Halidzor fortress
The historic Halidzor Fortress is located in the city of Kapan, on the right bank of the Voghji River. Built in the 17th century, the fortress was originally intended to serve as a convent. Halidzor Fortress later became one of the most important strongholds during the liberation struggles of the Syunik region in the early 18th century. The Armenian military leader David Bek strengthened and rebuilt the fortress, transforming it into a powerful defensive base. From this stronghold, David Bek and his small force of about 300 soldiers successfully resisted large Ottoman armies, which reportedly numbered tens of thousands. After David Bek achieved several significant victories over the Ottoman Empire, the Persian ruler Tahmasp II recognized his authority in Syunik. According to historical accounts, the shah issued a decree acknowledging David Bek’s leadership and granted him the right to mint coins. These coins bore the shah’s name on one side, while the other side carried David Bek’s name with the inscription “Christ’s Servant David.”
Today, Halidzor Fortress stands as a symbol of Armenian resistance and an important monument connected with the heroic history of the Syunik region.
