Azat
Ազատ գետ
The Azat River feeding into the Azat Reservoir
Location
CountryArmenia
Physical characteristics
MouthAras
  coordinates
39°57′08″N 44°29′15″E / 39.9523°N 44.4874°E / 39.9523; 44.4874
Basin features
ProgressionArasKuraCaspian Sea

The Azat (Armenian: Ազատ) is a river in the Kotayk Province of Armenia. Its source is on the western slope of the Geghama mountains. It flows through Garni, Lanjazat and Arevshat, before reaching the Aras near Artashat. The main purpose of the Azat dam is to serve for irrigation and hydro power generation. Its hazard potential is ranked to be high.

The Azat is known in Armenia for its beauty. It flows for 55 kilometers and has a basin that occupies 572 square kilometers. The Azat passes through the Khosrov State Reserve. In its lower reaches, the river flows into the Ararat valley. The Azat is known for its numerous spectacular waterfalls and its rock choked river bed.[1] Upper Azat Valley Was listed to UNESCO world heritage site in 2000 with Geghard Monastery.

Symphony of Stones

One section of the Azat, where it meets River Goght, is particularly fascinating. It is a canyon known as Canyon of Garni. The canyon's formation is so unique that it almost looks artificial. The canyon is composed of regular hexagonal prisms. Near its end, the gorge's beautiful formation has prompted the name "Symphony of Stones".

See also

References

  1. "Canyon of Garni (Azat river)". FindArmenia.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 11 September 2013.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.