Irrigation System on the Armenian-Azerbaijan Border. The Case of Berkaber (Joghaz) Water Reservoir (Tavush Region)

The construction of artificial reservoirs in the Armenian Highland for the purpose of efficient water resource utilisation has been of great importance in the organisation of the economy since ancient times. The creation of artificial irrigation systems gained new momentum in the 20^th century, reaching its peak during the Soviet era, when the Shirak canal, Arpa-Sevan water tunnel, Aparan, Akhuryan, Azat, Joghaz (Berkaber) reservoirs, etc. were constructed.

The 60^th anniversary of the Sovietization of Armenia was marked by the opening of a border reservoir in the village of Berkaber, the construction of which received significant attention in the Soviet Union. However, due to the first Artsakh war (1991-1994), the water supply system of this reservoir with the symbolic name Berkaber (“harvest-bringer”) was completely destroyed and ceased to contribute to the productivity of the surrounding gardens. For present, the reservoir has become a symbol of Armenian-Azerbaijani former friendship and current enmity. From an ethnographic perspective, Berkaber reservoir is of interest to some extent, but it is also noteworthy that its construction once became an occasion for new archaeological discoveries. The findings unearthed during the construction phase were incorporated into the collections of the History Museum of Armenia and the Berkaber village museum, which was established in parallel with the reservoir's construction.