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History of Ghapan
The term ghapan means canyon. The City of Ghapan has been called so since the 5th century because of its numerous valleys and mountainpasses. It is one of the largest cities in the southern section of the Republic of Armenia. It is located about 200 miles southeast of Yerevan, in the heartland of the Syunik Region, within the southern portion of the Zankezoor mountain range and on the northern foot of Khustup Mountain in the valley of the river Voghchi. It is one of the oldest cities of Armenia and was inhabited as early as the Stone Age. Throughout the course of history, Ghapan has been an administrative and cultural center, serving as the capital of the Syunik Dynasty.
Ghapan was one of the last regions to fall under Soviet rule, and today its people are proud that the remains of one of the greatest martyrs in the struggle against communism, Karekin Njdeh, rest at the foot of Mt. Khustup.
Today, as in the past, Ghapan is one of the main cultural centers in Armenia. It has 14 secondary schools, 3 higher education institutions, 2 high schools, 3 colleges, 14 kindergartens, and 3 sport schools. In addition, there are schools for art and craftsmanship, as well as a university for architecture. The region has many libraries, publication houses, museums, cultural centers, theater companies, a television station, a radio station and a local newspaper.
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Culture
As the city of Ghapan keeps up with recent scientific and medical advancements in Armenia and the world, its stadium provides the youth with an opportunity to become champions in a wide variety of sports.
Having been home to a monarchy, Ghapan can be considered a living museum. There are numerous cultural artifacts: churches, remains of castles and palaces, bridges, and other historical structures. All these are not just achievements of the past, as the people of Ghapan continue to contribute to the development of Armenia. The recently constructed church which bears the name of the St. Mesrob Mashdotz (the creator of the Armenian alphabet) is one such indication.
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Population and Economic State.
Ghapan has a population of over 55,000. The region is a pivotal economic market in Armenia. It is rich in natural resources such as copper, platinum, zinc, lead, in addition to limestone and basalt mines, which were important for the country’s economy during the Soviet era.
In addition to the mines, Ghapan has an active agricultural system, and industrial centers. From ancient times, the region has been a center for breeding animals. The local textile and rug factories are also famous. The city also has its own power sources. Its hydroelectric power plan is being renovated and modernized by a French company. Seven-hundred-forty-two organizations/companies are registered in Ghapan.
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