Berd

Berd () is a town and urban municipal community in the Tavush Province of Armenia. The town is located to the west of the Tavush river, from Yerevan, surrounded by low mountains. Near the city are the ruins of the Tavush fortress (10th century) and the Nor Varagavank and Khoranashat monasteries (12th century). Other monasteries nearby include Shkhmuradi, Srveghi, and Kaptavank.
Etymology.
"Berd" means "fortress" in Armenian. The town was formerly known as "Berdagyugh", "Gamma"', "Tavuzghala", "Tauzkend", "Volorut", "Shlorut" and "Ghalakyand".
History.
Historically, the area of modern-day Berd was part of the "Tuchkatak" canton of Utik, the 12th province of Greater Armenia.
Demographics.
As of the 2011 census, the population of the town is 7,957.
The population are mainly Armenians. However the town is home to around 200 Udis, who also belong to the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Economy.
Berd and the surrounding areas are a major centre for agricultural products in Armenia. Fruits, tobacco and other types are produced in the surrounding farms. Other notable industries of Berd include wine-making, bee-keeping and animal husbandry.