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Yeghegis Jewish Cemetery

Region

Vayots Dzor

Distance from Yerevan

140.6 km

Type

Other

"The Yeghegis Cemetery, discovered in 1997, played a crucial role in understanding the ethnicities of medieval Vayots Dzor. A total of 64 tombstones provided evidence of a Jewish community that existed in the region during the 13th-14th centuries. These Jews were primarily engaged in trade, craftsmanship, and other social activities. The discovered tombstones contain many ornamental designs connected to ancient Jewish art. It is believed that Jews settled in the area after the Mongol invasions, as the rule of Mongol khans in Armenia created relatively tolerant conditions for religious minorities. The inscriptions on the tombstones confirm that members of the upper class, including Jewish noble families, lived here."

Interesting

facts about Yeghegis Jewish Cemetery

Facts

Around 20 inscriptions from the tombstones have been deciphered, containing ancient Hebrew and Aramaic inscriptions that include the names of the deceased, dates of death, and prayers.

Before the discovery of this cemetery, historical references to Jews living in Armenia dated back to the 1st century BC.

The oldest tombstone is from 1266, while the most recent one is from 1346."

Weather in Vayots Dzor

The high season in Armenia lasts for a long time due to the pleasant climate conditions. Warm days in Armenia start in March and last until late autumn; winter is usually snowless and not long. The high precipitation season is variable. The tourist season for Jewish cemetery in Yeghegis depends on the weather conditions.

Sights

near Yeghegis Jewish Cemetery

Zorats Church

1 km

Arates Monastery

10 km

Smbataberd Fortress

13 km

Smbataberd Fortress

13 km

Yeghegis Jewish Cemetery on the map on Armenia