Bayazet Fortress

Sightseeing

Bayazet Fortress or Daroynk Fortress is located in the Armenian Highlands of modern Western Armenia, near the city of Bayazet. Bayazet is one of the small but important cities in the history of Western Armenia, worthy of mention in the history of our people. In the IV century, it was one of the most famous fortresses of Great Armenia and the house of the servants of Bagratuni.

Bayazet was the residence of Bagratuni ministers

From the point of view of defense and the trade and economic position, Bayazet is favorable. It is located southwest of Bolshoi-Ararat, on the slope of one of the northeastern branches of the Tsakhkants mountains, on the branch of the Dekhin River. Its location and panorama are picturesque. It is located in the depths of a narrow plain, between the rocky mountains and about 1750 m above sea level. Summer is mild, cold in winter and rainy in spring. The best time for the city is autumn, which lasts quite a while. Like Erzurum, Bayezet is also known for its sources. Within 100 years, Bayazet was captured by Russian troops four times (1828, 1854, 1878, 1914) and returned to the Turks.

A new fortress is being built in the future, which was probably destroyed by attacks and earthquakes. The construction of the latter is attributed to the semi-traditional history of the Ottoman Sultan Bayezet I (1389-1402) and is associated with the name of the Sultan. Later, the city spread around the fortress with its environs. Bayazet is the first Armenian historian to mention Arakel Davrizhetsi (17th century).

The Armenian population of Bayazet

The Armenian population of Bayazeta was engaged in trade, agriculture, cattle breeding and crafts. From a commercial point of view, the importance of Bayazet increased especially in the 18th-19th centuries. Cigarettes, grains and other products were exported from there. Most of the 200 stores belonged to the Armenians. The city had its own market and hotel. The Silk Road Tabriz-Erzurum-Trabzon passed through Bayazet, which, of course, contributed to the development of both domestic and foreign trade.

Photo By: Artur Martirosyan

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