28/04/2015
History
Archeological excavations have shown that Vayots Dzor has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. In the 8th century BCE, Vayots Dzor was a part of the Urartian Kingdom, which later became the Kingdom of Mets Hayk. Under the rule of Mets Hayk, Vayots Dzor was part of the Syunik Marz. In the middle of the 9th century, the town of Yeghegis in modern day Vayots Dzor became the Princedom of the Syunik territory. In the beginning of the 11th century, King Gagik A of Bagratuni united this territory with the central kingdom. After the collapse of the Bagratuni Kingdom, the political influence of the Princes of Vayots Dzor began to wane. Later, due to the subsequent invasions and the proprietorship of the Seljuk-Turks, the Princes completely lost their control over the region. In the beginning of the 13th century, Armenian and Georgian armies liberated much of modern day Vayots Dzor, which resided in the north-east of historical Armenia. With the help of Prince Zakaryan, the territory passed to the Princedoms of Orbelyan and Proshyan, who ruled until the middle of the 15th century. This was a very prosperous time for Vayots Dzor. From the 13th century until the 15th century, many famous historical architectural structures were built, including many notable churches, bridges, and inns. During these centuries, Armenians established Gladzor University. At that time, Vayots Dzor was one of the biggest and most densely populated provinces. The historian Stepanos Orbelyan of the 13th century noted at least 94 settlements within Vayots Dzor. Starting in the 15th century, Vayots Dzor entered period of oppression and sadness. The territory was continuously invaded and exploited, and many of the historical inhabitants were massacred and
displaced. In 1828 Eastern Armenia joined Russia, and the territory of Vayotz Dzor formed the SharurDaralagyaz district of the Yerevan province. During 1918-1920 Vayots Dzor became part of the first Republic of Armenia, which enjoyed a very brief period of independence. From 1920 to 1991 Armenia was part of the Soviet Union, and in 1991 Armenia gained independence and became the Republic of Armenia