bridge > “Tsekhi Dzor” (Mud Gorge) or “Mtin” (Dark) Bridge-Mud wall

“Tsekhi Dzor” (Mud Gorge) or “Mtin” (Dark) Bridge-Mud wall

Location

The mud wall-the bridge is located within the administrative borders of Khachen, in the Askeran region of the Republic of Artsakh, 4.5–5 kilometers west of the village, in the locality of "Novavor Spring" (Fig. 1). In 1992, a spring was constructed here in memory of Stepanyan Slavik, a freedom fighter from Khachen who was killed in the battles for Karaglukh (Fig. 2). A small khachkar brought from the surrounding area is enchased in the lower part of the structure. It depicts a woven ornament in the cornice and two bipartite crosses in the center. On this khachkar, which is made in the style of the 12th-13th centuries, some traces of an illegible inscription can still be seen (Fig. 3).

Fig. 1 The general location and view of the bridge, photo by A. Grigoryan.

Fig. 2 The structure of the spring, photo by A. Grigoryan.

Fig. 3 A medieval khachkar attached to the spring's structure, photo by A. Grigoryan.

Historical overview

There is no historical information about the bridge. The bridge most likely dates back to the 19th or early 20th century, based on its appearance.

Architectural-compositional examination

The bridge measures 7 meters wide and 3.5 meters tall. The total length is ten meters. The bridge is built in a stepped structure. According to its structure, the bridge also served as a mud wall. It was used to remove floodwater and ensure passability during downpours (Figs. 4, 5). It is constructed of polished stones. The span of the bridge is 108 cm.

Fig. 4 The structure of the bridge, photo by A. Grigoryan.

Fig. 5 The structure of the bridge, photo by A. Grigoryan.

The condition before and after the war

The bridge remained undamaged during the Artsakh wars.

Bibliography

The bridge does not have any bibliographic information. Our information is based on the data presented in the monument certificate provided by the Republic of Artsakh's Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports.

“Tsekhi Dzor” (Mud Gorge) or “Mtin” (Dark) Bridge-Mud wall
“Tsekhi Dzor” (Mud Gorge) or “Mtin” (Dark) Bridge-Mud wall
“Tsekhi Dzor” (Mud Gorge) or “Mtin” (Dark) Bridge-Mud wall
Artsakh