# Akhtala

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For other places, see [Verin Akhtala](/source/Verin_Akhtala) and [Akhtala (disambiguation)](/source/Akhtala_(disambiguation)).

Place in Lori, Armenia

Akhtala Ախթալա Akhtala with the monastery and fortress Akhtala Coordinates: 41°08′00″N 44°46′00″E / 41.13333°N 44.76667°E / 41.13333; 44.76667 Country Armenia Province Lori Municipality Akhtala Established 10th century Government • Mayor Haykaz Khachikian Area • Total 4.3 km2 (1.7 sq mi) Elevation 740 m (2,430 ft) Population (2022 census)[1] • Total 2,360 • Density 550/km2 (1,400/sq mi) Time zone UTC+4 (AMT) Website Official website

**Akhtala** ([Armenian](/source/Armenian_language): Ախթալա), is a town and municipal community in the [Lori Province](/source/Lori_Province) of [Armenia](/source/Armenia), located along the Shamlugh river, on the slopes of Lalvar mountain, at a distance of 186 km (116 mi) north of the capital [Yerevan](/source/Yerevan) and 62 km (39 mi) north of provincial centre [Vanadzor](/source/Vanadzor).

As per the 2011 census, Akhtala had a population of 2,092. Based on the 2016 official estimate, Akhtala's current population is around 1,300. As per the 2022 census, Akhtala had a population of 2,360.[1]

## Etymology

The modern name of Akhtala was first recorded in a royal decree of 1438. The etymology of the name *Akhtala* is believed to be of [Turkic](/source/Turkic_languages) origin, meaning *white glade*.[2] The original Armenian name of the settlement where the monastery is built is *Pghindzahank* ([Armenian](/source/Armenian_language): Պղնձահանք), literally meaning *copper mine*.[2]

## History

Archeological excavations showed that the area of Akhtala has been occupied by human since the early [Bronze Age](/source/Bronze_Age). During the 1887-89 excavations conducted by French archaeologist [Jacques de Morgan](/source/Jacques_de_Morgan), the site of a historical cemetery was unveiled with some bronze and iron objects, weapons, and ornaments dating back to the 8th century BC.[3] The ancient settlement of Akhtala is situated on the same territory of the present-day mining area of Akhtala. It is associated with the *Dzobopor* canton of ancient [Gugark](/source/Gugark); the 13th province of the historic [Greater Armenia](/source/Kingdom_of_Armenia_(antiquity)). The settlement of modern-day Akhtala was known as Agarak during the 5th century.[4][2]

The partially-ruined [Akhtala Fortress](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Akhtala_Fortress&action=edit&redlink=1) was built on top of Bronze and Iron Age foundations, in the late 10th century by the Kyurikids, a branch of the [Bagratunis](/source/Bagratuni_dynasty) originated from [Gurgen](/source/Kiurike_I) (pronounced Kyurikeh in the local dialect of Gugark). He was the son of the patrons of [Sanahin](/source/Sanahin) and [Haghpat](/source/Haghpat) monasteries located not far from Akhtala, King [Ashot III the Merciful](/source/Ashot_III) and Queen Khosrovanush. Gurgen's brothers were King [Smbat II the Conqueror](/source/Smbat_II) and [Gagik I Bagratuni](/source/Gagik_I_of_Armenia), under whom the [Bagratuni Kingdom of Armenia](/source/Kingdom_of_Armenia_(Middle_Ages)) reached the peak of its prosperity.[5]

[Akhtala Monastery](/source/Akhtala_Monastery) of the 10th century

The Bagratuni King Smbat II of Armenia founded the [Kingdom of Tashir-Dzoraget](/source/Kingdom_of_Tashir-Dzoraget) in [Gugark](/source/Gugark) for strategic reasons and enthroned his brother [Kiurike I](/source/Kiurike_I) in 979.[6] Gurgen along with his brother Smbat are depicted on the sculptures of the patrons in both Sanahin and Haghpat. When the Tashir-Dzoraget kingdom fell in 1118 as a result of the [Seljuk](/source/Seljuk_Empire) raids, the Kyurikids migrated to [Tavush](/source/Tavush) and Matsnaberd, yet they maintained ties with their ancestral fortress and compound in Akhtala.

The eastern wall of [Akhtala Fortress](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Akhtala_Fortress&action=edit&redlink=1), dating back to the 10th century

In 1118–1122, the Georgian king [David the Builder](/source/David_the_Builder) conquered Lori and granted the region's rule to the Georgian-Armenian [Orbelian dynasty](/source/Orbelian_dynasty). The Orbelians revolted unsuccessfully in 1177, after which a [Kipchak](/source/Kipchaks) named K'ubasari was appointed *[spasalari](/source/Amirspasalari)* of Lori. Later in 1185, Lori became ruled by the [Mkhargrdzeli family](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mkhargrzeli&action=edit&redlink=1) after Queen [Tamar of Georgia](/source/Tamar_of_Georgia) appointed the Zakarid prince Sarkis as its governor.[7]

With its unique architectural style, the impressive [Akhtala Monastery](/source/Akhtala_Monastery) was reconstructed during the 13th century by prince [Ivane Mkhargrdzeli](/source/Ivane_Mkhargrdzeli). This medieval Christian complex which is located inside the fortress, was one of the important educational centres in the historical province of [Gugark](/source/Gugark).

Holy Trinity Monastery, 13th century

However, the region was devastated by the [Mongol invasion of 1236](/source/Mongol_invasions_of_Georgia), and the Mkhargrdzeli dynasty declined by the 2nd half of the 14th century.[7] After the fall of the [Kingdom of Georgia](/source/Kingdom_of_Georgia) in 1490, Lori -including Akhtala- remained part of [Kingdom of Kartli](/source/Kingdom_of_Kartli) until the 16th century.

As a result of the 1555 [Peace of Amasya](/source/Peace_of_Amasya), Lori was annexed by [Safavid Persia](/source/Safavid_Persia) to become part of Persia's Kartli-Kakheti province. After [Nader Shah](/source/Nader_Shah)'s murder in 1747, the Georgian kingdoms of [Kartli](/source/Kingdom_of_Kartli_(1484%E2%80%931762)) and [Kakheti](/source/Kingdom_of_Kakheti) became independent and united into a [single kingdom](/source/Kingdom_of_Kartli-Kakheti) by 1762.[8]

A French [bond](/source/Bond_(finance)) for the Akhtala mines issued in 1887, depicting the fortress and the monastery

Starting from 1763, Greek experts from [Gümüşhane](/source/G%C3%BCm%C3%BC%C5%9Fhane) arrived in Akhtala by the request of King [Erekle II](/source/Erekle_II) of Georgia, to utilize the copper and silver mines and establish the copper and silver factory in Akhtala region. Therefore, the village was sometimes called "Pghindzahank" (copper mine) and "Artsatahank" (silver mine).

In 1801, together with the Georgian provinces of Kartli and Kakheti, Lori was annexed by the [Russian Empire](/source/Russian_Empire) to become part of the [Georgia Governorate](/source/Georgia_Governorate).[7] The region became officially part of the Russian Empire at the [Treaty of Gulistan](/source/Treaty_of_Gulistan) signed on 1 January 1813 between Imperial Russia and Qajar Persia. As part of the region of Lori, the village of Akhtala became part of the [Borchali](/source/Borchali) uyezd in 1880, within the [Tiflis Governorate](/source/Tiflis_Governorate) of the [Russian Empire](/source/Russian_Empire). Between 1887 and 1914, the Akhtala copper mine along with the mine of Shamlugh were exploited by the *Compagnie Française des Mines d'Akhtala*.

In late 1918, [Armenia](/source/First_Republic_of_Armenia) and [Georgia](/source/Democratic_Republic_of_Georgia) fought a [border war](/source/Georgian%E2%80%93Armenian_War) over Lori. With the British intervention the Lori "neutral zone" was created including the region of Akhtala, only to be reoccupied by Georgia after the fall of the Armenian Republic at the end of 1920. Following the sovietization of Armenia in December 1920, Lori was incorporated into [Soviet Armenia](/source/Soviet_Armenia) on 11 February 1921.[7]

Akhtala had survived as a village until 1939, when it was given the status of an [urban-type settlement](/source/Urban-type_settlement) within Soviet Armenia, with its 398 inhabitants, within the *Alaverdi raion* (founded earlier in 1930 and rename *Tumanyan raion* in 1969). In 1995, the newly adopted administrative divisions law of independent Armenia reaffirmed the status of Akhtala as an urban community within Lori.

## Geography

View of Akhtala

Being situated in the valley of [Debed](/source/Debed) river at a height of 740 meters above [sea level](/source/Sea_level), Akhtala has a subtropical climate with cool and dry summers and mild winters. Annual precipitation reaches up to 600 mm (24 in).

The area of the present-day Akhtala had been previously known as Nerkin Akhtala. Currently, the town is commonly divided into 3 neighbourhoods:

- the old town located at the northwestern part, comprising the old village of Nerkin Akhtala.

- the new town located at the central and southern parts on a hill between [Debed](/source/Debed) river and its tributary *Shamlugh*.

- the eastern neighbourhood located on the shores of Debed river, to the east of the old town.

## Demographics

[Akhtala Monastery](/source/Akhtala_Monastery) within the fortified walls of the fortress

‹ The [template](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Template) *[Historical populations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Historical_populations)* is being [considered for merging](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Templates_for_discussion/Log/2026_June_24#Template:Infobox_demographics). ›

Historical population Year Pop. ±% p.a. 1897 69 — 1926 140 +2.47% 1939 398 +8.37% 1970 4,430 +8.08% 2001 2,435 −1.91% 2011 2,092 −1.51% 2022 2,360 +1.10% Source: [9]

## Culture

Fresco at the [Akhtala Monastery](/source/Akhtala_Monastery)

The 10th-century [Akhtala Monastery](/source/Akhtala_Monastery) is among the most well-preserved monasteries in modern Armenia. The main church of the complex is famous for its highly artistic frescoes, which cover the inside walls, the partitions, and the bearings of the building. The nearby Holy Trinity Church dates back to the 13th century, locate around 500 meters northeast of the monastery.

Akhtala has a house of culture and 2 public libraries.[10]

The town is the home of the annual *Armenian Barbecue Festival* ([Armenian](/source/Armenian_language): Հայկական Խորովածի Փառատոն *Khorovatsi Paraton*), since its first edition in 2009. It is annually celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of August. Many types of Armenian [kebab](/source/Kebab), locally known as [khorovats](/source/Khorovats) is being introduced during the festival. During the 2017 celebration (9th edition), around 1500 kg of meat was grilled during the festival, with around 40 participant cookers.[11]

## Transportation

The M-6 Motorway passes through Akhtala from south to east, connecting the town with [Vanadzor](/source/Vanadzor) at the south, and the [Georgian](/source/Georgia_(country)) border at the north. A network of local roads connect the town with the nearby villages of Lori.

The Akhtala Railway Station was opened during the 1920s. It is 209 km north of [Yerevan](/source/Yerevan) on the way to [Tbilisi](/source/Tbilisi).

An abandoned 250-meters long cable car used to connect the eastern neighborhood with the new neighborhood of Akhtala.

## Economy

Looking towards the gate of Akhtala Monastery

The area is rich with copper, lead and silver mines which are of industrial importance and are being utilized. The main industrial enterprise of the town is the "Akhtala Mining Plant" which is owned by the "Metal Prince" company. There are small manufacturing establishments in the town for food productions.

The town has a state hospital, a hotel and a sanatorium.

The main problems of the Akhtala are related to the reconstruction of the historical monuments. Environmental issues are also emerging in the small town including air and water pollution.

## Education

As of 2017, Akhtala is home to 2 public education schools, as well as pre-school kindergarten.

## Sport

[Football](/source/Association_football) is popular in Akhtala. [FC Akhtala](/source/FC_Akhtala) represented the town in domestic competition until its dissolution in 1992. The new neighborhood is home to football training field.

[Weightlifting](/source/Olympic_weightlifting), [wrestling](/source/Wrestling), [volleyball](/source/Volleyball), [chess](/source/Chess) and [tennis](/source/Tennis) are among the other popular sports in the town.[12]

## References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Akhtala](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Akhtala).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-2022_Census_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-2022_Census_1-1) ["The Main Results of RA Census 2022, trilingual / Armenian Statistical Service of Republic of Armenia"](https://www.armstat.am/en/?nid=82&id=2623). *www.armstat.am*. Retrieved 2025-03-03.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Akhtala_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Akhtala_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Akhtala_2-2) Tadevosyan, Aghasi (2007). *Historical Monuments of Armenia: Akhtala*. Yerevan, Armenia: "Var" Center for Cultural Initiatives. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-99941-2-070-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-99941-2-070-3).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [Union of Communities of Armenia:city Akhtala (Lori)](http://www.caa.am/eng/lg.php?section=COMMUNITIES&id=396) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110706072517/http://www.caa.am/eng/lg.php?section=COMMUNITIES&id=396) 2011-07-06 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-tacentral_4-0)** Ney, Rick; Rafael Torossian; Bella Karapetian (2005). ["Lori marz"](http://www.tacentral.com/lori/LORI_Region_compress.pdf) (PDF). *TourArmenia Travel Guide*. TourArmenia.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Macler, F. *Armenia, The Kingdom of the Bagratides*. Vol. IV. The Cambridge Ancient History. pp. 161–165.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Redgate_6-0)** Redgate, Anne Elizabeth (2000). [*The Armenians*](https://archive.org/details/armenianspeoples00aere/page/225) (First ed.). Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishers Inc. pp. [225–26, 258, 261](https://archive.org/details/armenianspeoples00aere/page/225). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-631-22037-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-631-22037-2).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Matevossian_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Matevossian_7-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Matevossian_7-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Matevossian_7-3) Matevossian, R. (1978). "Լոռի [Lori]". In [Hambardzumyan, Viktor](/source/Viktor_Hambardzumyan) (ed.). *[Soviet Armenian Encyclopedia](/source/Soviet_Armenian_Encyclopedia)* (in Armenian). Vol. 4. Yerevan: Armenian Encyclopedia. pp. 663–64.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** [Suny, Ronald Grigor](/source/Ronald_Grigor_Suny) (1994). *The Making of the Georgian Nation*. Bloomington: Indiana University Press. pp. 55–56. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780253209153](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780253209153).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [*Հայաստանի Հանրապետության բնակավայրերի բառարան*](https://web.archive.org/web/20180311232523/http://www.cadastre.am/storage/files/pages/pg_907871769_HH_bnak._bar..pdf) [*Republic of Armenia settlements dictionary*] (PDF) (in Armenian). Yerevan: Cadastre Committee of the Republic of Armenia. 2008. Archived from [the original](http://www.cadastre.am/storage/files/pages/pg_907871769_HH_bnak._bar..pdf) (PDF) on 11 March 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** [About Akhtala](http://lori.gov.am/about-communities/465/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205234/http://lori.gov.am/about-communities/465/) 2013-10-29 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** [9th Barbecue Festival in Akhtala](http://www.aliq.ge/%D5%A1%D5%AD%D5%A9%D5%A1%D5%AC%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B4-%D5%B6%D5%B7%D5%BE%D5%A5%D6%81-%D5%AD%D5%B8%D6%80%D5%B8%D5%BE%D5%A1%D5%AE%D5%AB-9-%D6%80%D5%A4-%D6%83%D5%A1%D5%BC%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%B8%D5%B6/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Sport in Akhtala"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170822182048/http://www.akhtala.am/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35&Itemid=80&lang=hy). Archived from [the original](http://www.akhtala.am/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35&Itemid=80&lang=hy) on 2017-08-22. Retrieved 2017-08-22.

v t e Lori Province Capital: Vanadzor Urban settlements Akhtala Alaverdi (including Sanahin) Spitak Stepanavan Tashir Tumanyan Vanadzor Akhtala Municipality Akhtala (village) Aroghjaranin kits Bendik Chochkan Mets Ayrum Neghots Pokr Ayrum Alaverdi Municipality Akner Akori Haghpat Jiliza Kachachkut Shamlugh Tsaghkashat Fioletovo Municipality Fioletovo Gyulagarak Municipality Amrakits Gargar Gyulagarak Hobardzi Kurtan Pushkino Vardablur Lermontovo Municipality Antarashen Lermontovo Lori Berd Municipality Agarak Bovadzor Hovnanadzor Koghes Lejan Lori Berd Sverdlov Urut Yaghdan Metsavan Municipality Dzyunashogh Metsavan Mikhayelovka Paghaghbyur Odzun Municipality Amoj Ardvi Arevatsag Aygehat Hagvi Karmir Aghek Mghart Odzun Tsater Pambak Municipality Antaramut Arjut Aznvadzor Bazum Debet Dzoraget Dzoragyugh Gushar Karaberd Lernajur Lernapat Margahovit Pambak Tsaghkots Vahagnadzor Vahagni Yeghegnut Zhamatun Sarchapet Municipality Apaven Artsni Dzoramut Gogavan Norashen Petrovka Privolnoye Sarchapet Shnogh Municipality Karkop Shnogh Teghut Spitak Municipality Arevashogh Arjhovit Geghasar Gogaran Hartagyugh Jrashen Karadzor Katnajur Khnkoyan Lernantsk Lernavan Lusaghbyur Mets Parni Nor Khachakap Sarahart Saralanj Saramej Shenavan Shirakamut Tsaghkaber Stepanavan Municipality Armanis Katnaghbyur Urasar Tashir Municipality Blagodarnoye Dashtadem Getavan Katnarat Kruglaya shishka Lernahovit Medovka Meghvahovit Noramut Novoseltsovo Saratovka Tumanyan Municipality Ahnidzor Atan Chkalov Dsegh Karinj Kobayr Lorut Marts Shamut Vanadzor Municipality Darpas Gugark Shahumyan

v t e Cities and towns in Armenia Aragatsotn Ashtarak Aparan Talin Ararat Artashat Ararat Masis Vedi Armavir Armavir Metsamor Vagharshapat Gegharkunik Gavar Chambarak Martuni Sevan Vardenis Kotayk Hrazdan Abovyan Byureghavan Charentsavan Nor Hachn Tsaghkadzor Yeghvard Lori Vanadzor Akhtala Alaverdi Spitak Stepanavan Tashir Tumanyan Shirak Gyumri Artik Maralik Syunik Kapan Goris Kajaran Meghri Sisian Tavush Ijevan Ayrum Berd Dilijan Noyemberyan Vayots Dzor Yeghegnadzor Jermuk Vayk Capital city Yerevan

Authority control databases International VIAF FAST National United States Israel

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