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Draft:Smbataberd

Smbataberd
Սմբատաբերդ
Between Yeghegis and Artabuynk villages, Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia
Exterior fortification walls of Smbataberd
Site information
TypeFortress
Open to the public
Yes
ConditionExterior fortification walls, towers and the keep are still intact
Location
Smbataberd Սմբատաբերդ is located in Armenia
Smbataberd Սմբատաբերդ
Smbataberd
Սմբատաբերդ
Shown within Armenia
Smbataberd Սմբատաբերդ is located in Vayots Dzor
Smbataberd Սմբատաբերդ
Smbataberd
Սմբատաբերդ
Smbataberd
Սմբատաբերդ (Vayots Dzor)
Coordinates39°52′18″N 45°20′17″E / 39.871736°N 45.338113°E / 39.871736; 45.338113
Site history
BuiltPossibly founded in the 5th century and fortified during the 9–10th and 13th centuries

Smbataberd[1] (Armenian: Սմբատաբերդ Armenian pronunciation: [səmbɑtɑˈbɛɾtʰ]) is a medieval fortress located upon the crest of a hill between the villages of Artabuynk and Yeghegis in the Vayots Dzor Province of Armenia.[2] It may have existed as early as the 5th century or earlier, although other sources date it to the 9th to 11th centuries. Its large basalt walls have been well preserved, but much less remains of the structures inside the fortress.[3] It served as the main fortress of the Armenian princes of Syunik when Yeghegis was the seat of the rulers of that province. It was further expanded in the 13th century under the Orbelian dynasty. It is now a notable tourist site in Vayots Dzor.[4][5][6]

Name

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Smbataberd means "fortress of Smbat" in Armenian and has traditionally been called by this name by the inhabitants of the area.[7][8] The construction and name of Smbataberd are traditionally connected with the 10th-century prince Smbat of the Syuni dynasty.[8][9] According to another view, the local inhabitants gave the fortress this name because the Orbelian ruler Smbat (r. 1251–1273) is buried nearby in the settlement of Yeghegis.[8] Scholar Ghevont Alishan considered the name to be purely folkloric in origin and referred to the fortress by the name of the nearby monastery of Tsaghats Kar.[10] The name Smbataberd has sometimes been used to refer to the fortress and Yeghegis taken together, although they are separated by 1–2 kilometers.[7]

Location and Description

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The ruins of the fortress are located on the summit of one of the southwestern branches of the Vardenis mountain range, at an altitude of about 2000 meters above sea level. This high-altitude mountain spur is bordered by the Yeghegis River gorge to the southeast and the village of Artabuynk to the northwest; in these areas, the fortress is naturally protected by steep and inaccessible slopes, while to the northeast, it gradually merges with the surrounding terrain.[11][12][13] It occupies an exceptionally strategic position: protected on three sides (eastern, western, and southern) by precipitous cliffs, which are further reinforced by defensive walls.[14] The massive, pyramid-shaped defensive ramparts surrounding the fortress have remained relatively well-preserved.[10][15][14] The walls are constructed from large, wedge-shaped dressed basalt stones, as well as unhewn rocks, bound together with lime mortar.[10][14][16] The thickness of the fortification walls ranges from 2 to 3 meters,[14][17][16] while the semi-circular towers positioned along the perimeter reach a height of 8 to 10 meters.[17] This topographic position allowed the garrison to monitor the surrounding canyons and mountains, providing timely warnings of approaching enemies.[18]

The fortress is divided by an internal wall into northern and southern sections, each of which possessed its own citadel.[8][16] Within the fortress grounds, apart from the buildings adjacent to the defensive walls and the faintly visible foundations of the citadel situated at the highest point, almost nothing else has survived[16]. Some ruins of residential structures and water reservoirs have been preserved.[15] A portion of the structures inside Smbataberd likely served as special princely residences built during the 13th century.[10]

The fortress features three entrances—northern, eastern, and western—though access and entry are possible only through the main northern gate.[10][17] The northern and eastern entrances are designed as vaulted galleries, above which the ruins of guard posts and watchtowers are still preserved.[17] The fortress received its water supply via a pipeline connected to springs located near the Tsaghats Kar[19] monastery.[16]

Tsaghats Kar

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The Tsaghats Kar monastic complex (also known as Astvatsatsni Anapat [Hermitage of the Holy Mother of God], Surb Grigor of Areguni, Surb Karapet, Ghoshavank, or Tsagankar) is a religious monument located approximately 6–7 km from the village of Artabuynk in the Vayots Dzor Province. The monastery is situated at an elevation of 2080 meters above sea level. During the Middle Ages, Tsaghats Kar served as an educational institution where the art of illumination (painting) was taught. The complex was renovated in 2013. Although the name of this monastery was later occasionally written as Tsakhats Kar, the 13th-century historian Stepannos Orbelian consistently utilized the spelling Tsaghats Kar in all four of his references to the site. Epigraphic evidence further supports this, as the name appears five times as Tsaghats Kar in various inscriptions and only once as Tsaghadz Kar, which is highly likely a scribal error. Both literary and epigraphic sources confirm that the official name of the church was Tsaghats Kar, whereas alternative spellings like Tsakhats Kar and Tsakhadz Kar are merely phonetic variations. Etymologically, the name of the monastic complex is derived from the root tsagh combined with the suffix -ats . The root tsakh, meaning "twigs" or "debris of wood" (which would yield Tsakhats Kar), is rejected by scholars in relation to this toponym. That derivation stems from folk etymology, given that the vast majority of written sources directly point to Tsagh Tsaghats Kar. The surrounding region is abundant in water, which historically led to the proliferation of watermills in the area. In all probability, the name Tsaghats Kar originated from the colloquial term for a watermill, jaghats. In the compound phrase jaghatsi kar — meaning "millstone"), the initial consonant j was transformed into ts through regressive assimilatory sound change triggered by the final ts sound. A classic parallel of this linguistic phenomenon is noted by the linguist Hrachia Acharian, citing the evolution of jrtsan into tsrtsan. Consequently, there may have been a local folk legend or lore associated with a millstone that ultimately gave the monastery its name. Alternatively, it is plausible that the name originally referred to the building material used for the church's construction, which consists of coarsely hewn basalt resembling the coarse texture and quality of a millstone. Another hypothesis links the selection of the name to tsaghkats kar, meaning "blossomed/flowered stone." For a certain period, the monastery was also known by the name Ghoshavank (derived from the Turkic word ghosh, meaning "pair"). This name was applied by the local Turkic-speaking population in reference to the twin churches standing in close proximity to one another. Regarding its foundation, the 11th-century historian Asoghik (Stepanos Taronetsi) states that the monastery was established in the mid-10th century during the reign of King Abas Bagratuni. Conversely, Stepannos Orbelian asserts that the monastery was built in 1041 by Father Vardik during the reign of King Gagik, who erected two churches: one dedicated to Surb Karapet (Holy Forerunner) and another featuring a unique, wonderfully constructed pitched roof.[20]

Architectural Layout and Structures

The Tsaghats Kar monastic complex consists of two groups of structures situated approximately 200 meters apart, divided into the Eastern and Western wings. The Eastern Group. The main church of this group is Surb Karapet (Holy Forerunner), a domed cross-in-square (cruciform) structure. It is constructed from finely dressed (hewn) basalt stone and adorned with rich botanical and geometric reliefs. The windows and the main portal feature particularly luxurious decorations. Inserted above the southern portal, near the left corner, is a high-relief sculpture of a spread-winged eagle clutching a ram in its talons. On the upper section of the northern facade is another high-relief depicting a duel between a lion and a bull, which is the largest known stone relief of its kind in medieval Armenian art. To the northeast lies Surb Hovhannes (Saint John), a small, barrel-vaulted funerary church (sepulchre-church). The first floor consists of a small, barrel-vaulted mausoleum with a square-shaped garth (narthex/gavit) located on its western side. The second floor comprises a chapel that rises above the gavit, flanked by two large khachkars (cross-stones) positioned on either side of the entrance. According to historical sources, this church was also built by the same Father Vardik in 1041. The Western Group. Scarcely 100 to 200 meters away from the first group lies another pair of churches: Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) and Surb Nshan (Holy Sign). The exact date of their original construction remains unknown, though historical records indicate they were renovated in 1221 by a certain individual named Grigor. Surb Astvatsatsin Church is the primary structure of this western cluster. It features a rectangular exterior and a cruciform interior layout. The church has two entrances, located on the western and southern sides. Architecturally, its style mirrors similar 9th- to 10th-century structures found throughout the Syunik region. Adjoining the southern side of the church is a portico (columned gallery), which is believed to be an 11th-century addition. Surb Nshan Church is a single-nave, barrel-vaulted hall. On its southern side, it features two sacristies (vestries) with a barrel-vaulted apse situated between them. The church is built from coarsely hewn basalt stones.[20]

History

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Some sources indicate that Smbataberd was constructed during the 9th, 10th, or 11th centuries,[7][16] although other researchers suggest that it could have existed as early as the 5th century or even earlier, undergoing major reinforcement in the 10th century.[8][12][21] Smbataberd served as the citadel for the settlement of Yeghegis, which was the seat of the Syuni princes of Syunik during the 9th and 10th centuries.[7] The construction and naming of Smbataberd are traditionally associated with the 10th-century prince Smbat Syuni (whom Stepannos Orbelian mentions as a prominent figure living around the year 936).[8][9] In the 970s, with the establishment of the Kingdom of Siunik, the branch of the ruling Syuni dynasty designated Kapan as their capital, while another branch of the family maintained its seat in Yeghegis.[9] In either 1002 or 1003, the Syuni branch established in Yeghegis submitted to the suzerainty of King Gagik I of the Bagratid Kingdom of Armenia.[9]

Kajberuni notes: "With its magnificent gates, this defensive wall is reminiscent of the city of Ani. The line of fortifications constructed by Smbat II likewise protected the city from the northern side."

According to historian and archaeologist Sedrak Barkhudaryan, during the rule of the Syunis of Yeghegis, Smbataberd, the settlement of Yeghegis, and the Tsaghats Kar monastery formed an "architectural, spiritual, and political unity" and served as the center of the Vasakian dynasty in Vayots Dzor.[12] This branch lost most of its political significance after the fall of the Bagratid Kingdom (1045) and was eventually succeeded by the Orbelian dynasty, who gained control over most of Vayots Dzor and Syunik during the 13th century.[9] Yeghegis reached the peak of its power in the 13th century under the Orbelians, who established it as their princely seat.[10] The Orbelian ruler Smbat (reigned 1251–1273) reconstructed and fortified Smbataberd.[22]

Throughout its existence, Smbataberd withstood several sieges.[10] Notably, in the early 10th century, it was successfully defended against Nasr, a commander of the Sajid dynasty sent by Yusuf ibn Abi'l-Saj.[10][23] According to a popular folk tradition, the Seljuks eventually managed to capture the fortress by cutting off its water supply; they discovered the source of the water pipeline with the help of a thirsty mule or horse.[13][15]

The Citadels of Smbataberd Fortress

The northern and eastern entrances pass through barrel-vaulted galleries, upon whose roofs watchtowers (observation posts) were once positioned. The fortress possessed two citadels—western and eastern—divided by a common wall and constructed at the highest topographic points. The western citadel is poorly preserved, though the foundation walls of rectangular and quadrangular structures remain discernible here. In contrast, the eastern citadel is incomparably better preserved. It extends in a semi-circular fashion along the highest, rocky peak of the fortress, with its walls reaching a height of up to three meters in certain sections. Its sole entrance is located on the western side. Internally, it features rooms that connect with one another via corridors. Within the fortress grounds, adjacent to the fortification walls, lie the ruins of numerous structures and barracks constructed from fractured basalt stone.[24]

Restoration efforts and tourism

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Restoration and cleaning work at Smbataberd began in 2011 at the initiative of the Ministry of Culture of Armenia.[12] The fortress walls were reinforced to prevent their collapse.[12][21] Traces of additional structures within the fortress were uncovered during the course of the restoration, which led to the halting of the restoration work.[12] In June 2018, the Armenian government declared Smbataberd a protected historical-cultural reserve.[13] Smbataberd has become a prominent tourist attraction in Armenia.[13]

Architectural Complex

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The complex was constructed for long-term defense, strictly adhering to all the principles of medieval fortification engineering. Its total length spans approximately one kilometer. An internal dividing wall splits the fortress into two parts: the northern and southern sections. Both sections possessed their own citadel (acropolis), and ruins of barracks and water reservoirs have been uncovered in both areas. The fortress featured entrances from the northeast, northwest, and north. The gates are constructed from dressed basalt stone. The fortress's water supply was piped in from the vicinity of the Tsaghats Kar monastery. Smbataberd served as a vital military stronghold for the fortified town of Yeghegis and its surrounding settlements. Gndevank Monastery is also located within the Vayots Dzor region.[25]

Current State

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A large-scale restoration of the structure was carried out between 2006 and 2007; however, the majority of it now lies in ruins. Of the once-mighty fortress, only the basalt defensive wall surrounding the complex has survived—featuring semi-circular bastions measuring 10 meters in height and 3 to 4 meters in width—along with a portion of the watchtowers, which in previous centuries reached heights of 10 to 11 meters.[26]

References

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  1. ↑ "ՍՄԲԱՏԱԲԵՐԴ". Պատմամշակութային արգելոց-թանգարանների և պատմական միջավայրի պահպանության ծառայության (in Amharic).
  2. ↑ Արամ Ղանալանյան (1969). Ավանդապատում. Երևան: Հայկական ՍՍՀ ԳԱԱ Մանուկ Աբեղյանի անվան գրականության ինստիտուտ.
  3. ↑ "Смбатаберд 1: Смбатаберд. История. Условные обозначения. Смбатаберд". Archived from the original on 2019-01-30.
  4. ↑ Մովսես Խորենացի. Պատմութիւն Հայոց. pp. Գիրք Ա, Գլուխ Ի.
  5. ↑ Մանուկ Աբեղյան (1899). Հայ ժողովրդական առասպելները Մովսես Խորենացու Հայոց պատմության մեջ. Վաղարշապատ.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  6. ↑ Г. Халатьянц (1896). Армянский эпос в Истории Армении Моисея Хоренского. Москва.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  7. 1 2 3 4 Hakobian, Melik-Bakhshian & Barseghian 1988, p. 182.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Yeghiazarian 1955, p. 52.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 Hakobian, Melik-Bakhshian & Barseghian 1988, pp. 182–183.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Hakobian, Melik-Bakhshian & Barseghian 1988, p. 183.
  11. ↑ "Smbataberd".
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Smbataberd 2016.
  13. 1 2 3 4 Grigoryan 2018.
  14. 1 2 3 4 Yeghiazarian 1955, pp. 51–52.
  15. 1 2 3 Holding 2014, pp. 288–289.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Hasratian 1984.
  17. 1 2 3 4 Smbataberd 2018.
  18. ↑ "Smbataberd".
  19. ↑ "Смбатаберд является объектом важного историко-культурного значения, а также туризма | Новости Армении- АРМЕНПРЕСС Армянское информационное агентство". Archived from the original on 2019-01-30. Retrieved 2019-01-30.
  20. 1 2 Smbataberd. "Smbataberd".
  21. 1 2 Holding 2014, p. 288.
  22. ↑ Stone & Topchyan 2022, p. 83.
  23. ↑ Alishan 1893, p. 148.
  24. ↑ "Smbataberd".
  25. ↑ "Смбатаберд | Барев Армения Тур". Archived from the original on 2019-01-30. Retrieved 2019-01-30.
  26. ↑ "Покинутая Армения: Смбатаберд". Archived from the original on 2019-01-30. Retrieved 2019-01-30.

Sources

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