Kanakerr-Zeytun

Kanaker-Zeytun (Armenian: Քանաքեռ-Զեյթուն, also spelled Kanakerr-Zeytun) is a district of Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, located in the northeastern part of the city, an amalgam of Kanaker and Nor Zeytun.

Located on a hill overlooking the centre of Yerevan, the administrative district of Kanaker-Zeytun has common borders with the districts of Avan, Arabkir, Kentron and Nor Nork. By the outer border it is adjacent to Armavir, Aragatsotn and Kotayk regions. As an administrative district, it is commonly divided into 3 smaller neighborhoods: Kanaker, Nor Zeytun and Monument.

History

Kanaker has developed as a satellite town of Yerevan throughout the history. With many historical churches and monuments, Kanaker was severely damaged in the earthquake of 1679. The town has played a key role in the Russian siege of Yerevan in 1827.

Nor Zeytun was founded between 1946-1948 by Armenian migrants who arrived from Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq and Greece.

With the quick geowth of the city of Yerevan, Kanaker and Nor Zeytun were gradually absorbed and became part of the Armenian capital. After the independence of Armenia, Kanaker and Nor Zeytun were merged and formed a single district within the capital Yerevan, under the name Kanaker-Zeytun.

Kanaker-Zeytun is developing year by year, with a population of more than 102,700 and an area of 8.1km². It consists mainly of one or two-storied houses. Nowadays, the district is witnessing a construction boom, making it one of the most expensive areas in Yerevan for real estate.

Khachatur Abovian and Djivan Gasparyan are natives of Kanaker.

Education and Culture

Kanaker-Zeytun is home to Eurasia International University, the French University in Armenia (UFAR) and the European Regional Educational Academy (ERIICTA).

Landmarks

• Surb Hakob (Saint Jacob) Church of Kanaker: built at the end of the 17th century on the foundations of the old church of Kanaker which was damaged during the 1679 earthquake. The church is of three-nave basilica type with two couples of pillars. Many sculptured cross-stones -dated 1504, 1571 and 1621- are fixed on the western front of the church. The church was closed during the Soviet rule until 1990, when it was restored and reopened by the government.^[1]
• The old cemetery of Kanaker with its chapel.
• The Holy Mother of God Russian Orthodox church of the 19th century (stands near the Russian base of Yerevan).
• The medieval well of Kanaker.
• Victory Park and Mother Armenia Monument with the Military Museum.
• Golden Palace Hotel.

Gallery

References