Araz, Arax, or Yeraskh is the Mother River of Armenia known as “Mayr Arax” (Mother Arax).

In the Old Testament, it is known as Gihon, one of the 4 Sacred Rivers of Paradise.

The river flows alongside the Armenian mountainous border with Turkey, reaches the Nakhchivan exclave, then flows along the Iranian-Azerbaijan and the Iranian-Armenian border; it then flows into the Caspian Sea after a journey of 1,072 kilometers.

Araz floods during spring, especially during May. Its lowest levels are recorded during summer and winter. Many bridges are built upon the unsailable River.

In the past, the waters of Araz have been used for irrigation; today, many canals and reservoirs are built on the river. Araz is populated by a rich botanic life. In its waters swim many kinds of fish including trout, catfish, sturgeons, and more.

Arax is the symbol of freedom and rebellion of Armenia and the Armenian people. Many Armenian and foreign storytellers and writers have praised Arax in their tales.

The Araz chapter was established in 1976 in the Bauchrieh region.

The founding board included: Asdghig Marashlian, Maro Paniguian, Sossi Mardiguian, Dikranouhi Avedikian, Margrit Zarifian, Tashoyian, and Silva Diroyian.

The chapter operates at the “Sosse Mardiguian” Center.