Azat (river)

{{Refimprove|date=September 2014}} {{short description|River in Armenia}} {{Infobox river | name = Azat | name_native = | name_native_lang = | name_other = Ազատ գետ | name_etymology =  | image = Ազատի ջրամբար.JPG | image_size = | image_caption = The Azat River feeding into the Azat Reservoir | map = | map_size = | map_caption = | pushpin_map = | pushpin_map_size = | pushpin_map_caption=  | subdivision_type1 = Country | subdivision_name1 = [[Armenia]] | subdivision_type2 = | subdivision_name2 = | subdivision_type3 = | subdivision_name3 = | subdivision_type4 = | subdivision_name4 = | subdivision_type5 = | subdivision_name5 =  | length = | width_min = | width_avg = | width_max = | depth_min = | depth_avg = | depth_max = | discharge1_location= | discharge1_min = | discharge1_avg = | discharge1_max =  | source1 = | source1_location = | source1_coordinates= | source1_elevation = | mouth = [[Aras (river)|Aras]] | mouth_location = | mouth_coordinates = {{coord|39.9523|44.4874|region:AM|display=it}} | mouth_elevation = | progression = {{RAras}} | basin_size = | tributaries_left = | tributaries_right = | custom_label = | custom_data = | extra = }} {{Infobox religious building | designation1 = WHS |designation1_offname = Monastery of [[Geghard]] and the Upper Azat Valley | designation1_date = 2000 <small>(24th [[World Heritage Committee|session]])</small> | designation1_type = Cultural | designation1_criteria = ii | designation1_number = [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/960 960] | designation1_free1name = Region | designation1_free1value = [[List of World Heritage Sites in Western Asia|Western Asia]] }}

The '''Azat''' ({{langx|hy|Ազատ}}) is a river in the [[Kotayk Province]] of [[Armenia]]. Its source is on the western slope of the [[Geghama mountains]]. It flows through [[Garni]], [[Lanjazat]] and [[Arevshat]], before reaching the [[Aras (river)|Aras]] near [[Artashat, Armenia|Artashat]]. The main purpose of the '''Azat''' dam irrigation and hydro power generation. Its hazard potential is ranked to be high.

The Azat is known in Armenia for its beauty. It flows for 55 kilometers and has a basin that occupies 572 square kilometers. The Azat passes through the [[Khosrov State Reserve]]. In its lower reaches, the river flows into the Ararat valley. The Azat is known for its numerous spectacular waterfalls and its rock choked riverbed.<ref name="Azat river">{{cite web|title=Canyon of Garni (Azat river)|url=http://www.findarmenia.com/eng/nature/garnu-dzor|publisher=FindArmenia.com|accessdate=11 September 2013|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070942/http://www.findarmenia.com/eng/nature/garnu-dzor|url-status=dead}}</ref> Upper Azat Valley was listed to [[UNESCO world heritage site]] in 2000 with [[Geghard Monastery]].

==Symphony of Stones== One section of the Azat, where it meets River Goght, is particularly fascinating. It passes through the Canyon of Garni composed of regular hexagonal prisms, with a formation so unique it almost looks artificial. Near its end, the gorge's formation has prompted the name "[[Garni Gorge|Symphony of Stones]]".

== Gallery == <gallery> Image:Ազատի ջրամբար ու կղզիներ.JPG|Azat Reservoir Image:Garni Canyon, Azat River Valley, Armenia.jpg|Azat river at [[Garni]] Image:Río Azat, valle de Garni, Armenia, 2016-10-02, DD 27-29 HDR.jpg Image:Azat(River) Bridge.jpg|The Azat River passing under an old style bridge Image:Azat river at Geghard - panoramio.jpg|Azat river at [[Geghard]] Image:AZAT RIVER BRIGE 5.JPG Image:Bridge on Azat river, Garni, Kotayk region (2).jpg|Azat river among the bridge IX century, and [[Garni Gorge|Symphony of Stones]] </gallery>

==See also== *[[Geography of Armenia]] *[[List of rivers of Armenia]] *[[List of lakes of Armenia]]

== References == {{reflist}}

{{Rivers of Armenia}} [[Category:Rivers of Armenia]]