The Shaki waterfall is just one of many wonders to be found in Siunik. Legend says that Timur Lenk became so captivated by the beauty of the women when he invaded the region in the 14th Century that he gave orders to his soldiers to find for him the prettiest girl of all. Searching the houses in every village, the soldiers eventually came across Shaki, a charming girl petrified of whatever fate Timur Lenk had in store for her. Shaki ran in fear to the Vorotan gorge with the Turkmen soldiers in hot pursuit, and - perched on the very edge of the gorge with no possible route for escape - she threw herself into the gorge. From that day on, the waterfall bears her name.
Text and photo: Onnik Krikorian, www.oneworld.am/armenia