Pioneer of Urartology, orientalist K.F. Lehmann-Haupt (1861–1938) during his research of the Armenian Highlands and Northern Mesopotamia (1898–1899), among other ancient sites, also researched the probable region of Musasir, the religious center of the Kingdom of Van. Discussing the problems of the early period of the history of Van Kingdom (Urartu), the scientist considered as a special topic of a deep research the spread of the cult of the god Khaldi in the capital Tushpa and other areas out of the city. It is noteworthy, that in this context the researcher was the first to conduct a scientific discussion on the circumstances of the location of the bilingual inscription of Kelishin of Musasir region, its dates, about the scribe who recorded it, also the language of the inscriptions. According to K.F. Lehmann-Haupt, the city of Musasir was probably founded in the 9th century BCE and the cult of the god Khaldi was established there. The researcher believes that Menua’s brother, Sarduri was appointed viceroy in Musasir and there was a statue dedicated to him in the temple of Musasir the presence of which was evidenced in the description about the invasion of Urartu in 714 BCE by the Assyrian king Sargon II (721–705 BCE). Examining the road from Van to Musasir, K.F. Lehmann-Haupt considers it as a result of the Biainian engineering mind and notes that it was also built in accordance with the features of the transportation of the Biainian army.

KeywordsK.F. Lehmann-Haupt Assyria Biainili Tushpa Ardini-Musasir god Khaldi bilingual inscription

The present article concerns the final work of the British missionary of German-Jewish origin, Joseph Wolff (1795–1862), Travels and Adventures of the Rev. Joseph Wolff (1860–1861). As an autobiographical memoir and the culmination of his journeys from 1821 to 1845, it contains rich testimonies about the Armenians, both in their historical homeland and in various regions and countries, including the Ottoman Empire, Persia, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and India. Wolff provided accounts of both ordinary Armenian inhabitants and prominent figures of the time. Possessing profound knowledge of Armenian history and culture, he often included historical digressions covering both distant and more recent epochs. Thus, his final travelogue-autobiography serves as a valuable source for studying the history, demography, and daily life of Armenians in the first half of the 19th century.

KeywordsJoseph Wolff travelogue missionary Armenians of Middle East Jerusalem Syria Persia