Prince Prosh Khaghbakian, also Pros Xalbakean or Hasan Brosh (1223-1283), was an Armenian Prince, vassal of the Zakarian princes of Armenia, and founder of the Proshyan dynasty, a family of Armenian nobility. He was a lord of the Khaghabakian or Pŕoshian House in Urkghunk‘, Boloraberd, Eghegiats‘ Dzor and Hrashk‘aberd. He was the Supreme Commander (Sparapet) of the Zakarian army from 1223 to 1284, succeeding to his father Vasak. He was one of the main Greater Armenian lords to execute the alliance between his suzerain the Georgian King David Ulu and the Mongol Prince Hulagu, during the Mongol conquest of Middle-East (1258-1260). He apparently gained many benefits from his cooperation with the Mongols, including rising to such prominence that he could establish his own dynastic line.
Donator figure in the "Chapel of the Proshians", Geghard, dedicated by Prince Prosh Khaghbakian in 1283.
The fortress of Proshaberd was built by Prosh Khaghbakian
Horseman at Tanahat Monastery, built by Prince Prosh in 1273-1279.
Mausoleum of Prince Prosh Khaghbakian (1283) in Geghard monastery. The tombs are behind the twin arches.
The Proshyan dynasty, also Khaghbakians or Xaghbakian-Proshians, was a family of the Armenian nobility, named after its founder Prince Prosh Khaghbakian. The dynasty was a vassal of Zakarid Armenia during the 13th–14th century CE, established as nakharar feudal lords as a reward for their military successes. Zakarid Armenia was itself vassal of the Kingdom of Georgia from 1201, effectively falling under Mongol control after 1236, while Georgian rule only remained nominal. The Proshyans were princes of Bjni, Garni, Geghard and Noravank. The family prospered as an ally of the Mongols, following the Mongol invasions of Armenia and Georgia, as did the Zakarians and Orbelians. Despite heavy Mongol taxes, they benefited from trade routes to China under the control of the Mongols, and built many magnificent churches and monasteries.
Proshyan dynasty
Grigor Khaghbakian on his khatchkar cross (1233).
Relief depicting Eachi and Amir Hassan II of the Proshian dynasty ("a portrait identified by scholars as the father and son together"), c. 1321. Astvatsatsin Spitakavor Monastery, Vayots Dzor, Hermitage Museum, inv. No. AR-619.
Spitakavor Monastery, built in 1321 by the Proshyan family.