Upper Armenia

Upper Armenia (Armenian: Բարձր Հայք Bardzr Hayq) was the first province of the ancient kingdom of Armenia, located in present-day Turkey, roughly corresponding to the modern province of Erzincan, to the west of the Kura River.

Within the borders of the kingdom, it was bounded by the regions of Sophene, Turuberan, Tayk, and Ayrarat.

It consisted of 9 cantons: Upper Armenia was famous for its lakes, rivers (especially the Euphrates), gold mines and fields.

According to Pavstos Buzand, Armenian Arsacid Kings were buried in Ani (Upper Armenia).

In the 8th century, western parts of Upper Armenia were conquered by Arabs, thereafter many Arab tribes settled in the border regions in order to separate Armenia from the Byzantine Empire.