View of Baghesh (Bitlis)

Baghesh (Bitlis) is an ancient Armenian city. Some historians believe that its commercial and strategic position has always encouraged its growth and prosperity. One of the largest roads ran along the valley of the Bitlis River, linking the port city of Trebizond and the major cities of central Armenia with Mesopotamia.

The city was captured by the Arabs (7th century), the Byzantines (9th century), the Kurds (10th century), the Seljuks (12th century) and the Ottoman Turks (16th century). According to the source, the city’s population numbered 400,000, more than half of them Armenians, who remained the largest ethnic group until the early 19th century. Those who escaped death during the Genocide found refuge in Eastern Armenia.

The image shows a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with the town’s houses and trees, and ruined fortress walls in the foreground. “Bitlis” is written at the top.