In the 3rd century B.C. Armenian King Yervand 4th built the capital, Yervandashat, in the Yervandunik/Arsharunik province, several kilometers north he also founded Bagaran, the spiritual center of the country, on the banks of the Akhuryan River. Bagaran played an important role not only in the pre-Christian period, but at the end of the 9th century it became the first capital of the newly established Bagratuni (Bagratid) Armenia.
Currently, the territory of historical Bagaran is divided between Armenia and Turkey, because the River Akhuryan passing through the city is nowadays the border of the two countries.
St Shushanik Church (Shushanavank), built on the left bank of the Akhuryan River, is in the territory of the Republic of Armenia. It dates back to the 10th century. As St. Shushanik Church is right on the border and is located in the border zone, it can be reached only with special permission. Hamshen Tour can get the permission.
