Araz

Araz is a historical region located in the southeastern part of the Armenian Highlands, encompassing parts of modern-day Turkey, Iran, and Armenia. The name "Araz" derives from the Aras River, which forms its southern boundary and historically served as a natural frontier. The region has been inhabited since ancient times, with archaeological evidence suggesting early settlements dating back to the Bronze Age.

During antiquity, Araz was part of various empires, including the Urartian Kingdom, Achaemenid Persia, and later the Roman and Parthian empires. The region played a strategic role in the geopolitical landscape of the Caucasus and Mesopotamia. In medieval times, Araz was influenced by the Arab Caliphates, Seljuk Turks, and Mongol invasions, eventually becoming part of the Safavid Empire in the 16th century.

Culturally, Araz has been a melting pot of different ethnic and religious groups, including Armenians, Kurds, Azeris, and Persians. The region is known for its agricultural productivity, particularly in the cultivation of grapes, figs, and other crops, as well as its mineral resources. The Aras River itself has been vital for irrigation and trade.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Araz became a contested area during the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the rise of modern national states. The Armenian Genocide (1915–1923) and subsequent population exchanges significantly altered the demographic composition of the region. Today, Araz is divided among Turkey, Iran, and Armenia, with its historical and cultural legacy preserved in local traditions, architecture, and oral histories. The region remains an important area of study for historians and archaeologists exploring the interconnected histories of the Caucasus and the Middle East.