Zakare II Zakarian

Zakare II Zakarian, of the Zakarian dynasty, was a prominent Armenian military commander and statesman who, together with his brother Ivane, defended the northern Armenian lands. Under Queen Tamar of Georgia he was commander-in-chief of the Armenian and Georgian armies and played a key role in defending the provinces of Lori, Shirak and Tashir against Seljuk invasions. Under his leadership fortresses and fortifications were built to protect the population and the trade routes.

Zakare supported the Armenian Church and monasteries, built and restored sanctuaries and sponsored the making of manuscripts and miniatures, which made Lori and Shirak centres of culture and learning in his time.

The drawing shows Zakare in an oval frame, with a long beard, a tall hat adorned with a crown and an ornate robe, holding a sword. The frame bears the inscription “Shahanshah of the Armenians, Prince of Princes Zakare II the Great, the Long-Armed”.