# Lori Province

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Province of Armenia

Not to be confused with [Province of Lodi](/source/Province_of_Lodi).

Province in Armenia

Lori Լոռի Province From the top to bottom-right: View of Hnevank Monastery, Lake Tsover, Sanahin Bridge, Akhtala Monastery, Odzun Church Coat of arms Location of Lori within Armenia Coordinates: 40°55′N 44°30′E / 40.917°N 44.500°E / 40.917; 44.500 Country Armenia Capital and largest city Vanadzor Government • Governor Aren Mkrtchyan[1] Area • Total 3,799 km2 (1,467 sq mi) • Rank 3rd Population (2022)[3] • Total 222,805 • Estimate (1 January 2019) 215,500[2] • Rank 6th • Density 58.65/km2 (151.9/sq mi) GDP[4] • Total ֏ 276.931 billion (US$ 574 million) • Per capita ֏ 1,263,372 (US$ 2,619) Time zone AMT (UTC+04) Postal code 1701–2117 ISO 3166 code AM.LO FIPS 10-4 AM06 HDI (2022) 0.765[5] high · 8th Website Official website

Part of a series on Armenia Հայաստան Culture Art Cinema Music Media Sport Vardavar History Demographics Administrative divisions Aragatsotn Ararat Armavir Gegharkunik Kotayk Lori Shirak Syunik Tavush Vayots Dzor Yerevan (city with special status) v t e

**Lori** ([Armenian](/source/Armenian_language): [Լոռի](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%D4%BC%D5%B8%D5%BC%D5%AB), Armenian pronunciation: [\[lɔˈri\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Armenian) [ⓘ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hye-Lori.ogg)) is a [province](/source/Provinces_of_Armenia) (*[marz](/source/Administrative_divisions_of_Armenia)*) of [Armenia](/source/Armenia). It is located in the north of the country, bordering [Georgia](/source/Georgia_(country)). [Vanadzor](/source/Vanadzor) is the capital and largest city of the province. Other important towns include [Stepanavan](/source/Stepanavan), [Alaverdi](/source/Alaverdi%2C_Armenia), and [Spitak](/source/Spitak). It is home to the [UNESCO](/source/UNESCO) [World Heritage Sites](/source/World_Heritage_Sites) of [Haghpat](/source/Haghpat) and [Sanahin](/source/Sanahin_Monastery) monasteries and the well-preserved [Akhtala monastery](/source/Akhtala_monastery).

The province was heavily damaged during the [1988 Armenian earthquake](/source/1988_Armenian_earthquake).

The province is served by the [Stepanavan Airport](/source/Stepanavan_Airport).

## Etymology

The name Lori (Լոռի) is of Armenian origin (from Armenian "quail"), and first appeared in the 11th century when King [David I Anhoghin](/source/David_I_Anhoghin) founded the fortified city of [Lori](/source/Lori_Berd_Fortress).[6] The fortress-city became the capital of the [Kingdom of Tashir-Dzoraget](/source/Kingdom_of_Tashir-Dzoraget) in 1065. The name Lori later spread through the region and replaced the original name of Tashir.[7]

## Geography

Pambak mountains and [Dsegh](/source/Dsegh) village

Situated at the north of modern-day Armenia, Lori covers an area of 3,789 square kilometres (1,463 sq mi) (12.7% of total area of Armenia). It is bordered by [Tavush Province](/source/Tavush_Province) from the east, [Kotayk Province](/source/Kotayk_Province) from the southeast, [Aragatsotn Province](/source/Aragatsotn_Province) from the southwest and [Shirak Province](/source/Shirak_Province) from the west. The province is bordered by the [Kvemo Kartli](/source/Kvemo_Kartli) region of [Georgia](/source/Georgia_(country)).

Historically, the territories of modern-day Lori are associated with the cantons of [Tashir](/source/Tashir_(historical_region)), Boghnopor and Dzorapor of [Gugark](/source/Gugark) province of Ancient Armenia.

[Dzoraget River](/source/Dzoraget_River)

Lori is a mountainous region, dominated by the ranges of [Javakheti](/source/Javakheti_Range), Bazum, Pambak, Gugark, Halab and Somkheti. The highest point of the province is [Mount Achkasar](/source/Mount_Achkasar) of the Javakheti range with a height of 3196 meters. The lowest point is 380 meters in the valley of Debed in the northeast of the province.[8]

The main water resource of the province is the [Debed](/source/Debed) river with its tributaries [Dzoraget](/source/Dzoraget_River), [Pambak](/source/Pambak_River) and Martsaget.

The climate is characterized with extremely cold snowy winters and mild summers. The annual precipitation level is between 600 and 700 mm (24 and 28 in).

## History

Main article: [Lori (historic province)](/source/Lori_(historic_province))

The 7th-century Saint Gregory Church of Dsegh

Excavations conducted in 1931 testify that the region of modern-day Lori was most probably settled during the 1st half of the 2nd millennium BC. Later, the region became part of the Urartu Kingdom between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. After the [Achaemenid](/source/Achaemenid_Empire) invasion, the region became part of the 18th Satrapy of Persia.[9] With the establishment of the [Kingdom of Armenia](/source/Kingdom_of_Armenia_(antiquity)) in 331 BC, the region became part of the kingdom within the historic [Gugark](/source/Gugark) province, the 13th province of Greater Armenia.[7][10] In the course of the 4th century, the region was ruled by members of the [House of Mihran](/source/House_of_Mihran).[11]

Following the partition of Armenia in 387 between the [Byzantine Empire](/source/Byzantine_Empire) and [Sassanid Persia](/source/Sassanid_Persia), and the subsequent collapse of [Arsacid Armenia](/source/Arsacid_dynasty_of_Armenia) in 428, [Eastern Armenia](/source/Eastern_Armenia) including Gugark province became under the rule of Sassanid Persia. In 658, Armenia was conquered by the [Arab](/source/Umayyad_Caliphate) invaders. At the end of the 9th century, most of the Gugark province became part of the newly established [Bagratid Kingdom of Armenia](/source/Bagratid_Armenia). In 979, King [Kiurike I](/source/Kiurike_I) founded the [Kingdom of Tashir-Dzoraget](/source/Kingdom_of_Tashir-Dzoraget) under the rule of the Kiurikian dynasty and the protectorate of the [Bagratid kings of Armenia](/source/Bagratuni_dynasty). The capital of the kingdom was Matsnaberd (until 1065) and the [Lori fortress](/source/Lori_Fortress). The Kiurikians ruled the kingdom until 1118 when Tashir-Dzoraget became part of the [Kingdom of Georgia](/source/Kingdom_of_Georgia).

Surp Nshan church at the [Haghpat Monastery](/source/Haghpat_Monastery), 10th century

The [Seljuks](/source/Seljuk_Empire) invaded the region in the early 12th century, but their rule did not last long and in 1118–1122 the Georgian king [David the Builder](/source/David_IV_of_Georgia) conquered Lori and granted the rule to the [House of Orbeli](/source/House_of_Orbeli). The [Orbeli's revolted](/source/House_of_Orbeli#Rise_of_Orbeli) unsuccessfully in 1177, after which a [Kipchak](/source/Kipchaks) named Kubasar was appointed *[spasalari](/source/Amirspasalar)* of Lori. Later in 1185, the province became ruled by the [Mkhargdzeli dynasty](/source/Mkhargrdzeli) after Queen [Tamar of Georgia](/source/Tamar_of_Georgia) appointed the Sargis Mkhargrdzeli as its governor.[7] However, the region was devastated by the [Mongol invasion of 1236](/source/Mongol_invasions_of_Georgia), and the Zakarian dynasty declined by the 2nd half of the 14th century.[7] After fall of the [Kingdom of Georgia](/source/Kingdom_of_Georgia) in 1490, Lori remained part of [Kingdom of Kartli](/source/Kingdom_of_Kartli) until the 16th century.

Lori was annexed by [Safavid Persia](/source/Safavid_Persia) as a result of the 1555 [Peace of Amasya](/source/Peace_of_Amasya) and became part of Persia's [Kartli-Kakheti province](/source/Safavid_Georgia). 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.[12]

Saint Nikolai the Wonderworker, a Russian church in [Amrakits](/source/Amrakits), built in 1848

In 1800–01, together with the Georgian provinces of Kartli and Kakheti, Lori and Tavush were annexed by the [Russian Empire](/source/Russian_Empire) to become part of the [Georgia Governorate](/source/Georgia_Governorate).[13][7] Lori 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](/source/Qajar_dynasty), following the [Russo-Persian War of 1804–13](/source/Russo-Persian_War_(1804%E2%80%9313)).

In 1862, Lori was transferred into the jurisdiction of the [Tiflis Governorate](/source/Tiflis_Governorate). In 1880, Lori became part of the [Borchali](/source/Borchali) uyezd of the Tiflis Governorate. In the early 20th century, Lori was mostly populated by Armenians, with several Russian and Greek villages.[7] In May 1918, the Ottoman Turkish forces moved towards [Yerevan](/source/Yerevan) and Karakilisa (now [Vanadzor](/source/Vanadzor)). On 25 May 1918, the Armenians led by [Garegin Nzhdeh](/source/Garegin_Nzhdeh) fought against the Turkish forces led by [Wehib Pasha](/source/Wehib_Pasha), at the vicinity of Karakilisa. On 28 May 1918, the Turks retreated from [Karakalisa](/source/Battle_of_Karakilisa), [Abaran](/source/Battle_of_Abaran) and [Sardarabad](/source/Battle_of_Sardarabad), paving way towards the declaration of the [Republic of Armenia](/source/First_Republic_of_Armenia) on the same day.

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. Lori was claimed by both countries after 1918, when each declared its independence from Russian empire. Initially, Georgia controlled Lori. After turning down Armenian ultimatum, Georgian forces were attacked by Armenians and pushed back to river Khrami. Georgians consolidated and counterattacked, pushing Armenian forces out of the contested area. In January 1919, the British brokered a peace agreement which left northern Lori as a [neutral zone](/source/Neutral_territory) between the two countries. Once the British had left the region and the Caucasus as a whole, Armenian forces took control over the region. When Armenia was invaded by Turkish forces in November 1920, Georgia occupied the whole province, with permission by the Armenian government. Following Armenia's Sovietization in December 1920, Lori was incorporated into [Soviet Armenia](/source/Soviet_Armenia) on 6 November 1921.[7]

During the Soviet period, modern-day Lori was divided into the raions of Kalinino, Tumanyan (Alaverdi until 1969), Kirovakan, Aragats, Spitak and Stepanavan. After the independence of Armenia, the 6 raions were merged as per the 1995 administrative reform, to form the Lori Province.

[Lori](/source/Lori_Fortress), the capital of the [Kingdom of Tashir-Dzoraget](/source/Kingdom_of_Tashir-Dzoraget)

## Demographics

### Population

According to the [1989 Soviet census](/source/Soviet_Census_(1989)), the Lori Province (then part of the Gugark, Tashir, Spitak, Stepanavan, and Tumanyan districts in 1930–1995)[14] had a population of 229,459. 116,180 or 50.63% of which was urban, distributed in the cities of Alaverdi (26,930), Kirovakan (75,616), Spitak (3,740) and Stepanavan (9,894), and 113,279 or 49.37% were rural, distributed in the districts of Gugark (20,368), Tashir (30,645), Spitak (8,613), Stepanavan (17,474), and Tumanyan (36,179).[15]

According to the 2011 official census, Lori has a population of 235,537 (111,675 men and 123,862 women), forming around 7.8% of the entire population of Armenia. The urban population is 137,784 (58.5%) and the rural is 97,753 (41.5%). The province has 8 urban and 105 rural communities. The largest urban community is the provincial center of Vanadzor, with a population of 86,199. The other urban centres are Alaverdi, Stepanavan, Spitak, Shamlugh, Tashir, Akhtala and Tumanyan.

With a population of 4,578, the village of [Metsavan](/source/Metsavan) is the largest rural municipality of Lori.

### Ethnic groups and religion

The Russian church in Vanadzor

Fioletovo is mostly populated by Spiritual Christians from Russia

The majority of Lori are ethnic Armenians who belong to the [Armenian Apostolic Church](/source/Armenian_Apostolic_Church). The regulating body of the church is the [Diocese of Gougark](/source/Diocese_of_Gougark), headed by Archbishop [Sebouh Chouldjian](/source/Sebouh_Chouldjian). The Saint Gregory of Narek Cathedral in [Vanadzor](/source/Vanadzor) is the seat of the diocese.

However, small communities of [Spiritual Christians](/source/Spiritual_Christians) from Russia are mainly found in the villages of [Fioletovo](/source/Fioletovo) and [Lermontovo](/source/Lermontovo%2C_Armenia), and in less numbers in the villages of [Sverdlov](/source/Sverdlov%2C_Armenia), [Mikhayelovka](/source/Mikhayelovka), [Privolnoye](/source/Privolnoye%2C_Armenia), [Pushkino](/source/Pushkino%2C_Armenia), [Medovka](/source/Medovka) and the town of [Tashir](/source/Tashir).[16] The total number of Spiritual Christians from Russia in Lori is about 3,882 individuals.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] There are few Orthodox Russians and [Ukrainians](/source/Ukrainians) in Vanadzor, Stepanavan and the village of [Amrakits](/source/Amrakits).

According to the Diocese of Gougark, as of February 2016, Lori is home to 259 places of worship, of which 3 monasteries, as well as 36 churches and 23 chapels, are active.[17]

The 793 individuals of the [Yazidi](/source/Yazidis_in_Armenia) community are found in the southern villages of the province including Lermontovo and [Lernantsk](/source/Lernantsk).

Lori is also home to a tiny Greek community of 655 individuals who speak the [Pontic dialect](/source/Pontic_Greek). Small Greek communities could be found in the towns of Alaverdi, Akhtala, Stepanavan, Noyemberyan and Vanadzor. The majority of the [Yaghdan](/source/Yaghdan) village is Greek.

## Administrative divisions

This section needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (February 2023)

Lori Province administration in Vanadzor

As a result of the administrative reforms in November 2017, Lori is currently divided into 57 municipal communities (*hamaynkner*), of which seven are urban and 50 are rural:[18][19][20][21][22]

Municipality Type Area (km2) Population (2022 census) Centre Included villages Akhtala Municipality Urban Akhtala Akhtala aroghjaranin kits, Bendik, Chochkan, Mets Ayrum, Neghots, Pokr Ayrum, Shamlugh, Verin Akhtala Alaverdi Municipality Urban 32,899 Alaverdi Akner, Akori, Jiliza, Kachachkut, Haghpat, Tsaghkashat Spitak Municipality Urban 5.5 38,037 Spitak Stepanavan Municipality Urban 14 13,349 Stepanavan Armanis, Katnaghbyur, Urasar Tashir Municipality Urban 21,472 Tashir Blagodarnoye, Dashtadem, Getavan, Katnarat, Kruglaya Shishka, Lernahovit, Medovka, Meghvahovit, Noramut, Novoseltsovo, Saratovka Tumanyan Municipality Urban 5,611 Tumanyan Kober kayaran, Shamut, Lorut, Ahnidzor, Atan, Marts, Karinj Vanadzor Municipality Urban 32 84,552 Vanadzor Antaramut Municipality Rural Antaramut Antarashen Municipality Rural Antarashen Arevashogh Municipality Rural Arevashogh Arjut Municipality Rural Arjut Arjut kayaranin kits Aznvadzor Municipality Rural Aznvadzor Bazum Municipality Rural Bazum Chkalov Municipality Rural Chkalov Darpas Municipality Rural Darpas Debet Municipality Rural Debet Dsegh Municipality Rural Dsegh Dzoraget Municipality Rural Dzoraget Dzoragyugh Municipality Rural Dzoragyugh Fioletovo Municipality Rural 1,205 Fioletovo Geghasar Municipality Rural Geghasar Ghursali Municipality Rural Ghursali Gogaran Municipality Rural Gogaran Gugark Municipality Rural Gugark Gyulagarak Municipality Rural 7,613 Gyulagarak Amrakits, Gargar, Hobardzi, Kurtan, Pushkino, Vardablur Halavar Municipality Rural Halavar Haydarli, Kilisa Hartagyugh Municipality Rural Hartagyugh Jrashen Municipality Rural Jrashen Karaberd Municipality Rural Karaberd Karadzor Municipality Rural Karadzor Katnajur Municipality Rural Katnajur Khnkoyan Municipality Rural Khnkoyan Lermontovo Municipality Rural 911 Lermontovo Lernantsk Municipality Rural Lernantsk Lernapat Municipality Rural Lernapat Lernavan Municipality Rural Lernavan Lori Berd Municipality Rural 5,044 Lori Berd Agarak, Bovadzor, Hovnanadzor, Koghes, Lejan, Sverdlov, Urut, Yaghdan Lusaghbyur Municipality Rural Lusaghbyur Margahovit Municipality Rural Margahovit Mets Parni Municipality Rural Mets Parni Metsavan Municipality Rural Metsavan Dzyunashogh, Mikhayelovka, Paghaghbyur Nor Khachakap Municipality Rural Nor Khachakap Norashen Municipality Rural Norashen Odzun Municipality Rural Odzun Amoj, Ardvi, Arevatsag, Aygehat, Hagvi, Karmir Aghek, Mghart, Tsater Pambak Municipality Rural 12,112 Pambak Pambak kayaranin kits Sarahart Municipality Rural Sarahart Saralanj Municipality Rural Saralanj Saramej Municipality Rural Saramej Sarchapet Municipality Rural Sarchapet Apaven, Artsni, Dzoramut, Gogavan, Petrovka, Privolnoye Shahumyan Municipality Rural Shahumyan Shenavan Municipality Rural Shenavan Shirakamut Municipality Rural Shirakamut Shnogh Municipality Rural Shnogh Karkop, Teghut Tsaghkaber Municipality Rural Tsaghkaber Vahagnadzor Municipality Rural Vahagnadzor Vahagni Municipality Rural Vahagni Yeghegnut Municipality Rural Yeghegnut

During the recent years, many rural settlements in Lori became abandoned, including the villages of [Gyulludara](/source/Gyulludara), [Kizilshafak](/source/Kizilshafak) and [Kizkala](/source/Kizkala).

## Culture

[Sanahin Monastery](/source/Sanahin_Monastery)

Kobayr Monastery Frescoes

Khorakert Monastery

Saint George Church of Sverdlov

Between the 11th and 13th centuries, the monasteries of [Haghpat](/source/Haghpat_Monastery), [Sanahin](/source/Sanahin_Monastery), [Kobayr](/source/Kobayr_monastery) and [Bardzrakash](/source/Bardzrakash_Monastery) in [Dsegh](/source/Dsegh) served as centers of Armenian culture, theology and science. Scholars such as [Hovhannes Imastaser](/source/Hovhannes_Imastaser), Grigor Tuteordi, Davit Kobayretsi, [Grigor Magistros](/source/Grigor_Magistros) worked in these monasteries.[7] The House-museum of [Hovhannes Tumanyan](/source/Hovhannes_Tumanyan) in [Dsegh](/source/Dsegh) is among the notable cultural structures in Lori.

### Fortresses and archaeological sites

- Kaytson Castle of the 10th century

- [Kayan Fortress](/source/Kayan_Berd) of the 10th century

- Akhtala Fortress of the 10th century

- [Lori Fortress](/source/Lori_Fortress) of the 11th century

- Sanahin Bridge of 1195

- Yaghdan Bridge of the 13th century

- Sedvi Fortress of the 13th century

### Churches and monasteries

- [Odzun Church](/source/Odzun_Church) of the 5th century.

- [Saint George Church](/source/St._George_Church%2C_Sverdlov) of Sverdlov of the 6th century

- [Horomayr Monastery](/source/Horomayr_Monastery) of the 7th century near [Odzun](/source/Odzun)

- Saint Gregory the Illuminator's Church of [Dsegh](/source/Dsegh), 7th century

- [Hnevank](/source/Hnevank) Monastery, 7th–12th centuries

- Surp Hovhannes Monastery of Ardvi, 8th–13th centuries

- [Sanahin Monastery](/source/Sanahin_Monastery) of the 10th century

- [Haghpat Monastery](/source/Haghpat_Monastery) of the 10th century

- Church of the Forty Martyrs of the 11th century

- Khorakert Monastery of 1251 in [Jiliza](/source/Jiliza)

- Surp Nshan Monastery of Sedvi near [Kachachkut](/source/Kachachkut) of the 13th century

- [Church of the Holy Mother of God](/source/Church_of_the_Holy_Mother_of_God%2C_Vanadzor) of Vanadzor, opened in 1831

- Saint Nikolai the Wonderworker Russian Church of [Amrakits](/source/Amrakits), opened in 1848

- Gyulagarak church of 1876.

- Russian Church of the Nativity of Blessed Virgin Mary of Vanadzor, opened in 1895

## Transportation

Lori is connected to other parts of Armenia through a railway, national highways and a network of regional roads. The M-3 and M-6 highways passing through the province, connect the capital Yerevan with the Georgian capital [Tbilisi](/source/Tbilisi). The M-8 highway connects Lori with Tavush Province to the east

The provincial centre Vanadzor has a railway station with a [South Caucasus Railway](/source/South_Caucasus_Railway) express service that connects the city with [Yerevan](/source/Yerevan) via [Gyumri](/source/Gyumri), and [Tbilisi](/source/Tbilisi) via [Ayrum](/source/Ayrum). In April 2012, a replacement bridge over the Zamarlu gorge just west of [Vahagnadzor](/source/Vahagnadzor) was opened in order to secure the safe ongoing use of the line to Ayrum,[23] but not before the all station service between Gyumri and Ayrum was discontinued leaving the likes of [Spitak](/source/Spitak) and [Alaverdi](/source/Alaverdi%2C_Armenia) without a passenger service. A new railway link between Vanadzor and [Fioletovo](/source/Fioletovo) (west of [Dilijan](/source/Dilijan)) has also been proposed.[24]

[Stepanavan Airport](/source/Stepanavan_Airport), located 44 km (27 mi) north of Vanadzor, is the nearest airport to the city.

## Economy

### Agriculture

Farmlands in Lori

The agriculture of Lori forms around 7.5% of the annual total agricultural product of Armenia.[25] Approximately, 40% of the population in Lori are involved in agricultural activities, including farming and cattle-breeding. Almost 66.3% (2,511.5 km2) of the total area of the province are [arable lands](/source/Arable_land), out of which 17% (421 km2) are ploughed. The main crops of the province are grains, followed by potato and vegetables.[26]

There is a large poultry farm in the town of Spitak.

### Industry

[Teghut Mine](/source/Teghut_Mine)

Industry in Vanadzor

As of 2016, the province has a contribution of around 6% in the annual total industrial product of Armenia. Lori is a major centre for metallurgical business, building materials production, as well as dairy products.

- The Alaverdi copper smelter owned the "Armenian Copper Programme" company is the only smelter in Lori that is still in operation since the Soviet days. The largest copper mines are located in Alaverdi, Akhtala, Shamlugh and [Teghut](/source/Teghut%2C_Lori).

- The city of Vanadzor is the main industrial centre of the province. The industry of the city is quite diversified with many firms specialized in garment manufacturing, chemical products, building materials, and dairy products. The largest garment manufacturers of the city are the "Dav-Gar" garment factory founded in 1962, the Darbbag's Sewing Factory founded in 1977 (privatized in 1996), the "Sarton" Sewing Factory founded in 1990, "Ruz-Dan" garment factory founded in 2000. The largest chemical plants of Vanadzor include the "Vanadzor ChimProm" founded in 1929, the "Gipk" enterprise for polymeric materials founded in 1967, and the "Gary Group" for polymeric materials founded in 1998. The "Beton" enterprise founded in 1988, the "Bionik" plant founded in 2004, and the "Karaberd" plant are specialized in building materials. The "DIET LLC", the "K&K" factory, and the "Katnagorts" plant are specialized in dairy products. Other major industrial plants of Vanadzor include the "Ardvin" electromechanical plant founded in 1956, the "Gems De Luxe" precious stone processing enterprise founded in 1996, and the "Jerutsogh" factory for heating equipments. The Vanadzor Thermal Power Plant is operating since 1961.

- The town of Spitak is home to the "Spitak-1" organization for construction and building materials founded in 1985, the "Sev Kakach" cooperative for bakery production founded in 1987, the "Bee Art" plant for honey, and the "Vanuhi" garment factory.

- Lori is famous for its cheese and other dairy products. The town Tashir is home to many firms for dairy products including the "Daughter Melania" cheese factory (since 1996, the "Dumikyan Brothers" cheese factory), the "Kalinino Kat" plant, and the "Tashir Kat" plant.

- Other notable industrial plants in Lori include the "Bhez-Plazma" Electrical Products Manufacturing Enterprise founded in 1960 in Stepanavan, the "Titanyan Brothers" plant for building materials founded in 1964 in Alaverdi, the "INSI-NTK" plant for cosmetics and perfumes founded in 2006 in [Hobardz](/source/Hobardz), the "Katnarat Dairy Factory" founded in 2009 in [Katnarat](/source/Katnarat%2C_Lori), the "Tutyan" linseed oil manufacturing enterprise founded in 2010 in [Hartagyugh](/source/Hartagyugh), the "Grig Stone" mining and stone-processing plant in Stepanavan, the "Hoosh" stone-processing plant in Tashir, and the "Sanasar Janjughazyan" plant for carbonated soft drinks in [Vardablur](/source/Vardablur%2C_Lori).

The [Dzoraget Hydroelectric Power Station](/source/Dzoraget_Hydroelectric_Power_Station) ([Armenian](/source/Armenian_language): Ձորագետի հիդրոէլեկտրակայան) is located in the [Dzoraget](/source/Dzoraget) village of Lori, on the shores of [Debed River](/source/Debed_River). It is in operation since on 15 November 1932 with the full installed capacity of 22.32 MW.[27] As of 1980, the plant uses three generators with an installed capacity of 26.2 MW.[28] The Dzoraget Hydro Power Plant is considered to be small size power plant.[29]

### Tourism

Avan Dzoraget Resort

[Stepanavan Dendropark](/source/Stepanavan_Dendropark)

The mountainous nature, the mild summer climate and the green forests of Lori attract a large number of visitors during the summer season. Many sanatoriums, hotels, resorts and spas serve the province, mainly around Vanadzor, Stepanavan, Alaverdi, Dsegh and along the rivers of Dzoraget and Deped.

The **Monasteries of [Haghpat](/source/Haghpat_Monastery) and [Sanahin](/source/Sanahin_Monastery)** are a [UNESCO World Heritage Site](/source/UNESCO_World_Heritage_Site).

Lori has three nature protected areas, including the Gyulagarak Sanctuary, the Margahovit Sanctuary, and the Rhododendron caucasicum Sanctuary near Aghstev river.

The [Stepanavan Dendropark](/source/Stepanavan_Dendropark) as well as the Vanadzor Botanical Garden are major destinations for [ecotourism](/source/Ecotourism) lovers.

## Education

[Vanadzor State University](/source/Vanadzor_State_University)

COAF SMART Center, Debed, Lori

[Gugark](/source/Gugark) was one of the major educational centres throughout the history. The historic University of Sanahin opened in 966 AD by the efforts of the Bagratuni queen Khosrovanush, was located in the area of modern-day [Sanahin](/source/Sanahin).

Currently, Vanadzor has two universities: the [Vanadzor State University](/source/Vanadzor_State_University) named after Hovhannes Tumanyan, and Mkhitar Gosh Armenian-Russian International University. Branches of the [Yerevan State University](/source/Yerevan_State_University) and [National Polytechnic University of Armenia](/source/National_Polytechnic_University_of_Armenia) are also operating in the city.

The State College of Alaverdi offers an opportunity in pedagogical studies with a duration of two years, while the [Tumanyan](/source/Tumanyan%2C_Armenia) branch of the "Northern University" offers degrees in nursing and dental prosthesis.

As of the 2015–16 educational year, Lori was home to 162 schools.[30]

The Vanadzor Technological Center is operating since October 2016. It is intended to promote the business and technology environment in the entire region of Lori.[31]

The [Children of Armenia Fund](/source/Children_of_Armenia_Fund) (COAF), a [non-profit](/source/Nonprofit_organization) NGO that is focused on child-centered development of rural Armenia, opened the first COAF SMART Center in Debet village of Lori in May 2018.[32]

## Sport

Vanadzor ski resort

[Football](/source/Association_football), [handball](/source/Handball) and [winter sports](/source/Winter_sport) are popular in Lori. There are football stadiums in Vanadzor, Alaverdi, Akhtala and Tumanyan.

[Lori Vanadzor](/source/Lori_Vanadzor), [FC Vanadzor](/source/FC_Vanadzor), [Debed FC](/source/Debed_FC) and [FC Akhtala](/source/FC_Akhtala) had represented the province in the domestic football competitions. However, they were all dissolved due to financial difficulties.

The [FFA](/source/Football_Federation_of_Armenia) [Vanadzor Football Academy](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vanadzor_Football_Academy&action=edit&redlink=1) opened its doors on 29 October 2016.[33][34] In 2017 the newly founded [Lori FC](/source/Lori_FC) made its debut in the [Armenian First League](/source/Armenian_First_League), representing the city of Vanadzor.

Vanadzor is one of the prominent centers for winter sports in Armenia with ski facilities near the city.

## Notable natives

- [Suren Aghababyan](/source/Suren_Aghababyan) (1922–1986), Soviet Armenian literary critic

- [Sergei Alifirenko](/source/Sergei_Alifirenko), Olympic gold-medalist pistol shooter

- [Nareh Arghamanyan](/source/Nareh_Arghamanyan), Armenian pianist, winner of the 2008 [Montreal International Musical Competition](/source/Montreal_International_Musical_Competition)

- [Vic Darchinyan](/source/Vic_Darchinyan), Armenian professional boxer, three-division world champion

- [Armen Gyulbudaghyants](/source/Armen_Gyulbudaghyants), prominent footballer and football manager

- [Shavarsh Karapetyan](/source/Shavarsh_Karapetyan), Soviet Armenian fin-swimmer

- [Artem Mikoyan](/source/Artem_Mikoyan), [Soviet](/source/Soviet_Union) [Armenian](/source/Armenians) [aircraft](/source/Aircraft) designer, [Mikoyan-Gurevich](/source/Mikoyan-Gurevich) (MiG)

- [Anastas Mikoyan](/source/Anastas_Mikoyan), [Soviet](/source/Soviet_Union) revolutionary, [Old Bolshevik](/source/Old_Bolshevik) and statesman

- [Roman Mitichyan](/source/Roman_Mitichyan), Armenian-American professional [mixed martial artist](/source/Mixed_martial_artist), actor and stuntman

- [Gor Mkhitarian](/source/Gor_Mkhitarian), Armenian rock musician and singer

- [Eduard Nalbandyan](/source/Eduard_Nalbandyan), Armenian politician

- [Artavazd Peleshyan](/source/Artavazd_Peleshyan), director and filmmaker

- [Avetik Sahakyan](/source/Avetik_Sahakyan) (1863–1933), Armenian politician of the [First Republic of Armenia](/source/First_Republic_of_Armenia)

- [Sos Sargsyan](/source/Sos_Sargsyan) (1929–2013), prominent actor, [People's Artist of the Soviet Union](/source/People's_Artist_of_the_USSR)

- [Tigran Sargsyan](/source/Tigran_Sargsyan), Armenian politician

- [Stepan Sarkisyan](/source/Stepan_Sarkisyan), [freestyle wrestling](/source/Freestyle_wrestling) Olympic silver-medalist

- [Mane Tandilyan](/source/Mane_Tandilyan), Minister of Labour and Social Affairs of Armenia (2018)

- [Hovhannes Tumanyan](/source/Hovhannes_Tumanyan) (1869–1923), the national poet of Armenia

- [Stepan Zoryan](/source/Stepan_Zoryan) (1889–1967), Armenian writer

## Gallery

		- [Odzun Church](/source/Odzun_Church)

		- [Akhtala monastery](/source/Akhtala_monastery)

		- Northern Lori as seen from the Pushkin mountain pass

		- The village of [Lermontovo](/source/Lermontovo%2C_Armenia)

		- Somkheti mountains and [Karmir Aghek](/source/Karmir_Aghek) village

## See also

- [Gomshavar](/source/Gomshavar)

- [Kingdom of Tashir-Dzoraget](/source/Kingdom_of_Tashir-Dzoraget)

- [Lori Fortress](/source/Lori_Fortress)

- [Manvo](/source/Manvo)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** [\[1\]](https://www.gov.am/en/regions/822/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Statistical Committee of the Republic of Armenia"](https://armstat.am/en/?nid=111). *armstat.am*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2022_Census_3-0)** ["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 2025-09-11.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Համախառն ներքին արդյունքն (ՀՆԱ) ըստ ՀՀ մարզերի եւ Երեւան քաղաքի 2015-2017թթ"](https://armstat.am/file/article/sv_08_19a_112.pdf) (PDF), *armstat.am*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-GlobalDataLab_5-0)** ["Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab"](https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/). *hdi.globaldatalab.org*. Retrieved 2018-09-13.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Hewsen_6-0)** [Hewsen, Robert H.](/source/Robert_H._Hewsen) (2001). *Armenia: A Historical Atlas*. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. p. 114. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-226-33228-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-226-33228-4).

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) [***e***](#cite_ref-Matevossian_7-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Matevossian_7-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Matevossian_7-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-Matevossian_7-7) 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)** ["Lori province description"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150925103445/http://lori.mtaes.am/description/). Archived from [the original](http://lori.mtaes.am/description/) on 2015-09-25. Retrieved 2015-11-11.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** (in Russian)[http://gumilevica.kulichki.net/HE1/he129.хтм](http://gumilevica.kulichki.net/HE1/he129.хтм)[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*] "Северо-Восточная Армения, продолжавшая называться Урарту, составляла 18-ю сатрапию и в то время, по всей вероятности, еще не вполне арменизировалась по языку; в ее состав входили наряду с армянами, урартами-алародиями и хурритами-матиенами также и восточные протогрузинские племена - саспиры."

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** [Hacikyan, Agop Jack](/source/Agop_Jack_Hacikyan); Basmajian, Gabriel; Franchuk, Edward S.; Ouzounian, Nourhan (2000). [*The Heritage of Armenian Literature: From the Oral Tradition to the Golden Age*](https://archive.org/details/heritageofarmeni00ajha/page/172). Vol. 1. Detroit: Wayne State University Press. p. [172](https://archive.org/details/heritageofarmeni00ajha/page/172). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780814328156](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780814328156).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** [Toumanoff, Cyril](/source/Cyril_Toumanoff). Introduction to Christian Caucasian History, II: States and Dynasties of the Formative Period. *Traditio* 17 (1961), p. 38.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** [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-13)** (in Russian)Акты собранные Кавказской Археографической Коммиссиею. Том 1. Тифлис, 1866. С. 436–437. *Грузия разделяется на 5 уездов, из коих 3 в Карталинии: Горийский, Лорийский и Душетский, и 2 в Кахетии: Телавский и Сигнахский.*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-:12_14-0)** ["Legislation: National Assembly of RA"](http://www.parliament.am/legislation.php?sel=show&ID=2243&lang=rus). *www.parliament.am*. Retrieved 2022-02-11.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-:02_15-0)** ["Демоскоп Weekly - Приложение. Справочник статистических показателей"](http://www.demoscope.ru/weekly/ssp/sng89_reg1.php). *www.demoscope.ru*. Retrieved 2022-02-10.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Մոլոկաններ. մոնոէթնիկ Հայաստանի էթնիկ գույները"](http://www.aniarc.am/2021/03/04/molokans-armenian-lermontovo-fioletovo/). March 4, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Եկեղեցաշինությունը նորանկախ Լոռիում. Կարապետյաններ, Վալերի Մեջլումյան, Վլադիմիր Մովսիսյան եւ ուրիշներ"](https://hetq.am/hy/article/65830). *Hetq.am*. 22 February 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["RA Lori Marz"](http://www.armstat.am/file/article/marz_07_e_28.pdf) (PDF). *Marzes of the Republic of Armenia in Figures, 2002–2006*. National Statistical Service of the Republic of Armenia. 2007.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Legislation: National Assembly of RA"](http://www.parliament.am/legislation.php?sel=show&ID=5370&lang=arm). *www.parliament.am*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Լոռու մարզպետարան"](http://lori.mtad.am/about-communities/). *lori.mtad.am*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Հայաստանի 328 համայնքների միավորմամբ կձևավորվի 34 համայնք. ԱԺ-ն քննարկում է ծրագիրը | Լրագիր"](https://web.archive.org/web/20171218223556/http://www.lragir.am/index/arm/0/country/view/155056). Archived from [the original](http://www.lragir.am/index/arm/0/country/view/155056) on 2017-12-18. Retrieved 2017-11-11.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** "ԼՈՌՈՒ ՄԱՐԶ" [Lori Province]. [*ՀՀ ՄԱՐԶԵՐԻ ԵՎ ԵՐԵՎԱՆ ՔԱՂԱՔԻ ՍՈՑԻԱԼ-ՏՆՏԵՍԱԿԱՆ ԲՆՈՒԹԱԳՐԵՐԸ*](https://armstat.am/file/article/marzer_2022_25.pdf) [*Socio-economic characteristics of the provinces of the Republic of Armenia and the city of Yerevan*] (PDF). Yerevan: [Statistical Committee of Armenia](/source/Statistical_Committee_of_Armenia). 15 November 2022. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230209065715/https://www.armstat.am/file/article/marzer_2022_25.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 9 February 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** [President Serzh Sargsyan conducted a working visit to Lori and Tavush Marzes](http://president.am/en/domestic-visits/item/2012/04/21/news-395/) president.am

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** [Vanadzor (station) 'construction prospects'](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%92%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B7%D0%BE%D1%80_(%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%8F)) ru.wikipedia.org

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["Armstat: Lori"](http://www.armstat.am/file/RegStat/marz/MARZ_06.pdf) (PDF).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** [https://web.archive.org/web/20151125162959/http://www.mtaes.am/files/docs/554.pdf](https://web.archive.org/web/20151125162959/http://www.mtaes.am/files/docs/554.pdf). Archived from [the original](http://www.mtaes.am/files/docs/554.pdf) (PDF) on 25 November 2015. {{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: Missing or empty |title= ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#citation_missing_title))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-ecolur_27-0)** ["Ձորագետ 5" փոքր ՀԷԿ' մոնիտորինգի արդյունքներ](http://ecolur.org/hy/news/energy/vdzoraget-5v-shpp-monitoring-results-photos/7875/) ["Dzoraget 5" SHPP: Monitoring Results] (in Armenian). Retrieved 11 December 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-hanragitaran_28-0)** [Armenian soviet encyclopedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Editorial_College&action=edit&redlink=1) (1980). *Ձորագետ Հիդրոէլեկտրակայան*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Sale_of_Armenia's_Monopoly_Electricity_Distributor_29-0)** Grigoryan, Armen (14 October 2015). ["Sale of Armenia's Monopoly Electricity Distributor Confirmed"](http://www.jamestown.org/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=44482&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=7#.VmvV4Ep95D8). Retrieved 11 December 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** ["Lori Province schools"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160305022909/http://www.ktak.am/schoolslist/06_Pet_Lori.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http://www.ktak.am/schoolslist/06_Pet_Lori.pdf) (PDF) on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2015-12-07.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** ["About us – Vanadzor Technology Center"](http://vtc.am/en/about-us/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** Aghalaryan, Kristina (27 May 2018). ["Educational SMART Center opens its doors in the Lori region of Armenia"](https://news.am/eng/news/453467.html). *News.am Online Portal*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** ["ՀՖՖ նախագահն այցելեց Վանաձորի ֆուտբոլի ակադեմիա (լուսանկարներ)"](https://www.ffa.am/hy/1446558505). *www.ffa.am*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** ["Vanadzor Football Academy is open"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180818214410/https://armfootball.com/arm/news/81925/bacvec-vanadzori-futboli-akademian.html). Archived from [the original](https://armfootball.com/arm/news/81925/bacvec-vanadzori-futboli-akademian.html) on 2018-08-18. Retrieved 2016-10-30.

## External links

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

- [Visit Lori](https://travellori.am)

- [Rediscovering Armenia Guidebook- Lori Marz](https://armeniapedia.org/wiki/Rediscovering_Armenia_Guidebook-_Lori_Marz)

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 Provinces of Armenia Provinces (մարզեր) Aragatsotn Ararat Armavir Gegharkunik Kotayk Lori Shirak Syunik Tavush Vayots Dzor City with special status Yerevan (capital)

Authority control databases International VIAF GND National United States Geographic MusicBrainz area

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Lori Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lori_Province) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lori_Province?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.