XII - XIII AD - Gegharkunik Region

"Ayrk Church #2 - General View" © 2000 Raffi Kojian, All Rights Reserved

Heading S from Vardenis, one road goes to Akunk (2572 v, till 1935 Ghrkhbulagh, 6-4th c. BC fort, Klor Dar cyclopean fort W of village, Bronze Age settlement, two Tukh Manuk pilgrimage sites), and another (the right-hand turn at the main Vardenis roundabout) goes to the eerie but appealing village of Ayrk*  (398 v, formerly Dashkend).  In Ayrk, take the right fork at the village store, and watch out on the right for the Astvatsatsin Church (dated 1181) and, 150 m beyond, the Katoghike S. Gevorg church of 13th c., both with substantial graveyards.  Between the two churches are massive stone walls of an Iron Age fortification, with shallow caves below.  Taking the left fork at the store, one comes to the essentially abandoned hamlets of Nerkin Shorzha (39 v), and Verin Shorzha (19 v).  [Source: Rediscover Armenia Guide]

"Ayrk Church #2 with Cave below" © 2000 Raffi Kojian, All Rights Reserved

"Ayrk Cave - halted restaurant construction" © 2000 Raffi Kojian, All Rights Reserved

"Ayrk man-made cave" © 2000 Raffi Kojian, All Rights Reserved

"Ayrk - Large cave with door in back-right" © 1999 Raffi Kojian, All Rights Reserved

"Ayrk Church #1 - General View" © 2000 Raffi Kojian, All Rights Reserved