| Azat | |
| Name Other: | Ô±Õ¦Õ¡Õ¿ Õ£Õ¥Õ¿ |
| Subdivision Type1: | Country |
| Subdivision Name1: | Armenia |
| Mouth: | Aras |
| Mouth Coordinates: | 39.9523°N 44.4874°W |
| Designation1: | WHS |
| Designation1 Offname: | Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley |
| Designation1 Date: | 2000 (24th session) |
| Designation1 Type: | Cultural |
| Designation1 Criteria: | ii |
| Designation1 Number: | 960 |
| Designation1 Free1name: | Region |
| Designation1 Free1value: | Western Asia |
The Azat (hy|Ô±Õ¦Õ¡Õ¿) is a river in the Kotayk Province of Armenia. Its source is on the western slope of the Geghama mountains. It flows through Garni, Lanjazat and Arevshat, before reaching the Aras near Artashat. The main purpose of the Azat dam irrigation and hydro power generation. Its hazard potential is ranked to be high.
The Azat is known in Armenia for its beauty. It flows for 55 kilometers and has a basin that occupies 572 square kilometers. The Azat passes through the Khosrov State Reserve. In its lower reaches, the river flows into the Ararat valley. The Azat is known for its numerous spectacular waterfalls and its rock choked riverbed.[1] Upper Azat Valley was listed to UNESCO world heritage site in 2000 with Geghard Monastery.
One section of the Azat, where it meets River Goght, is particularly fascinating. It passes through the Canyon of Garni composed of regular hexagonal prisms, with a formation so unique it almost looks artificial. Near its end, the gorge's formation has prompted the name "Symphony of Stones".
