Tashir-Dzoraget Kingdom

a feudal state in northern Armenia. Founded in 978, it included most of the region of Gugark (Gogarena). It was also called the kingdom of the Kyurikids (Kyurikian), after its founder, Gurgen, or Kyurike (ruled 978–989).

The Tashir-Dzoraget kingdom was at first in vassalage to the kingdom of the Ani Bagratids. It grew stronger under David I the Landless (989–1048), who expanded his domains at the expense of the Tbilisi and Giandzha emirates and who chose the Sham-shulte (Samshvilde) fortress as his residence. David’s attempt to achieve total independence from the Ani Bagratids was brutally suppressed by King Gagik I Bagratuni. Under Kyurike II (1048–90), the city of Lori became the capital of the Tashir-Dzoraget kingdom.

In 1118 the domains of the Tashir-Dzoraget kingdom were annexed to Georgia and were given to I. Orbeli, the amirspasalar, or commander-in-chief of the Georgian military forces. In 1185 the kingdom’s domains became part of the Armenian Zakharid Principality. The Kyurikids, who consolidated their position within the Matsnaberd and Tavush fortresses, retained the title of king until the early 13th century. The Akhpat and Sanain monasteries, which were important spiritual and cultural centers, were located within the Tashir-Dzoraget kingdom.