Քարե դռներով ստորգետնյա ամբարները/Underground grain storages with stone doors

This article examines the design and function of underground granaries with stone doors located in Aragatsotn, Armenia. These structures are unique in their originality, with no known parallels in other countries. The transformation of natural caves into functional underground granaries required advanced knowledge and construction skills related to the natural environment, reflecting the high level of medieval Armenian engineering expertise. The stone doors not only protected stored grain but also created favorable microclimatic conditions that enabled long-term preservation of the crops. While experts hold differing views regarding the construction period and purpose of these granaries, this article aims to analyze existing opinions and propose a new interpretation. The preservation and promotion of these underground granaries are crucial, and further research is necessary to support their nomination for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.