Abovyan is a city in Armenia in the province of Kotayk. It is located 10 km northeast of Yerevan. In 2008, the city has an estimated population of 36,705, down from 59,000 at the 1989 census and 44,569 at the 2001 census.
With a motorway and railway running through it that connects the capital with the areas of the northeast, Abovyan is considered a city-satellite of Yerevan. For this reason, Abovyan is also sometimes referred to as the "North Gate of Yerevan."
In part of the city existed the village Elar (mentioned by Stepanos Orbelian in the 13th century). Nearby lies a medieval hilltop church dedicated to St. Stephen. Until 1961, the village renamed to Abovyan in honour of the Armenian writer Khachatur Abovyan, and in 1963, in its place, the city was formed.
About 6 km from the city lies the Arzni resort.
|
