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Area: 2,681 sq km
Administrative centre: Gyumri
Distance from Yerevan to Gyumri: 115 km
The marz of Shirak covers the northwest of Armenia and borders on two neighbors of Armenia , Georgia and Turkey . In comparison with other marzes Shirak's territory is slightly elevated and the heights of some points reach 1,800-2,200 m. Therefore, the climate there is rather cool or even cold. In winter the air temperature can go as low as -46C. But, despite this Shirak is very sunny. Among the natural landscapes mountain steppes and Alpine meadows prevail. Shirak's only large river is the Akhuryan shared with Turkey ; it starts from Lake Arpi . There is Akhuryan man-made lake, the largest in Armenia . The mountains, rivers and lava massifs, green plains, pure healing high-mountain air – all of it gives special unique color to Shirak marz which, unfortunately, is little known to tourists. The region is famous for its ancient history and is rich not only natural beauty but also in ancient monuments.
The marz of Shirak got its name from Shirak gavar of Airarat kingdom.
You will have a chance to see Urartu cuneiform, the ruins of fortresses and castles, remains of bridges etc. On the territory of Turkey only several kilometers from the border there are the ruins of the city of Ani – the capital of Armenia during the time of Bagratuni. On the left bank of the Akhuryan is the monastic complex Marmarashen (988-1025).
Gyumri
The centre of Shirak marz is the city of Gyumri . It is the second largest city in Armenia . It was named after the river Akhuryan inflow – the Gyumriget. The city is located 1,500 m above sea level and is surrounded by mountains. It is the city of complicated history, rich cultural legacy and traditions.
The site was populated already in the 6 th century BC which was written by ancient Greek philosopher Xenophon. In the medieval sources the city was mentioned as Kuimari settlement.
Historically Shirak was the first one to become a part of Russian Empire. It happened in 1804 during the Russian-Persian war. In 1837 when Nicholas I was paying a visit there it was decided to build a new fortress and Gyumri was renamed Alexandropol in the honor of the emperor's wife, Alexandra Fyodorovna. The city was visited by Alexander Pushkin who mentioned it in his “Travel to Erzrum”.
In 1840 Gyumri received the city status. Soon Alexandropol became the important centre of commerce and crafts. In the 1860s there were more craftsmen than in Tiflis . Highly developed were the skills of masons, potters, carpenters, smiths, coppersmiths. Gyumri has been called the city of Armenian traditions, poets, and ashugs, crafts and arts since the 19 th century. There were numerous shops of various sizes and markets. In the middle of the 19 th century the city got the existing layout with the system of squares connected by wide avenues in the centre.
In 1924 Alexandropol was renamed Leninakan and after the declaration of independence received its historical name Gyumri.
The status of Gyumri as frontier city (on the border between Armenia and Turkey ) always played important role in the city's history. As a rule, it prevented it from rapid development. The peak of its economic and social development occurred in the end of the 1980s. Many enterprises were constructed, the population grew considerably.
However, the deadly earthquake of 1988 destroyed the most of the city. All high rise buildings collapsed like match boxes. All factories and plants stopped, transport froze, water and electricity were gone. The restoration process was very much complicated by the disintegration of the USSR and then the economic blockade of Armenia caused by the war with Azerbaijan. It has been only recently that parks and avenues started to appear. The centre became cozy and beautiful, full of lights, shops, restaurants and cafes. New residential areas and hotels have been erected.
Gyumri managed to preserve streets and city blocks from black tuff constructed in the 19 th century. They are protected as architecture reserves.
More about Shirak Landmarks
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