Askeran Fortress
Askeran Fortress is a fortress in the town of Askeran. Located on the banks of the Qarqar River, its current structure was built in the 18th century and consists of two sections. The left-bank section features a double line of stone walls.
History
In the Middle Ages, at this location, there was a fortress and an Armenian village called Mayraberd. In the Armenian Melikdom of Varanda, the Askeran fortress protected the eastern frontier of Varanda from the semi-autonomous Karabakh Khanate, under Iranian suzerainty. In the 18th century, the fortress was expanded by the Karabakh Khan Panah Ali Khan. From 1788-1789, the current structure of the fortress was built. In 1795, the fortress was captured by the forces of Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, who attempted to restore Iranian rule in the southeastern Caucasus.During the Russo-Persian War of 1804–1813 the Russian encampment was near the fortress. In 1810 the peace talks between the Russians and Persians were conducted at the fortress.
During 2018, the walls and towers of the fortress were restored. The purpose of the restoration is to preserve the monument, as well as making the place of interest for tourists.