Ancient Tunnels Unearthed in Gyumri, Armenia: A Link to the Past

A couple in Gyumri, Armenia, discovered a tunnel beneath their house during renovations in 2023. These tunnels, known as karezes [kah-rez], are ancient underground irrigation systems. The couple, David Avetisyan and Kristina Soloyan, initially feared the water-filled tunnel would flood their home. However, geologists identified it as a karez, a system of vertical shafts and underground channels used to transport groundwater.

These karezes served as Gyumri's primary water source from as early as the 18th century, supplying public baths, breweries, and factories. Researcher Roland Gasparyan from the Academy of Sciences' Laboratory of Exploratory Geophysics, notes that many karezes were destroyed in the 1988 earthquake or sealed off during construction, causing water level issues.

Archaeologist Ben Vardanyan suggests the discovered karez dates back to the pre-Soviet era when Gyumri was known as Alexandropol. Unlike other karezes with stone walls, this one was dug into clay soil. Legends surrounding the tunnels include connections to distant cities and hidden treasures, though Vardanyan dismisses the possibility of tunnels crossing the Akhurian Gorge. Avetisyan plans to preserve the karez, hoping it will attract tourists and enhance the city's historical appeal.