Mastara Explained

Official Name:Mastara
Native Name:Մաստարա
Pushpin Map:Armenia#Aragatsotn
Mapsize:150px
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:Armenia
Subdivision Type1:Province
Subdivision Name1:Aragatsotn
Subdivision Type2:Municipality
Subdivision Name2:Talin
Leader Title:Mayor
Area Total Km2:2.42
Population As Of:2001
Population Total:2571
Population Density Km2:auto
Timezone:GMT+4
Utc Offset:+4
Coordinates:40.4481°N 43.8817°W
Elevation M:1745
Postal Code Type:Postal code
Postal Code:0511

Mastara (Armenian: Մաստարա) is a village in the Talin Municipality of the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. The 5th-century Armenian Church of S. Hovhannes is situated in the northeastern half of the village, while the church of S. Stepanos Nakhava sits on a hilltop to the north. There is also the small medieval Tukh Manuk Church in the village to the southeast.[1]

Etymology

The name Mastara is thought to be derived from the words mas, meaning "a piece", and tara, "I buried/took". This comes from the popular legend that Gregory the Illuminator brought back relics of John the Baptist from Caesaria, a fragment of which he enshrined beneath the Church of S. Hovhannes.

References

Notes and References

  1. Book: Kiesling . Brady. Raffi. Kojian. 2005 . Rediscovering Armenia: Guide. 2nd. Matit Graphic Design Studio. Yerevan. 49. 99941-0-121-8.