Gugark

Gugark (Armenian: Գուգարք, Georgian: გოგარენე, Latin: Gogarene) was the 13th province of Greater Armenia. It now comprises parts of northern Armenia, northeast Turkey, and southwest Georgia.

History

At first, Gugark was part of Urartu. ; from the 6th century, it became part of Satrapy of Armenia. In the 3rd century, the territory was returned by Caucasian Iberia, but during Artaxias I's reign it was re-established. During the reign of the Artaxiad and Arshakuni kings of Armenia, Gugark served as one of the kingdom's four bdeshkhs, responsible for protecting the state's northern border. In the course of the 4th century, the region was ruled by members of the House of Mihran. In 387, Armenia was partitioned between the Byzantine and Sassanid empires and Gugark, with the exception of the canton of Tashir, was a made part of Caucasian Iberia. The ruler of the region around 425 was Archoucha (Arshusha of Gogarene). In 652, the Armenian prince Theodore Rshtuni was allowed by the Arabs to unite Gugark with his realms.

Gugark (village)

Coordinates: 40°48′26″N 44°32′17″E / 40.80722°N 44.53806°E / 40.80722; 44.53806

Gugark (Armenian: Գուգարք), formerly known as Meghrut and Yagublu, is a major village in the Lori Province of Armenia, named for the province of Gugark in Greater Armenia. It borders with Vanadzor, being 2 km south-east, and is situated along the Debed River. The village is 1,325 meters above sea level. The village was renamed from Meghrut to Gugark on May 25, 1983.

Demographics

Rural residents of the village have immigrated to Gugark from villages in the Nagorno-Karabakh and Tavush regions.

Economy

Gugark occupies an area of 2158 hectares, of which 195 ha is used as arable land, 240 hectares of meadows, 700 hectares of pasture and 20 hectares of fruit gardens.

The population produces wheat, barley, potatoes, cabbage, melons and gourds. Livestock owners produce milk, meat, wool, eggs, and honey.

Historical Sites

The town is home to St. Sarkis Church, built in the 19th century.

NGOs

In 2013, the village had one kindergartens which is attended by 35 children, and two high schools, with 842 students.