Azat (river)
The Azat (Armenian: Ազատ) is a river in the Kotayk Province of Armenia. Its source is on the western slope of the Geghama mountains. It flows through Garni, Lanjazat and Arevshat, before reaching the Aras near Artashat. The main purpose of the Azat dam is to serve for irrigation and hydro power generation. Its hazard potential is ranked to be high.
| Azat Ազատ գետ | |
|---|---|
The Azat River feeding into the Azat Reservoir | |
| Location | |
| Country | Armenia |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Mouth | Aras |
• coordinates | 39.9523°N 44.4874°E |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Aras→ Kura→ Caspian Sea |
| Azat | |
|---|---|
UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| Official name: Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley | |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | ii |
| Designated | 2000 (24th session) |
| Reference no. | 960 |
| Region | Western Asia |
The Azat is known in Armenia for its beauty. It flows for 55 kilometers and has a basin that occupies 572 square kilometers. The Azat passes through the Khosrov State Reserve. In its lower reaches, the river flows into the Ararat valley. The Azat is known for its numerous spectacular waterfalls and its rock choked river bed. Upper Azat Valley Was listed to UNESCO world heritage site in 2000 with Geghard Monastery.