Vagharshapat Վաղարշապատ |
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Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, from top left:
Etchmiadzin Cathedral • Gate of Saint Gregory and the Altar • Gevorkian Seminary • Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Manuscript Library • Clock tower • Church of the Holy Archangels • Gate of King Trdat and Veharan Pontifical Residence |
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Nickname(s): Echmiadzin | |||
Coordinates: 40°10′22″N 44°17′33″E / 40.17278°N 44.29250°E | |||
Country | Armenia | ||
Marz (Province) | Armavir | ||
Founded | 685 BC | ||
Government | |||
• Mayor | Karen Manvel Grigoryan | ||
Area | |||
• Total | 40 km2 (20 sq mi) | ||
Elevation | 853 m (2,799 ft) | ||
Population (2011 census) | |||
• Total | 46,540 | ||
• Density | 1,200/km2 (3,000/sq mi) | ||
Time zone | (UTC+4) | ||
Area code(s) | 0231 | ||
Website | www.ejmiatsin.am | ||
Sources: Population |
Coordinates: 40°10′22″N 44°17′33″E / 40.17278°N 44.29250°E
Vagharshapat (Armenian: Վաղարշապատ pronounced [vɑʁɑɾʃɑˈpɑt]), commonly known as Ejmiatsin, is the fourth-largest city in Armenia and the most populous town in Armavir Province, located about 18 km (11 mi) west of the capital Yerevan, and 10 km (6 mi) north of the closed Turkish-Armenian border. Between 1945 and 1995, the city was officially known as Ejmiatsin (also spelled Echmiadzin or Etchmiadzin, Էջմիածին, pronounced [ɛt͡ʃʰmjɑˈt͡sin]) which is still commonly used colloquially and in official bureaucracy.
Vagharshapat is one of the historic capitals of Armenia and the main religious center of the Armenian people with the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, the most important Armenian Apostolic church, located in the city. It is thus unofficially known as a "holy city" (սուրբ քաղաք).
The 1989 census counted the population of the city as 61,000. The number has declined somewhat since, showing 58,388 in the 2001 census, and 46,540 in 2011.