Araks

Araks commonly refers to the Aras (Araxes) River, a major transboundary river in the South Caucasus. The river has its sources in eastern Turkey and flows southeast through Armenia and Azerbaijan before emptying into the Caspian Sea. Along portions of its course it forms or delineates international borders, and its basin has played a significant role in regional biodiversity, agriculture, and historical trade routes. The river has appeared in classical and medieval geography under names such as Arax or Araxes and remains a defining geographic feature of the region.

In addition to its geographic sense, Araks is used as a feminine given name in some Armenian and Azerbaijani communities, often derived from the river’s name and found in various historical and contemporary contexts.

Variations of the name include Arax, Araxes, and Aras, reflecting transliteration from local languages and alphabets. In academic and cultural references, Araks often appears alongside these forms.