Handaberd Monastery :: ARTSAKH HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

Handaberd Monastery 13 c․

NKR / Karvajar / Knaravan

Historical Introduction
1985 y․

Ruins of an ancient monastery lie O,8 km eastwards of Handaberd and 0,5 km south of the right bank of the Lev, in the centre of a spectacular valley surrounded by thick woody mountains. Architect M. Hasratian measured this complex for the first time in 1985. He also copied the two inscriptions found in situ.

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 22.

Architectural Description

The monastery consisted of a domed church, and a chapel linked to it. The bell-tower stands a little to the north. Compositionally this complex resembles the old church of Kichan Anapat (Desert) (cross-planned, but without a dome). The resolution of the church vault represented particular interest, with its so-called octagonal “false dome” in the centre (similar to Khatravank, the bell-tower and the temple of Dadi Vank) of which little has remained. There were traces of frescoes on the interior walls of the church. The fragments of ceramic roof tiles among the ruins testified that once the roof was covered with tiles. The complex was built of coarse or semi-squared stones cemented with lime mortar. Inscriptions, which might spread some light on the history of this particular monument, and Artsakh as a whole, are preserved in situ.

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 22.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Construction

Another fragmented building inscription (49x73x9,5 cm) was preserved inside the church:
“IN THE NAME OF...[THE GOD] I SASN [BUILT THIS] CONVENT? ALL THE CHURCHES ... THE MASS... [IN THE FEAST OF] SAINT GRIGOR...”.

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 24.
As witnessed by M. Hasratian, in 1985 part of the inscription bore evident traces of fresh cutting.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Construction 1276 y․

Of extreme importance was the building inscription of 7 lines, found not far from the western wall of the bell tower (168x76x16):
“WITH THE HELP OF GOD THIS BELL TOWER AND THE CHURCHES WERE BUILT BY THE HAND OF DAVIT PRECEPTOR IN YEAR 1276. THE INHABITANTS OF HATERK WERE SAVED FROM EVIL. GOD BLESS THEM, AND GOD JUDGE THOSE WHO DESTROY THIS STRUCTURE”

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, pp. 23-24.

Type Copied Lapidary Inscription
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Non-Specified

Relief 13 c․

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetyan

Branch of the tree of life (13th century) in Handaberd Monastery

Type Measurement
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative

Author Samvel Karapetyan
Date 2019 y․

Author Samvel Karapetyan
Date 2018 y․

Author Sasun Danielian
Date 2018 y․

Author Samvel Karapetyan
Date 2018 y․

Author Samvel Karapetyan

Author Sasun Danielian
Date 2018 y․