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47-602: 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. Upper Azat Valley Was listed to UNESCO world heritage site in 2000 with Geghard Monastery . One section of

94-626: 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

141-520: 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,

188-418: 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

235-541: 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

282-469: Is a nature reserve in Ararat Province of Armenia . The reserve 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

329-604: 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

376-601: 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

423-412: 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

470-546: 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

517-422: 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

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564-470: 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

611-489: 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

658-650: 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 ". This article related to a river in Armenia is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Khosrov State Reserve Khosrov Forest State Reserve ( Armenian : Խոսրովի անտառ պետական արգելոց , romanized :  Khosrovi antarr petakan argelots' ),

705-531: 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

752-974: 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

799-660: 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

846-632: The Small Khosrov III the Small ( Khosrov III Kotak ; Kotak means "little, short, small" ) was the king of Arsacid Armenia c.  330–338/339 . Khosrov was the son and successor of King Tiridates III . Khosrov received the epithet Kotak because he was a man of short stature. He was the namesake of his paternal grandfather Khosrov II of Armenia , and the Parthian and Armenian monarchs of this name (see Khosrau ). Armenia fell into chaos after

893-545: 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

940-434: 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

987-456: 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

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1034-406: 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

1081-539: The death of Tiridates III. An Arsacid prince named Sanatruk (whom Faustus of Byzantium calls Sanesan , king of Maskut , and identifies as Khosrov's brother) raised a rebellion to take the throne. In the southwest, the bdeashkh of Arzanene Bakur revolted against the Arsacid monarchy with the support of the Sasanian king Shapur II . The anti-Persian faction in Armenia led by Patriarch Vrtanes I crowned Khosrov king with

1128-601: 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

1175-544: 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

1222-537: 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

1269-578: 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

1316-625: The help of Constantine the Great . Khosrov crushed Bakur's rebellion and retook Arzanene and Armenian Mesopotamia . He then made peace with Sasanian Iran by agreeing to pay a yearly tribute to the Persians. Khosrov also exterminated two feuding princely houses in Armenia, the Ordunis and the Manavazians , and seized their lands. After the departure of the Roman legions from Armenia, Sanatruk invaded Armenia at

1363-486: The incitement of Shapur II with an army of various Caucasian mercenaries and invaded Ayrarat , the central province of the kingdom. Sanatruk took the city of Vagharshapat and forced Khosrov and Vrtanes to flee westward to Kogovit . Forces loyal to Khosrov rallied under Sparapet Vache Mamikonian and destroyed Sanatruk's army in a surprise attack, killing the pretender in a battle near Oshakan . Khosrov rewarded his top generals Vache Mamikonian and Vahan Amatuni and

1410-458: 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

1457-437: 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

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1504-655: The newly established city of Dvin to ensure conservation and enrichment of flora and fauna; serve as 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

1551-581: The other nakharars that had remained loyal to him with land and other lavish gifts. After this, the country enjoyed a period of peace, and Khosrov occupied himself with building his new capital city of Dvin . He also founded two large hunting grounds in Ayrarat called Khosrovakert and Tachar Mayri. The Khosrov Forest State Reserve in modern-day Armenia is named after him. In 337, Shapur II's army laid siege to Nisibis , while one of his generals marched against central Armenia. A nakharar named Databe Bznuni

1598-464: 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

1645-399: 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

1692-515: 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

1739-516: 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

1786-669: 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

1833-786: 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

1880-432: 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

1927-479: The rivers Mankuk and Khosrov) this vegetation is rather high and includes genera of different families with meadow species of family Poaceae such as timothy-grass ( Phleum pratense L.), bulbous barley ( Hordeum bulbosum L.) and others. Tugai (desert, river valley) vegetation is distributed along the river banks where the following species grow: ash ( Fraxinus ), aspen ( Populus ), willow ( Salix ), Elaeagnus , tamarisk ( Tamarix ) and others. Khosrov III

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1974-580: The royal court, where the king could exercise control over them. Khosrov broke off relations with Sasanian Iran and moved Armenia closer to the Roman Empire. Shapur soon invaded Armenia again but was repulsed at great cost to the Armenian defenders. Sparapet Vache Mamikonian and many other great lords were killed in battle. Khosrov died in 338/339 in Dvin. His remains were interred in the Arsacid royal mausoleum in Ani . He

2021-509: 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

2068-467: 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

2115-638: 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

2162-478: 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

2209-556: Was tasked with organizing the defense, but instead passed over to the Sasanian side. Vache Mamikonian and Vahan Amatuni led the Armenian army to victory against the Persian invaders in a battle near the southeastern coast of Lake Van . Databe Bznuni was executed; his house was annihilated and their holdings were seized by the king. After this, Khosrov decreed that all nakharar s with a force larger than 1,000 soldiers were obligated to live at

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