Shirak

Shirak is a province (marz) of Armenia, located in the northwestern part of the country. Its capital and largest city is Gyumri, which is Armenia’s second-largest city and a major regional economic and cultural center. The region includes the Shirak plain and surrounding hills, and the Akhuryan River forms part of the border with Turkey.

The population is predominantly ethnic Armenian, with smaller communities in some villages. Shirak is subdivided into several communities that include both urban settlements and rural villages.

The economy combines agriculture, including grain and livestock, with manufacturing and services. Gyumri has historically been an industrial city, particularly in garment and machinery production, and remains the main economic hub of the province. The region has benefited from post-Soviet reconstruction and modernization programs, while agriculture remains important in rural areas.

Shirak has a long history and includes several medieval churches and monasteries. The area was severely affected by the Spitak earthquake in 1988, which caused extensive damage in Gyumri and surrounding towns and led to a major rebuilding effort that reshaped the region.

In terms of transport and infrastructure, Shirak serves as a link between northern Armenia and Yerevan, with the Shirak International Airport near Gyumri providing air connectivity to the region. The Kumayri Historic Reserve in Gyumri preserves traditional 18th–19th-century architecture and is a notable cultural site within the province.