Khatravank Monastery :: ARTSAKH HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

Khatravank Monastery 12 — 17 cc․

NKR / Martakert / Khunkutala

Historical Introduction

Khatravank is one of those well-known monastic complexes in Artsakh the constituent buildings of which were erected and reconstructed in different periods.

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 13.

It comprises several chapel-churches, a narthex, a refectory, a burial chamber, a double-floor funerary memorial and some other annexes. Perhaps, of no special architectural value as taken separately, they are of great interest as parts of the monastic complex, their history showing the stages of its construction.

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 13.

In Khatravank, as well as in other monuments, the chronology of the construction of its buildings is partly revealed through the study of their junctures, which abut on each other with their walls. Fortunately, it also abounds in construction inscriptions which cast light on the history of its foundation.

Khatravank underwent blanket research between 1978 and 2011 thanks to the visits of a number of researchers.
Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 13.

It should be noted that the earliest dated monuments of the monastic complex are not its architectural buildings, but cross-stones of 1104, 1167 and 1179, the surviving remnants of its destroyed cemetery.

This cross-stone was set in the tympanum of the church erected in 1204 (for further information, see the part of the article devoted to this church).
Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 13.

A cross-stone of 1167 is outwardly preserved beneath an east-looking window opening from the main apse of the church, which was rebuilt in the 17th century.
The second cross-stone is about 100 metres south of the main structures of Khatravank, in its ruined cemetery.
These two cross-stones attest that before the construction of the oldest preserved building of Khatravank, its small uni-nave church (below we shall substantiate that it was erected not in 1204, as is generally stated in specialised literature, but 22 years earlier, in 1182), a cemetery of cross-stones used to extend in this site. Part of its khachkars and tombstones were used as simply building material in the periods of cultural decadence that generally followed the establishment of foreign domination.

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, pp. 13-14.

Thus, the oldest building of the monastic complex of Khatravank is its uni-nave church standing in the north, as revealed by its construction inscription outwardly set on its southern wall. Strange as it is, all the former researchers failed to notice this 14-line inscription, which is preserved intact, revealing that the oldest known church of Khatravank was founded in 11823 by Desum’s daughter Seda. She also made some contribution to it, a fact showing that the newly-erected monument was not the first of the monastic structures: on the contrary, presumably, the place was already well-known as a spiritual centre although it did not have a prior yet.

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, pp. 14-15.

Another inscription casting light on the construction of the monastic complex dates from 1204. Although it has been known to the scholarly circles since 18584 and was later republished twice, it still needs some clarification. The point is that in the 1960s the members of the special expedition which was engaged in collection of inscriptions moved the fragments of the broken inscription to Yerevan without reporting any information regarding the place whence they had collected them. Nor did its first publisher say a word about the place of its location, while the second one wrote that it used to be outwardly engraved on the eastern facade of the church.
Probably, S. Barkhudarian, the head of the scientific expedition which worked on the spot in the 1960s, meant the broken and already scattered pieces of the inscription when later stating that the removed inscription had been found as outwardly carved high on the central part of the eastern wall of the church.

The first publisher of the inscription is S. Jalaliants, whose decipherment contains certain distortions (see Ջալալյանց Ս., Ճանապարհորդութիւն ի Մեծն Հայաստան [S. Jalaliants, A Journey to Greater Armenia], vol. 2 (Tpghis, 1858) 230-231).
Բարխուտարեանց Մ., [M. Barkhutariants, Artsakh] (Baku, 1895), 194. Also see Դիվան հայ վիմագրության [A Corpus of Armenian Inscriptions], vol. 5 (Yerevan, 1982), 121-122.
Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 15.

The eastern facades of the northern and central churches of the monastery are preserved thoroughly intact, whereas that of the southern one (especially its part above the window) misses certain revetment stones so that we can conclude that the inscription in question used to belong to this very church.

Besides, this inscription cannot refer to the northern church for the simple reason that it has its own construction inscription (1182) on its southern facade. As for the eastern facade of the central church, it was thoroughly rebuilt in the 17th century.
Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 15.

The 10-line inscription, the contents of which divide it in two parts, is engraved on a stone slab of a slightly rough surface (it has been broken into five pieces). It commemorates the construction of the second church of Khatravank by Father Hovhannes, at the same time emphasizing that it was a spiritual centre, namely a monastery.

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 15.

A four-line inscription is engraved on a cross-stone of a simple composition which is horizontally set in the only (western) entrance to the same church, serving as a tympanum for it.

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 16.

Another inscription which has been restored on the basis of M. Barkhutariants’ decipherment commemorates the construction of an arch in 1215. In the early 1890s, it represented just a fragment that had fallen off its original place.9 In the 1960s, this broken piece, which contained only part of the inscription, could not be found at all so that the compilers of the Corpus of Armenian Inscriptions simply had to republish it on the basis of its previous publication, which was the only existing one. In 1999 we found two pieces of this inscription, at the same time also revealing that it missed at least two other fragments.
It is difficult to decide to what particular building of the monastic complex this arch belonged: it could be the double-floor funerary memorial standing in the north of the complex as its first storey is just a simple vault (the second one used to retain two adjoining cross-stones from which only the pedestals are preserved with the remnants of the crumbled cross-stones).

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, pp. 16-17.

It was in 1225 that particularly large-scale construction activity was carried out in Khatravank: in the same year, it was decided to build a narthex in the unoccupied space between the churches of 1182 and 1204 (they are so small in dimensions that they can be named chapels). It was constructed by Dop, the sister of the well-known Armenian princes Zakare and Ivane who also built a chapel in the same year. Her building activities are commemorated in a ten-line inscription engraved on the northern facade (near the western corner) of the newly-erected monument.
The narthex mentioned in the inscription is the one which is still preserved standing. As for the phrase the narthex of this church, perhaps, it implies the sanctuary built east of the narthex and reconstructed in 1691, its construction, in fact, marking that of the central church of the monastic complex between its two churches. The chapel mentioned in the inscription is probably the annexe standing in the north-western corner of the monastery.

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 17.

The chapel roof retains two ornate cross-stones of 1219 and 1220 which form its ornamentation: they were probably placed there either in 1225 or a short time later.

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 17.

This sanctuary underwent major reconstruction about four and a half centuries later, in 1691, when a great number of cross-stones and tombstones (including inscribed ones) were set in its walls both inwardly and outwardly. The fact that these funerary memorials were used as simply building material speaks of the general cultural decadence marking the Late Middle Ages. Not only were they casually set in the walls of the rebuilt sanctuary (mostly horizontally), but they were also used as “raw material” for getting new architectural pieces: thus for instance, a tombstone of the 12th to 13th centuries, perpetuating Prince Hasan’s memory, changed to fit the part above the window opening from the sanctuary.

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 18.

This lapidary record is first of all noteworthy as it reveals the names of two of the churches of the monastic complex, Sourb Astvatzatzin (Holy Virgin) and Sourb Arakelots (Holy Apostles). It also reports important details regarding the renovation of the two sanctuaries and three new arches reaching the older arch of the middle part of the space between the sanctuary and prayer hall.

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 19.

An inscription left by Princess Aspa celebrates the placing of the altar stone (in the 1960s it disappeared without any trace).

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 19.

Another construction inscription which cannot be found at present used to be engraved on the small left vestry, reporting that the left of the monastic churches, which was consecrated after St. Procopius, was built by Father Superior Hovhannes.

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 20.

Relief, High Relief 13 c․

Samvel Karapetian, Armenia, Yerevan, 2009, p. 325.

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan

Lion head relief (13th century) in Khatravank

Relief, High Relief 13 c․

Samvel Karapetian, Armenia, Yerevan, 2009, p. 325.

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Date 2005 y․

Elephant head relief (13th century) in Khatravank

Inscription, Armenian, Construction 1182 y․

The construction inscription of Seda’s church reads:

Transl.: I, Desum’s daughter Seda, built this church and gave Sourb Nshan of Hordadzor to it, spending large amounts of money in perpetuation of my soul. May he who becomes Father Superior of this [monastery] annually conduct a four-hour divine service for my soul on the Apostles’ feasts. May those who hinder this atone for my sins. In the year 631 (1182).

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 15.

Author Samvel Karapetian
Date 2011 y․

Type Copied Lapidary Inscription

Inscription, Armenian, Construction 1204 y․

Transl.: In the year 653 (1204), I, Father Hovhannes, built this church and collected crosses and books here, planting the garden of Jot through hard efforts. And I gave the monastery, together with its grounds, to my elder brother Hasan and his sons, the masters of Haterk, by the grace of God. May those who hinder this have their lives destroyed by God. In the name of God, this was written by Hasan: when my brother built this church and gave the monastery to me, I donated Khendzorobak and its grounds to it. Those opposed to this will oppose the Lord. May those who damage this inscription never receive atonement for their sins.

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 15.

Author Samvel Karapetian

Inscription, Armenian, Construction 1215 y․

Transl.: By God’s will, my mother Shushik and I, Hasan, built this holy arch... my father Petros... burial chamber... hold a divine service... Those who try to damage this text... in the year 664 (1215).

Published in: Barkhutariants, 194; Corpus, vol. 5, 129.

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 16.

Author Samvel Karapetian

Type Copied Lapidary Inscription
Author Samvel Karapetian

Inscription, Armenian, Construction 1225 y․

Transl.: In the year 674 (1225), I, Dop, the daughter of Sargis and sister of Zakare and Ivane, built the narthex of this church together with a chapel. I gave a Gospel as well as the land of Hankabak and my newly-planted orchard in Hakuren to the church for the salvation of my soul. May you remember me for three hours during divine services on the feast of the Holy Virgin... May those who hinder it never receive atonement from the Lord.

Published in: Շահխաթունեանց Յ., Ստորագրութիւն Կաթուղիկէ Էջմիածնի և հինգ գաւառացն Արարատայ, [Bishop Hovhan Shahkhatuniants, A Description of Echmiatzin Cathedral and Five Districts of Ararat], vol. 2 (Echmiatzin, 1842), 363-364; Jalaliants, A Journey, vol. 1 (Tpkhis, 1842), 207; Corpus, vol. 5, 127.

Note: Jalaliants’ publication of the inscription contains the same errors which are found in Shahkhatuniants’ (for instance, the omission of the word «եկեղեցոյս» (this church), «Հակուռինայ զիմ մատաղիս» (...my newly-planted orchard in Hakuren...), etc.), which suggests that he merely confined himself to republishing it. The compilers of the Corpus of Armenian Inscriptions did not decipher the toponym correctly (Hakuden) and their tracing does not correspond to the inscription. As for the site of Hakuren, at present its form of Hekoran is well-known to the inhabitants of Vaghuhas and Khunkutala, Martakert District, Republic of Artsakh. Stone dimensions: 35 x 47 cm.

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 17.

Author Samvel Karapetian

Type Copied Lapidary Inscription
Author Samvel Karapetian

Inscription, Armenian, Commemoration

The initial part of its epitaph, which can be easily read at present, says:

Transl.: In this grave reposes Prince Hasan...

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 18.

Author Samvel Karapetian

Type Copied Lapidary Inscription
Author Samvel Karapetian

Inscription, Armenian, Construction

Another inscription of 7 lines, engraved on the bema facade, commemorates the reconstruction of 1691:

Transl.: In the year 1140 (1691), thanks to the Almighty Lord, we, the humble servants of Christ, Archimandrites Vohanes, Barsegh, Atanas and Ghazar, descending from great prince Hasan, built this holy church of the Mother of God and Holy Apostles together with two sanctuaries on the right and three large arches up to the older arch of the middle part of the space between the sanctuary and prayer hall... with hard efforts in bitter times. We pray to remember us in your prayers.

Published in: Jalaliants, A Journey, vol. 2, Tpghis, 1858, 231; Corpus, vol. 5, 126.

Note: Apart from certain minor misreadings, the Corpus of Armenian Inscriptions erroneously deciphers the word §³Õ¥³¤ã¥»¤Ùù¦ (We pray) as §Ô³½³ñ ù¥³Ñ³Ý³ÛÝ¤¦ (Priest Ghazar), which led to further distortion of facts: according to it, Ghazar was the person who engraved the inscription.

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 18.

Author Samvel Karapetian

Inscription, Armenian, Repairs

There is another four-line inscription carved (probably, in commemoration of some building activity) on two rows of finely-finished or hewn stone on the considerably weathered outer revetment of the southern wall of the narthex-church:

Transl.: ...repairs... with the support of Hasan’s daughter Dop.

Published in: Corpus, vol. 5, 125.

Note: The inscription, which traces back to the 13th century, is remarkable for its splendid large-size letters (18 cm). As compared to its publication in the Corpus of Armenian Inscriptions, our decipherment is more complete.

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 19.

Author Samvel Karapetian

Type Copied Lapidary Inscription
Author Samvel Karapetian

Inscription, Armenian, Construction

An inscription left by Princess Aspa celebrates the placing of the altar stone (in the 1960s it disappeared without any trace):

Transl.: By Christ’s will, I, Aspe, the daughter of majestic Prince Tarsayij and Minakhatun of royal descent, supported ...great prince Grigor in the construction of this holy church of light. Supreme Father Hovhannes had an altar stone placed in the bema with my honestly-earned means..., for which every Saturday and Sunday, on Christmas and the Presentation of the Lord, on Easter, Vardavar and on the feasts of the Holy Virgin and Holy Cross, divine service should be held in all churches. I also donated our fertile plot of land... May those from our or aliens’ midst who take them away from this church or hinder the conduct of divine service be stripped of the grace of the Son of God.

Published in: Շահխաթունեանց Յ., Ստորագրութիւն Կաթուղիկէ Էջմիածնի և հինգ գաւառացն Արարատայ [Bishop Hovhan Shahkhatuniants, A Description of Echmiatzin Cathedral and Five Districts of Ararat], vol. 2 (Echmiatzin, 1842), 362; Jalaliants, A Journey, vol. 1 (Tpkhis, 1842), 205-206; Բարխուտարեանց Մ., Արցախ [M. Barkhutariants, Artsakh] (Baku, 1895), 194; Corpus, vol. 5, 129.

Note: The publishers of the Corpus of Armenian Inscriptions righteously state that this inscription cannot be found on the bema facade of the church so that its actual place is still to be clarified.

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, pp. 19-20.

Inscription, Armenian, Construction

Transl.: This left sanctuary, named after St. Procopius, was built by Father Hovhannes, the son of Dop, the brother of great prince Hasan. May you remember him in your prayers.

Published in: Շահխաթունեանց Յ., Ստորագրութիւն Կաթուղիկէ Էջմիածնի և հինգ գաւառացն Արարատայ [Bishop Hovhan Shahkhatuniants, A Description of Echmiatzin Cathedral and Five Districts of Ararat], vol. 2 (Echmiatzin, 1842), 362-363; Jalaliants, A Journey, vol. 1 (Tpkhis, 1842), 206; Բարխուտարեանց Մ., Արցախ [M. Barkhutariants, Artsakh] (Baku, 1895), 195; Corpus, vol. 5, 128.

Karapetian, Samvel. Newly-Revealed data regarding the foundation and construction of Khatravank, Yerevan, 2007, p. 20.

Type Photo
View Exterior
Direction From the west
Author Samvel Karapetyan

Type Photo
View Exterior
Direction From the north-west
Author Samvel Karapetyan

Type Photo
View Exterior
Direction From the south-east
Author Samvel Karapetyan

Type Photo
View Interior
Author Samvel Karapetyan

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan

Type Photo
View Interior
Author Samvel Karapetyan

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetyan

The refectory of Khatravank

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetyan

The refectory of Khatravank

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetyan

The refectory of Khatravank

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetyan

The monastic complex on a wooded mountain slope on the right bank of the river Trtu (Tartar)

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetian
Date 2011 y․

Direction From the north-west
Author Samvel Karapetian
Date 2011 y․

Direction From the south-east
Author Samvel Karapetian
Date 2011 y․

Type Measurement
Author Samvel Karapetian, Emma Abrahamian
Date 2005 y․

Prepared for publication by architect Ashot Hakobian, 2012