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65-471: 40°01′20″N 44°54′54″E  /  40.02222°N 44.91500°E  / 40.02222; 44.91500 Khosrov is a town in the Ararat Province of Armenia . This article about a location in Ararat Province , Armenia is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Ararat (province) The province is named after the biblical Mount Ararat . It is bordered by Turkey from

130-648: A 1993 compliance from the Convention on Biological Diversity . In the first quarter of 2008, rural schoolchildren in the largest villages adjoining the reserve were involved in an awareness-raising program about the reserve. Among the programs was the campaign on leopard conservation as the reserve is one of the 'hotpots' for the Persian leopard . On 9 September 2008 the Visitor Center in the Garni district of

195-556: A ground for royal hunting, military exercises and entertainment. This area was designated as a state reserve in September 1958 and covers around 23,213.5 hectares (57,362 acres) at elevations from 700 to 2,800 m (9,200 ft) above sea level. The Khosrov reserve protects juniper ( Juniperus polycarpos ) and oak ( Quercus macranthera ) forests from Tertiary Period, arid associations of semi-desert and phrygana landscapes and other Mediterranean relict plant ecosystems as well as

260-763: A population of 8,376, the village of Ayntap is the largest rural municipality of Ararat. The majority of the Ararat Province population are ethnic Armenians who belong to the Armenian Apostolic Church . The regulating body of the church is the Araratian Pontifical Diocese , headed by Archbishop Navasard Kchoyan (seat in Yerevan). However, the village of Verin Dvin is predominantly populated by Assyrians belonging to

325-531: A protected area because the high-quality freshwater supplies the Azat River, which flows down to Yerevan and the surrendering forests. In 1990 the reserve became 291.96 km (112.73 sq mi) which some adjacent lands were incorporated in it and in 2006–2007, the reserve was reduced to 238.78 km (92.19 sq mi). The reserve has been official status to the IUCN Ia category. Since 1995,

390-418: Is 500-600mm, the numbers of non freezing days is about 200 days. Stable snow cover is specific for winter months. The snow cover usually appears from mid-November and disappears in mid-March. The average temperature of January is −5-7 °C. According to long-term researches, the absolute minimum decreases till −30 °C. Spring is long and full of precipitation. There is frequent night freezing. Summer

455-545: Is 633 square kilometers (244 sq mi). The river flow has typical seasonal features, mostly with mixed sources. It is full-flowing in April and May. The right tributaries of Vedi river are Khosrov, Mankuk rivers. There is a large number of freshwater and mineral springs/sources, that are specified due to their regulated/stable regime, in the reserve. The climate of the reserve is quite diverse mainly due to ranging altitudes above sea level. Dry continental climate covers

520-609: Is accompanied by Georgian maple ( Acer ibericum ), iguana hackberry ( Celtis glabrata ), Fenzl's almond ( Amygdalus fenzliana ), Rhamnus , Georgian honeysuckle ( Lonicera iberica ), wayfaring tree ( Viburnum lantana ), mastic tree ( Pistaca mutica ), pear ( Pyrus ), rowan ( Sorbus ). The southern steep sunny and dry slopes are covered by juniper sparse forests. Caucasian oak ( Quercus macranthera ) forests can be found at an altitude of 1,600–2,300 m (5,200–7,500 ft) above sea level, which are rather dense in Khosrov district of

585-601: Is characterized as dry, short, deselly branched and often thorny bush association. In the reserve it consists of different species, such as Amygdalus fenzliana , cherry (Cerasus), buckthorn ( Rhamnus pallasii ), spiraea and pear ( Pyrus ). Together with the mentioned main species sometimes the species hackberry ( Celtis glabrata ), Pistacia atlantica ( Pistacia mutica ), rhus ( Rhus coriaria ), ephedra (Ephedraceae) and others occur. The bushes grow either alone or in groups, but never make homogeneous cover. Mountain steppes, arid sparse forests and oak forests are represented in

650-412: Is full-flowing mainly in April and May and has a snow-rainy and underground mixed source. Certain riverside parts of the river are sometimes frozen in winter. There are numerous little waterfalls on the tributaries of Azat river. Vedi river starts from 2,700 m (8,900 ft) height. The river length is 58 km (36 mi), the decline is 1,910 m (6,270 ft), and watershed basin surface

715-446: Is one of the oldest protected areas in the world having a history of about 1,700 years. It was founded in the 4th century (334–338) by the order of king Khosrov Kotak , who gave it his name. It was founded to improve the natural climatic conditions of adjacent territories of Artashat – the capital city of Armenia of the given period and the newly established city of Dvin to ensure conservation and enrichment of flora and fauna; serve as

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780-618: Is operating in the village of Ararat since 2001. The M-2 Motorway that connects the capital Yerevan with southern Armenia and the Iranian border, passes through the Ararat Province. The towns of Artashat and Ararat used to have a railway station that connected Yerevan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic during the Soviet years. Being located at the fertile Ararat plain , the province contributes with 15% in

845-550: Is relatively hot and dry, and is distinguished with prevailing sunny days. The maximum temperature is in July and August and reaches up to 34 °C. Autumn is relatively warm. There is often rainfall during first decade of October, while during the first decade of November there is often snowfall. Moderately cold climatic zone covers the territories the altitudes of which are from 2,000 m (6,600 ft) to 2,500 m (8,200 ft) above sea level. Annual average precipitation

910-422: Is up to 800 mm (31 in) and the number of non freezing days is about 90–120 days. The landscape variety of Khosrov Forest State Reserve are due to the difficult mountainous relief, steep zoning and peculiarities of soil-climate conditions. They from landscape types from semi-desert to mountainous and alpine meadows. True and sparse forests occupy 16 per cent of the reserve, open grasslands 20 per cent of

975-583: The Ashkharatsuyts medieval Armenian geographical book of Anania Shirakatsi , Ayrarat was one of the 15 provinces of Armenia Major . It was considered the central province of the Armenian Highland . It is believed that the name Ararat is the Armenian equivalent of the toponym Urartu . Ararat has an area of 2,090 km (7% of total area of Armenia). It occupies the east of

1040-670: The Assyrian Church of the East , whose ancestors migrated to Armenia from Iran during the 1st half of the 19th century. Almost half of the population of the village of Dimitrov is also Assyrian. The provincial centre Artashat is also home to a small Assyrian community. The approximate number of the Assyrians in Ararat Province is around 2,500. Ararat is currently divided into 5 municipalities ( hamaynkner ), of which 4 are consolidated and 1 community inhabited by Assyrians : During

1105-476: The Cretaceous and pre- Oligocene periods. The dominating rocks are Quaternary fragmental debris and effusive. Due to the hot weather and impact of water, there is an intense eolian process that has shaped the numerous natural geological figures and most slopes are steep, with declivity exceeding 30°. Middle elevations of the belt are 1,500–2,300 m (4,900–7,500 ft) above sea level covers about half of

1170-494: The Kingdom of Armenia who ruled from 330 until 339, whom the reserve is named after. Khosrov ordered the forest to be a reserve to improve the natural-climatic conditions of the adjacent city of Artashat to ensure conservation and enrichment of flora and fauna. He also ordered plantation of trees on the high slope of the mountains. It also served as a royal ground for hunting, to complete military exercises and entertainment. Later

1235-914: The Ottoman Empire (by virtue of the Treaty of Batum ) until the latter's withdrawal in late 1918. In July 1919, lasting until mid-1920, the Azerbaijanis -inhabited regions of Ararat, Vedibasar and Zangibasar , revolted against the Armenian government as part of the Muslim uprisings in Kars and Sharur–Nakhichevan . After 2 years of brief independence, Armenia became part of the Soviet Union in December 1920. From 1930 until 1995, modern-day Ararat

1300-624: The Vostan Hayots canton of Ayrarat province of Ancient Armenia. The province is located at the southeast of the Ararat plain , surrounded by the Yeranos mountains from the north, the mountains of Gegham , Dahnak and Mzhkatar from the east, Urts mountains from the south and the Araks river from the west. The mountains of Yerakh are located at the centre of the province. Approximately, 30% of

1365-429: The 2022 official census, Ararat has a population of 248,982 (122,939 men and 126,043 women), forming around 8.5% of the entire population of Armenia. The urban population is 66,759 (26.8%) and the rural is 182,223 (73.2%). The province has 4 urban and 93 rural communities. The largest urban community is the provincial centre of Artashat, with a population of 19,020. The other urban centres are Ararat, Masis and Vedi. With

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1430-642: The 4th century AD, were both located within the Vostan Hayots canton. The other cantons of Urtsadzor and Arats were first mentioned in the 5th century AD by Yeghishe the historian in his "History of Vardan and the Armenian War" historical work. After the fall of the Armenian Kingdom in 428, the region became part of the Sasanian Empire of Persia until the Arab conquest of Armenia in

1495-431: The Ararat Province. According to the 1989 Soviet census , the Ararat Province (then part of the Ararat , Artashat , and Masis districts in 1930–1995) had a population of 266,527. 52,429 or 19.67% of which was urban, distributed in the cities of Ararat (20,105) and Artashat (32,324), and 214,098 or 80.33% were rural, distributed in the districts of Ararat (64,657), Artashat (73,269), and Masis (76,172). According to

1560-548: The Bioresources Management Agency under the aegis of the Ministry of Nature Protection of Armenia. According to the reserved charter (RA Governmental decision N 925 from 30 May 2002, Annex 1), the main goals of the reserve establishment are to ensure natural development of water and terrestrial ecosystems of the rivers Azat and Vedi basins, to protect the landscapes and biological diversity including

1625-986: The Caucasus flora (about 6,000 species total). The rich flora are a mixture of endemic, rare and endangered species. More than 80 species occurring on the reserve territory are registered in the Red Data Book of Armenia such as Adianthum capillus-veneris L., Amberboa sosnovskyi Iljin, Centaurea erivanensis (Lipsky) Bordz., Scorzonera szovitzii Grossh, Steptorhamphus persicus (Boiss.) O. & B. Fedtsch, Gypsophila aretioides Boiss, Minuartia sclerantha (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) Thell, Silene arenosa K. Koch, Silene meyeri Fenzl ex Boiss. & Buhse, Salsola tamamschjanae Iljin, Astragalus amblolepis Fisch. ex Hohen, Astragalus basianicus Boiss. & Hausskn, Astragalus grammocalyx Boiss & Hohen, Crataegus pontica K. Koch, as well as many species of pear. Out of 144 endemic species known from Armenia 24 occur in

1690-685: The Great and as a distant paternal relation of the Persian King Darius I to do so. According to Faustus of Byzantium , there were two fenced forests one called 'Tachar Mayri' (Sacred Forest) and 'Khosrovakert', which both of them were established on both banks of the Azat River . The Tachar Mayri forest started from the Garni Temple and stretched to the city of Dvin . Khosrovakert was established between Artashat and Dvin along

1755-816: The Persian rule until 1827–1828, when Eastern Armenia was ceded by the Russian Empire as a result of the Russo-Persian War of 1826–28 and the signing of the Treaty of Turkmenchay . With the fall of the Russian Empire and as a result of the decisive Armenian victories over the Turks in the battles of Sardarabad , Abaran , and Gharakilisa , the region became part of the independent Armenia in May 1918, however, its western reaches remained occupied by

1820-768: The Seljuk, Mongol, Ag Qoyunlu and Kara Koyunlu invasions, respectively. At the beginning of the 16th century, the territory of modern-day Ararat became part of the Erivan Beglarbegi within the Safavid Persia . During the first half of the 18th century, the territory became part of the Erivan Khanate under the rule of the Afsharid dynasty and later under the Qajar dynasty of Persia. It remained under

1885-545: The air temperature strongly increases above 15 °C and dry and hot summer begins. Summer is long and often accompanied by drought conditions. Maximum temperatures are in July and August and reach up to 38 °C.Winds are typical for the second half of the day in summer months blowing from Geghama mountains . Moderately warm, dry and temperate climate zone covers the territories the altitudes of which are ranging from 1,400 m (4,600 ft) to 200 m (660 ft) above sea level. Annual average rainfall/precipitations

1950-434: The altitudes from 800 m (2,600 ft) to 1,200–1,300 m (3,900–4,300 ft) and sometimes up to 1,400 m (4,600 ft) the semi-desert: wormwood ( Artemisia fragrans ), saltwort ( Salsola ericoides , S. dendroides ), Centaurea erivanensis , Krascheninnikovia , Salvia , buckthorn , Atraphaxis , caper , Trifolium , Cousinia , mullein ( Verbascum ), poppy ( Papaver ) and other genera. At

2015-449: The annual total agricultural product of Armenia. Around 75% (1,567 km ) of the total area of the province are arable lands , out of which 17.23% (270 km ) are ploughed. Orchards mainly produce grapes, apricot and peach. Other products include pear, apple, melon, watermelon, eggplant, grains and dry seed. Ararat is among the leading provinces of Armenia in wine production in terms of grape cultivation and wine export (along with

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2080-514: The areas that are in the Ararat concavity foothill zone and are 900–1,300 m (3,000–4,300 ft) above sea level. Average annual precipitation here is 350–450 mm. Winters are relatively mild (without stable snow cover every year). The average temperature in January is −4-5 °C. The lowest temperature reaches −25 °C. Spring is short, relatively wet. Since the second decade of May

2145-732: The attractive sites for archaeologists. The province is home to many protected areas of nature including the Khosrov Forest State Reserve , the Goravan Sands Sanctuary and the Khor Virap Wildlife Sanctuary. As of the 2015-16 educational year, Ararat Province has 112 schools, out of which 107 are operated by the province administration, while 5 are under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Education and Science. As of

2210-412: The central part of modern-day Armenia. From the north, it has borders with Armavir Province , Yerevan and Kotayk Province . From the east, its bordered by Gegharkunik and Vayots Dzor . Iğdır Province of Turkey and Azerbaijan 's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic respectively form the western and southern borders of the province. Historically, the current territory of the province mainly occupies

2275-461: The current capital of Armenia-Yerevan has been preserved for 17 centuries. The reserve has enjoyed a long-term reputation of a forest tract with spectacular scenery and a rich historical legacy which is the closest piece of pristine nature to the capital agglomeration. Wildlife conservation and nature protection began in Armenia many centuries ago. The reserve was founded by King Khosrov III of

2340-476: The earliest locations that was settled by the people of the Armenian Highland . It mainly includes the 3 cantons of Vostan Hayots , Urstadzor and Arats of the historic Ayrarat province. Vostan Hayots was known since the establishment of the Artaxiad Kingdom of Armenia at the beginning of the 2nd century BC. The ancient Armenian capitals of Artaxata founded in 176 BC, and Dvin founded during

2405-546: The end of 2001, another football club with the name of FC Araks was founded in Ararat, but lasted only 4 years before being dissolved. FC Dvin Artashat founded in 1982, was also a prominent football club in the province. The remained in professional football until 1999, before being dissolved like most Armenian football clubs outside the capital Yerevan. Masis FC played in the domestic completions between 1992 and 1994 when they were also dissolved. There are 2 stadiums in

2470-456: The end of 2015, the number of the students in the schools of the province is 31,457. There are many public libraries and cultural houses in the towns of Artashat, Ararat, Masis and Vedi. However, there are no higher education institutions in the province. Araks Ararat founded in 1960 had represented the province in domestic and international football competitions. However, the club was and dissolved in 2001 due to financial difficulties. At

2535-561: The forest but to settlement, river and mountain (Khosrovasar Mountain) of the monarch's name. The Silk Road had passed through the territory of the reserve. In the era of the Soviet Union the Khosrov Forest was set aside as forestry and on 13 September 1958 the Garni Forestry was granted a status of Khosrov (then Garni) Reserve. The size of the reserve then was 148.61 km (57.38 sq mi). The reserve became

2600-555: The forest was enriched with hunting animals brought in from other places, especially from Iran . This reserve that Khosrov had founded was the only state forest reserve in the Roman Empire and among the first in that region. Khosrov was the first Christian monarch as a ruler of state to establish a conservation reserve and was the only known monarch as a descendant of the Diadochi , and a distant relation of Greek King Alexander

2665-554: The genetic fund of rare and endangered plants and animals as well as their habitats, to implement scientific research and to create prerequisites for the development of scientific and educational tourism, environmental education and responsibility. The following protected areas are under the subordination of the Khosrov Forest State Reserve: SNCO: Realizing the importance of the reserve, on 26 August 2013 Khosrov Forest State Reserve SNCO

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2730-601: The genetic fund of rare animals and plants adapted to the reserve conditions. It also includes wetlands of international importance. Khosrov Forest State Reserve, thanks to its numerous peculiarities, is unique not only in Armenia but also in the whole Caucasus ecoregion. Since 2002, administrative, scientific, practical and organizational activities in the reserve have been implemented by the Khosrov Forest State Reserve State Non-Commercial Organization (SNCO) of

2795-474: The lower plains and cold snowy climate at the heights. The cliffy terrain of Khosrov Forest located at the northeast of the province, used to be the stronghold of the Endangered Caucasian leopards in Armenia. Between October 2000 to July 2002 tracks of no more than 10 individuals were found in an area of 780 km (300 sq mi). The region of modern-day Ararat Province is among

2860-504: The mid-7th century. According to the 8th-century historian Ghevond , the Armenian princes of Urtsadzor canton participated in the failed revolution of 775 in Erciş against the Abbasid rulers of Arminiya . At the end of the 9th century, the 3 cantons became part of the newly established Bagratid Kingdom of Armenia . However, between the 11th and 15th centuries, the region suffered from

2925-458: The middle mountain zone 1,400–2,200 m (4,600–7,200 ft) above sea level. Tertiary relict juniper and oak forests are located in the forest zone, which are rather dense in Khosrov and Khachadzor districts of the reserve. There are three species of juniper in the reserve: Juniperus communis , Juniperus polycarpos and Juniperus oblonga . Juniper sparse forest occupy not big areas where Juniperus polycarpos dominate. Usually juniper

2990-437: The name of dominant plant species. Thus, in stipa steppe different species of stipa ( Stipa pulcherima K. Koch, S. capillata L., S. tirsa Steven and others) are dominant and in fescue steppe – different species of fescue ( Festuca L.). In grass-forb steppe grasses (Poaceae L.) including species of junegrass ( Koeleria Pers), timothy ( Phleum L.) and others dominate. In forb steppe other than Poaceae species, especially

3055-430: The province. The largest fish farming ponds are located at the vicinity of Armash village. Ararat is among the most industrialized provinces of Armenia with many large industrial firms. It currently has a contribution of 10% in the annual total industrial product of Armenia. The Khor Virap monastery is among the regular tourist destinations in Ararat Province. The ancient settlements of Artaxata and Dvin are among

3120-547: The province: the Ayg Stadium of Ararat and the Artashat City Stadium . The latter is the regular home of the annual National Athletics Championship of Armenia. Khosrov Forest State Reserve Khosrov Forest State Reserve ( Armenian : Խոսրովի անտառ պետական արգելոց , romanized :  Khosrovi antarr petakan argelots' ), is a nature reserve in Ararat Province of Armenia . The reserve

3185-468: The provinces of Ararat and Vayots Dzor). The irrigation infrastructure of the province is quite developed. 90% of the farmlands are irrigated, mainly using canals opened from the rivers of Vedi and Azat . The Geghanist village has a specialized plant in producing fertilizers and irrigation system design. The province has 2 large poultry farms in the village of Kaghtsrashen and the town of Masis. Recently, fish farming has significantly developed in

3250-503: The recent years, many rural settlements in Ararat became abandoned, including the village of Kakavaberd . There are cultural palaces as well as public libraries in the towns of Ararat, Artashat, Masis and Vedi. The provincial centre Artashat is also home to the Amo Kharazyan drama theatre. The province has many art academies, sport schools and musical schools, mainly in the urban settlements. The House-museum of Vazgen Sargsyan

3315-470: The reeds. Over centuries the Khosrovakert disappeared and the remaining Tachar Mayri was later merger with the natural forest . Another Armenian historian Moses of Chorene , mentions in his writings the history of the forest. According to Moses of Chorene, the expression 'Khosrov Forest' is associated with King Khosrov. Also people in Armenia perpetuate the name of King Khosrov not only to the name of

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3380-399: The reserve area; they are transferred into sub-alpine and alpine meadows in the high mountain zone. On the territory of the reserve, making only 1% of the whole territory of Armenia the flora numbers 1849 species of high vascular plants from 588 genera and 107 families, which makes more than the half of the flora of Armenia (more than 3,800 species total) and about one-third of the wealth of

3445-471: The reserve has been subordinated to the Ministry of Nature of Protection of Armenia, managed through its Agency for Biological Resources Management and operating as the Khosrov Reserve non-profit organisation. Between 2006 and 2007, a process was underway to develop and approve a management plan for the reserve which aims to improve the reserve's environmental and socio-economic status which came from

3510-516: The reserve known as "Trchnaberd". Oak forests are accompanied by ash ( Fraxinus excelsior , Fraxinus rotundifolia ), rowan ( Sorbus aucuparia ), pear ( Pyrus ), maple ( Acer ) and others. Bushes are abundant in the forests, represented by different species of wayfaring tree ( Viburnum lantana ), honeysuckle ( Lonicera ), rose ( Rosa ), hawthorn ( Crataegus ). The vegetation in the forests is rich in grass (family Poaceae L.). Mountainous steppes are rather heterogenous with different formations named by

3575-674: The reserve was opened for the visiting public and tourists to educate visitors and bring awareness about the reserve on its natural and human history. On 4 April 2012 the reserve was awarded with a European environmental and conservation diploma from the Council of Europe. The reserve's geology is rugged and has a typical mountain range, encompassing a dense network of main and branch ridges, high plateaus and deep canyons towered by volcanic shield massifs and peaks. There are traces of past tectonic activity of various faults and fractures. The rocks, volcanic deposits and igneous intrusions dates back to

3640-786: The reserve, and rock-dwelling xerophilous communities cover 64 per cent of the reserve. Semi-desert types of landscapes are spread at 900 to 1,250 m (2,950 to 4,100 ft) above sea level at the foot of the mountain ranges. Dry steppes occupy the middle sections of mountainous zone (at 1,250 to 2,500 m [4,100 to 8,200 ft] above sea level), where one can meet/find eastern oak forest from 1,600 m (5,200 ft), and juniper sparse forest at 1,500 to 2,100 m (4,900 to 6,900 ft) above sea level. One can also meet Euonymus europaeus , Sorbus aucuparia , and Lonicera caucasica in separate islets or with mixed symbioses. Mountain-steppe and mountain-meadow landscapes are spread at 2,500 m (8,200 ft) above sea level in

3705-432: The reserve, including Aphanopleura trachysperma Boiss, Centaurea vavilovii Takht. & Gabrielian, Steptorhamphus czerepanovii Kirp, Tomanthea daralaghezica (Fomin) Takht, Crambe armena N.Busch, Astragalus holophyllus Boriss, Astragalus massalskyi Grossh, Pyrus theodorovi Mulk, Pyrus chosrovica and others. On the foothills and low mountainous zone of Yeranos and Yerakh mountains adjacent to Ararat valley at

3770-593: The southeast and the city of Yerevan from the north. Two former capitals of Armenia are located in the modern-day Ararat Province, Artaxata and Dvin . It is also home to the Khor Virap monastery, significant as the place of Gregory the Illuminator 's 13-year imprisonment and the closest point to Mount Ararat within Armenian borders. Ararat Province is named after the historic Ayrarat province of Ancient Armenia . According to Movses Khorenatsi and

3835-509: The species of catmint ( Nepeta L.), alfalfa ( Medicago L.), trifolium ( Trifolium L.) and others dominate. There are many polster plants in the reserve, which usually dominate in tragacanth steppes: milkvetch ( Astragalus microcephalus , Astragalus lagurus ), sainfoin ( Onobrychis cornuta ), prangos ( Prangos ferulavea ) and others. Meadow vegetation covers the altitudes from 2,100–2,200 m (6,900–7,200 ft) up to 2,600–2,800 m (8,500–9,200 ft). In some places (upper streams of

3900-545: The territory is plain, while the rest is dominated by mountains. The highest point of Ararat province is the Spitakasar peak of Gegham mountains with a height of 3560 meters. The lowest point is 801 meters at the Araks valley. Araks, Hrazdan , Azat and Vedi, are the 4 major rivers the flow through the province. The climate within the territory of the province is highly diversified. It ranges between extremely arid climate at

3965-471: The territory of the reserve representing highly rough terrain composed of fold and detrital ridges. A low elevation of the belt below 1,500 m (4,900 ft) is marked by vast areas of badlands. The main rivers in the reserve are Azat and the Vedi. Azat river length is 55 km (34 mi) and has a basin that occupies 572 square kilometers (221 sq mi). It is deep with relatively equal flow. It

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4030-642: The upper part of semi-desert zone there are rocky and stony slopes consisting of sedimentary limestone and chalky clay. These mountainous slopes, destroyed by wind erosion, are called "skeletal mountains". They are the habitat of dry Mediterranean type of vegetation , which is a gem of the reserve. The southern mountainous slopes covered by rocky massifs at the altitudes of 1,400–1,700 m (4,600–5,600 ft) are covered by Armenian Iranian phrygana (which means "dry" in Greek) with its many varieties. This Mediterranean, more specifically typical Balkan type of vegetation

4095-539: The west and Azerbaijan 's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic from the south. It surrounds the Karki exclave of Nakhichevan which has been controlled by Armenia since its capture in May 1992 during the First Nagorno-Karabakh War . Domestically, Ararat is bordered by Armavir Province from the northwest, Kotayk Province from the north, Gegharkunik Province from the east, Vayots Dzor Province from

4160-483: Was awarded with European Diploma of Protected Areas . The reserve has wonderful landscapes, rich biological diversity, a huge variety of interesting and important untouched forests that are the result of long-term preservation, proper management plan and structure. The Khosrov Forest is the evidence of the Armenians' caring attitude towards historical monuments. Thanks to their attitude, the virgin forest located near

4225-581: Was divided into 3 raions within the Armenian SSR : Masis raion , Artashat raion , and Ararat raion (known as Vedi raion until 1968)—there was also the Gharabaghlar raion which was formed in 1937 but later dissolved and attached to the Vedi raion in 1951, its administrative center was the town Urtsadzor . With the territorial administration reform of 1995, the 3 raions were consolidated into

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