Photo by Dimitry Egorov
Dashushen, Tadevos Bridge
Monument
Monument type
Bridge Given name
Tadevos Bridge initial, sequential and current
The Tadevos Bridge was constructed in the 1840s and remained in uninterrupted use until 2023. In September of the same year, Artsakh was forcibly occupied and depopulated of its Armenian inhabitants. At present, no information is available regarding the current condition of the monument. Original ownership and affiliation
Village of Dashushen (Karashen) The name of conservation unit
Bridge A topographic report
Region (province), community
Greater Armenia, Province of Artsakh, District of Mukhank (later Varanda); until 2023, Republic of Artsakh, Askeran Region, Karashen (Dashushen) village. Address
Republic of Artsakh, Askeran Region, Karashen Topography
16 km southwest of Askeran to Distance and location from community
700 m southwest of Karashen village Geographical coordinates
700 m southwest of Karashen village Site elevation above sea level
792 meters Hydrography
Spanning the Karkar River Description
Approximately 700 meters southwest of the village of Karashen (Dashushen) in the Askeran district of the Republic of Artsakh, a two-span arched bridge has been preserved over the Karkar River. This structure is locally known as the Tadevos Bridge. According to local testimony, it was constructed in the 1840s by Tadevos Arakelyan, who had migrated from the village of Mahlazan in the Khoi district of Persian Armenia and later became the headman (tanuter) of Karashen. This information is confirmed by an inscription on a tombstone located in the courtyard of the village’s Church of the Holy Mother of God.The bridge consists of two spans. Except for the arch voussoirs, which are built from finely hewn limestone, the rest of the structure is made of unworked stones and lime mortar. The larger right-hand span (6.44 m) allows the river to flow beneath it, while the smaller span (3.03 m), not intended for water passage, provides a level crossing (with a width of 3.53 m), thus extending the total length of the bridge to approximately 15 meters.
Historical record
Cultural characteristics, period, century (centuries)
19th century Documents for dating: according to the testimony
According to local villagers’ accounts Chronological table of monument
Constructed in the 19th century Chronological table of research on the monument (period, author, works)
In 2009, the monument was discussed by heritage specialist Samvel Karapetyan in the publication Bridges of Artsakh by the RAAC Foundation, including technical measurements.
During 2011–2012, the State Service for the Protection of the Historical Environment under the Government of the Republic of Artsakh conducted documentation and inventory work in the Dashushen area, including this bridge and a nearby watermill.
Descriptive-Characterization Report
Building material (type, colour)
Dressed limestone, sandstone, river stones, lime mortar Type
Cart and pedestrian bridge Dimensions: width
3.53 meters Dimensions: height
6.30 meters Length of span
Two spans: the larger is 6.44 m, the smaller is 3.03 m State of conservation: Qualitative (good, average, bad, emergency, ruins)
Average Value
This bridge held both historical and economic significance not only for the village of Karashen but also for neighboring settlements of the Shushi district. ----------------------------
Measurements
Karashen (Dashushen), Tadevos Bridge
Measurement: Ashot Hakobyan (RAA)
Photos
