Martuni

Martuni is a city located in the Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. It is the third largest city in the province and serves as the administrative center of the Martuni Municipality. The city is situated on the southeastern shore of Lake Sevan, Armenia's largest freshwater lake.

Historically, the area of Martuni has been inhabited for centuries. The modern settlement was founded in 1830. It was named "Martuni" in 1922 in honor of Alexander Myasnikyan, an Armenian Bolshevik revolutionary and politician whose pseudonym was Martuni. Before this renaming, the settlement was known by various names, including Ghilagiz and later, Martuni was the name of the surrounding region.

The economy of Martuni is largely based on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of potatoes and vegetables. Fishing from Lake Sevan also plays a role. Tourism is a developing sector, attracted by the proximity to Lake Sevan and the natural beauty of the region. The city has a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the area, and several historical churches are located in and around the city.

Martuni is connected to other parts of Armenia by road. The city experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The population of Martuni has seen fluctuations over the years, with a significant number of ethnic Armenians residing there. The city's location on Lake Sevan makes it a strategic point for both economic activity and recreational pursuits.