# Bjni Fortress

- **Country:** Armenia
- **Coordinates:** 40.460700, 44.654400
- **Name:** Bjni Fortress Բջնի բերդ
- **Type:** Fortress
- **Used:** As a fortress by the Pahlavuni family and possibly the Zakharyan family as well
- **Builder:** Pahlavuni family of the Bagratuni dynasty
- **Condition:** Some of the exterior fortress walls survive in relatively poor condition.
- **Materials:** Stone
- **Demolished:** Quite possibly during the destruction of the village of Bjni by the Turko-Mongol conqueror Timur Lenk in 1387–1388
- **Year Built:** From the 9th to 10th century
- **Location Text:** Kotayk Province, Armenia
- **Open To Public:** Yes; ask a local near the hill to show the easiest route up (there are two routes).

Bjni Fortress is a medieval stone fortification located in the village of Bjni within Armenia's Kotayk Province. Constructed between the 9th and 10th centuries, this military installation sits atop and along the sides of a prominent mesa that divides the local settlement, rising to an elevation of approximately 1,504 meters above sea level. The structure was originally built by the royal Pahlavuni family of the Bagratuni dynasty, with significant reconstruction efforts later undertaken by the commander Vasak Holum Pahlavuni. Architecturally, it served as a strategic stronghold utilizing local stone materials to dominate the surrounding landscape, with its remaining walls currently visible primarily from the western side of the village.

Historically, the fortress played a critical role during periods of regional conflict, most notably during the early 11th century when it faced invasions by Daylami mercenary troops. Chronicles from the era recount how Commander Vasak rallied forces to defeat raiders near the Kasakh River, though his story ended tragically when he was killed by a fleeing villager while resting after battle. The site remained under the control of the Pahlavuni family until the 13th century, after which authority passed to the Zakharyan family. Its operational life likely concluded during the devastating campaigns of the Turko-Mongol conqueror Timur Lenk between 1387 and 1388, which resulted in the destruction of the village and presumably the fortress itself.

Today, Bjni Fortress exists as a historical ruin where sections of the exterior walls survive in relatively poor condition. Despite its dilapidated state, the site remains open to the public for those interested in Armenian medieval history. Access requires navigating a narrow dirt road that forks near local residences; visitors are advised to ask locals for guidance on the easiest route up the hill, as two distinct paths exist. The location offers a tangible connection to the region's turbulent past and the noble families who once defended these highlands against foreign incursions.

![Photo of Bjni Fortress](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/01/%D4%B1%D5%B4%D6%80%D5%B8%D6%813.JPG)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bjni_Fortress (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)