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40°21′32″N 45°07′36″E / 40.35889°N 45.12667°E / 40.35889; 45.12667

Gavar (Armenian: Գավառ [ɡɑˈvɑr]) is a town in Armenia serving as the administrative centre of the Gavar Municipality and the Gegharkunik Province. It is situated among the high mountains of Gegham range to the west of Lake Sevan, with an average height of 1982 meters above sea level. Located 98 kilometers east of the capital Yerevan, the town had a population of 20,765 as per the 2011 census. As per the 2022 census, the population of Gavar is 17,741.[1]

Gavar is the seat of the Diocese of Gegharkounik of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Key Information

Etymology

[edit]

The town was known as Nor Bayаzet (Նոր Բայազետ) or Novo-Bayazet (Russian: Новобаязет)[2] until 1959, named after the Western Armenian town of Bayazet (historically known as Daroynk and Arshakavan). Between 1959 and 1995, the town was known as Kamo, named after the Bolshevik revolutionary Kamo (Simon Ter-Petrosian).[3] On December 4, 1995, the town was renamed back to its ancient name of Gavar, meaning county in the Armenian language.[4]

However, Gavar is colloquially known as Kyavar (Քյավառ)[a][5][6] since the 19th century.

History

[edit]
The ancient city of Gavar, 1838 engraving by Vanderbuch
Hayravank Monastery near Gavar

The modern town of Gavar was founded as Novo-Bayazet (New Bayazit) in 1830 around 8 km (5.0 mi) west of the Lake Sevan, on the site of the ancient city of Gavar or Gyavar, following the immigration of 8,557 Armenians from the town of Bayazit (historically known as Daroynk and Arshakavan) of the Ottoman Empire due to the Russo-Turkish war of 1828-1829.[4] The settlement achieved the status of a town in 1850.[7]

However, the area of modern-day Gavar has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. Many historical tombstones, dating back to the 2nd millennium BC are founded in Gavar. The remains of a cyclopean fort dating back to the early Iron Age, are found on a hill at the centre of the town. It is believed that the fortress was the royal capital of the Uelikuhi region within the Urartu kingdom.[8] It was surrounded with more than 22 minor fortifications. The region of Uelikuhi was conquered by the Urartian king Sarduri II. His son, Rusa II renamed the fortress in honour of Khaldi; one of the three chief deities of Ararat. Gavar was known as the “City of Khaldi” while the nearby village of Tsovinar was known as the “City of Teisheba.”[9] Urartian cuneiform inscriptions of Rusa II commemorating his victory over the kings of Uelikuhi and establishing the fortress of Khaldi in 732 BC were discovered in 1927,[10] and are now held in the city’s history museum. The Artsvakar neighbourhood of Gavar is also home to another Iron Age fortress, dating back to the 2nd millennium BC.[7]

Cuneiform inscription marking the foundation of the ancient fortress city of Khaldi in Gavar

After the establishment of the ancient Kingdom of Armenia, the territory of modern-day Gavar was included within the Gegharkunik canton at the north of the historic Syunik province of Armenia Major.

Many other ancient and medieval monuments, including monasteries, Khachkars (cross-stones), cuneiform inscriptions, gravestones and a chapel are also found in the town.[11][12] The Hatsarat neighbourhood (a separate village until the 1960s) is home to the Hatsarat Monastery with 2 churches dating back to the 7th and 19th centuries.[13]

7th century Hatsarat Monastery

Over the centuries, the area of modern-day Gavar had been severely destroyed, with the latest taking place during the 17th century, when it was ruined by Shah Abbas I of Persia.

In 1828, after the Russo-Persian War, the region of Gegharkunik—as a part of the Erivan Khanate—was handed over to the Russian Empire as a result of the Treaty of Turkmenchay signed on 21 February 1828. In 1830, the Armenian migrants from Bayazit founded the village of Novo-Bayazet. With the establishment of the Erivan Governorate in 1850, Novo-Bayazet became the centre of the newly formed Nor Bayazet uezd.

Prince Mkrtich Artsruni with his wife Srbuhi in Gavar

Novo-Bayazet, along with many other regions of Eastern Armenia became part of the USSR in December 1920. After achieving the status of an urban-type settlement in 1950, the town has gradually grown over the years. In 1959, the town was known as Kamo, named after the Bolshevik revolutionary Kamo. It was once home to 36,400 people at the beginning of the 1980s.[14]

After the independence of Armenia in, the town was renamed Gavar in 1995 and became the provincial centre of the newly established Gegharkunik Province. However, much of the Soviet-era infrastructure of the town has failed and the industrial capacity has floundered.[7] As a result, the population of Gavar has drastically declined to 23,302 as reported in the 2001 census, 20,765 in the 2011 census and later to 17,741 as reported in the 2022 census.

Geography and climate

[edit]
Gavar landscape and Lake Sevan

At an average height of 1982 meters above sea level, Gavar is situated on the shores of Gavaraget river. The town is dominated by the Gegham mountains from the west and the Lake Sevan from the east. At a height of 3,597 meters, mount Azhdahak is located around 15 km southwest of Gavar.

The town is surrounded by a number of villages including Noratus from the east, Karmirgyugh and Gandzak from the south.

Climate

[edit]

Gavar features a humid continental (Köppen Dfb) climate, which is characterized by cold winters and warm summers. The annual precipitation level is 450 mm.

Climate data for Gavar 1961 m asl (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1981-2020)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 10.6
(51.1) 		11.9
(53.4) 		18.6
(65.5) 		25.1
(77.2) 		27.6
(81.7) 		30.5
(86.9) 		32.7
(90.9) 		34.1
(93.4) 		31.1
(88.0) 		24.5
(76.1) 		20.6
(69.1) 		14.0
(57.2) 		34.1
(93.4)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −0.6
(30.9) 		−0.3
(31.5) 		3.4
(38.1) 		10.7
(51.3) 		15.4
(59.7) 		19.7
(67.5) 		22.8
(73.0) 		23.1
(73.6) 		20.3
(68.5) 		14.0
(57.2) 		7.0
(44.6) 		1.3
(34.3) 		11.4
(52.5)
Daily mean °C (°F) −6.3
(20.7) 		−6.1
(21.0) 		−1.8
(28.8) 		5.3
(41.5) 		9.5
(49.1) 		13.2
(55.8) 		16.3
(61.3) 		16.4
(61.5) 		12.7
(54.9) 		7.5
(45.5) 		1.5
(34.7) 		−4.0
(24.8) 		5.4
(41.6)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −11.9
(10.6) 		−11.9
(10.6) 		−7.0
(19.4) 		−0.2
(31.6) 		3.5
(38.3) 		6.6
(43.9) 		9.7
(49.5) 		9.7
(49.5) 		5.1
(41.2) 		1.0
(33.8) 		−4.1
(24.6) 		−9.4
(15.1) 		−0.7
(30.7)
Record low °C (°F) −33
(−27) 		−32.7
(−26.9) 		−30.9
(−23.6) 		−22.2
(−8.0) 		−15.2
(4.6) 		−4.8
(23.4) 		−3.1
(26.4) 		−2.2
(28.0) 		−5.8
(21.6) 		−21.2
(−6.2) 		−27.2
(−17.0) 		−27.6
(−17.7) 		−33
(−27)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 22.7
(0.89) 		26.0
(1.02) 		38.9
(1.53) 		54.5
(2.15) 		66.4
(2.61) 		74.8
(2.94) 		67.0
(2.64) 		43.5
(1.71) 		30.5
(1.20) 		35.1
(1.38) 		25.4
(1.00) 		20.6
(0.81) 		505.4
(19.88)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 5 5.7 8.2 10.8 13.3 11.4 9.1 7.4 5.9 7.6 5.5 5.5 95.4
Average relative humidity (%) 73.6 72.2 69.9 68 68.1 68.1 68.5 66.5 67 68.4 70.7 73.5 69.5
Source 1: NCEI[15]
Source 2: Météo Climat stats(Temperature averages for 1981-2010)[16][17]

Demographics

[edit]
Surp Karapet Church opened in 1848 by Barsegh Artsruni
Prince Barsegh Artsruni with his family in Gavar wearing traditional dress, 19th century
Historical population
YearPop.±% p.a.
18311,346—    
18978,486+2.83%
191614,748+2.95%
19268,447−5.42%
19398,277−0.16%
19598,751+0.28%
197421,382+6.14%
198931,234+2.56%
200126,621−1.32%
201120,765−2.45%
202217,741−1.42%
Source: [18][19]

Religion

[edit]
The Holy Mother of God Cathedral opened in 1905, at the centre of Gavar

The people of Gavar are mainly Christians and belong to the Armenian Apostolic Church. The town has many medieval chapels and churches. The Surp Karapet Church of 1848 is among the well-preserved churches in Gavar. The Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gavar is the seat of the Diocese of Gegharkunik of the Armenian Church. It was built in 1905 at the central square of the town, with the efforts of then-bishop Khoren Muradbegian with help of the local citizens. Until the late 1990s, it was the highest church in Armenia in terms of altitudes.[citation needed]

The town is also home to many other churches including:

  • Hatsarat Monastery with the churches of the Holy Mother of God (7th century) and Saint Gregory the Illuminator (19th century).
  • Hayravank Monastery of the 9th century: located 7 kilometers north of Gavar on the shores of Lake Sevan.
  • Surp Khach (Holly Cross) chapel of the 17th century, renovated in 1969.
  • Surp Karapet Church built by Barsegh Artsruni in 1848 and entirely renovated in 2012.[20]

The Noratus cemetery archaeological site is located in the Noratus village just 4 kilometers east of Gavar. It is home to a large number of impressive medieval khachkars (cross-stones).[citation needed]

Culture

[edit]
Armenian folk music ensemble in Gavar (Nor-Bayazet) from 1914

Gavar has a history museum, a cultural palace, a drama theatre, many public libraries and monument dedicated to the victims of the Great Patriotic War during World War II.

The town has an educational teaching centre (1923), school of music (1945), palace of culture (1970), school of art (1982), public library (2002), and a special school of duduk named after Gevorg Dabaghyan (2010). The municipality runs a youth creativity centre as well.

Gavar has a portal which is used by many citizens abroad. The name of the portal is Kyavar, as the locals pronounce the name of the city with a "ky" sound instead of a "g" sound at the beginning of the name.

Cuisine

[edit]

The cuisine of Gavar is closely related with the oriental cuisine elements, characterized with various spices, vegetables, fish, and fruits combination.

Kyavari Kyufta (kofta of Gavar), the town's most favourite dish, is made from minced meat spiced with onions and rolled into balls before boiling in water. Served in slices, it is garnished with butter. People of Gavar like to eat bread with almost everything, and the two traditional types of bread in Gavar are lavash and matnakash.

The Kyavar baklava is a many-layered pastry with tissue-thin sheets of phyllo dough, filled with nuts and sugar and finished with a dousing of hot honey.

Transportation

[edit]

Gavar is located on the M-10 Motorway that connects the town with northeastern Armenia. The H-39 Road connects Gavar with the surrounding town and villages.

Gavar has an airstrip since the Soviet years, located to the north of the town.

Economy

[edit]
A view of the town

After being granted the status of an urban-type settlement in 1950, the town became one of the major industrial centres of the Armenian SSR. It was home to a large electrical cable factory known as Kamokabel as well as a machines manufacturing plant.

However, after the independence of Armenia in 1991, most of the Soviet-era industry has dreadfully declined. However, the local economy is improving within slow rates as many native businessmen are returning to Gavar from Russia in the hope of finding new chances of investments.

Currently, Gavar is home to the "Gavar Furniture Factory" since 1948, the "Sevan Mineral Water Plant" founded in 1953 (reopened in 2015), the "Aquatic LLC" for processed crayfish founded in 2002, the "Kirakosyan" furniture factory founded in 2006, and the "Shushan Production Cooperative" for soft drinks.

Services

[edit]

Gavar has a medical centre, a central hotel known as Khaldi, a local TV station known as Kyavar TV and many branches of local Armenian banks.

Education

[edit]
Art school in Gavar

Education continues to be one of the main values in the society of Gavar. A literacy rate of 99% was reported as early as 1960. Nowadays, there are nine public education schools, six nursery schools, four specialized technical intermediate colleges, one sports school, two music and art schools, one special school for children with special educational needs and one university in the town of Gavar.

The Gavar State University was opened in 1993 after the independence of Armenia. With its five faculties the Gavar University is a major educational centre for the entire province of Gegharkunik. The University provides degrees in Philology, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Economics and Education. Nowadays, more than 2,400 students are attending the university.

The Gavar Special School is the only school for mentally and physically handicapped children in the region. It is currently carrying out steps towards improvement and development with the assistance of its partners and sponsors on its way to become a leading institution among the special schools in Armenia.

Sport

[edit]

Football and chess are popular in the town. The sports school of Gavar was opened in 1971 and currently provides trainings in many team and individual sports, including martial arts, basketball, futsal, boxing, weightlifting, etc.[21]

Hovhannes Goharyan from Gavar, has played as a striker for the Armenia national football team in 2009-10.

In December 2011, the renowned Armenian player Henrikh Mkhitaryan visited the town along with the president of the FFA Ruben Hayrapetyan for charity purposes.[22]

International relations

[edit]
See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Armenia

Twin towns – Sister cities

[edit]

Gavar is twinned with:

Notable people

[edit]

Here are some notable people who were born or raised in the town of Gavar:

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Gavar

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Gavar is a town in that serves as the administrative center of and the Gavar Municipality. Situated on the Gavaraget River amid the Gegham Mountains at an elevation of approximately 1,982 meters (6,503 feet) above sea level, it lies about 8 kilometers (5 miles) west of and roughly 92 kilometers (57 miles) southeast of the capital, . As of the 2022 census, the town has a population of 17,741 residents, while the broader municipality encompasses around 47,508 people. The area around Gavar has evidence of human habitation dating back to the 2nd century BCE, as indicated by ancient tombstones and ruins discovered in the vicinity. The modern town was founded in 1830 by Armenian migrants fleeing persecution from Bayazet (present-day in ), initially named Nor Bayazet (New Bayazet) in reference to their origin. It received in 1850 and underwent several name changes: renamed Kamo in 1959 after the Armenian revolutionary figure, and restored to Gavar—derived from the name of the local river—in 1995 following Armenia's independence. During the Soviet era, Gavar developed as an industrial hub, featuring factories for electrical cables and machinery, though economic challenges post-independence have shifted focus toward agriculture, education, and . Gavar functions as a regional economic and cultural center, hosting Gavar State University, established in 1993, which offers programs in education, humanities, and natural sciences. It is also the seat of the Diocese of Gegharkunik within the Armenian Apostolic Church, with notable sites including the 19th-century Holy Mother of God Church and ancient cemeteries reflecting the region's historical layers. The town's economy relies on livestock farming, dairy production, and proximity to Lake Sevan for fishing and tourism, while its central square and mineral springs attract visitors seeking a glimpse of rural Armenian life. Despite its modest size, Gavar plays a key role in the province's administration and serves as a gateway to the mountainous landscapes and historical monasteries of eastern Armenia.

History

Ancient and medieval periods

The region surrounding modern Gavar, in Armenia's , shows evidence of human settlement dating back to the , with numerous historical tombstones unearthed that are attributed to the BCE. These artifacts indicate early agricultural and communal activities in the fertile plains near , though specific settlement structures from this period remain sparsely documented. During the , the area transitioned to more fortified communities, exemplified by the Berdi Glukh fortress, a cyclopean structure located on a rocky hill in central Gavar. This site, now partially overlaid by a modern , featured defensive walls along natural cliffs and an approachable western side, suggesting its role as a strategic outpost in the early Iron Age. Archaeological surveys have revealed dwellings, towers, and an underground passage linking to the nearby Gavaraget stream, highlighting advanced engineering for defense and resource access. Urartian influence became prominent in the 8th century BCE, with the establishment of the fortress known as URU Ḫaldi, or the "City of Khaldi," named after the chief Urartian deity. Attributed to Rusa, son of Sarduri, the site at Berdi Glukh served as a temple-city complex, stretching approximately 400 meters east to west and functioning as the smallest yet inscription-bearing royal fortress in the Uelikuhi (Velikukhi) region around . Its archaeological significance lies in the preserved and Urartian pottery shards, which underscore its administrative and religious importance; recent discoveries, including 8th-century BCE artifacts like items unearthed during local construction, further illuminate Urartian . Positioned along ancient trade routes encircling , the fortress likely facilitated control over regional commerce in metals and livestock, integrating Gavar into the broader Urartian empire's economic network. In the medieval period, the Gegharkunik area, including Gavar, fell under the influence of Armenian principalities, particularly dominated by the Dopian clan, which held sway over local governance and land from the Bagratid era onward. This clan's rule emphasized fortified settlements and ecclesiastical centers, as seen in key sites like the St. Mariam Astvatsatsin Church, constructed in 898 CE, which exemplifies medieval with its design and khachkars (cross-stones). The Church of Grigor Lusavorich, linked to 4th-century traditions but with medieval reconstructions, and scattered gravestones within the Berdi Glukh complex further attest to continuous Christian heritage and princely patronage in the region prior to the .

Modern development

The modern settlement of Gavar originated in the early amid Russian expansion into the . Following the Russo-Turkish War of 1828–1829, which prompted significant migrations of from Ottoman territories, settlers from Bayazit (present-day , ) established the village of Nor Bayazet in 1830 on the western shore of . This resettlement was part of broader Russian efforts to populate and secure the newly acquired Armenian provinces after the Treaty of Adrianople in 1829 ceded control over parts of Eastern Anatolia, though Bayazet itself was returned to Ottoman rule, displacing its Armenian population. By 1850, Nor Bayazet had grown sufficiently to receive official town status and serve as the administrative center of the Nor Bayazet uezd within the , a key subdivision of the Russian Empire's Caucasian territories. The town's development during the imperial period focused on and basic trade, leveraging its strategic location near for local markets and transportation routes. After the , the region integrated into the in 1920 as part of the , marking a shift toward centralized planning and . Industrialization accelerated in the mid-20th century, with the establishment of the Kamokabel electrical cable factory in 1960 as a flagship enterprise producing wiring for Soviet infrastructure projects across the republic. This facility, along with related machine-building operations, drove and urban growth, peaking with a of 36,400 in the early 1980s.

Post-Soviet era

Following Armenia's independence from the in 1991, the town—known as Kamo since 1959 after the Bolshevik revolutionary Simon Ter-Petrosian—retained its name until December 4, 1995, when it was officially renamed Gavar, meaning "county" or "region" in Armenian, aligning with its new role as the administrative center of . This change symbolized a broader effort to restore Armenian linguistic and in place names post-independence. The town's Soviet-era industrial base, focused on machine-building and , provided an initial foundation but quickly faced disruption amid the transition to a . The 1990s brought profound challenges to Gavar's development, as Armenia grappled with a severe economic crisis triggered by the Soviet collapse, including peaking at over 10,000% in 1993 and a GDP contraction to 47% of its 1990 level by 1994. The concurrent intensified these hardships through Azerbaijan's and Turkey's transportation and economic blockades, which severed trade routes and exacerbated energy shortages, leading to the closure of many local factories and stalled infrastructure projects in . These factors contributed to widespread and , hindering urban growth and prompting significant out-migration from Gavar and surrounding areas. Gavar's population reflected these strains, dropping from 31,234 in the 1989 Soviet census to 17,741 in the 2022 Armenian census, a decline of over 43% driven primarily by emigration in search of better economic opportunities abroad, compounded by conflict-related instability and low birth rates. Emigration rates surged in the 1990s and early 2000s, with hundreds of thousands leaving Armenia overall due to the economic turmoil and war's aftermath, depleting the local workforce and slowing community development. By the 2020s, national stabilization efforts began to influence Gavar, including government policies to boost and foreign investment, which contributed to Armenia's overall of about 84,000 in 2025 through return migration and inflows from conflict zones like and . Locally, minor initiatives emerged, such as community-driven environmental programs in Gavar schools, like the 2025 OTTERS campaign monitoring Lake Sevan's ecosystem, fostering youth engagement and subtle economic ties to . These steps signal gradual adaptation, though challenges from border tensions persist.

Geography and environment

Location and physical features

Gavar serves as the administrative capital of in . The city is situated approximately 98 kilometers east of , the national capital, along major regional roadways. At an average elevation of 1,982 meters above , Gavar occupies a highland position that shapes its physical and developmental characteristics. The city lies on the banks of the Gavaraget River, which originates in the Gegham Mountains and flows eastward into approximately 8 kilometers away. To the west, the rugged Gegham Range dominates the landscape, with peaks rising over 3,000 meters, creating a that influences local microclimates and accessibility. borders the area to the east, contributing to the region's hydrological features while the surrounding terrain consists of undulating plateaus and valleys. Predominant soil types in the Gavar area are mountainous-meadow soils, characterized by high humus content and fertility suitable for alpine meadows and limited agriculture. Vegetation is sparse due to the elevation and continental influences, featuring semi-arid steppe grasslands with scattered shrubs such as juniper and oak, and minimal forest cover restricted to sheltered slopes. Gavar's urban layout radiates from its central square, a key landmark equipped with fountains and serving as the focal point for public gatherings and . The city encompasses an area of about 16 square kilometers, with residential and administrative buildings aligned along the river valley, flanked by surrounding villages like Ttujur and Noratus that form part of the municipal structure. Topographical features, including the river corridor and , have historically guided settlement patterns, promoting linear expansion along accessible lowlands while limiting development on steeper inclines to avoid erosion-prone areas.

Climate

Gavar features a classified as Dfb under the Köppen-Geiger system, characterized by cold winters, warm summers, and no distinct . This classification reflects the region's moderate throughout the year, with seasonal variations influencing local weather patterns. The annual average is approximately 6.0°C, with a thermal amplitude of 23.4°C between the coldest and warmest months. Temperatures in Gavar typically range from lows of -10°C during winter months like to highs of around 20-23°C in summer months such as and . Winters are marked by freezing conditions and snowfall, while summers remain mild and comfortable, with average highs reaching 22.8°C. averages 473-511 mm annually, peaking in spring with May recording the highest monthly total of 84 mm, which supports the onset of the ; the driest period occurs in late winter, with at about 20 mm. Historical data from 1970 onward, building on the 1961-1990 baseline for showing national averages of 5.5°C and 592 mm , indicate a slight warming trend of +0.38°C per decade in Gavar, though has increased marginally by 7.1 mm per decade. The city's of 1,982 meters exacerbates the cold in winters and enhances orographic , leading to cooler overall temperatures and more consistent moisture compared to 's lower valleys. This influences microclimates, with higher altitudes around Gavar experiencing prolonged cover that moderates summer heat. In terms of impacts, the cold winters restrict daily outdoor activities and require substantial heating resources for residents, while the spring rainfall is vital for , enabling crop planting but occasionally causing in sloped areas. Mild summers facilitate the cultivation of grains and vegetables, though late frosts can pose risks to early yields, shaping farming practices in the region.

Proximity to Lake Sevan

Gavar maintains a close environmental connection to , Armenia's largest freshwater lake, which spans over 1,200 square kilometers and serves as a critical resource for the surrounding region. The lake provides essential supplies for and potable in areas near Gavar, supporting agricultural activities and local water needs. Additionally, its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities contribute to tourism potential, drawing visitors to the where Gavar is located. Historically, Lake Sevan's water levels have undergone dramatic fluctuations due to Soviet-era engineering projects aimed at harnessing its resources for energy production. Starting in 1933, extensive drainage via the Hrazdan River diverted water to power hydroelectric stations, resulting in a rapid decline of nearly 19 meters by 1980 and reducing the lake's volume by over 40 percent. These interventions disrupted the lake's hydrological balance, leading to shoreline recession, habitat loss, and ecological stress that extended to nearby regions like Gavar, where altered water availability affected local wetlands and groundwater. Efforts to reverse this began in the late Soviet period, with plans to raise levels by 6 meters over 25 years, though full recovery remains ongoing. As of October 2025, the water level stands at approximately 1,900.6 meters above sea level, with recovery efforts continuing. Contemporary conservation initiatives focus on restoring Lake Sevan's health through involvement and improvements. A key effort is the 2025 OTTERS Spring-to-Sevan Stewardship Campaign, coordinated by the of Armenia's Acopian for the Environment, which engages schools in Gavar and other basin communities in activities. Participating students adopt local rivers, perform regular water quality tests for parameters like and , and share data to track sources, fostering long-term environmental awareness and action. Complementary measures include the construction of plants in Gavar to reduce effluent discharge into the lake. The lake's ecosystem supports diverse , including endemic species such as the (ishkhan) and various and communities vital to the . However, these elements face severe risks from anthropogenic , with untreated and agricultural runoff from seven of the eleven inflowing rivers introducing nutrients that promote and algal blooms. Climate change exacerbates these threats by potentially raising water temperatures, altering precipitation patterns, and further stressing fish populations, which have already declined by up to 50 times since mid-20th-century interventions. Protecting this is crucial for maintaining the ecological integrity that benefits Gavar's environs.

Demographics

The population of Gavar was recorded at 31,234 by the , reflecting late Soviet regional industrial growth. Subsequent censuses documented a sharper drop: 26,621 in , 20,765 in , and 17,741 in , according to the National Statistical Service of the Republic of (Armstat). This represents a roughly 43% decline from to , outpacing the national average decrease of about 11% over the same period. The primary drivers of Gavar's include widespread post-Soviet , triggered by the 1990s , ethnic conflicts, and limited local opportunities, which led to an estimated net loss of over 1 million people nationwide between 1990 and 2000. Economic migration to , Armenia's capital, has further exacerbated the trend, as residents seek better employment in services and administration, with internal rural-to-urban shifts reducing Gavar's share of regional inflows. An , marked by low rates (around 1.6 children per woman in as of recent estimates) and higher mortality among the elderly, has compounded these outflows, resulting in a median age exceeding 35 years in the city. In terms of urban-rural distribution, Gavar serves as the province's main urban hub, accounting for about 8-10% of Gegharkunik's total of 209,669 in , while the province remains predominantly rural with roughly 67% of residents in non-urban areas. Projections based on the 2022 suggest modest stabilization or slight recovery for Gavar, reaching 18,900 as of 2025 if slows and increases, though this lags behind provincial estimates of 215,700. Compared to Gegharkunik's overall decline of approximately 20% since 2001—mirroring national patterns driven by similar pressures—Gavar's trajectory highlights its vulnerability as a secondary urban center.

Ethnic and religious composition

Gavar's population is overwhelmingly composed of ethnic , accounting for approximately 99% of residents as per the 2011 data from the Statistical of the Republic of . This near-homogeneous ethnic makeup reflects broader trends in the , where form the vast majority, with minimal presence of other groups such as or Yezidis. Religiously, the community is dominated by the , to which the overwhelming majority of ethnic in Gavar adhere, aligning with national figures where about 95% of the identifies with this faith. The Mother of God Church, constructed in 1905 and serving as the seat of the of Gegharkunik, stands as a primary religious center, hosting key ecclesiastical activities. Similarly, the Surp Karapet Church, built in 1848, represents another significant site of worship and community spiritual life. During the Soviet era, minor historical influences from other ethnic groups, including a small number of involved in regional administration and industry, contributed to a slightly more diverse composition in urban areas like Gavar, though remained predominant. The continues to play a central role in community life, fostering social cohesion through religious practices and festivals that reinforce amid ongoing population decline trends.

Economy

Primary industries

Gavar's primary industries have historically been shaped by its Soviet-era base, which transitioned to smaller-scale operations following Armenia's independence, alongside a strong agricultural sector and limited resource extraction. During the Soviet period, the city hosted significant industrial facilities, including the Kamokabel factory, established in 1960 as a state enterprise specializing in cable production for national needs. This facility was privatized in 1995 and reorganized as Gegama OJSC, reflecting the broader economic restructuring that led to downsizing and reduced output in . Today, persists on a modest scale, with the Gavar Furniture , founded in 1948 as an , producing wooden furniture for domestic markets using local timber resources. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Gavar's economy, leveraging the fertile lands around and the surrounding highlands for crop and livestock production. The region focuses on cultivation, including and , which supports both local consumption and regional supply chains, with historically yielding over 114,000 tons of crops annually in peak years. Dairy farming is equally prominent, with smallholder operations producing and derivatives such as cheese and , contributing to an output of around 120,000 tons of per year in the province in 2024, though yields have varied with climatic conditions. Additionally, the area's natural springs feed production at the Sevan Mineral Water Plant, operational since 1953 and modernized in 2015, bottling carbonated and still varieties from local sources for export and domestic use, with plans to direct 60% of output abroad. Mining and quarrying activities in the Gegham Mountains, which encircle Gavar, center on extracting construction materials essential for regional building projects. These operations yield , volcanic , dolomite, and sand, materials widely used in Armenia's due to the volcanic of the area. The province's sector includes small-scale quarries that supply aggregates for roads and buildings, though occurs sporadically in nearby deposits. Post-1990s economic challenges, including the collapse of Soviet trade networks, energy shortages, and the , prompted widespread factory closures across , shifting Gavar's industries toward and artisanal production with reduced labor force participation amid outflows.

Services and recent growth

Gavar's service sector has seen modest expansion in recent years, particularly in , with establishments like the Khaldi Hotel serving as a key facility in the city center, offering accommodations to support regional visitors and business travelers. This development aligns with broader efforts to enhance visitor services in , though tourist arrivals decreased by 4.7% in 2024. A notable component of local services involves bottling, exemplified by the Sevan Mineral Water Factory in Gavar, which has historically directed approximately 60% of its production toward exports to markets including , , and the . This activity contributes to the regional economy by leveraging the area's abundant thermal springs and has sustained export-oriented operations as part of Armenia's bottled water industry, which continues to expand internationally. The city's proximity to positions it well for growth, with potential in eco-tourism driven by initiatives such as the 2024–2030 Strategy for Restoration of Ecosystem, aimed at preserving the lake's and enhancing sustainable visitor experiences. generates an estimated $400 million annually in ecosystem services for , including , providing a foundation for Gavar to attract eco-conscious travelers through protected areas and nature-based activities. Recent economic momentum in 2024–2025 stems from investments and support, including a $100 million World Bank project to bolster local infrastructure, creating jobs and drawing private investment to regions like . These efforts coincide with national programs fostering startups, such as tax incentives for high-tech and ventures, which have spurred a 22.8% growth in Armenia's in 2025. Unemployment in reached 13.9% in 2024, with regional areas like Gegharkunik facing similar or elevated challenges due to limited industrial opportunities, prompting government-backed programs to promote service diversification and job creation. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's 2025–2030 strategy for emphasizes support for such initiatives, focusing on in underserved provinces through access and skill-building.

Infrastructure

Transportation

Gavar is strategically positioned along the M-10 Motorway, a key route that links to northeastern and extends toward southern regions, facilitating efficient connectivity for both passengers and goods. The city lies approximately 92 kilometers east of , with driving times typically ranging from 1.25 to 2 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Public transportation in Gavar relies heavily on bus and minibus () services, which provide regular connections to Yerevan's Northern Bus Station, departing from Gavar's central multiple times daily. These services operate every 30 to 60 minutes during peak hours, covering the route in about 2 hours at a cost of around 1,000 per ticket. Intra-provincial routes connect Gavar to nearby towns around , such as Sevan city (20-30 minutes away) and Vardenis, supporting local commuting and tourism. Shorter shuttle services also link Gavar to Sevanavank Monastery and other lakeside destinations, enhancing accessibility for visitors. Gavar features a small airstrip, established during the Soviet era and located north of the city, primarily designed for and ; however, it has been closed to operations since the early . The facility, with coordinates at 40°22'16"N 45°05'50"E, no longer supports scheduled flights, and the nearest operational airport is Zvartnots International in , 105 kilometers away. Historically, no direct rail connections have served Gavar, as Armenia's railway network focuses on north-south corridors bypassing the Sevan ; proposed extensions like the Southern Armenia Railway, which would have included a line through Gavar, were never realized. In the 2020s, Armenia's government under Prime Minister has prioritized national road infrastructure upgrades, including upgrades to national roads such as the M-10 as part of broader initiatives like the North-South Road Corridor, which have improved connectivity around . These efforts have reduced travel times and supported economic logistics for regional and . By 2025, these renovations have elevated Armenia's road network to its highest quality in decades, with ongoing investments exceeding hundreds of millions in loans from international bodies.

Public utilities and healthcare

Gavar residents have access to through the national grid managed by Electric Networks of Armenia, achieving full coverage consistent with the country's 100% electrification rate. Water supply is provided from local aquifers and mountain springs, with public connection rates aligning with 's national figure of 97.3%. Waste management operates via a dedicated transfer station in Gavar, integrated into the broader Gegharkunik regional system that facilitates collection, transfer, and disposal of using modern equipment. infrastructure supports local media through the Kyavar TV station, a broadcaster founded in that delivers regional news and programming, alongside widespread mobile coverage with and emerging services as of 2025. The Gavar Medical Center serves as the primary healthcare facility, functioning as one of Armenia's 14 regional multi-profile hospitals with upgraded equipment and trained staff following a 2016 modernization initiative. Established in 2011 by merging the local hospital and , it spans 3,835 m² and provides essential services including emergency care and outpatient treatment. Recent national funding supports healthcare enhancements, including 2025 renovations of six major facilities to address non-communicable diseases and planned 2026 reconstructions for regional centers.

Culture

Cultural institutions and events

Gavar serves as a hub for cultural preservation in the Gegharkunik region, with key institutions dedicated to showcasing its historical and artistic heritage. The Gegharkunik History Museum, located in the city center, houses an extensive collection of artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the modern era, including stone tools, bronze daggers, and cuneiform inscriptions that illuminate the region's ancient past. Particularly notable are exhibits featuring Urartian artifacts unearthed in Gavar, such as spearheads, sword fragments, and agate beads from a 6th-century BCE crypt, which highlight the area's connections to the ancient Kingdom of Urartu. These displays provide visitors with insights into local history, including archaeological finds linked to Lake Sevan's fluctuating levels that exposed submerged relics. The Levon Kalantaryan Drama Theatre, established in 1931 as part of Gavar's cultural palace infrastructure, hosts regular performances that blend drama with contemporary works, fostering a vibrant scene. Its inaugural production, Raffi's historical tragedy Samvel, set a precedent for engaging audiences with narratives rooted in Armenian heritage, and the venue continues to feature plays that draw on regional . Folk music traditions play a central role in Gavar's cultural events, preserving oral histories through live music. These performances often incorporate elements of Gegharkunik's , emphasizing communal and traditional passed down through generations. Annual festivals enrich Gavar's cultural calendar, drawing locals and visitors to celebrate seasonal and historical themes. The festival, held in mid-July near , involves joyful water-dousing rituals symbolizing renewal and fertility, with large gatherings on the lakeshore including music and dances that trace back to ancient pagan origins adapted into . Commemorations of historical events, such as Armenia's Independence Day on September 21, feature public concerts and theatrical reenactments at the cultural palace, honoring key figures and milestones in regional history. The International Crafts Festival in June showcases folk performances alongside artisan demonstrations, while the Mets Pur (Big Bonfire) Festival in autumn celebrates the potato harvest with bonfires, traditional dances, and music evoking Gegharkunik's agricultural roots. Preservation efforts focus on Gavar's 19th-century , which reflects Russian imperial and early Soviet influences amid the city's from its origins as Nor Bayazet. Programs like the Erasmus+ heritage initiative have documented and addressed threats to structures such as -style churches and administrative buildings, emphasizing sustainable restoration to maintain their cultural significance. For instance, the Surb Karapet Church, a typical 19th-century , underwent in 2012 to restore its role as a community landmark. Religious sites like this occasionally host cultural events, serving as venues for choral performances and historical lectures that bridge faith and heritage.

Cuisine and traditions

Gavar's cuisine reflects the region's agricultural heritage and proximity to , featuring hearty dishes prepared with local ingredients like meat, grains, and . A signature dish is Gavari Kufta, a tender, ball-shaped preparation made from or pulp mixed with finely chopped onions, raw , , , and seasonings such as salt, , and ground red chilies. The mixture is kneaded for about 20 minutes, formed into orange-sized balls, and boiled in salted water—sometimes with added red wine—for approximately 25 minutes, then served hot with melted butter poured over it. Originating in Gavar, formerly known as Qyavar, this dish is a point of culinary pride in the , embodying ancient Armenian techniques. Another emblematic specialty is Gavar Pakhlava, a layered nut-filled renowned for its rich flavor and communal preparation. It consists of thin dough sheets made from , , egg yolks, , , and salt, layered with walnuts, sugar, and additional , then baked at around 200°C for an hour and finished with a pour of warm local . Introduced to Gavar in the mid-19th century by Armenian migrants from Bayazet in the , this is traditionally baked in groups, often starting at dawn and lasting into the night during peak seasons, and is prized for its quality using regional ingredients like Garni walnuts and Gridzor . It holds a central place in Gavar's , attracting visitors and serving as a counterbalance to holiday consumption. The proximity of Gavar to Lake Sevan significantly shapes local recipes, particularly through the use of endemic freshwater fish like Ishkhan () and Sig (whitefish), which are staples in cuisine. These fish are typically grilled or baked with fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables, highlighting their natural flavors in simple yet flavorful preparations that underscore the lake's role as a vital protein source for the community. Cultural traditions in Gavar are deeply intertwined with broader Armenian practices, emphasizing , , and communal gatherings during holidays and life events. Hospitality norms are prominent, with hosts offering generous spreads of traditional foods to guests as a sign of warmth and respect, a custom rooted in Armenia's emphasis on sharing meals to foster social bonds. Wedding customs follow longstanding Armenian rituals, including pre-wedding engagements with ring blessings and vows of fidelity, followed by elaborate feasts featuring dishes like Gavari Kufta and Pakhlava to celebrate union and abundance; these events often involve toasts, songs, and inclusive community participation to reinforce familial ties. Holidays such as or incorporate similar feasting traditions, where local specialties are prepared to mark seasonal and religious observances, blending joy with spiritual reflection. The evolution of Gavar's mirrors Armenia's broader culinary shifts, transitioning from Soviet-era constraints to a modern revival of indigenous flavors. During the Soviet period (–), availability was limited to staples like , potatoes, root vegetables, and , influencing heavier, more utilitarian preparations that overshadowed traditional recipes. Post-independence, there has been a resurgence in using local and ancient ingredients, such as those from and regional nuts, allowing Gavar's specialties like Pakhlava to reclaim prominence through family recipes and tourism-driven preservation, while incorporating subtle contemporary adaptations for wider appeal.

Sports and recreation

Football and chess are among the most popular sports in Gavar, reflecting the town's emphasis on both team-based and strategic activities. Local football enthusiasts participate in community tournaments, such as the annual Gavar Mayor's Cup mini-football event, which involves teams from regional institutions and promotes engagement. Chess, deeply embedded in Armenian culture, sees regular interschool competitions and training sessions that foster young talent. The Grisha Aproyan Sports School, established in 1971, serves as the primary facility for sports development in Gavar, offering programs in football, chess, , , , , and . This institution supports community recreation through accessible training and events, contributing to the town's active lifestyle. In , approximately 295 athletes from Gavar's sports schools received new athletic equipment, highlighting ongoing investment in participation. Beyond organized sports, residents enjoy near Gavar, including trails in the adjacent Gegham Mountains, which offer scenic routes through volcanic landscapes and alpine meadows. , located just west of the city, provides opportunities for watersports such as , , , and during the summer months. Gavar athletes have achieved success at regional and national levels, with chess players securing city and Gegharkunik Province championships, as well as placements in All-Army Games. Football participants from local programs have engaged in national youth initiatives, enhancing the town's reputation in competitive sports.

Education

Institutions and literacy

Gavar's education system traces its roots to the Soviet era, when schooling in the region followed the standardized model of the , emphasizing universal access, state-controlled curricula, and centralized administration from . This framework prioritized compulsory primary and , integrating ideological instruction alongside core subjects like , sciences, and languages. By the mid-20th century, these policies had established a robust network of schools across , including Gavar, fostering widespread educational participation. A key achievement during this period was the near-universal rate, reaching 99% across by 1960, which extended to Gavar and surrounding areas through intensive literacy campaigns and mandatory schooling. This high literacy level reflected the Soviet emphasis on eradicating illiteracy, with local schools in Gavar serving as primary vehicles for basic reading, writing, and skills among children and adults alike. Today, Gavar maintains a comprehensive network of , including institutions such as Gavar Secondary School No. 2, No. 7, and No. 8, which provide 10-12 years of general focusing on academic preparation and foundational skills. These schools, numbering over a dozen in the municipality, cater to the local population and emphasize subjects like , history, and sciences, continuing the Soviet legacy of free, . Complementing general schooling are vocational training centers and adult education programs, which offer practical skills development in fields such as craftsmanship, , and technical trades. In Gavar, these initiatives include secondary vocational institutions providing 2-4 year programs based on basic general education, alongside non-formal adult learning opportunities through regional centers that promote lifelong and . Such programs address skill gaps for working adults, drawing on Armenia's dual-level vocational system to enhance local economic participation. At the higher education level, Gavar State University, established in 1993, serves as the province's premier institution, offering undergraduate and graduate programs across four faculties: Philology, Economics, Humanities (including history, law, and social sciences), and Natural Sciences (encompassing biology, computer science, and related fields). The university also supports continuing education initiatives, enabling adult learners to pursue professional development and advanced qualifications. With its focus on both humanities and sciences, it plays a central role in regional knowledge production and teacher training.

Recent developments

In October 2025, Zhanna Andreasyan, the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the , visited Gavar to monitor the ongoing construction of a new building for the Gavar State Agricultural College after A. Tamamshev. This project aims to modernize facilities for , addressing the institution's growing enrollment and the need for updated infrastructure to support hands-on training in farming techniques relevant to the Gegharkunik region's economy. The construction, funded through national education allocations, represents a key investment in vocational higher education amid Armenia's push to enhance agricultural . Local schools in Gavar participated in the 2025 OTTERS Spring-to-Sevan citizen science campaign, a pilot initiative launched by the American University of Armenia's Acopian Center for the Environment in collaboration with the EU-funded OTTERS project. The campaign, which began in January 2025, empowered students and teachers from rural areas near Lake Sevan, including Gavar, to adopt nearby rivers for regular water quality monitoring using standardized toolkits. By May 2025, participating schools conducted measurements of parameters such as pH, temperature, and turbidity, contributing data to broader efforts for environmental stewardship in the Lake Sevan Basin. This involvement built scientific literacy among students while fostering community engagement in regional ecological protection. Following the , Gavar's educational institutions expanded digital learning capabilities, integrating online platforms and hybrid models to bridge access gaps in rural settings. These efforts included teacher training in tools like Zoom and , supported by national initiatives that addressed infrastructure challenges in remote provinces like Gegharkunik. International partnerships, such as those with the and , facilitated access to AI-enhanced curricula and collaborative programs, exemplified by Armenia's presentation of its AI education model at in September 2025, which influenced local adaptations for digital equity. These developments have sustained post-pandemic recovery by promoting inclusive remote learning tied to Gavar's existing framework. The Armenian government has increased for STEM programs in Gavar, aligning investments with regional priorities like agriculture and environmental management in the . In 2025, national funding reached a record high, enabling targeted grants for STEM curricula that incorporate local needs, such as sustainable farming technologies at institutions like the Gavar State Agricultural College. Additional support from international donors, including a $25 million World Bank loan extended through 2022-2025 for improvements, has bolstered STEM teacher training and resource provision in rural areas. The EU's €20-25 million commitment to Armenia's national strategy further emphasizes STEM and innovation, directly benefiting Gavar's youth through programs addressing agricultural and .

Administration and international relations

Local government

Gavar serves as the administrative center of , managing governance over a territory of 5,349 square kilometers that encompasses both urban and rural communities with a combined of approximately 228,000 as of 2022. As the provincial capital, it coordinates regional administration, including the of national policies at the local level. The local government structure follows Armenia's mayor-council system, where executive authority is vested in the mayor, elected for a four-year term by popular vote, and legislative functions are handled by the municipal council. The current mayor is Gurgen Martirosyan, who has held the position since at least 2009. The mayor, who must be at least 25 years old and have resided in the community for at least one year, convenes council meetings, submits four-year development programs, and delivers annual reports on municipal activities. The council comprises 15 members elected alongside the mayor, meeting at least bi-monthly to approve budgets, strategic plans, and local taxes; it operates through five standing committees covering areas such as finance, infrastructure, and social issues. Key municipal departments support core functions, including the economic department (with six staff members) responsible for , development projects, and overall oversight. Public safety and financial accountability fall under the internal audit department (two staff), which monitors compliance and to prevent mismanagement. Budget management emphasizes state subsidies, which accounted for 73.9% of Gavar's 490 million dram (approximately $1.3 million USD) budget in 2017, with additional revenues from income taxes (18.3%) funding essential services. Local elections occur every four years under the Law on Local Self-Government, with the most recent cycle in held on December 5, 2021, across multiple communities including Gavar, to elect mayors and council members. extends to the national level, where Gavar's council advocates community interests in the through Gegharkunik's allocated seats, influencing provincial legislation on and fiscal equalization. Recent policies have prioritized housing and community services amid regional challenges, including the local implementation of national programs providing subsidies (up to 5 million drams per family) for construction in border settlements like those in Gegharkunik, benefiting forcibly displaced persons from since 2024. Community services receive substantial allocation, with social spending—encompassing education (40.6% of budget) and cultural programs supporting over 600 children in arts and sports—comprising nearly 50% of municipal expenditures to enhance resident welfare. These initiatives tie local decisions to broader by fostering improvements that support provincial growth.

Twin towns and partnerships

Gavar maintains one formal twin town relationship, established to foster cultural and economic ties between and . The city is twinned with in , , since 2009, following a cooperation memorandum signed by the mayors of both cities on November 10, 2009. This partnership was initiated through reciprocal visits and agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, with an emphasis on cultural exchanges and the contributions of the to Novorossiysk's socio-economic development. The twinning has facilitated ongoing collaborations, particularly in economic sectors such as agro-industrial trade, where supplies products like and to in exchange for fruits, vegetables, fodder, and agricultural machinery. Cultural connections are supported by the significant Armenian community in the region, including in , promoting people-to-people exchanges. In June 2025, discussions between Governor Veniamin Kondratiev and Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan in highlighted prospects for expanding these ties, including trade in ferrous metals, amid broader regional cooperation efforts. Beyond this , Gavar participates in international collaborations through provincial-level initiatives, such as EU-supported events in , which enhance local cultural and environmental awareness, though no additional formal agreements have been documented as of 2025. These partnerships contribute to promotion and educational exchanges, benefiting from Armenia's wider peace-building context in the region.

Notable people

Historical figures

The 19th-century founding of Nor Bayazet (present-day ) in 1830 marked a significant chapter, driven by groups of Armenian migrants from Ottoman Bayazet (modern ) escaping persecution and economic hardship. These refugees, resettled under Russian imperial policy to fortify the Caucasian frontier, established the town as a new homeland, though individual leaders of the migration are sparsely documented in surviving records, often overshadowed by collective community efforts. Soviet-era figures from the area include Samvel Kocharyants (1909–1993), an engineer born in Gavar who graduated from and the . He played a key role in developing the first Soviet nuclear warheads for ballistic missiles, contributing to the nation's defense technology. Administrators who oversaw the town's transformation into an industrial center after its renaming to Kamo in 1959 are also noted, though verified personal biographies beyond institutional roles remain limited; archaeological and archival research continues to address these gaps in understanding local contributors.

Contemporary personalities

Tigran Arzakantsyan (born August 7, 1966), a veterinarian by training and honorary Doctor of International Business, has been a prominent figure in Armenian politics and business since the late 1980s. After serving in the Soviet Army from 1984 to 1986 and engaging in private enterprise until 1998, he entered politics as a member of the Republican Party of Armenia, representing Gegharkunik Province in the National Assembly from 2013 to 2017. Arzakantsyan later founded the "Strength of Fatherland" political party and ran as a candidate for Prime Minister in 2021, advocating for economic development and national security. Manvel Badeyan (June 29, 1957 – September 30, 2022) was an economist and long-serving politician who graduated from the Institute of National Economy in 1979. He worked as a scientific associate in economic research before joining the , where he served multiple terms in the from 2007 onward, focusing on and . In 2016, President appointed him as Armenia's Ambassador to , a role he held until 2018, strengthening bilateral ties in trade and diplomacy. Badeyan also founded the Eurostan Uyut company, contributing to local entrepreneurship in Gegharkunik. Frunze Dovlatyan (1927–1997) was a renowned , , and screenwriter born in Gavar. He directed acclaimed films such as We and Our Mountains (1969) and The Lead Locomotive (1959), earning recognition for his contributions to Armenian cinema. Dovlatyan also acted in over 20 films and stage productions. Vram Dovlatyan (1938–2021), an born in Gavar, appeared in more than 50 Armenian and international films, including The White Caravan (1964) and Menq enq, mer sarer (1982). He was honored as a People's Artist of the Armenian SSR for his versatile performances. Ivan Gevorkian (1907–1989), a surgeon and scientist raised in Gavar, published 10 monographs and over 230 scientific papers, primarily on and surgical techniques. His work advanced medical practices in the . In , Heghine Rapyan (born April 24, 1985) stands out as an internationally acclaimed who began playing at age three in her hometown. She graduated with distinction from the Komitas State Conservatory in and further studied at the Mozarteum University in , earning a . Rapyan has won first prizes at in , , and , including the Stephan Elmas International Piano , and serves as an ambassador for the works of Armenian composer Stephan Elmas. Her performances with orchestras such as the Armenian Philharmonic and Salzburg University Orchestra, along with recordings like The Soul of Smyrna (2023), have garnered recognition, including "Best CD of 2023" from the American Record Guide. Hovhannes Goharyan (born March 18, 1988), a professional footballer, represented at the international level with six caps and one goal for the national team between 2007 and 2011. Playing primarily as a striker in the for clubs like Ulisses FC, Pyunik , and , he retired in 2015 after a career marked by consistent contributions to domestic competitions. Goharyan later transitioned to coaching, continuing his involvement in Armenian sports.

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