|left|upright|Gegharot waterfall near the village of [[Aragats, Aragatzotn|Aragats]]]]
Aragatsotn Province occupies the northwestern part of Armenia and covers an area of 2,756&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> (9.3% of the total area of Armenia). It has internal borders with [[Shirak Province]] from the north, [[Lori Province]] from the northeast, [[Kotayk Province]] from the east, [[Armavir Province]] from the south and the city of [[Yerevan]] from the southwest. The [[Akhurian River]] at the west separates Aragatsotn from the [[Kars Province]] of [[Turkey]].

Historically, the current territory of the province mainly occupies parts of ''Aragatsotn'', ''Nig'' and ''Shirak'' cantons of [[Ayrarat]] province of Ancient Armenia.
[[File:Arteni Volcano2.jpg|thumb|Arteni mountains (2047 m.)]]
The northern part of the province is dominated by the [[Mount Aragats|Aragats]] mountain range. At the northeast and the east, it approximates the mountains of Pambak and Tsaghkunyats, respectively. The mountains of Arteni dominate the northeastern and the central eastern parts of the province. The tiny Akhurian valley occupies the eastern edge of Aragatsotn. Aragatsotn occupies the northwestern parts of the [[Ararat plain]] in the south and the southeast.

The altitude of the province ranges between 950 and 4,090 meters above sea level.

[[Mount Aragats]] (4,090 m.) is the highest peak of Aragatsotn and Armenia.

Besides the Akhurian river, the rivers of [[Kasagh River|Kasagh]], Gegharot, and Amberd are the main water resources in the province. Mountainous lakes including [[Lake Kari]], [[Lake Lessing|Lessing]], Amberd, Tagavor, and Kuraghbyur are found on Mount Aragats. Between 1962 and 1967, the Aparan reservoir was built on the Kasagh river.

The climate of Aragatsotn is deeply diversified due to the wide range of altitudes of the region. The annual precipitation level ranges between {{convert|400|mm|0|abbr=on}} at the lower areas and {{convert|1000|mm|0|abbr=on}} at the mountainous territories.

[[File:Peaks of Aragats.jpg|800px|thumb|center|{{center|The [[Mount Aragats|mountains of Aragats]]}}]]

==History==
[[File:Ապարանի Սուրբ Խաչ.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Kasagh Basilica|Holy Cross Basilica of Kasagh]] of the 4th century]]
[[File:Զովունի 03.jpg|thumb|The ruins of the Saint Paul and Peter Church of [[Zovuni, Aragatzotn|Zovuni]], dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries]]
According to [[Movses Khorenatsi]], Aramaniak -the son of the patriarch and founder of the Armenian nation [[Hayk]]- along with his clan, settled in the area of modern-day Aragatsotn. The cemeteries of ''Verin Naver'' archaeological site -located 3&nbsp;km west of Ashtarak- date back to the 24th and 14th centuries BC.

Being situated at the heart of the [[Ayrarat]] province at the centre of the [[Armenian Highland]], Aragatsotn was among the most strategic regions in the history of Armenia, especially since the establishment of the [[Kingdom of Armenia (antiquity)|Kingdom of Armenia]] in 331 BC by the [[Orontid dynasty]]. Later in 190 BC, the [[Artaxiad dynasty]] took over the reign of the Armenian Kingdom. During the 2nd century AD, the towns of ''Casala'' (the Hellenized version of ''Kasagh'', now [[Aparan]]), and ''Talina'' (now [[Talin, Armenia|Talin]]) were mentioned by [[Ptolemy]] during the reign of the [[Arsacid dynasty of Armenia]]. The territory of Nig canton, including the area of Aparan, was under the administration of the ''Gntunyan'' Armenian noble family, while the territory of Aragatsotn canton, including the area of Ashtarak, was ruled by the [[Amatuni]] noble family.

Following the partition of Armenia by the [[Byzantine Empire]] and [[Sassanid Persia]] in 387 and in 428, [[Eastern Armenia]] including Aragatsotn became under the rule of Sassanid Persia. The 4th-century [[Kasagh Basilica|Holly Cross Basilica of Kasagh]] located at the outskirts of modern-day Aparan, is among the earliest surviving samples of the [[Armenian church architecture]].
[[File:Talin Cathedral - Armenia.JPG|thumb|left|[[Cathedral of Talin]], 7th century]]
In 658, Armenia was conquered by the [[Umayyad Caliphate|Arab]] invaders. At the end of the 9th century, Aragatsotn became part of the newly established [[Bagratid Armenia|Bagratid Kingdom of Armenia]]. The Armenian noble families of [[Kamsarakan]] and [[Pahlavuni]] ruled over Aragatsotn under the Bagratid kings.

However, between the 11th and 15th centuries, Aragatsotn along with the rest of the historic territories of Armenia suffered from the [[Seljuk Empire|Seljuk]], Mongol, [[Ag Qoyunlu]] and [[Kara Koyunlu]] invasions, respectively. At the beginning of the 16th century, Aragatsotn became part of the ''Erivan Beglarbegi'' within the [[Safavid dynasty|Safavid Persia]]. During the first half of the 18th century, Aragatsotn became part of the [[Erivan Khanate]] under the rule of the [[Afsharid dynasty]] and later under the [[Qajar dynasty]] of Persia. It remained under the Persian rule until 1827–1828, when Eastern Armenia was ceded to the [[Russian Empire]] as a result of the [[Russo-Persian War (1826–28)|Russo-Persian War of 1826–28]] and the signing of the [[Treaty of Turkmenchay]].
[[File:Monument to Battle of Bash-Aparan.jpg|thumb|Abaran battle memorial]]
After the fall of the Russian Empire in 1917, the Armenian, Georgian and Muslim leaders of [[South Caucasus|Transcaucasia]] united to form the [[Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic|Transcaucasian Federative Republic]] and proclaimed [[Transcaucasia]]'s [[secession]]. However, it was a fragile short-lived federation that collapsed in May 1918, while the Turkish army was advancing towards Eastern Armenia through [[Alexandropol|Gyumri]], Aragatsotn, and Sardarapat. On May 21, 1918, the Turkish forces attacked through [[Aparan]] in Aragatsotn trying to reach [[Yerevan]]. The Turks were opposed by the Armenian forces under the command of [[Drastamat Kanayan|Dro]] at the outskirts of Aparan. After three days of fierce fighting, the Armenians launched a counter-attack on 25 May, and the Turkish troops were forced to retreat back to the north on 29 May. As a result of the decisive victories over the Turks in the battles of [[Battle of Sardarabad|Sardarabad]], [[Battle of Abaran|Abaran]], and [[Battle of Karakilisa|Gharakilisa]], the Armenians declared independence on May 28, 1918.

After 2 years of brief independence, Armenia became part of the [[Soviet Union]] in December 1920. From 1930 until 1995, modern-day Aragatsotn was divided into 3 [[raion]]s within the [[Armenian SSR]]: ''Talin raion'', ''Aparan raion'', and ''Ashtarak raion''. With the territorial administration reform of 1995, the 3 raions were merged to form the Aragatsotn Province.

==Demographics==
===Population===
According to the [[Soviet Census (1989)|1989 Soviet census]], the Aragatsotn Province (then part of the [[Aparan District|Aparan]], [[Aragats District|Aragats]], [[Ashtarak District|Ashtarak]], and [[Talin District|Talin]] districts in 1930–1995)<ref name=":12">{{Cite web|title=Legislation: National Assembly of RA|url=http://www.parliament.am/legislation.php?sel=show&ID=2243&lang=rus|access-date=2022-02-11|website=www.parliament.am}}</ref> had a population of 141,611. 24,277 or 17.14% of which was urban, distributed in the city of Ashtarak, and 117,334 or 82.86% were rural, distributed in the districts of Aparan (21,654), Aragats (13,401), Ashtarak (42,701), and Talin (39,578).<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|title=Демоскоп Weekly - Приложение. Справочник статистических показателей.|url=http://www.demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/sng89_reg1.php|access-date=2022-02-10|website=www.demoscope.ru}}</ref>[[File:Oshakan Village.JPG|thumb|[[Oshakan]], the largest village in Aragatsotn]]
According to the 2011 official census, Aragatsotn has a population of 132,925 (66,738 men and 66,187 women), forming around 4.4% of the entire population of Armenia. The urban population is 31,376 (23.6%) and the rural is 101,549 (76.4%). Aragatsotn has the highest percentage of rural population in Armenia.

The province has 3 urban and 111 rural communities. The largest urban community is the provincial centre of Ashtarak, with a population of 19,615. The other urban centres of Aparan and Talin have a population of 6,451 and 5,310 respectively.

With a population of 4,780, the village of [[Oshakan]] is the largest rural municipality of Aragatsotn.

===Ethnic groups and religion===
[[File:^ Եկեղեցի Մեսրոպ Մաշտոց 03.JPG|thumb|[[Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church]]]]
The province is primarily inhabited by [[Armenians]] who migrated from [[Moush]], [[Manzikert]], [[Sasun]], [[Kars]], [[Khoy]], and [[Alashkert, Armenia|Alashkert]] in the 19th and 20th centuries as well as a minority of [[Armeno-Tat]] who belong to the [[Armenian Apostolic Church]]. The regulating body of the church is the [[Diocese of Aragatzotn|Diocese of Aragatsotn]], headed by Bishop Mkrtich Broshyan. The [[Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church]] of [[Oshakan]] of is the seat of the diocese.

There is also a significant presence of [[Yazidis in Armenia|Yazidis]] in the province. The 20 following villages of Aragatsotn are almost entirely populated by Yazidis: [[Alagyaz]], [[Arevut]], [[Avshen]], [[Charchakis]], [[Ddmasar]], [[Hako, Aragatsotn|Hako]], [[Jamshlu]], [[Kanch]], [[Kaniashir]], [[Metsadzor]], [[Mijnatun]], [[Mirak, Armenia|Mirak]], [[Otevan]], [[Rya Taza]], [[Sadunts]], [[Shamiram, Armenia|Shamiram]], [[Shenkani]], [[Sipan, Armenia|Sipan]], [[Sorik]] and [[Tlik]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hra.am/hy/point-of-view/2012/02/29/yezidi |title=Yazidi communities in Aragatsotn |access-date=2015-11-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912165728/http://www.hra.am/hy/point-of-view/2012/02/29/yezidi |archive-date=2018-09-12 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.slaq.am/arm/news/106016/|title=Yazidis or Kurds}}</ref> The villages of [[Arteni]], [[Oshakan]], [[Vardenut]] and [[Voskevaz]] have a significant Yazidi population as well. Yazidis are also found in the towns of [[Aparan]] and [[Talin, Armenia|Talin]].

The village of Alagyaz is also home to a small number of [[Kurds in Armenia|Kurds]].

==Administrative divisions==
As a result of the administrative reforms completed during 2019, Aragatsotn is currently divided into 9 municipal communities (''hamaynkner''), of which 3 are urban and 69 are rural:<ref>{{cite web|title=RA Aragatsotn Marz|work=Marzes of the Republic of Armenia in Figures, 2002–2006|publisher=National Statistical Service of Armenia|url=https://armstat.am/file/article/marz_07_e_24.pdf|year=2007}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lragir.am/index/arm/0/country/view/155056|title=Հայաստանի 328 համայնքների միավորմամբ կձևավորվի 34 համայնք. ԱԺ-ն քննարկում է ծրագիրը &#124; Լրագիր}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=http://aragatsotn.mtad.am/about-communities/|title=Արագածոտնի մարզպետարան|website=aragatsotn.mtad.am}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=ՀՀ ՄԱՐԶԵՐԻ ԵՎ ԵՐԵՎԱՆ ՔԱՂԱՔԻ ՍՈՑԻԱԼ-ՏՆՏԵՍԱԿԱՆ ԲՆՈՒԹԱԳՐԵՐԸ |trans-title=Socio-economic characteristics of the provinces of the Republic of Armenia and the city of Yerevan |chapter=ԱՐԱԳԱԾՈՏՆԻ ՄԱՐԶ |trans-chapter=Aragatsotn Province |url=https://armstat.am/file/article/marzer_2022_21.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209064911/https://armstat.am/file/article/marzer_2022_21.pdf |archive-date=9 February 2023 |date=15 November 2022 |publisher=[[Statistical Committee of Armenia]] |location=Yerevan}}</ref>

*''A cross denotes a town (urban settlement), otherwise, the settlements are villages (rural settlements).''

{|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Municipality
!Area (km<sup>2</sup>)
!Population<br>(2022 census)<ref name="2022 Census">{{cite web|url=https://www.armstat.am/en/?nid=82&id=2623|title=The Main Results of RA Census 2022, trilingual / Armenian Statistical Service of Republic of Armenia|website=www.armstat.am|access-date=2024-11-07}}</ref>
!Centre
!Settlements
|-
|Alagyaz<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aragatsotn.mtad.am/about-communities/806/|title=Արագածոտնի մարզպետարան|website=aragatsotn.mtad.am}}</ref>
|
|3,465
|[[Alagyaz]]
|[[Avshen]], [[Charchakis]], [[Jamshlu]], [[Kaniashir]], [[Mijnatun]], [[Mirak, Armenia|Mirak]], [[Rya Taza]], [[Sadunts]], [[Shenkani]], [[Sipan, Armenia|Sipan]]
|-
|Aparan<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=http://aragatsotn.mtad.am/about-communities/802/|title=Արագածոտնի մարզպետարան|website=aragatsotn.mtad.am}}</ref>
|
|20,938
|[[Aparan]]{{dagger}}
|[[Aragats, Aragatsotn|Aragats]], [[Arayi]], [[Apnagyugh]], [[Chknagh]], [[Dzoraglukh]], [[Hartavan]], [[Jrambar]], [[Kayk, Armenia|Kayk]], [[Kuchak]], [[Lusagyugh, Aragatsotn|Lusagyugh]], [[Melikgyugh]], [[Nigavan]], [[Saralanj, Aragatsotn|Saralanj]], [[Vardenis, Aragatsotn|Vardenis]], [[Vardenut]], [[Shenavan, Aragatsotn|Shenavan]], [[Shoghakn]], [[Tsaghkashen, Aragatsotn|Tsaghkashen]], [[Ttujur, Aragatsotn|Ttujur]], [[Yernjatap]], [[Yeghipatrush]]
|-
|Aragatsavan<ref name="auto"/>
|
|
|[[Aragatsavan]]
|[[Arteni]], [[Getap, Aragatsotn|Getap]], [[Lusakn]]
|-
|Arevut<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aragatsotn.mtad.am/about-communities/821/|title=Արագածոտնի մարզպետարան|website=aragatsotn.mtad.am}}</ref>
|
|791
|[[Arevut]]
|[[Ddmasar]], [[Hako, Aragatsotn|Hako]], [[Kanch]], [[Sorik]], [[Tlik]] 
|-
|Ashtarak<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aragatsotn.mtad.am/about-communities/801/|title=Արագածոտնի մարզպետարան|website=aragatsotn.mtad.am}}</ref>
|
|61,859
|[[Ashtarak]]{{dagger}}
|[[Agarak, Aragatsotn|Agarak]], [[Aghdzk]], [[Antarut]], [[Aragatsotn (village)|Aragatsotn]], [[Artashavan]], [[Aruch]], [[Avan, Armenia|Avan]], [[Bazmaghbyur]], [[Byurakan]], [[Dprevank]], [[Ghazaravan]], [[Karbi, Armenia|Karbi]], [[Karin, Armenia|Karin]], [[Khnusik]], [[Kosh, Armenia|Kosh]], [[Lernarot]], [[Mughni]], [[Nor Amanos]], [[Nor Yedesia]], [[Nor Yerznka]], [[Ohanavan]], [[Orgov]], [[Oshakan]], [[Parpi]], [[Sasunik]], [[Saghmosavan]], [[Tegher, Armenia|Tegher]], [[Ujan]], [[Ushi, Armenia|Ushi]] [[Verin Sasunik]], [[Voskehat, Aragatsotn|Voskehat]], [[Voskevaz]]
|-
|Metsadzor<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aragatsotn.mtad.am/about-communities/868/|title=Արագածոտնի մարզպետարան|website=aragatsotn.mtad.am}}</ref>
|
|264
|[[Metsadzor]]
|[[Otevan]]
|-
|Shamiram<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aragatsotn.mtad.am/about-communities/880/|title=Արագածոտնի մարզպետարան|website=aragatsotn.mtad.am}}</ref>
|21.2
|1,364
|[[Shamiram, Armenia|Shamiram]]
|
|-
|Talin<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aragatsotn.mtad.am/about-communities/803/|title=Արագածոտնի մարզպետարան|website=aragatsotn.mtad.am}}</ref>
|
|30,867
|[[Talin, Armenia|Talin]]{{dagger}}
|[[Agarakavan]], [[Akunk, Aragatsotn|Akunk]], [[Ashnak]], [[Garnahovit]], [[Dashtadem, Aragatsotn|Dashtadem]], [[Davtashen (village)|Davtashen]], [[Dian, Armenia|Dian]], [[Dzoragyugh, Aragatsotn|Dzoragyugh]], [[Hatsashen]], [[Irind]], [[Kakavadzor, Aragatsotn|Kakavadzor]], [[Karmrashen, Aragatsotn|Karmrashen]], [[Katnaghbyur, Aragatsotn|Katnaghbyur]], [[Mastara]], [[Nerkin Bazmaberd]], [[Nerkin Sasnashen]], [[Nor Artik]], [[Partizak]], [[Shgharshik, Aragatsotn|Shgharshik]], [[Suser]], [[Verin Bazmaberd]], [[Verin Sasnashen]], [[Vosketas]], [[Tsamakasar]] [[Yeghnik]], [[Zarinja]], [[Zovasar]]
|-
|Tsaghkahovit<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://aragatsotn.mtad.am/about-communities/848/|title=Արագածոտնի մարզպետարան|website=aragatsotn.mtad.am}}</ref>
|
|9,393
|[[Tsaghkahovit]]
|[[Berkarat]], [[Geghadir, Aragatsotn|Geghadir]], [[Geghadzor]], [[Gegharot]], [[Hnaberd, Aragatsotn|Hnaberd]], [[Lernapar]], [[Norashen, Aragatsotn|Norashen]], [[Tsilkar]], [[Vardablur, Aragatsotn|Vardablur]]
|}

Many villages in Aragatsotn are currently abandoned or uninhabited, including [[Arum, Armenia|Arum]], [[Buravet]], [[Karmrashen (former village)|Karmrashen]], [[Kasagh, Aragatsotn|Kasagh]], [[Kyalashbek]], [[Lusaghbyur, Aragatsotn|Lusaghbyur]], [[Nigatun]],  [[Shenik, Aragatsotn|Shenik]], [[Verin Kalakut]] and [[Zovuni, Aragatsotn|Zovuni]].

==Culture==
[[File:Armenian Alphabet (5211222667).jpg|thumb|The Armenian Alphabet park]]
The 17th-century bridge of Ashtarak on [[Kasagh River]] is among the interesting sites of the Aragatsotn Province.

The urban settlements of the province are home to cultural palaces and many public libraries. The house-museum of novelist [[Perch Proshyan]] founded in 1948, is located in the town of Ashtarak within the Proshyan family house. It was last restored in 2008.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |url=http://gatmuseum.am/proshyan.html |title=Charents Museum of Literature and Arts |access-date=2015-12-14 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20110820061319/http://gatmuseum.am/proshyan.html |archive-date=2011-08-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Aragatsotn is also home to the Armenian Alphabet Park located near the town of Aparan.

The Ashtarak Walnut Festival is taking place every year during the month of October to promote the famous walnut of Ashtarak. It was first celebrated in 2012.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}

Talin has its local "Talin Ashkharh" weekly newspaper.

===Fortresses and archaeological sites===
[[File:Դաշտադեմ.JPG|thumb|[[Dashtadem Fortress]] of the 9th-century]]
* [[Ushiberd]] fortress of the [[Iron Age]],
* ''Verin Naver'' archaeological site, 24th-14th centuries BC
* [[Amberd]] fortress of the 7th century,
* [[Dashtadem Fortress]] of the 9th century.

===Churches and monasteries===
[[File:Kristapori Vank 1.JPG|thumb|[[Saint Christopher Monastery]] of the 7th-century]]
[[File:Armenian Church in Yeghipatrush.JPG|thumb|[[Yeghipatrush Church]] of the 10th century]]
* [[Arshakid Mausoleum|The Arshakid Kings Mausoleum and Basilica]] of the 4th century,
* [[Kasagh Basilica]] of the 4th century,
* [[Astvatsenkal Monastery]], 4th-5th centuries,
* [[Saint Paul and Peter Church, Zovuni|Saint Paul and Peter Church of Zovuni]], 4th-5th centuries,
* [[Church of Saint John, Mastara|Church of Saint John of Mastara]], 5th century,
* [[Saint George Church of Garnahovit]] of the 7th century,
* [[Aruchavank]] Cathedral of the 7th century
* [[Saint Christopher Monastery]] of the 7th century,
* [[Artavazik Church]] monastery of the 7th century,
* [[Cathedral of Talin]] of the 7th century,
* [[Surp Hovhannes Church of Voskevaz]], 7th century
* Tukh Manuk chapel of [[Lusagyugh, Aragatsotn|Lusagyugh]], 7th century
* [[Saint Sarkis Monastery of Ushi]], 7th century
* [[Yeghipatrush Church]] of the 10th century, 
* [[Surp Hovhannes Church (Byurakan)|Surp Hovhannes Church of Byurakan]] of the 10th century,
* [[Vahramashen Church]] of the 11th century,
* Tukh Manuk Chapel of [[Kuchak]], 12th-13th centuries
* [[Tukh Manuk Shrine of Oshakan]], 12-13th centuries,
* [[Hovhannavank]] Monastery of 1216,
* [[Tegher Monastery]] of the 13th century, 
* [[Saghmosavank Monastery]] of the 13th century, 
* [[Kosh fortress and churches]], 13th-14th centuries, 
* [[Saint Gevork Monastery of Mughni]] of the 14th century,
* [[Surp Astvatsatsin Church of Karbi]], 17th century,
* [[Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church]] of 1879 in [[Oshakan]],
* The churches of [[Spitakavor Church of Ashtarak|Spitakavor]], [[Karmravor Church|Karmravor]], [[Tsiranavor Church of Ashtarak|Tsiranavor]], [[Saint Mariane Church of Ashtarak|Saint Mariane]] and [[Saint Sarkis Church of Ashtarak|Saint Sarkis]] in [[Ashtarak]].

==Transportation==
[[File:Route à Ohanavan.JPG|thumb|On the way to [[Ohanavan]]]]
The province is connected with the capital Yerevan through the Ashtarak highway.

The M-1 Motorway connects Aragatsotn with northwestern Armenia, including the city of Gyumri, while the M-3 Motorway connects the province with northeastern Armenia up to the Georgian border.

==Economy==

===Agriculture===
[[File:Aragats mountain, Aragatsotn, Armenia.jpg|thumb|Cattle-breeding in Aragatsotn]]
The rural population of the province is 3 times bigger than the urban. Thus, the majority of the population is involved in agriculture, including farming and cattle breeding. Being a major agricultural region, Aragatsotn contributes 9.7% of the annual total agricultural product of Armenia.

Around 79% (2,178&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) of the total area of the province are [[arable land]]s, out of which 25% (542&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) are ploughed. With an approximate areա of {{convert|240|km²|0|abbr=on}} of farmlands are occupied by grains and dry seeds. Around 40% of the {{convert|47|km²|0|abbr=on}} of orchards in Aragatsotn are occupied by grapes. Potato farms occupy around {{convert|16|km²|0|abbr=on}}, while vegetables are spread over {{convert|10|km²|0|abbr=on}} of farms.<ref>[https://www.e-gov.am/u_files/file/decrees/kar/2014/12/14_1459.pdf Aragatsotn province development plan of 2015-2018]</ref>

Around the highlands of Mount Aragats, particularly in the regions of Aparan and Talin, cattle breeding is more common in rural communities. Beekeeping farms are also found in higher woodlands. The village of Voskehat is home to the "Ashtarak Dzu" poultry farm, while the Aragats village is home to the "Aragats Poultry farm".

===Industry===
Aragatsotn has a poor industrial structure compared to other provinces in Armenia. It has only a share of 2% of the annual total industrial product of Armenia. The existing industrial firms are mainly based on food processing, dairy products, production of alcoholic drinks, water bottling, and building materials production.

*Ashtarak is home to the "Ashtarak-Kat" company (founded in 1995), the leading ice-cream and dairy products manufacturer in Armenia. The town is also home to the "Gourmet Dourme" chocolate factory founded in 2007, the "P & D Group Armenia" for plastic containers founded in 2007, as well as the "Milen Art" plant, and the "Kharam Cooperative" for building materials production.
[[File:Գնթունիք հացամթերքի խանութում.jpg|thumb|"Gntunik" bakery in Aparan using the traditional [[tandoor]]]]
[[File:Գինի.jpg|thumb|"Golden Grape ArmAs" winery in [[Nor Yedesia]]]]
*Aparan is home to the "Nig" factory for electrical products founded in 1964, the "Aparan Cheese Factory" founded in 1982 (privatized in 1995), and the "Aparan Group LLC" for bottled water, soft drinks, and dairy products, founded in 2006, and the "Gntunik" plant for bakery and dairy products.
*Aragatsotn is a major centre for dairy products and dried fruits. Talin is home to the "Bonilat" factory for dairy products founded in 2005, based on the former Talin cheese factory.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bonilat.am/am/about.html |title=About Bonilat |access-date=2016-11-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109215043/http://bonilat.am/am/about.html |archive-date=2016-11-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Other producers of dairy products include the "Gloria Cheeses" factory founded in 2005 in [[Aragatsavan]], the "Anulik" factory of [[Nigavan]], the "Mastarchedo" plant of [[Mastara]]. The "Tamara Fruit" plant of Karbi (founded in 1985), the "Gyughi Tatik" plant of Oshakan (founded in 2002), the "Astghunk" plant of Aghdzk, and the "Byurakan Chir" plant of Byurakan specialize in dried-fruits production. Other notable food-processing plants of Aragatsotn include the "Village House" meat-processing plant in Agarak, the "Meat Art" for meet products in Getap, the "Avetsiyan Aghek" plant for soft drinks in Talin, the "Aparani Lavash" for bakery products in Davtashen,
*Aragatsotn has many large industrial firms for alcoholic drinks production, including the [[Voskevaz Winery]] founded in 1932 in [[Voskevaz]] (privatized in 2004), the [[ArmAs Winery]] founded in 2007 in [[Nor Yedesia]], the Armenia Wine Winery founded in 2008 in [[Sasunik]], the "Hayasy Group" for brandy, vodka, beer and juices founded in 2011 in [[Voskevaz]], the Wine House Winery founded in 2011 in [[Aghdzk]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sarduriwines.com/%d5%b4%d5%a5%d6%80-%d5%b4%d5%a1%d5%bd%d5%ab%d5%b6?lang=hy|title=Մեր մասին – Sarduri Wines}}</ref> and the "Van Ardi Winery founded in 2013 in Sasunik.
*The province has many large firms for the production of building materials, including the "Aragats Perlite" plant for crushed stone founded in 1961 in Aragatsavan, the "Arus" company for stone structures in Parpi, and the "Levadan LLC" for building materials. Other notable firms within the province include the "SKIFF" enterprise for paintwork materials founded in 2008 in Sasunik and the "Diamotech" factory for gemstones in Talin.

===Tourism===
[[File:Kari Lake.jpg|thumb|left|[[Mount Aragats]] and [[Lake Kari]] at the Aragats Alpine Sanctuary]]
[[File:Byurakan.jpg|thumb|The Byurakan Observatory]]
Aragatsotn is a major centre for [[ecotourism]] and the lovers of [[extreme tourism]]. Aragats is the highest mountain in modern-day Armenia. It is a single extinct volcano consisting of 4 peaks: the northern (4090 m.), western (4080 m.), eastern (3916 m.), and southern (3879 m.) peaks. Thus, it frequently attracts [[hiking|hikers]] and [[adventure travel]]ers, with its [[Lake Kari|mountain lake of Kari]] situated at a height of 3250 meters.

The well-preserved ancient monasteries and medieval fortresses are also among the main attractions of the province.

Luxury hotels are found in [[Byurakan]], [[Aghtsk]] and [[Ashtarak]]. Byurakan is also home to the [[Byurakan Observatory]].

The [[Mount Aragats]] and [[Lake Kari]] are among the touristic destinations of the province. The government protects the area as a wildlife sanctuary named [[Aragats Alpine Sanctuary]].

The Abaran Battle Memorial and the Armenian Alphabet Park near Aparan are also among the most visited locations in Aragatsotn.

==Education==
[[File:Radio telescope.jpg|thumb|Radio telescope at the Ashtarak Institute of Radiophysics and Electronics]]
As of the 2015-16 educational year, Aragatsotn Province has 123 schools, out of which 119 are operated by the province administration, while 4 are under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Education and Science.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.ktak.am/schoolslist/02_Pet_Aragacotn.pdf |title=Aragatsotn province schools |access-date=2015-12-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304202736/http://www.ktak.am/schoolslist/02_Pet_Aragacotn.pdf |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The total number of the schools includes the 20 schools that are designated for the ethnic Yazidi and Kurdish minorities. As of the end of 2015, the number of students in the province's schools is 17,010.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.aravot.am/2015/08/26/603037/|title=Կայացավ ՀՀ Արագածոտնի մարզի հանրակրթական դպրոցների տնօրենների օգոստոսյան խորհրդակցությունը &#124; Առավոտ - Լուրեր Հայաստանից}}</ref> There is also one school for special needs in the province.

The town of Ashtarak is home to 2 major research institutions: the [[Mikael Ter-Mikaelian Institute for Physical Research]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ipr.sci.am/|title=The Institute for Physical Research (IPR)|website=www.ipr.sci.am|access-date=2016-06-04|archive-date=2021-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506001551/http://ipr.sci.am/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the Institute of Radiophysics and Electronics.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.irphe.am/ |title=Institute of Radiophysics and Electronics |access-date=2016-06-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610141652/http://www.irphe.am/ |archive-date=2019-06-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The village of [[Byurakan]] is home to the [[Byurakan Observatory]] operated by the [[Armenian National Academy of Sciences]].

The house-museum of novelist [[Perch Proshyan]] founded in 1948 in Ashtarak, is among the most significant cultural centres of the province.<ref name="auto1"/>

==Sport==
[[File:Parpi stadium 11.09.2013.jpg|thumb|Football stadium in the village of Parpi]]
[[Association football|Football]] is the most popular sport in Aragatsotn. The province was represented at the [[Armenian Premier League]] by [[FC Mika]] of Ashtarak until 2007 when they were relocated to [[Yerevan]].

The [[Kasaghi Marzik Stadium]] in Ashtarak is the largest sports venue in the province. The sports centres in Ashtarak were entirely renovated and opened in July 2017, with an approximate cost of US$1 million. Ashtarak is also home to the ''Ayrudzi'' horse racing club.

It is planned to construct a modern sports complex in the village of [[Parpi]]. The football stadium of the complex was opened in 2013.

At the height of 2000 meters above sea level, the town of Aparan has a ski resort served with a ski lift.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mediamax.am/am/news/known_unknown/15815/|title=Ծանոթ-անծանոթ քաղաքներ՝ Ապարան|website=mediamax.am}}</ref>

==Notable natives==
*[[Ghazar Parpetsi]] (circa 442-early 6th century), 5th to 6th-century Armenian chronicler and historian.
*[[Gevorg I of Armenia|Gevorg I of Byurakan]] (?-795), Catholicos of All Armenians.
*[[Abu Sa'id Bahadur Khan]] (1305–1335), 9th ruler of the [[Ilkhanate]].
*[[Nerses V|Nerses V of Ashtarak]] (1770–1857), Catholicos of All Armenians.
*[[Perch Proshyan]] (1837–1907), Armenian writer.
*[[Smbat Shahaziz]] (1840–1908), Armenian poet.
*[[Norair Sisakian]] (1907–1966), Soviet Armenian biochemist.
*[[Gevorg Emin]] (1918–1998), Armenian poet.
*[[Emil Gabrielian]] (1931–2010), Armenian physician.
*[[Vardges Petrosyan]] (1932–1994), Armenian writer.

==Gallery==
<gallery class="center" widths="140" heights="140px" perrow="5" caption="Aragatsotn">
File:Vahramashen Church of Amberd, Armenia.jpg|[[Vahramashen Church|Vahramashen Surp Astvatsatsin Church]] of 1026 
File:Saghmosavank kev.jpg|[[Saghmosavank Monastery]], 13th century
File:Mughni Monastery.jpg|[[Saint Gevorg Monastery of Mughni]], 14th century
File:Amberd fortress and church 2009.jpg|[[Amberd]] fortress and [[Vahramashen Church]]
File:Ամբերդ գետի հովիտը.jpg|Amberd river valley
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[Mount Aragats]]
* [[Yazidis in Armenia]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Aragatsotn Province}}
* [http://www.tacentral.com/aragatsotn Aragatsotn guide with detailed descriptions, by Rick Ney]
* [http://www.armeniapedia.org/index.php?title=Rediscovering_Armenia_Guidebook-_Aragatsotn_Marz Aragatsotn Tourist Guide]
* [http://www.oratert.com Armenia news]

{{Aragatsotn}}
{{Administrative divisions of Armenia}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Aragatsotn Province| ]]
[[Category:Provinces of Armenia]]