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'''Syunik''' ([[Armenian language|Armenian]]: {{Hayeren|Սիւնիք}}, also transliterated as '''Siunik''', '''Siwnik''', or '''Syunig''') is one of the [[provinces of Armenia|provinces]] (''[[Administrative divisions of Armenia|marz]]'') of [[Armenia]]. It is in the south-east of the country, bordering the region of [[Vayots Dzor]] to the north, [[Azerbaijan]]'s [[Nakhchivan]] [[exclave]] to the west, the main territory of Azerbaijan the east, and [[Iran]] to the south. Its capital is [[Kapan]].
'''Syunik''' ([[Armenian language|Armenian]]: {{Hayeren|Սիւնիք}}, also transliterated as '''Siunik''', '''Siwnik''', or '''Syunig''') is one of the [[provinces of Armenia|provinces]] (''[[Administrative divisions of Armenia|marz]]'') of [[Armenia]]. It is in the south-east of the country, bordering the region of [[Vayots Dzor]] to the north, [[Azerbaijan]]'s [[Nakhchivan]] [[exclave]] to the west, the main territory of Azerbaijan the east, and [[Iran]] to the south. Its capital is [[Kapan]].


Historically, Syunik was a feudal principality in [[Kingdom of Armenia|ancient Armenia]]. At various times, the region of present-day Syunik has also been known by other names such as '''Syunia''', '''Sisakan''', and '''Zangezur'''.
Historically, Syunik was a feudal principality in [[Kingdom of Armenia|ancient Armenia]]. In ancient and early medieval times, it was part of the [[Caucasian Albanian]] kingdom.<ref>Джавахов И.А. История церковного разрыва между Грузией и Арменией в начале VII века. ИИ-АН, С-Пб, 1908, p. 436</ref><ref>История епископа Себеоса. Перевод Малхасяна. Ереван, 1939, pp. 28-29</ref> At various times, the region of present-day Syunik has also been known by other names such as '''Syunia''', '''Sisakan''', and '''Zangezur'''.


Syunik is a green but mountainous area. The high-water major rivers are the [[Meghri]], [[Voghdji River|Voghdji]], and [[Vorotan River|Vorotan]]. Summertime temperatures can reach more than 50°C, although the average temperature is around 22°C. Its border with Nakhchivan to the west is defined by the [[Zangezur Mountains]].
Syunik is a green but mountainous area. The high-water major rivers are the [[Meghri]], [[Voghdji River|Voghdji]], and [[Vorotan River|Vorotan]]. Summertime temperatures can reach more than 50°C, although the average temperature is around 22°C. Its border with Nakhchivan to the west is defined by the [[Zangezur Mountains]].
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Syunik was later ruled by other kings: [[Vahan]] c. 570, [[Philipo]] c. 580, [[Stephanos]] c. 590-597, [[Sahak]] c. 597, and [[Grigor]] until 640.
Syunik was later ruled by other kings: [[Vahan]] c. 570, [[Philipo]] c. 580, [[Stephanos]] c. 590-597, [[Sahak]] c. 597, and [[Grigor]] until 640.

According to Armenian ancient chronicler [[Sebeos]], Syunik was sometimes part of the Caucasian Albania, and sometimes semi-dependent from it, with its episcopates being dependent on the Caucasian Albanian catholicosates,<ref>Джавахов И.А. История церковного разрыва между Грузией и Арменией в начале VII века. ИИ-АН, С-Пб, 1908, p. 436</ref> although Armenian catholicosates disputed this. Before the Persian marzban (ruler) of Syunik was killed in 557, according to Sebeos, "Vahan, ruler of Syunik, rebelled and separated from Armenians, and asked Persian shah Khusrow that he moved the Syunik archives from Dvin to Paytakaran and their city was put inside the Atropatena (Azerbaijan) borders, so that the name of Armenians was taken off from them. The order was executed."<ref>История епископа Себеоса. Перевод Малхасяна. Ереван, 1939, pp. 28-29</ref>


===Late first millennium===
===Late first millennium===
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Later, the dynasty of the [[Orbeliani]], one of whose members wrote an important history of the country, governed Syunik in times of [[Timur]] (Tamerlan) as vassals.
Later, the dynasty of the [[Orbeliani]], one of whose members wrote an important history of the country, governed Syunik in times of [[Timur]] (Tamerlan) as vassals.


Through most of the second millenia AD, the region was ruled by Turkic, and specifically Azerbaijani dynasties.
⚫
Between mid-18th c and early 19th c, the region was part of [[Karabakh khanate]] of the Persian Empire and passed into Russian possession by the [[Treaty of Gulistan]] in 1813 together with the rest of the khanate following the [[Russo-Persian War (1804-1813)|Russo-Persian War of 1804-1813]]. When the Russian government abolished the Karabakh khanate in 1822, the region was made the Zangezur uyezd within the [[Elisabethpol Governorate]] of the [[Russian Empire]].

⚫
Between mid-18th c and early 19th c, the region was part of [[Karabakh khanate]] and passed into Russian possession by the [[Treaty of Kurekchay]] in 1805 and subsequently [[Treaty of Gulistan]] in 1813 together with the rest of the khanate following the [[Russo-Persian War (1804-1813)|Russo-Persian War of 1804-1813]]. When the Russian government abolished the Karabakh khanate in 1822, the region was made the Zangezur uyezd within the [[Elisabethpol Governorate]] of the [[Russian Empire]].


===Twentieth Century===
===Twentieth Century===

Revision as of 23:50, 19 June 2007

Template:Infobox Armenia Syunik (Armenian: Template:Hayeren, also transliterated as Siunik, Siwnik, or Syunig) is one of the provinces (marz) of Armenia. It is in the south-east of the country, bordering the region of Vayots Dzor to the north, Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan exclave to the west, the main territory of Azerbaijan the east, and Iran to the south. Its capital is Kapan.

Historically, Syunik was a feudal principality in ancient Armenia. In ancient and early medieval times, it was part of the Caucasian Albanian kingdom.[1][2] At various times, the region of present-day Syunik has also been known by other names such as Syunia, Sisakan, and Zangezur.

Syunik is a green but mountainous area. The high-water major rivers are the Meghri, Voghdji, and Vorotan. Summertime temperatures can reach more than 50°C, although the average temperature is around 22°C. Its border with Nakhchivan to the west is defined by the Zangezur Mountains.

History

Early rulers

The first dynasty to rule Syunik was the Siak, beginning in the 1st century. The first known ruler was Valinak Siak (c. 330). His successor was his brother Andok (c. 340).

Syunik was occupied by the Persian Empire, c. 369. In 379, King Babik, son of Andok, was re-established as ruler by the Mamikonians. His sister, Pharantzem, was married to Gnel, nephew of Archak II, King of Armenia. This lasted for less than ten years and by about 386 or 387, King Dara was deposed by the Persians.

King Valinak (c. 400-409) was followed by Vasak (409-452). Vasak had two sons, Bagben and Bakur, and a daughter who married Vasak's successor, Varazvahan (452-472). His son Gelehon ruled from 470 to 477 and died in 483. Babik (Bagben) the brother of Varazvahan, became the new king in 477. Hadz, brother of Gelehon, died on September 25, 482.

Syunik was later ruled by other kings: Vahan c. 570, Philipo c. 580, Stephanos c. 590-597, Sahak c. 597, and Grigor until 640.

According to Armenian ancient chronicler Sebeos, Syunik was sometimes part of the Caucasian Albania, and sometimes semi-dependent from it, with its episcopates being dependent on the Caucasian Albanian catholicosates,[3] although Armenian catholicosates disputed this. Before the Persian marzban (ruler) of Syunik was killed in 557, according to Sebeos, "Vahan, ruler of Syunik, rebelled and separated from Armenians, and asked Persian shah Khusrow that he moved the Syunik archives from Dvin to Paytakaran and their city was put inside the Atropatena (Azerbaijan) borders, so that the name of Armenians was taken off from them. The order was executed."[4]

Late first millennium

A dynasty was formed, governed by a branch of the Bagratuni, with minor vassal princes from one or more previous dynasties, perhaps of Persian origin. Vasak III (c. 800) suffered an assault from the emir of Manazkert, Sevada. He established a garrison in Chalat, in the district of Dzoluk. He then called for help from the Persian revolutionary chief Babak Khorramdin, who married a daughter of the king.

After Vasak III (821) died, Babak inherited the country, which revolted against him. Babak suppressed the revolt, but was harassed by both Muslims and Armenians. Finally, he abdicated and the children of Vasak, Philipo, and Sahak regained power. Philipo governed Eastern Syunik, with the districts of Vayots Dzor and Balq (Goucha). Sahak governed in Western Syunik, also known as Gelarquniq, with capital in Khoth. These local dynasties disappeared during the ephemeral domination from Babak.

In 826, Sahak allied with his ancient enemy - Sevada, the Qaisite emir of Manazkert - against the governor of Caliph, but he was defeated and died in Kavakert. His son Grigor-Sufan succeeded him as prince of Western Syunik. In the Eastern region, Philipo died on August 10, 848. He was succeeded by three children (Babgen, Vasak-Ichkhanik and Achot) that ruled jointly. Babgen fought with Grigor-Sufan and killed him (sometime in 849-851) but Babgen died shortly after (851) and Vasak-Ichkhanik (Vasak IV) followed him. Vasak-Ichkhanik had peaceful relations with Vasak-Gabor, who had ascended to the throne of Western Syunik, replacing his father Grigor-Sufan. Nerseh, brother of Babgen, directed (851?) an expedition to Aghuania defeating and killing the prince Varaz-Terdat (of the Persian dynasty Mihrakane of Aghuania) in Morgog. A general sent by the Caliph, Bogha al-Kabir, destroyed Armenia and Aghuania in these years, and sent a detachment to Eastern Syunik where was governing Vasak IV with his brother Achot. The Syunik people were protected in the fortress of Balq, but Vasak fled to Kotaiq, and was pursued to the region of Gardman on the eastern border of Lake Sevan. Gardman's prince (ichkhan) Ketridj or Ketritchn betrayed him and delivered him to Bogha (859). Achot was also seized (859). But Bogha invaded Gardman and imprisoned Kertridj. He then went to Outi where he captured the prince of Sevordiq, Stephannos Kun.

The Caliphate tried to control all these regions, and for this reason Bogha decided to repopulate the city of Chamkor in the Kura river with Muslims. Chamkor, being near Barda and Ganja, was intended to act as a regional monitoring post. By order of the new Caliph in 862, imprisoned princes to be released and allowed to return to their former domains on the condition of becoming Muslim. (However, they all abandoned Islam after their return.)

The prince of Western Syunik, Vasak-Gabor, was married to a daughter of the Bagratid prince Achot the Great named Miriam, and received the title of Ichkhan from the Syunik people - delivered to him by Achot in name of the Caliph. His successor was his son, Grigor-Sufan II (887-909). The prince of Eastern Syunik, Vasak IV, died around 887, and was followed by his brother Achot who died c. 906.

The son of Vasak IV, Sembat, that received the fiefdom from Vayots Dzor. Chahaponk (Jahuk) governed from 887 until sometime after 920. He revolted in 903 against the Bagratid Sembat I, refusing to pay him taxes. Because of this, he was assaulted by the prince of Vaspurakan, Sargis-Achot. Sembat submitted, was forgiven and married to the sister of the prince of Vaspurakan, receiving the city and district of Nakhchivan, which in 902 was upset with the Kaysites or Qaisids.

A few years later, the prince after was allied with the emir of Sadjid, Yusuf, against Eastern Syunik, which they invaded together. Sembat was sheltered in the fortress of Erendchak (today Alindja, northeast of Nakhchivan) and Yusuf remained owner of Eastern Syunik. Sembat requested refuge from his brother-in-law Khatchik-Gagik, which was granted. In the same year (909), the prince of Western Syunik, Grigor Sufan II, submitted to the emir Yusuf in Dwin. Only Byzantine movements and the withdrawal of the Sadjids permitted him to recover the throne some time later. Sembat, with his three brothers Sahak, Babgen, and Vasak, governed again. Also in Western Syunik, Sahak, Achot and Vasak, brothers of Grigor-Sufan II, were governing the country. After them the dynasty of Western Syunik became extinct and the territory was subsumed by the Muslims.

The eastern part remained divided: Sembat, which had the main title, governed the western part of the Eastern Syunik with the Vayots Dzor, bordered by Vaspurakan. Sahak governed the eastern part until the river Hakar. Babgen governed the district of the Balq, and Vasak (who died in 922) an indeterminate territory. Nasr, the emir of Azerbaijan, captured territory through perfidy against Babgen and Sahak in Dwin. After the invasion, Sembat unseated Nasr and obtained the freedom of his brothers. Sembat was followed by his son Vasak, and Sahak in turn by his son Sembat. Vasak received the royal title from the Muslims at the end of his reign, which lasted until 963.

The throne was inherited by his nephew Sembat (963-998) who was recognized as king by the emirs of Tauris and of Arran. He was married to the princess of Aghuania, Chahandoukht. At his death, he was followed by Vasak (c. 998-1019). Vasak was succeeded by two nephews (the children of his sister and a Prince Achot) called Sembat and Grigor (1019-1084). The latter was married with the princess Chahandoukht, daughter of Sevada of Aghuania. The only successor to the two princes, was a daughter of Grigor's called Chahandoukht. Rule passed to the prince of Aghuania, Seneqerim Ioan who governed both territories from 1084 until his death in 1105. Seneqerim Ioan was followed by his son Grigor of Syunik and Aghuania, who governed until 1166, when the country was conquered by the Seljucids Turks.

Later, the dynasty of the Orbeliani, one of whose members wrote an important history of the country, governed Syunik in times of Timur (Tamerlan) as vassals.

Through most of the second millenia AD, the region was ruled by Turkic, and specifically Azerbaijani dynasties.

Between mid-18th c and early 19th c, the region was part of Karabakh khanate and passed into Russian possession by the Treaty of Kurekchay in 1805 and subsequently Treaty of Gulistan in 1813 together with the rest of the khanate following the Russo-Persian War of 1804-1813. When the Russian government abolished the Karabakh khanate in 1822, the region was made the Zangezur uyezd within the Elisabethpol Governorate of the Russian Empire.

Twentieth Century

The beginning of 20th century saw ethnic tensions between the Armenians and Azerbaijanis culminating in the Armenian-Tatar massacres. During these events, the Armenians of Syunik were massacred "without distinction of sex or age" by Azeri forces.[5] Tensions were accelerated with the collapse of the Russian Empire. The region fell under the authority of the Special Transcaucasian Committee of the Russian Provisional Government and subsequently the short-lived Transcaucasian Democratic Federative Republic. When the TDFR was dissolved in May 1918, Syunik, Nakhchivan, and Nagorno-Karabakh became heavily contested between the newly formed and short-lived states of the Democratic Republic of Armenia (DRA) and the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR). Armenian forces eventually secured the region but their efforts were in vain when the Bolsheviks, successful in the Russian Civil War, pushed deep into the Caucasus. Syunik was one of the last major holdouts of the free Democratic Republic Armenia who were eventually expelled by incoming Soviet authorites to Iran.[6] During Sovietization, Syunik became part of Soviet Armenia, while the two other disputed territories, Nakhchivan and Nagorno-Karabakh became part of Soviet Azerbaijan. It then became part of Armenia under the Transcaucasian SFSR and part of the Armenian SSR in 1936.

Under Soviet rule, Syunik suffered a devestating earthquake in 1931, leaving 80% of its villages destroyed.[7] In 1988-1989, as a result of the outbreak of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the remaining Azeri inhabitants fled the region as the Armenian population fled Azerbaijan.[8][9] Since the collpase of the Soviet Union in 1991, Syunik has been part of the Republic of Armenia.

Footnotes

  1. ^ Джавахов И.А. История церковного разрыва между Грузией и Арменией в начале VII века. ИИ-АН, С-Пб, 1908, p. 436
  2. ^ История епископа Себеоса. Перевод Малхасяна. Ереван, 1939, pp. 28-29
  3. ^ Джавахов И.А. История церковного разрыва между Грузией и Арменией в начале VII века. ИИ-АН, С-Пб, 1908, p. 436
  4. ^ История епископа Себеоса. Перевод Малхасяна. Ереван, 1939, pp. 28-29
  5. ^ "From St. Petersberg, Wednesday, Sept. 13". The New York Times. 1905-09-13. p. 4. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference KGB was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ "392 Dead in Quake on Soviet Frontier". The New York Times. 1931-04-30. p. 10. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  8. ^ Situation of refugees and displaced persons in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia
  9. ^ Thomas de Waal. Black Garden: Armenia and Azerbaijan through Peace and War: Armenia and Azerbaijan through Peace and War. NYU Press; 2004.
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