Sevan

Sevan may refer to several subjects associated with Armenia and its culture. The most prominent is Lake Sevan, a large freshwater high‑altitude lake in eastern Armenia’s Gegharkunik Province. The lake sits at roughly 1,900 meters above sea level and covers about 940 square kilometers, with depths reaching around 90 meters. It is one of the largest lakes in the region and a major source of hydroelectric power, fisheries, and tourism. The Sevan Peninsula is home to Sevanavank, a 9th‑century monastery; the lake’s northern shore is also the site of the town of Sevan.

Since the mid‑20th century, development of the Sevan‑Hrazdan Cascade for hydroelectric power markedly lowered the water level, reshaping the shoreline and affecting underwater habitats and fisheries. In the post‑Soviet era, measures have been implemented to stabilize the level, improve water quality, and support ecological and economic recovery around the lake.

The Sevan region is a popular destination for leisure and cultural visits, featuring beaches, boat tours, and picturesque landscapes. Other notable sites around the lake include historic monasteries and the Noratus cemetery, noted for its array of khachkars (stone crosses). The name Sevan also functions as a masculine given name in Armenian and is used by Armenians in the diaspora.