Alaverdi, Armenia: Difference between revisions
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'''Alaverdi''' (Ալավերդի in [[Armenian language|Armenian]]) is a town situated at northeastern part of [[Armenia]]n province of [[Lorri]], not far from the border with [[ |
'''Alaverdi''' (Ալավերդի in [[Armenian language|Armenian]]) is a town situated at northeastern part of [[Armenia]]n province of [[Lorri]], not far from the border with [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]]. The mining and industrial town with approx. 20,000 inhabitants (various sorces indicate different numbers between 10,000 and 30,000) situated at the bottom of the [[Debed]] [[gorge]] is a commercial centre of the district. Alaverdi means ''Allah gave'' in [[Turkish language|Turkish]]. |
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At the end of the 18<sup>th</sup> century when the area was annexed to [[Russian Empire]] the [[Argoutinski-Dolgruki]] family "imported" many miners from [[Greece]] to start exploiting [[copper]] mines at their lands. Soon about a quarter of all Russian copper was mined here. At the end of the 19<sup>th</sup> century the [[concession]] to exploit the mine was sold to the French. During the [[Soviet Union]] period the town acquired today's typical socialist industrial appearance. The mine and belonging metalurgical complex are now privatised and a major employer for the town and its surroundings. |
At the end of the 18<sup>th</sup> century when the area was annexed to [[Russian Empire]] the [[Argoutinski-Dolgruki]] family "imported" many miners from [[Greece]] to start exploiting [[copper]] mines at their lands. Soon about a quarter of all Russian copper was mined here. At the end of the 19<sup>th</sup> century the [[concession]] to exploit the mine was sold to the French. During the [[Soviet Union]] period the town acquired today's typical socialist industrial appearance. The mine and belonging metalurgical complex are now privatised and a major employer for the town and its surroundings. |
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Revision as of 12:36, 9 September 2004
Alaverdi (Ալավերդի in Armenian) is a town situated at northeastern part of Armenian province of Lorri, not far from the border with Georgia. The mining and industrial town with approx. 20,000 inhabitants (various sorces indicate different numbers between 10,000 and 30,000) situated at the bottom of the Debed gorge is a commercial centre of the district. Alaverdi means Allah gave in Turkish.
At the end of the 18th century when the area was annexed to Russian Empire the Argoutinski-Dolgruki family "imported" many miners from Greece to start exploiting copper mines at their lands. Soon about a quarter of all Russian copper was mined here. At the end of the 19th century the concession to exploit the mine was sold to the French. During the Soviet Union period the town acquired today's typical socialist industrial appearance. The mine and belonging metalurgical complex are now privatised and a major employer for the town and its surroundings.
Alaverdi is situated at the only direct rail link between Armenia and Georgia. One of several important road connections between the two countries also passes the town.
Except a medieval 12th century bridge the town is rather uninteresting to visitors but many important cultural monuments are situated around it, e.g. monasteries Sanahin, Haghpat, Akhtala, Khorakert, Khuchap, Ardvi, a basilica in Odzun etc. Despite this Alaverdi's tourist infrastructure is very poor.