Aralık
Aralık (Armenian: Արալիխ, Aralikh; Kurdish: Başan), is a town and district of Iğdır Province in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey. It is the location of the corridor that links Turkey with the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. Part of the district forms the international border between Turkey and Armenia
History
During the medieval period, Aralık was part of the Kingdom of Bagratuni Armenia. The area later became a scene of 300 years of warfare between Turks (especially the Ottoman Empire from 1534 onwards) and the Persian Empire. It was especially coveted for its salt mines. In 1746, the region was finally ceded to Persia and became part of the Erivan khanate. After the Russo-Persian War, 1826-1828 and Treaty of Turkmenchay, it passed from Persian to Russian control. Under Russian rule, the town became part of the Armenian Oblast and later the Erivan Governorate. For a brief period from 1917 to 1920, it was part of the Democratic Republic of Armenia. However, it was ceded to Turkey as a result of the Treaty of Kars.[2]
Dilucu Border Gate
One of the significant gates of Turkey opening into the Middle Asia is Dilucu Border Gate. Dilucu Border Gate which has been opened on 5 May 1992 has changed destiny and fate of Iğdır Province and its people. Border trade being conducted with Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic is very important from viewpoint of Iğdır Province and thus from Turkey's economy.[3]
Population
| Aralık Town Center's population |
| 2007 |
7,239 |
| 2000 |
8,115 |
| 1997 |
7,983 |
| 1990 |
5,400 |
| 1985 |
4,700 |
| 1980 |
3,400 |
References
- ^ Tuik.gov.tr
- ^ "Her Yönüyle Iğdır", Ziya Zakir Acar, 2004
- ^ "Introduction of Iğdır", Iğdır Municipality Publishing, 2003
External links