ERIVAN, Irwan, or Irivan, the capital of the above province, situated in an angle of a great plain at the foot of the Mossian Hills, on the banks of the river Zengui, which rises from a lake about seventy miles farther north, and falls into the Araxes about three leagues below the town. It is defended by a fortress of an elliptical form, upwards of 6000 yards in circumference. The city is of considerable extent, but, as generally happens in Persia, ruins mingle everywhere with the habitable parts of the town. The north-west side of the town is built on a precipice impending over the river, to the height of 600 feet. The fortress spreads over a great deal of ground. It is fortified in the mixed ancient and modern Asiatic manner; and has been lately strengthened by European engineers. But it is commanded on every side by hills at a distance of scarcely 6000 yards. The Zengui flows close past the north-west front, which is on the summit of a perpendicular rock seventy feet deep, forming a natural ditch. "Nothing," says Sir R. K. Porter, "can exceed the grandeur of these bulwarks of nature, which so frequently present themselves around fortified places in those precipitous countries; their vastness, simplicity, and impregnable appearance being far beyond the powers of man to imitate." The walls of Erivan, with their numerous towers, make a line of defence exceeding 2000 yards. Immediately beyond them a fine stone bridge crosses the river, which is almost the only object in the town that does not appear in a state of ruin or decay. Erivan has been so often the scene of devastation, plunder, and massacre, that the population has dwindled to about 15,000 persons. The singular old tower described by Chardin being struck with lightning and greatly damaged, has been pulled down, and the materials appropriated to the repairs of the town. The city is well supplied with water from the little river Querk-boolak, which has its source in the great lake, and runs thence north-east, but on approaching the city is divided into numberless little canals for the irrigation of the surrounding gardens, or for other purposes. Sir R. K. Porter supposes that the Erivan was founded sixty-five years before the Christian era, by Ervandus, one of the Armenian kings. In 1635 it was taken from the Turks by the Persians, and its position changed to its present site. It was besieged in 1724 by the pasha of Diarbekir, who in four successive attempts to storm it lost about 24,000 men. It afterwards capitulated, after a brave defence. It was taken by Nadir Shah in 1748, and has since remained in possession of the Persians. In 1808 it was blockaded for six months by the Russians, who, in attempting to storm, were repulsed with great slaughter, and lost half their army in its retreat to Tiflis. It was taken by them in 1829, and given up to Persia by the subsequent treaty of peace. Long. 44. 35. E. Lat. 40. 9. 30. N.