Charek Monastery :: ARTSAKH HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

Charek Monastery 17 c․

Azerbaijan / Northern Artsakh / Getabek / Getabek

Location

The monument is situated on the left bank of the river Shamkor, about 3.5 kilometres southwest of the confluence of this river and its left tributary Getabak (up the course of the former), within the same distance of Charek Castle, 7 kilometres south-east of the district centre, at an altitude of 1,070 metres above sea level.

S. Kamalian provides an interesting description of the path leading from Getabek to Charek Cloister: “...it was raining at 6 o’clock, when I started for the monastery of Charek following a path that extended along the left bank of the river (it flowed fast below the gorge) and was, probably, fit for only a donkey or a mule. In many parts of that so-called “road,” you were frightened to death. My attention was caught by a waterfall resembling a magnificent fountain, its water cascading from the top of the mountain. In two places, it went below the rock but was further seen erupting right from inside it like a shower... Riding the horse carefully through dangerous blocks of stone, we reached the trough of a spring belonging to the cloister and called ‘Siptak Jur.’ Everything located below this place, including both forests and mountains, formed part of the monastic dominions. By the time we reached there we had seen only impregnable rocks and mountains belonging to the owner of the mine. The forest of the monastery was distinguished for its unusual thickness. Having already crossed the river, we were now on its right bank, passing through thickly-arrayed hazels and various other fruit trees towards an alley so shaded that bright sunlight could not penetrate it. We silently continued our way on the bumpy road where horse tracks could be seen. We could hear some voices above the wood, and my horse, which had grown even more impatient than me, was eager to reach those talking... These people, who turned out to be coal miners on mules and donkeys, were surprised to see a man wearing a priest’s skullcap... After I had left them behind me, they asked Tzatur who I was, and my ingenious companion told them that I was the Very Reverend’s friend and was going to see him. Upon hearing this, all of them came and deeply bowed before me... One of them, a man on donkey, came forward and said that he served in the monastery and had gone to do some shopping for the prior. The place where we dismounted the horses was the pass of a mountain chain called ‘Ghali Oos.’ We descended it in a south-easterly direction towards the river Shamkor and then turned south up the riverside, our destination being the cloister. To the north of where we were standing, on the left bank of the river soared high Mamrot Ghala, its brick walls shining with tints of red” (S. Kamalian Fund, copy-book No. 1, VI-11, pp. 21-22).
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 223.

Historical Introduction

The main buildings of the monastic complex, i.e. its church, gavit, belfry, chapel, enclosure, monks’ dwellings as well as some annexes, were built in the 17th century. The sanctuary, that used to be a scriptorium and an educational centre, often underwent destruction and reconstruction, the activity of its conscientious and sometimes imprudent priors marking both ups and downs for it. After the Soviet takeover, Charek was reduced to a dwelling for a cattle-breeding Turkish family, while its large estates were confiscated and appropriated by the state.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 226.

Foundation
17 c․

According to Arakel Davrizhetsy, the foundation of Charek Monastery is attributed to Bishop David, a graduate of Tatev’s Metz Anapat (‘Great Cloister’): “And Bishop David, descending from the princely family of the Gharamaniants of Shamkor Gorge, came to the Great Cloister, but later returned to Shamkor Gorge, where he built a sanctuary called Monastery of the river Charek. It functions in accordance with firmly-established rules and has a large community of brethren. After Bishop David consigned his soul to God, his remains found eternal repose here...”

History by Arakel Davrizhetsy. Yerevan, 1990, p. 218.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 226.

1726 y․

A bull issued by Catholicos Karapet (1726 to 1729) in connection with rendering financial assistance to Charek Monastery (it had been plundered by the Caucasian mountaineers) hints that it was founded even earlier: “...Ganja’s great, holy monastery of Charek, famous all over the region as a pearl among the local sanctuaries, was erected in the first kings’ times, under the Holy Pontiffs of blessed memory... and has a large community of monks leading an ascetic life and atoning for their sins. ... This unsurpassed sanctuary, possessing divine power and enjoying great fame, retains many relics and crosses...”

National Archives of Armenia, fund 332, list 1, file 778.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 226.

Historical Introduction
1727 y․

Another bull issued by the same Catholicos in 1727 states, “...the renowned monastery of Charek, situated in the gorge of Shamkor in Gandzak, Aghvank, was built by princes Mamrut’s and Gharaman’s sons and grandchildren...” This is also attested by a bull Patriarch of Jerusalem Grigor the Archimandrite issued in 1730: “...the main monastery of the region, ... Charek situated in... This bull of blessing was written in the holy city of Jerusalem on 29 March 1730...”

“Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 23, pp. 330-331.
National Archives of Armenia, fund 332, list 1, file 786.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 226.

1632 y․

Charek Monastery received similar Patriarchal bulls from the predecessors of Catholicos Karapet as well, namely Catholicoses Pilippos (1632 to 1655); Hakob (1655 to 1680); Yeghiazar (1681 to 1691); Nahapet (1691 to 1705), and Alexandre (1706 to 1714).

National Archives of Armenia, fund 332, list 1, file 778.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 226.

1579 y․

The name of the monastery derives from Charek Castle located 3 kilometres north of it (the available bibliographical records particularly mention the latter in connection with the events of the early 13th century). The same is also true of the river Shamkor: in the Middle Ages, the areas of its upper and middle courses were more known by the name of Charek (a historical record of a Lezghin invasion (1579) states that the enemy reached “...the river Charek...”).

History by Arakel Davrizhetsy. Yerevan, 1990, p. 459.
Brief Chronicles, vol. 2. Compiled by Hakobian, V. A. Yerevan, 1956, p. 242.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, pp. 226-227.

Etymology

The name of ‘charek’ is etymologized as ‘a quarter.’

Land Deeds and Other Economic Documents compiled by Har. Abrahamian. Part 1, Yerevan, 1941, p. 182, note 20, in Armenian.
Also see Avagian, S. A. Word Analysis of Lapidary Inscriptions. Yerevan, 1978, p. 30, in Armenian (“...the one-fourth part of a whole...”).
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 227.

Historical Introduction

Despite its solitude and isolation from inhabited areas, Charek always attracted topographers and investigators. The works some of them published after having conducted investigation into the monument mostly deal with its history, buildings and lapidary inscriptions. There also exist a number of archive documents, unpublished so far, which contain a wealth of information mainly regarding its estates and economic affairs.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 227.

The first scholar to publish a brief historico-philological work on Charek Cloister is S. Jalaliants, who provides a description of the monastic complex together with the decipherments of six inscriptions.

Jalaliants, S. A Travel to Great Armenia, part 1, Tpghis, 1842, pp. 163-166.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 227.

Description
1858 y․

Russian researcher G. Tkachev, who visited the monastery in 1858, reports some valuable information regarding its architectural features: “...the church, covered with grass and already showing signs of impending deterioration, is 20 sazhens long and 7 sazhens wide (42.67 x 14.93 metres). It is built of simple stone, except for its front, which is finely-cut. The monument is surrounded by different structures... Until 1855, several clergymen lived there, but it was abandoned shortly after its plunder and has been standing derelict ever since.”

Tkachev, G. Travel Notes. In: “Kavkaz,” 1859, No. 9, p. 43 (the original reads, “...он зарос травою и уже обнаруживает некоторые признаки разрушения; церковь имеет 20 саж. в длину и 7 в ширину; передняя часть сделана из тесанаго камня, а другая из простаго. Кругом много различнаго вида и величины построек, назначенных, повидимому, для кел; все это обнесено высокою каменною оградою. По словам нашего проводника, монастырь построен в XVI ст. епископом Давидом. До 1855 года в нем жили несколько духовных лиц; но после разграбления разбойнической шайкою, он оставлен и находится в настоящее время в запустении...”).
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 227.

Historical Introduction
1872 y․

In 1872 Father Superior of Targmanchats Monastery Archimandrite Theodoros Shirakuny published an article devoted to 10 of the inscriptions of the cloister.

Archimandrite Theodoros Shirakuny. Charek Monastery. In: “Ararat,” 1872, pp. 269-271, in Armenian.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 227.

Kajikian is the author of a larger work on the monastery, which is the result of investigation conducted right on the spot. Unlike his predecessors and even successors, he is distinguished for his professional treatment of a number of issues. He analyzes certain published and unpublished sources, providing skilled and exhaustive decipherments of the inscriptions.

Kajikian. Travelling Notes (a series of articles). In: “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 23, pp. 330-331; N 24, pp. 339-340, in Armenian.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, pp. 227-228.

Description
1890 y․

Folklorist S. Kamalian, who visited Charek Monastery in the summer of 1890, wrote a work, unpublished so far, on its architectural peculiarities and economic condition, also providing the decipherments of six inscriptions.

S. Kamalian Fund, copy-book No. 1, VI-11, pp. 21-24.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, pp. 228-229.

The monastery and its inscriptions were studied by Mesrop Smbatiants as well, but his brief work provides only some slim information on the monument; moreover, his decipherments of four inscriptions abound in errors and distortions.

“Nor-Dar,” 1893, No. 35, p. 3.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 229.

Bishop Makar, a prolific investigator of high merit, is another scholar to have conducted studies in Charek Monastery. He deciphered five inscriptions which, however, contain mistakes and contractions.

Barkhutariants, M. Artsakh. Baku, 1895, pp. 313-314.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 229.

Perhaps, Yervand Lalayan is the only researcher to have published newly-found data relating to the cloister after Th. Shirakuny and Kajikian. Apart from the decipherments of six inscriptions, his large work reports the exterior dimensions of many buildings forming part of the monastic complex, together with a detailed description of each of them. For the first time in the history of Charek, he published a photograph representing a general view of the monastic complex.

Lalayan, Yer. Gandzak District. In: “Azgagrakan Handes,” Tiflis, 1899, No. 1, pp. 336-339. The same information is also found in a separate book (Gandzak District. Tiflis, 1899, pp. 128-131, in Armenian). Republished in Yerevan in 1988, pp. 312-314 (Lalayan, Yer. Works, vol. 2).
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 229.

1913 y․

In 1913 M. Ter-Movsissian published some material on the cloister, apparently, without having visited it previously. It, however, did not add anything new to the data already existing: surprising as it is, his article entitled Armenian Inscriptions does not include a single inscription (several decades later, Ter-Movsissian re-published this material in a separate work).

Bishop Mesrop Ter-Movsissian. Armenian Inscriptions. In: “Azgagrakan Handes,” Tiflis, 1913, No. 2, pp. 74-75, in Armenian.
Archbishop Mesrop Ter-Movsissian. The Churches and Monastic Buildings of Three Great Armenian Monasteries: Tatev, Haghartzin and Dadivank. Jerusalem, 1938, pp. 91-92, in Armenian.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, pp. 229-230.

H. Voskian’s brief history of the monastery (he did not visit it either) includes an important part of the material relating to it found in some periodicals.

Voskian, H. The Monasteries of Artsakh. Vienna, 1953, pp. 166-176, in Armenian.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 230.

1982 y․

In the Soviet years, Charek Monastery was consigned to total oblivion and was never mentioned in print until the year 1982, when an extensive work on the lapidary inscriptions of Karabakh was published, part of it devoted to Charek. Regretfully, however, that large-scale work did not provide the scientific world with any new information on the cloister (the scientific expeditions organized between 1960 and ‘64 simply ignored the epigraphs of the monument). Moreover, it did not make even a passing reference to Kajikian’s, Kamalian’s and M. Smbatiants’ decipherments, while those by Th. Shirakuny had been re-published without any reference to their source.

Corpus Inscriptionum Armenicarum, part 5. Compiled by Barkhudarian, S. Yerevan, 1982, pp. 267-268.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 230.

1862 y․

In 1862 Prior Sargis spent 120 rubles for the repairs of the monastic complex. In 1879 Father Superior Astvatzatur called upon the former Armenian inhabitants of Shamkor, then already dwelling in Tiflis, to carry out the next overhaul: “...The prior would like to ask the residents of Tiflis’ Shamkor Quarter to extend a helping hand to Charek Monastery of their homeland, since its neighbourhood retains their forefathers’ remains.”

National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3836, pp. 43-44.
“Ararat,” 1879, p. 320. The following record (1890) reports interesting details relating to the economic condition of the monastery, “West of the belfry stand between 12 and 15 cells which are thoroughly preserved and serve as vestries for the Father Superior. Opposite them are 85 beehives as well as some ruined rooms, remnants of pipes and walls built of mortar. Several rooms standing intact in the south of the monastery serve as storehouses. Particularly remarkable is a long, arched building whose entrance opens from a large hall and which is, apparently, the refectory of the cloister. It has a vaulted ceiling of stone. ...The cloister, which enjoys all blessings, provides appropriate conditions for bee-keeping and animal husbandry” (S. Kamalian Fund, copy-book No. 1, VI-11, pp. 22, 24).
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 230.

1893 y․

The cloister continually suffered armed robbery, two acts of which were reported in 1893 and 1895, with the Father Superior having a narrow escape from death.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 160, pp. 1, 3, 4, 5, 9, 14.
Also see “Ardzagank,” 1895, No. 105, p. 3. The plunder of 1893 was organized by Mamet Hasan Allahverdi oghli.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 230.

1989 y․

Until 1989, the main buildings of the monastery sheltered some Turkish stock-breeders, with its rooms reduced to cattle-sheds (although in a state of total disrepair, they were mostly preserved standing). On the whole, Charek was in a good state of preservation before the Soviet takeover.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 230.

1717 y․

The monastery of Charek also comprises about thirty vaulted rooms intended for the monks - a considerable part of them was built, or renovated in the second half of the 19th century - and a mill located within a solid enclosure. Its arched gateway, opening in the south, is engraved with a construction inscription of 1717.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 231.

Monuments
1981 y․

In the territory between Charek Monastery and the castle of the same name (on the left bank of the river Shamkor) are preserved the ruins of a medieval village site and a cemetery of cross-stones. As of 1981, it also retained a church, thoroughly built of finely-finished stone: despite its state of deterioration, it was still preserved standing.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 231.

Some other historical monuments could be found on the right bank of the river Shamkor: “On two lofty, wooded hills rising quite far from each other above the monastery, on the other bank of the river, two semi-ruined chapels are located, with vestiges of many cells and dwellings near one of them. Here and there some cross-stones can be seen, all of them bare of any inscriptions. On the slope of a lofty mountain towering near the cloister, a semi-destroyed church is preserved, with some graves nearby: apparently, it was intended as a summer residence for the monks...”

“Nor-Dar,” 1893, No. 35, p. 3.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 231.

Scriptoria
1641 y․

Charek Monastery was one of the most famous and prolific scriptoria in Northern Artsakh, but unfortunately, very few of the manuscripts copied, or repaired there have come down to us. In 1641 a certain Sargis, one of the monks of the monastery, repaired a Gospel of 1496 there: “...The Holy Gospel was mended by monk Sargis, a learner gaining knowledge from the Holy Gospel, under the spiritual leadership of Bishop David in the holy monastery of Charek.”

Colophons of the Armenian Manuscripts of the 17th century, vol. 3. Compiled by Hakobian, V. Yerevan, 1984, p. 47.
Also see Barkhutariants, M. Artsakh. Baku, 1895, p. 144.
Topjian, H. A Catalogue compiled by Archimandrite Khachik Dadian (henceforward: Topjian, H.). Part 2, Vagharshapat, 1900, p. 45, all parts in Armenian.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, pp. 231-232.

1655 y․

In 1655 a certain Mekhitar, probably, a member of the monastic community, repaired another manuscript: “Mended by wretched sinner Mekhitar in Sourb Astvatzatzin Church of Charek’s holy monastery in the year 1104 (1655) of our era. May you remember me.”

Colophons of the Armenian Manuscripts of the 17th century, vol. 3. Compiled by Hakobian, V. Yerevan, 1984, p. 663.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 232.

1655 y․

In 1655 Priest Avetis completed a manuscript he had started in Papajan Village of Verin Zakam District: “This manuscript was accomplished... in the renowned monastery... of Charek...”

Colophons of the Armenian Manuscripts of the 17th century, vol. 3. Compiled by Hakobian, V. Yerevan, 1984, p. 691.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 232.

1659 y․

Another manuscript, dating back to 1659, was created “...in Shamkor’s Charek Monastery having a monastic community of 70, under the leadership of Father Sargis the Senior Teacher and Archbishop David, the spiritual shepherd of Gardman District.”

Colophons of the Armenian Manuscripts of the 17th century, vol. 3. Compiled by Hakobian, V. Yerevan, 1984, p. 876.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 232.

1665 y․

In 1665 scribe and illustrator Grigor created a manuscript for Father Superior Sargis the Archimandrite.

A Catalogue of Armenian Manuscripts of the Matenadaran after Mashtots, vol. 1, Yerevan, 1965, manuscript N 986, p. 452.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 232.

1637 y․

The priors and monks of Charek Monastery who also created manuscripts outside the walls of their sanctuary did not spare efforts to enrich their repository. Thus, in 1637 they purchased a manuscript: “In the year 1637, we, Fathers Hakob, Barsegh and Archimandrite Aristakes, sold this book to Charek Monastery, represented by David the Paronter as well as Fathers Anton, Khachatur and others...”

Archimandrite Nerses Akinian. Armenian Catholicos Movses Tatevatsy III and the Period of His Patriarchate. Vienna, 1936, p. 161, in Armenian.
Colophons, 17th century, vol. 2, p. 702.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 232.

19 c․

In the late 19th century, Aguletsots (‘Of Agulis inhabitants’) Church of Shushi retained a Gospel which had been created on the order of “Archimandrite Nerses of the holy monastery of Charek, Gandzak.”

Topjian, H. A Catalogue compiled by Archimandrite Khachik Dadian, part 2, Vagharshapat, 1900, p. 45.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 232.

1704 y․

While in Jerusalem, in 1704 Father Superior of Charek Nerses created a Gavazanagirk (a chronological list of church dignitaries with an account of their lives and activities) whose colophon states, “May you pray for Archimandrite Nerses of Charek Monastery... who initiated this to his enjoyment in St. Hakob the Apostle’s Monastery located in the holy city of Jerusalem in the year 1704.”

Topjian, H. A Catalogue compiled by Archimandrite Khachik Dadian, part 1, Vagharshapat, 1898, p. 52.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 232.

1715 y․

In 1715 scribe Hovhannes created a Collection in Charek.

A Catalogue of Armenian Manuscripts of the Matenadaran after Mashtots, vol. 2, Yerevan, 1970, manuscript N 8678, p. 792.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 232.

1818 y․

In 1818 Archimandrite Baghdasar Jalaliants took a manuscript from Charek Monastery to Gandzasar (at present kept in the Matenadaran under N 4411).

Yeganian, O. S. The Collection of Gandzasar’s Armenian Manuscripts. In: “Echmiatzin,” 1971, No. 4, pp. 61-62, in Armenian.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 232.

Inscriptions

Below follows a list of the inscriptions of the cloister deciphered and published by different researchers: two in the church; five, one of them a cryptogram, in the gavit; one in each of the belfry, the gateway and Harants Chapel; five engraved on khachkars, and two on tombstones, with a total of seventeen, six of which were later republished by K. Kostaniants. The 5th part of the Corpus Inscriptionum Armenicarum republished eleven of them without any addition to the decipherments already existing; moreover, it did not even offer a thorough analysis either for those published before, or the ones waiting for print.

Kostaniants, K. A Chronological Catalogue of Armenian Lapidary Inscriptions. St. Petersburg, 1913, pp. 183, 187, 190, 196, 205, in Armenian (the author made use of Jalaliants’ and Lalayants’ works).
Corpus Inscriptionum Armenicarum, part 5. Compiled by Barkhudarian, S. Yerevan, 1982, pp. 267-268.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 232.

1980 y․

Regretful as it is, when we visited Charek in 1980, our skills of copying lapidary inscriptions were far from satisfactory. Fortunately, the photographs we took then enabled us to prepare the copies of the following inscriptions.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 232.

Estates

Charek Monastery used to possess large estates, including hayfields, pastures and mainly forests.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 235.

19 c․

The stock-breeding Turkish tribes which had shifted to a sedentary life in the neighbourhood of the monastic dominions in the late 19th century often trespassed on these lands. In addition, in the late 1860s, the cloister entered into a conflict against the authorities, which eventually led to legal proceedings. After some delay, the case was settled in behalf of the former.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, pp. 235-236.

1857 y․

A number of archive documents clearly set the boundaries of the monastic estates covering 3,000 dessiatinas. Thus, one of them (1857) states, “...its domains, consisting of woods, fields, meadows and pastures, extend up to the tributary Getabak merging into the river Shamkor in the east, and the tributary Aykyand, flowing at the foot of Ghlij Dagh, in the west. In the north, their boundaries stretch from Chaparlu Bulagh and reach the site of Aytala, where some ancient winter dwellings are located. These territories have comprised the indisputable dominions of the monastery since the times of the khans of Yelisavetpol...”

‘Bulagh’ is the Turkish equivalent for ‘spring.’ National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 2634, p. 1.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 236.

1869 y․

Information regarding the boundaries of the monastic estates and cattle-sheds can also be found in an archive document of 1869: “By signing this document, I, Father Superior of Charek Monastery Archimandrite Sargis Davtiants, rent out the four winter residences belonging to Charek Monastery, namely the sites of Mkoshants, Sablugh, Kyukyurt and Nerki, to you, Mirza Mirzakhan from Zaglik, by three years. The boundaries of these lands are marked by the river Getabek in the east; Chaparlu Bulagh and the mountain rising above it ( it serves as a hayfield) in the west, and Ghlij Dagh in the south...”

National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 2882, p. 17.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 236.

1877 y․

An archive document of 1877 reveals that the dispute over the determination of the boundaries between the monastic and court lands had aggravated: “So far the spiritual powers and royal treasury have not come to an agreement concerning the domains of Charek Monastery and its large forest that is of great value.” The complicated situation only played into the hands of the adjacent Turks who had started illegally felling trees in a section of the aforementioned wood called Dyuz-Yurt.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 2882, p. 38.
“Meghu Hayastani,” 1879, No. 37, p. 3.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 236.

1888 y․

In 1888 the monastic dominions comprised 5 winter residences that were as follows: Ojakhverdi, Kukurt, Verin Sabghul, Nerkin Sabghul and Mokoshanots-Kizilkala.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 2882, p. 37.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 237.

1890 y․

In 1890 S. Kamalian wrote the following about the estates of the cloister, “...the issue of the wood, that was raised in 1875, is about to be settled. The monastery, which holds possession of it, has its own forest-guard, two servants and nothing else.”

S. Kamalian Fund, copy-book No. 1, VI-11, p. 21.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 237.

1891 y․

As already mentioned above, the dispute over the monastic dominions eventually brought the parties before court. The final hearing of the case was scheduled for 1 July 1891, “the majority of the witnesses who were Turks giving testimony in behalf of the san ctuary.”

“Nor-Dar,” 1891, No. 116, p. 3.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 237.

1893 y․

An archive document of 1893 states the following about the domains of Charek Monastery, “Its forests and pastures occupy an area of three thousand dessiatinas, their boundaries running as follows: Klijdagh-Tapansu in the east and south (the latter merges into the river Shamkor); Karmir-Kap and Sazmazu up to Ghlij and down to Palchekhli Bulagh in the west; Satani Ser, the peak of Chakhmakhakar and Chabarlu Bulagh, that flows into the tributary Gatabek, in the north...”

National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3892, p. 40.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 237.

1894 y․

According to a press publication of 1894, “Late in October, the Provincial Court heard the case of the estates of Charek Monastery and settled it in behalf of the sanctuary...”

“Mshak,” 1894, No. 144, p. 2.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 237.

1860 y․

The dispute, that had started in the late 1860s, was finally settled only in 1902: “...Charek Monastery holds complete possession of the ancient province of Gardman donated by the local feudal lords, i.e. the princes of Gardman, in eternal ownership since the Middle Ages. The Turkish witnesses swore that the story of that donation had been handed down to them from generation to generation. The case was not an easy one: it took the judicial bodies, from the Provincial Court of Gandzak to the Senate, about 20 years (1883 to 1902) to arrive at a certain conclusion respecting it. It was repeatedly heard and investigated, ... the land surveyors continually studying and measuring the monastic estates. In the long run, in April of this year, the Senate finally approved the domains of Charek as pertaining to that ancient monastery...” In the same year, the cloister suffered an armed robbery during which Prior Astvatzatur the Archimandrite was killed. That clergyman “...had been selflessly serving the monastery for twenty years, from the very first day of his ordination. As reported by some trustworthy sources, it was thanks to his consistent, enthusiastic efforts that the Supreme Court of Petersburg settled the case in behalf of the monastery. Now the estates Charek has obtained surpass many of our monastic domains by their largeness, fertility and thickness of wooded lands.”

“Mshak,” 1902, No. 199, p. 1.
“Ararat,” 1902, pp. 1024-1025.
“Luma,” 1902, No. 4, p. 256.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 237.

1902 y․

In the same year (1902), Echmiatzin Synod ordered to prepare a map “...of the estates of Charek Monastery.”

“Ararat,” 1902, p. 761.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 237.

1910 y․

In 1910 the lands of the cloister occupied an area of 2,732 square dessiatinas.

“Ararat,” 1910, p. 57.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 237.

1910 y․

According to a register of the monastic domains of Gandzak Diocese, made up on 4 July 1910, the boundaries of Charek Monastery were as follows, “...In the east, the lands, covering about four versts, stretch up to Mount Gharadagh. Climbing its top together with my companion and some forest guards who were leading us, I saw a borderstone a land surveyor had placed there. In the west, they cover an area of about ten versts, and comprise the site of Jajili, Lake Tonghuz, the tributaries Aykend and Aytali as well as the mountain ridge of Sajin and Mount Aytal, which bears a border stone. In the north, the dominions include Chapar Bulagh, a high hill, the mountain ridge of Chakhmakh, Zakar Bulagh (the border stone is placed here), the site of Tsagia Yeri, the tributary Getabek and Mamrot Ghali (another borderstone lies below it), the entire area amounting to some six to seven versts in length. In the south, the domains of the cloister include the site of Gharadara, the gorge of Telegraph, Mounts Ghezelghaya and Kyukyurt as well as the tributary Tapan near the river Shamkor (here the borderstone lies), these forming an area of seven versts...”

National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 775, p. 16.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 237.

1913 y․

Despite the steps taken by Levon Ter-Avetikian, Manager General of the monastic estates, illegal felling, particularly for Getabek’s copper mills, was still spread in these lands in 1913.

“Mshak,” 1913, No. 126, p. 3.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 237.

1918 y․

Until 1918, the monastery regularly received the income yielded by its domains and mainly sent it to the Holy See. In the Soviet years, its derelict buildings sheltered some Turkish cattle-breeders who lived there until 1989 (perhaps, they still occupy it at present).

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 237.

Priors
1610 — 1643 yy․

The first Father Superior of the cloister was its founder, Bishop David (1610s to 1643), who held office for about 30 years (mentioned in 1637, 1641 and 1643). The Very Reverend David is buried below the eastern wall of the church.

Topjian, H. A Catalogue compiled by Archimandrite Khachik Dadian, part 2, Vagharshapat, 1900, p. 46.
Archimandrite Nerses Akinian. Armenian Catholicos Movses Tatevatsy III and the Period of His Patriarchate. Vienna, 1936, p. 161.
Colophons of the Armenian Manuscripts of the 17th century, vol. 3. Compiled by Hakobian, V. Yerevan, 1984, p. 47.
History by Arakel Davrizhetsy. Yerevan, 1990, p. 218.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, pp. 237-238.

1643 — 1671 yy․

Under Archimandrite Sargis (1643 to 1671), mentioned in 1659, 1660, 1665, 1667 and 1671 (the last year marks his death), the belfry of the monastic complex was built and manuscript writing flourished there. A manuscript created in Sevretsik Village mentions him in the following way, “...under Archimandrite Sargis of blessed memory, Prior of Charek Monastery who does not differ from his predecessors...” Archimandrite Sargis is buried in Harants Chapel.

Colophons of the Armenian Manuscripts of the 17th century, vol. 3. Compiled by Hakobian, V. Yerevan, 1984, p. 876.
Patriarchal Documents, folder 1, document 79.
A Catalogue of Armenian Manuscripts of the Matenadaran after Mashtots, vol. 1, Yerevan, 1965, manuscript No. 986.
The date carved on his gravestone is found only in Kajikian’s notes (“Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 23, p. 330).
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 238.

1671 — 1674 yy․

The available information regarding Father Superior Sahak the Archimandrite (1671(?) to 1674) comprises the date of his death. His remains are interred in the aforementioned chapel.

“Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 23, p. 330.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 238.

1675 — 1700 yy․

In the days of Archimandrite Nerses (1675 to 1700s), mentioned in 1684 and 1704, the gavit of the monastery was built. His remains repose in the same chapel.

Topjian, H. A Catalogue compiled by Archimandrite Khachik Dadian, part 1, Vagharshapat, 1898, p. 52.
“Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 23, p. 330.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 238.

1710 — 1746 yy․

Through Archimandrite Mkrtich’s (1710s to 1746) efforts, in 1717 the monastery was fortified by an enclosure. In 1730 Catholicos Karapet and Patriarch of Jerusalem Grigor respectively granted permit and issued a bull allowing fund-raising for the implementation of a major overhaul in the sanctuary, that had been plundered and dilapidated in the aftermath of a Lezghin invasion. Archimandrite Mkrtich is buried in the gavit of Karhan Monastery situated near Mirzik Village of Khanlar District.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 332, list 1, file 778.
Also see “Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 23, p. 330.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 238.

1817 — 1826 yy․

Between 1817 and 1819, Archimandrite David Jalaliants (at least 1817 to 1826) studied “...reading, writing and interpretation of the Old and New Testaments...” in Charek Monastery. His teacher Sargis Davtiants later succeeded him in the post of Father Superior. He died in 1826 and was buried below the southern wall of the church.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3831, p. 38.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 238.

1826 — 1867 yy․

Archimandrite Sargis Davtiants (1826(?) to 1867), still a celibate priest in 1839, is mentioned in 1844, when some Turks plundered the monastery. In 1862 the prior (according to his CV, he was born in 1790) carried out some repairs in the sanctuary at 120 rubles. Reference is also made to Sargis Davtiants in 1858, 1864 and 1869, the last year, probably, marking his death.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 457, p. 8.
National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 1687, p. 1.
ational Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3831, pp. 37-38; file 3836, pp. 43-44; file 3843, p.7; file 2882, p.17.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 238.

1867 — 1869 yy․

Archimandrite Grigoris Ter-Hakobiants (1867 to 1869), born in Samaghar Village of Echmiatzin District in 1842, “...was appointed Prior of Charek Monastery by a Synod decision of 1 July 1867...” As attested by an archive document, in 1867 he sank into debts, but it is not clear whether the Father Superior himself or the monastery was in a financial predicament. Grigoris Ter-Hakobiants, who is also mentioned in 1869, died in 1912.

“Ararat,” 1912, p. 757.
National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 8882, p. 18; file 2860, p. 8.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 238.

1875 y․

Archimandrite Yeprem Yenikolopian served until 1875, but “...it was impossible to find any trustworthy details concerning his activity.”

National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 775, p. 18; fund 53, list 1, file 2882, p. 38.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 238.

1875 — 1902 yy․

Almost the entire period of the priory of Archimandrite Astvatzatur Ter-Harutiuniants (17 May 1875 to 21 August 1902), born in in 1850 Seghnakh City of Kakhet, Eastern Georgia having a large Armenian population, marked a heavy struggle for the restitution of the monastic estates that had been arrogated by the state (between 1887 and 1888, he was dismissed from office for a short time). As already mentioned above, some Turkish bandits killed him in the very year (1902) the court finally settled the case, delayed for so many years, in behalf of the monastery (the Turks of the neighbourhood called him Red Sultan, or Hero of the gorges of Shamkor). Astvatzatur Ter-Harutiuniants kept the monastic buildings under constant care, always drawing attention to the problems of the cloister and settling them through fund-raising and petitions. In 1877 Catholicos Gevorg IV gave him a breast cross in gratitude for his selfless devotion to his duties, a bull of 1898 awarding him a chasuble embroidered with flowers. Another bull of 1899 entitled Archimandrite Astvatzatur to continue serving in the same sanctuary. He was buried in the court of the monastery, but until 1911 his grave was bare of any tombstone due to his successors’ imprudence and carelessness.

“Ararat,” 1902, p. 1024.
“Mshak,” 1902, No. 199, p. 1; 1902, No. 187, p. 2.
“Meghu Hayastani,” 1879, No. 37, p. 3. Once Archimandrite Astvatzatur heard that some Turks had illegally cut down trees in a forest located in one of the monastic estates called ‘Dyuz-Yurt’ and situated in the neighbourhood of Getabek. Accompanied by two people from Pib, he immediately went there to draw up a report of the incident on the spot. Noticing a Turk waiting in ambush for them with a gun in his hand, he made for him without a minute’s hesitation, while the horror-stricken bandit proved unable to shoot at him.
“Ararat,” 1879, p. 320.
“Ararat,” 1898, p. 283.
“Ararat,” 1899, p. 268.
National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 11365, p. 1. Of great interest are the details of S. Kamalian’s meeting with Prior Astvatzatur: It was already getting dark when I reached the cloister. Having some rest on an ottoman in a garden opposite it for several minutes, I was called inside to see the father superior. His fears and suspicions concerning me soon dissipating, he showed me a kind hospitality by treating me to tea, vodka, wine and various dishes. We spent most of the night talking, and I learnt that divine service was held in the cloister only on Sundays when pilgrims visited it. It had two cows, and when I asked who tended and milked them, the prior answered, ‘They are consigned to God’s care. They go to the pasture and return all by themselves’ (S. Kamalian Fund, copy-book No. 1, VI-11, p. 21).
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, pp. 238-239.

1887 — 1888 yy․

Archimandrite Anton Vardazarian (5 October 1887 to 24 October 1888) held office for a brief period of time: “On 5 October, the Synod decided to appoint Archimandrite Anton Vardazarian, then supervisor of a farm belonging to the Holy See, Father Superior of Charek Monastery.” A year later, however, “on 24 October ...Archimandrite Anton Vardazarian was dismissed from his post at his own request...” The Catholicos accepted his resignation, for he was absolutely unprepared to pursue the case of the monastic domains in contrast to his predecessor, Archimandrite Astvatzatur, who was well-aware of all its details: “...during the survey of the monastic dominions, the authorities entered into a conflict against the sanctuary, and now it needs a person of wide experience in that affair. Archimandrite Anton, however, is unable to continue the legal proceedings without advice and instructions so that the religious powers have released him from his office of Father Superior, replacing him by Archimandrite Astvatzatur Ter-Harutiunian, who is well-acquainted with the case and has perfect knowledge of the boundaries of the monastic estates. Besides, what is even more important, he is familiar with the inhabitants of the adjacent villages who hold him in high esteem. Given all these facts, firstly, Archimandrite Astvatzatur Ter-Harutiunian should receive a list of all the property and belongings of Charek Monastery from Archimandrite Anton in the presence of a representative of Yelizavetpol’s Armenian spiritual powers, and resume office to protect the rights and interests of the sanctuary with the uttermost devotion, enthusiasm and responsibility... Secondly, the leader of Karabakh Diocese should appoint Archimandrite Anton Father Superior in one of the monasteries of the diocese...”

“Ararat,” 1887, p. 509.
“Ararat,” 1888, p. 721.
National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3882, p. 37.
National Archives of Armenia, fund ä56, list 18, file 160, p. 3. The list of the movable property of the monastery contains more than a hundred items, but unfortunately, unlike other similar documents, it does not mention when and by whom each of them was donated (idem, pp. 32-33).
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 239.

1902 y․

Archimandrite Vahan Gevorgian (1902), who was appointed Prior in December 1902, manifested extreme carelessness during his short term of office. He condescended to arrive at the monastery only in February 1903, and even after that, he spent more time in Getabek than in Charek. In 1906 Echmiatzin Synod ordered the Armenian Consistory of Georgia and Imeret to sue Archimandrite Vahan “for having illegally sold timber from the monastic forest.”

“Ararat,” 1902, p. 1018.
“Mshak,” 1903, No. 55, p. 2.
“Ararat,” 1903, p. 161.
“Mshak,” 1903, No. 124, pp. 1-2.
“Ararat,” 1906, p. 802.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 239.

1903 y․

Parish priest of Pib Hovhannes Voskanian Khojayants (1903) was appointed provisional guardian of Charek Monastery on 8 July 1903.

National Archives of Armenia, fund Պ461, list 1, file 12, p. 69; fund 53, list 1, file 1104, p. 18.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 239.

1903 y․

Given the long distance separating Charek from Pib, as well as the latter’s populousness and Hovhannes Khojayan’s overburdened work, Gandzak’s spiritual powers applied to Georgia and Imeret’s Diocese Consistory with a petition to provisionally appoint Prior Theodoros Shirakuny (1903) of Khachakap’s Targmanchats Monastery Father Superior of Charek.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 1104, pp. 18-19.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 239.

1906 y․

In compliance with a decision adopted by Echmiatzin Synod, in 1906 Archimandrite Anton, the former rural dean of Aparan (Aparan District, Yerevan Province), was appointed Prior of Charek Monastery. Presumably, when German archaeologist L. Haupt visited the monastery, he met this prior there (he does not mention him by name): “The cloister, which stood abandoned like the others, had a solitary dweller, a monk who had some command of the German language and showed us to the large but derelict monastic structures and its underground basement serving as a refuge in case of escapes. Then we walked to the wild, neglected garden of the sanctuary where he treated us to tea, bread, butter and lime honey that he himself had made under a lime-tree: after our exposure to the midday heat, the tea seemed especially delicious to us. Bee-keeping was that clergyman’s main occupation: in prolific years he received some 50 to 60 poods of honey, that amount dropping to only 10 to 15 poods in years of poor harvest.”

“Ararat,” 1906, p. 794.
“Ararat,” 1907, pp. 8, 10.
Lehmann-Haupt C. F. Armenia in the Past amd Today. Berlin, 1910, p. 133, in German.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, pp. 239-240.

1910 y․

A certain Ter-Avetikov (1910) is mentioned as Father Superior of the cloister in 1910.117 His days marked a period of total neglect for the monastery.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 5, file 250, p. 1.
“Hovit,” 1913, No. 37, p. 590, in Armenian.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 240.

Places of Exile
1871 y․

Charek Monastery as a Place of Exile. The isolated position of the sanctuary turned it into a suitable place of repentance where Gandzak’s spiritual powers generally sent clergymen found guilty of various wrongdoings. Thus, in 1871 “One of the priests of Gandzak, Stepanos Yeghiants, who had been defrocked due to debauchery and a corrupted mode of life, was sent to Charek to atone for his sins.”

“Ararat,” 1871, p. 316.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 240.

Charek Monastery as a Place of Exile. Another clergyman, “Priest Khachatur Ter-Yeghiazariants of Kusapat Village of Karabakh Diocese was sent (22 January) into a long-term exile in Charek Monastery in punishment for the heavy crimes he had committed.”

“Ararat,” 1888, p. 129.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 240.

Type Photo
View Exterior
Direction From the south-west
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1980 y․

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1980 y․

The monastic enclosure