Armenia Historical Geography

Armenian Locality Jurisdictions play an important part in understanding how the country is organized. From 1922-1991 Armenia was a part of the USSR, but was made independent in 1991.

Territories

Armenia is presently divided into ten territorial units. Each unit is called a 'Marz.' Each Marz contains a Marz Center. Below is a list of Marzes and their Marz Centers:

Marz:                Marz Center:

Aragatsotn        Ashtarak

Ararat               Artashat

Armavir             Armavir

Gegharkunik     Gavar

Lori                   Vanadzor

Kotayk              Hrazdan

Shirak               Giumri

Siunik                Kapan

Vayots Dzor      Yeghegnadzor

Tavoush            Ijevan

Capitol

Yerevan is the largest city and capital of Armenia and is the home of Yerevan State University, founded in 1919. According to the Bible, the ark built by Noah came to rest on Mount Ararat. Mount Ararat, or Massis stands over 5100 meters at the highest point, and was originally a part of Armenia, but now is within the Turkish boundaries.

Relevant Geography

Armenia is landlocked between Turkey, Georgia, and Iran. It contains many mountain lakes and rivers. The Aras River flows along the eastern border of Armenia along Turkey and into Iran.

Major Towns

Major towns are included below. To see a list of Family History Library holdings per location, click here.

Aparan

Dilijan

Geghard

Goris

Hoktemberyan

Jermuk

Kam

Martuni

Meghri

Nojemberyan

Sevan

Sisian

Talin

Vardenis

Spitak

Ecmiadzin