Cilicia (ship)

Armenia has a rich tradition of shipping and shipbuilding. Armenian kingdoms have been renowned in history for their formidable navies over the centuries. The 5th-century historian Movses Khorenatsi mentions that during the reign of King Artashes I (189–160 BC), river and lake navigation began, he ruled the area between the two seas and he filled the ocean with many ships.

The Ayas Nautical Research Club was founded in 1985 with the goal of studying the history of Armenian shipbuilding and navigation and reviving the traditions of the Armenian Navy. For over 37 years, the club has been collecting historical artifacts and has restored more than 26 types of ships that were once built in historical Armenia. The wide-ranging activities of the club encompass the collection and study of historical facts about shipbuilding, navigation, and the navy of Armenia and the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. Additionally, the club undertakes the restoration of historic ships and conducts underwater archaeological research. Throughout its existence of more than three and a half decades, the club has amassed numerous historical objects. Club members have conducted extensive scientific research, published numerous scholarly works, and participated in various scientific conferences, including international ones. [2][3] As noted by Karen Balayan, the president of the Ayas club:

This historical scientific experiment helped us to glimpse into how our ancestors have navigated and relive the life of sailors living on a medieval ship. It attracted the attention of specialists and the world community because this ship is a sign of unity. This ship is a symbol of unification of people, cultures and civilizations.

Karen Balayan

In May 1991, the club commenced the construction of a life-size replica of a 13th-century merchant ship, which was named Cilicia after the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia where the original vessel was built 800 years ago. The sailing ship "Cilicia" was constructed using medieval methods. In 2002, the ship was launched on Lake Sevan, where it had been tested for about 2 years. Subsequently, in 2004, the ship was relocated to Poti Port in Georgia, marking the commencement of its maiden sea voyage—a closed-loop journey around Europe. From 2004 to 2006, "Cilicia" covered more than 15,000 nautical miles and visited 65 ports in 25 countries. Throughout its travels, the ship proudly flew the flags of Armenia and Artsakh, conveying an important political message. This ship has not only increased Armenia's global recognition but has also become a source of pride that unites Armenians worldwide.

The ship was reconstructed based on medieval miniatures and manuscripts, faithfully replicating the merchant sailing ships of the 13th-century Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia. This replica was constructed to exact dimensions, and the Ayas club invested considerable effort in research at the Matenadaran Institute of Ancient Manuscripts in Yerevan, as well as in libraries and archives in Moscow, London, and Venice. Various illustrations of the same ship type by different artists were used to create a composite ship structure. These miniatures depict real ships, not mere artistic fantasies. Armenian miniatures illustrating scenes from the Bible or Armenian fishing ships were employed by the club. The ship's construction adhered to medieval traditions, technologies, and materials. Cedar, oak, and Mediterranean pine were historically used in shipbuilding in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The Ayas team, striving to honor these traditions, chose oak and pine for construction. The ship's frame is made of oak - it provides for a dense and solid frame that prevents rotting. The deck and planking are made of pine. All the works were made with maximum approximation to the reality of 13th century, with the use of the same tools and taking into account the structure of materials. The inner surfaces of the details of the construction were covered by wood resin with vegetable oil before it was established on site. Wood resin mixed with vegetable oil was applied to the inner surfaces of construction components before assembly. The entire ship was treated with vegetable oil to prevent decay and wood-boring organisms, in accordance with medieval practices in the Eastern Mediterranean. The ship measures 20 meters in length and 5 meters in width, with a draft of one and a half meters, a displacement of 50 tons, and a sail area of 100 square meters. The crew consists of 12–14 individuals. The construction of the ship spanned 11 years.[2]

The first testing occurred on Lake Sevan on May 25, 2002. This marked the ship's inaugural voyage on the waters of Lake Sevan. The ship sailed on Lake Sevan for two years, and during this time all medieval traditions and conditions were strictly followed and no modern technologies were used.[3][4]

In 2004 the ship visited 23 ports and 12 countries in Europe and Asia. In 2005 “Cilicia” visited 24 ports and 6 countries, in 2006 18 ports, 20 countries. Every port the “Cilicia” visited was connected with a certain historical event. In 2004 the ship reached Venice from Poti, in 2005 “Cilicia” reached the Atlantic, and the English Channel, then the ship arrived to Portsmouth, in 2006 “Cilicia” sailed to St. Petersburg, afterward through Russian rivers and channels, they sailed down to Azov and Black sea, and then back to Armenia, but by land.[5]

From October 2004 to May 2005 the ship was docked on the island of San Lazzaro of the Mekhitarist Congregation in Venice.[6] Many Armenians could visit the ship right there because this historically important Armenian island is a wonderful place for a victorious and meritorious ship, emphasizing its importance and profound value. During its journeys the sailboat “Cilicia” was visited by different senior officials and famous people including the presidents of the Republic of Armenia, Catholicos Aram I of Cilicia, Baroness Cox, deputy speaker of the British Parliament, all the mayors of the cities visited during the trip, Dolph Lundgren, actor, director and producer, and Hrant Dink, editor of “Akos”, as well as others. There are very few cases of building replicas of Medieval ships, like the ship “Cilicia”. Today, the ship “Cilicia” is located in the Gegharkunik Province.[7][8]

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