Manaz’s City: The Narrative of Manzikert in Ancient Armenian Texts

Abstract

Manzikert, located in the southern regions of Armenia, has consistently held a significant place in the literature of various communities from ancient times to the medieval period. This importance is attributed to the multidimensional nature of Manzikert from geographical, political, and religious perspectives, as well as its comprehensive influence on the surrounding historical trajectory. The geographical analysis of the region encompasses the etymological extensions of names, revealing the linguistic complexity that has influenced the various ways Manzikert is named in Armenian texts, primarily as Taron. From a political standpoint, the history of Manzikert unfolds through the region’s feudal structure and the power balance between dominant forces such as Rome and Iran. The rise and fall of powerful feudal families, especially the Manawazean and Mamikonean dynasties, have shaped the political landscape of Manzikert. Undoubtedly, the significance of the city transcends the political realm; Manzikert embodies a centre for cultural and religious interactions between Armenian and Syriac traditions. This region emerges as a crucial centre for the south-to-north spread of Christianity in Armenia. Therefore, the aim of this study is not only to understand the political importance of Manzikert but also to explore its religious significance and discuss its relationship with Armenian Christianity.

Keywords

• Malazgirt
• Armenia
• City of Manzikert
• Manaz

Manaz’ın Şehri: Antik Ermenice Metinlerde Malazgirt Anlatısı

Abstract

Armenia’nın güney bölgelerinde yer alan Malazgirt, antik çağdan ortaçağa kadar uzanan süreçte farklı toplulukların literatürlerinde her zaman önemli bir yere sahip olmuştur. Bu önem, Malazgirt’in coğrafi, siyasi ve dini açılardan çok yönlü oluşu ve tarihsel yörüngesinin kapsamlı bir şekilde çevresini etkilemesiyle ilgilidir. Bölgenin coğrafi analizi, isimlerin etimolojik uzantılarını kapsayarak Ermenice metinlerde başta Taron olmak üzere çeşitli şekillerde Malazgirt’in isimlendirilmesini etkileyen dilsel karmaşıklığı ortaya koymaktadır. Siyasi açıdan Malazgirt’in tarihi, bölgenin feodal yapısı ve Roma ile İran gibi baskın güçler arasındaki güç dengesi üzerinden ilerlemektedir. Güçlü feodal ailelerinin, özellikle de Manawazean ve Mamikonean hanedanlarının yükselişi ve düşüşü Malazgirt’in siyasi manzarasını şekillendirmiştir. Kuşkusuz şehrin önemi sadece siyasi değildir; Malazgirt, Ermeni ve Süryani gelenekleri arasındaki kültürel ve dini etkileşimlerin merkezi olma kimliğini de barındırmaktadır. Armenia’da Hristiyanlığın güneyden kuzeye doğru yayılmasında önemli bir merkez olarak yine bu bölge ortaya çıkmaktadır. Bu nedenle bu çalışmanın amacı, Malazgirt’in sadece siyasi değil aynı zamanda dini önemini de anlamak ve Ermeni Hıristiyanlığı ile ilişkisini tartışmaktır.

Keywords

• Malazgirt
• Armenia
• Manzikert
• Manaz.

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