Akhatala
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Akhtala Ախթալա |
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Akhtala with the monastery and fortress
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 Akhtala
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| Coordinates: 41°08′00″N 44°46′00″E / 41.13333°N 44.76667°E | ||
| Country | Armenia | |
| Province | Lori | |
| Established | 10th century | |
| Government | ||
| • Mayor | Haykaz Khachikian | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 4.3 km2 (1.7 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 740 m (2,430 ft) | |
| Population (2011 census) | ||
| • Total | 2,092 | |
| • Density | 490/km2 (1,300/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+4 | |
| Website | Official website | |
| Sources: Population | ||
Coordinates: 41°08′40″N 44°46′29″E / 41.14444°N 44.77472°E
Akhtala (Armenian: Ախթալա), is a town and municipal community in the Lori Province of Armenia, located along the Shamlugh river, on the slopes of Lalvar mountain, at a distance of 186 km north of the capital Yerevan and 62 km north of provincial centre Vanadzor.
As per the 2011 census, Akhtala had a population of 2,092. Based on the 2016 official estimate, Akhtala's current population is around 1,300.
The modern name of Akhtala was first recorded in a royal decree of 1438. The etymology of the name Akhtala is believed to be of Turkic origin, meaning white glade. The original Armenian name of the settlement where the monastery is built is Pghindzahank (Armenian: Պղնձահանք), literally meaning copper mine.
Archeological excavations showed that the area of Akhtala has been occupied by human since the early Bronze Age. During the 1887-89 excavations conducted by French archaeologist Jacques de Morgan, the site of a historical cemetery was unveiled with some bronze and iron objects, weapons, and ornaments dating back to the 8th century BC. The ancient settlement of Akhtala is situated on the same territory of the present-day mining area of Akhtala. It is associated with the Dzobopor canton of ancient Gugark; the 13th province of the historic Greater Armenia. The settlement of modern-day Akhtala was known as Agarak during the 5th century.
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