Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
YEREVAN
This city-fortress, once called Erebuni, was a huge fenced citadel with a history of nearly
3000 years. It was founded by king Argishti the I. His cuneiform inscription about the found-
ation of the city, which is considered to be the "birth certificate" of Yerevan, is preserved
in its south-eastern part, on Arinberd Hill which lies between the districts of Nor Aresh and
Vardashen. The cuneiform testifies that Argishti built this city and named it Erebuni. Later
the name of the city underwent phonetic changes and became Yerevan. Some scientists think
that Erebuni means "victory", while others deduce it from the word "ereval" which means
'to be seen' in Armenian. The 2750th anniversary of the foundation of the city was solemnly
celebrated in 1968.
The capital Yerevan is situated in the south east of Mt. Ararat. The city is 865-1390
meters above sea level. The River Hrazdan flows through the city. It starts from lake Sevan
and flows into the River Arax. The territory of the city is 227 sq
2
, the population - 1,3 million
people (January, 1997). It was proclaimed the capital of the Republic of Armenia in 1918.
Yerevan comprises the districts of Ajapnyak, Avan, Arabkir, Davtashen, Erebuni, Kentron,
Malatya-Sebastya, Nor-Nork, Nork-Marash, Nubarashen, Shengavit and Kanaker-Zeitun.
The master plan of Yerevan was projected by architect Alexander Tamanyan in 1924.
Yerevan is a large industrial, scientific and cultural center. It is connected with numerous
countries by air and motorways. The Yerevan Metro has been functioning since 1981.
