Bahçesaray (District), Van

Bahçesaray
Bahçesaray
Coordinates:
Country Turkey
Province Van
Government
 • Mayor Hayati Orhan (AKP)
 • Kaymakam Mehmet Yüzer
Area
 • District 490 km2 (189.2 sq mi)
Elevation 1,870 m (6,135 ft)
Population (2008)[1][2]
 • Urban 3,343
 • District 17,815
 • District Density 36.4/km2 (94.2/sq mi)
Post code 65710
Website www.bahcesaray.bel.tr

Bahçesaray (for other names see below) is a district of Van Province of Turkey. It was a bucak in Pervari district of Siirt Province until 1964 and Gevaş district of Van Province between 1964-1987. It is at a distance of 110 km from Van. The mayor is Hayati Orhan (AKP).

Etymology

Its former name was Müküs, derived from Armenian Mokkʿ (Armenian: Մոկք) region. The Armenian name of the city is Armenian: Մոկս, Moks. In Kurdish: Miks, derived from Armenian. The word Mokk' in classical Armenian language means: the place of the magic. According to the legend, Amenap'rkich (Wholly Saviour) abbey that was nearby Moks, has a grave of some magician by name Gaspar. Probably name of the place of the magic or just Mokk' connected with this mysterious personality. But scientific sources say that in Urartu era existed Moxene tribe and Moxenne, Mokk', Moks names are origined from this tribe's name.

The word Bahçesaray is compound of bahçe (garden) and saray (palace).

History

District corresponds to Historical Armenia's Mogk Arandznyak district which layd in the middle of a greater province of Moks.

References

  1. ^ Türkisches Institut für Statistik, abgerufen 1. Dezember 2009
  2. ^ Türkisches Institut für Statistik, abgerufen 1. Dezember 2009