BAZABERD or CHAKHALABERD

This medieval castle, which is preserved in quite a good condition, rises at the lofty summit of a mountain branch extending like a cape between two gorges from the north southwards, 1.8 km north-east of Jiliza in a straight line, at an altitude of 1,043 metres above sea level (N 41°13°39.76°°; E 044°39°00.82°°). The solid fortification, known under the name of Chakhalaberd to the inhabitants of Jiliza, is generally identified with another stronghold, Bazaberd, mentioned in Armenian historiographical sources in connection with the events of the 9th century.₁

The smooth grounds of the castle are separated from the neighborhood by ramparts with towers which are laid with the local undressed stone and mortar, their height reaching 12 meters. The western wall is strengthened by two semi-circular towers having rooms of a circular plan. The entrance to the castle opened from the south. Inwardly, its eastern wall used to be adjoined by several rooms of a quadrangular plan, only the remnants of which are preserved at present.

_{1 Վարդան Արևելցի, Տիեզերական պատմություն, Երևան, 2001, էջ 131:  Նաև` Ջալալեանց Ս., Ճանապար­հոր­դու­թիւն ի Մեծն Հա­յաս­տան, հ. Ա, Տփխիս, 1842, էջ 88: Հով­հան­նիսեան Մ., Հայաստանի բերդերը, Վենետիկ, 1970, էջ 583:}