The history of the Ardvinians, a community from the region of Ardvin, remains shrouded in mystery. As writer Abov, who visited Ardvin, noted, “Ardvinians do not know their past.” Diplomat N. Ravich echoed this sentiment, claiming that Ardvinians lack reliable knowledge about their history. Even the Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia acknowledged that “information about the ancient period of Ardvin is scanty.”
The Quest for Historical Clarity
The lack of concrete historical records has intrigued historians, archaeologists, philologists, writers, and travelers alike. Despite numerous attempts to uncover the secrets of Ardvin’s past, the results have often been inconclusive. Various theories and assumptions have emerged, each offering a different perspective on the origins of the Ardvinians.
Theories of Origin
One theory suggests that the Ardvinians moved from Ani, the medieval capital of Armenia. The majestic ruins of Ani still stand today on the right bank of the Akhuryan River, now in Turkey. Another version posits that the ancestors of the Ardvinians fled from Dvin, an even more ancient capital of Armenia. After Dvin was plundered by the Persians and Arabs, many of its residents settled on the left bank of the Chorokh River, where the city of Ardvin now stands.
The Name “Ardvin”
The origin of the name “Ardvin” is also a subject of debate. According to one account, the name comes from two words, “Ar” and “Dvin,” meaning “take instead of Dvin.” This version is supported by Ardvinian Akop Aznauryan, a forester at the Batumi Botanical Garden, who wrote an essay explaining that when Dvin fell, its population moved and some settled on Chorokh, calling their new home “Ardvin.” Another interpretation suggests that “Ardvin” means “New Dvin,” with “ard” in Armenian also meaning “new.”
Alternative Theories
Another theory proposes that “Ardvin” is a slightly modified name of the village of “Ardvi” in the Stepanavan region of northern Armenia. According to this version, the Ardvinians moved from Ardvi to Chorokh under the leadership of Amran Plik, a figure mentioned in Derenik Demirchyan’s novel “Gevork Marzpetuni.”
The enigmatic history of the Ardvinians continues to captivate those interested in this curious corner of Western Asia. While various theories offer intriguing possibilities, the true origins of the Ardvinians remain elusive. As new research and discoveries emerge, perhaps one day the secrets of Ardvin’s past will be fully revealed, shedding light on the rich and complex history of this fascinating community.
Artatsolum
Based on an excerpt from Artashes Baghdasaryan’s book “Ardvin and the Ardvinians”
