Kapan

Kapan ("Կապան" in Armenian, former names include Ghapan, Kafan, and Madan) is a town in the Syunik' province of Armenia, about one kilometre from the Azerbaijani border. With a population of about 25,000 Kapan is struggling to cope with the realities of post-war and post-soviet society. There has been limited economic advancement in the area since the collapse of the Soviet system and the cease-fire. However there are signs of growth and development. Kapan is primarily a mining town, hence its Persian name of the Qajar time معدن (Ma'dan, meaning Mine). Kapan's industry is dependent on the newly privatized polymetallic deposit, though additional operations have developed including mining support services, commercial scale animal husbandry, and an expanding retail sector. Local areas of interest include the Vahanavank church, and the Baghaberd and Holidzor fortresses.