The geographical region of Western Asia, or rather its northern part, the location of the most interesting country - Armenia. Mountains and extinct volcanoes are not exotic for her, but an ordinary landscape. Although how can you call such beauty ordinary? It attracts and fascinates, opening up more and more facets.
Armenian Highlands
Armenia is located on the territory of the Armenian Highlands, which is one of the three Asian Highlands. In addition to it, Turkey, part of Iran, Georgia and Azerbaijan are located here. The territory of Armenia includes 309 mountains and volcanoes as part of forty-two mountain ranges.
The Armenian highland is one of the powerful mountainous nodes of the region. In the second period of the Cenozoic era, the highlands began to split, resulting in the formation of a system of ridges and troughs. Erupting volcanoes left layers of lava on the surface, from which strata of bas alt were formed, somewhat smoothing the relief. To date, the Armenian Highlands are characterized by both bas alt-tuff plateaus with a height difference from 1500 m to 3000 m, and giant volcanic cones several thousand meters high.
Symbol of Armenia
Armenians have always been consideredpatient and wise people. They chose as their symbol the highest point of the Armenian Highlands - Mount Ararat. However, connoisseurs of geography have a natural question: where is Mount Ararat, is it on the territory of Armenia? Alas, part of the territory, including the national symbol of the country, was transferred under a peace treaty in 1921 to Turkey. This decision was adopted and enshrined by the government of the USSR in the Moscow Treaty and additionally confirmed in the Treaty of Kars by the governments of the Armenian, Georgian and Azerbaijan SSRs.
It so happened that the place where Mount Ararat is located now belongs to a Muslim country, but this peak remains the most important Christian symbol, since, according to biblical legends, Noah's Ark was able to land here after the Flood.
Armenians have not come to terms with the loss of the main symbol of their state until today. They do not recognize it as belonging to Turkey and sincerely believe that Ararat will return to its “original owners.”
Relief of Armenia
The highest country in the Caucasus is Armenia. Mountains, ranges and plateaus occupy almost 90% of its territory. Even the lowest point, the Debed River, is 375 m above sea level. And the highest point is the peak of Mount Aragats, which will be discussed in more detail.
The average height of the territory of Armenia above sea level is 1850 m. By origin, the relief is divided into 4 main types:
- Folded blocky mountains of the Lesser Caucasus. This is the northeastern part of the state in the region of the river basinKura. The highest point - Tezhler (3101 m.)
- Regions of volcanic covers. Young Pliocene and Quaternary lavas predominate here. The relief is characterized by softer forms, and erosional dissection is much weaker than in other areas. Here is the highest mountain in Armenia. This is the peak of Aragats with a height of 4095 m.
- Folded mountains of the Apmarax system. This type of relief is typical for the left bank of the Araks River. The erosional dissection of this region is very intense. The highest point is Kaputjukh with a peak height of 3904 m.
- The flat part of the Armenian highlands, that is, the Ararat valley. This area is subject to tectonic depression.
Handsome Aragats
Mount Aragats is an isolated high mountain range, consisting of four peaks. The highest point has already been marked, but the lowest one is 3879 m. Aragats is a cone-shaped stratovolcano consisting of a heap of numerous layers of hardened lava. The volcano has not been active for a long time and most likely will never wake up again.
Four peaks around a deep volcanic crater are an incredibly beautiful natural ensemble. Armenia, whose mountains are not considered too difficult for mountaineering, attracts many lovers of heights. However, to conquer the northern, highest peak, professional training is necessary. Therefore, for the "inhabitants" routes were built on the slopes of the southern peak.
Besides natural beauty, there are man-made monuments on the slopes of Aragats. One of them is Ambred Castle. This old fortress with an interesting history is located at an altitude of more than 2300 m. It is located near the village of Byurokan. The castle is the ancestral home of the Pahlavuni princes.
And a little more about peaks and more
Azhdahak, Spitakosar, Artavaz, Armagan - all this is Armenia, the mountains, where both a trained climber and an ordinary outdoor enthusiast will find something to do. Although why only mountaineering? Here you can engage in hiking (trekking) along small elevations, along gorges, rafting on mountain rivers on inflatable boats (rafting), and speleology.
Armenia, whose mountains are discussed in the article, will not deceive your expectations, combining the beauty of nature with the beauty of the soul of the local population.
