By the late 19th century, the Catholicosate of Aghtamar ruled over the southern shores of Lake Van: Shatakh, Khizan, etc.
Armenians also lived in the district Erciş (Artchesh, Akants) which was in the north of the province, and district Çatak (Shatakh), district Başkale (Bashkaleh) and district Bahçesaray (Moks) in south of the province.