Armenia and the Arab Caliphates

In the middle of the 7th century, a new state based on a recently created religion called Islam was established. At the peak of its power, the Arab Caliphate (the Umayyad Caliphate, to be precise) covered the land from Spain to India. At one time, it was the largest political entity.

In Armenia, the Arabs first appeared in 640 during scouting. However, at the end of the 7th century, Armenia has already been under the strong influence of the Caliph. A special governorate of Armenia was created, which included Armenia, Albania and the Eastern part of modern Georgia. The center of the governorate was the city of Dvin.

The ruler of Armenia, the emir, was appointed by the caliph and possessed almost unlimited power.

It should be noted that it was the Arabs who initiated the policy of resettlement of the Kurdish tribes to Armenia. The Kurds still live on the territory of both Armenia and Turkey. The Caliphate used the well-known principle “divide and rule”.

In practice, the Arabs provided enormous privileges to local feudal lords and religious figures. However, peace was not permanent in Armenia. Gradually, the princely families like Bagratunis, Mamikonyans, and others grew stronger along with the discontent of the Armenian people who wanted independence.