Azat (river)

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 / 39.9523; 44.4874
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 (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.

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.

Symphony of Stones

One section of the Azat, where it meets River Goght, is particularly fascinating. It passes through the Canyon of Garni composed of regular hexagonal prisms, with a formation so unique it almost looks artificial. Near its end, the gorge's formation has prompted the name "Symphony of Stones".

Gallery

• 
  Azat Reservoir
• 
  Azat river at Garni
• 
• 
  The Azat River passing under an old style bridge
• 
  Azat river at Geghard
• 
• 
  Azat river among the bridge IX century, and Symphony of stones

See also

• Geography of Armenia
• List of rivers of Armenia
• List of lakes of Armenia