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Sights of Armenia Vayots Dzor
Yeghegis Jewish Cemetery
- RegionVayots Dzor
- Distance from Yerevan140.6 km
- TypeOther
Vayots Dzor
About this place
"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
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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.
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Before the discovery of this cemetery, historical references to Jews living in Armenia dated back to the 1st century BC.
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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.
Yeghegis Jewish Cemetery
FAQ
What is the Yeghegis Jewish Cemetery?
It is a medieval cemetery discovered in 1997 that played a crucial role in understanding the ethnic groups of medieval Vayots Dzor. Its 64 tombstones are evidence of a Jewish community that lived in the region in the 13th–14th centuries.
How old are the tombstones, and how are they decorated?
The oldest tombstone dates from 1266 and the most recent from 1346. They carry many ornamental designs connected to ancient Jewish art.
What do the inscriptions on the tombstones say?
Around 20 inscriptions, in ancient Hebrew and Aramaic, have been deciphered; they give the names of the deceased, dates of death and prayers. They also confirm that members of the upper class, including Jewish noble families, lived here.
How did a Jewish community come to live in Vayots Dzor?
It is believed that Jews settled here after the Mongol invasions, when the rule of the Mongol khans in Armenia created relatively tolerant conditions for religious minorities. The community was engaged mainly in trade, crafts and other social activities.
Why is the Yeghegis discovery important?
Before this cemetery was found, historical references to Jews living in Armenia dated back to the 1st century BC. The Yeghegis tombstones show that a Jewish community also lived here in the 13th–14th centuries.
Vayots Dzor
Plan your visit
Address
Yeghegis Jewish Cemetary, Yeghegis, Vayots Dzor Province, Armenia
Vayots Dzor
Sights near Yeghegis Jewish Cemetery
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