According to “World Map,” Greater Hayk was divided into 15 large provinces, which due to their extensive sizes, were called “ashkharhs” (“worlds”): Gugark, Tayk, Upper Hayk, Tsopk, Aghdznik, Turuberan, Korchayk, Mokk, Vaspurakan, Parskahayk, Paytakaran, Utik, Artsakh, Syunik, and Ayrarat.
Did You Know That…?
Sacred Land of Armenian Gods
The sacred land of the Armenian gods is located in the vicinity of Mount Nemrut (now in the Republic of Turkey, near Lake Van). There stand the statues dedicated to kings and gods: Aramazd - the great god of Ancient Armenia and creator of land and sky, Anahit - the goddess of motherhood, harvest, and fertility, Mihr - the god of light and sun, Tir - the god of knowledge and science, and Vahagn – the god of storms, lightning, and audacity. The sanctuary was constructed over 2 millennia agoand is a classic example of sun-worship. It is thought to have been constructed by a kingdom that thrived in the Armenian or Eastern Taurus mountain chains – by the King of Commagene, Antiochus I Commagene (70-34 B.C.). The sanctuary consists of statues, a coat of arms of the dynasty (lion and eagle) as well as the constellation of the king and a statue of a lion.
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