Tzitzernavank Monastery :: ARTSAKH HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

Tzitzernavank Monastery 5 — 7 cc․

NKR / Kashatagh / Tzitzernavank

Description

The magnificent monastery compound of Tzitzernavank is still standing in the northwestern part of the village, on the edge of a cape formed by the confluence of Aghavnaget and the Khoznavar stream. This three-nave basilica is one of the most renowned and distinguished architectural monuments of Armenia. Tzitzernavank has already attracted the attention of a number of researchers on Armenian architecture, and is investigated in detail. The only gap, still remaining, is the mapping and measurement of the compound, which had been performed rather schematically. Meanwhile such works are needed because during the past ten years considerable part of the central nave, which was endangered, has collapsed and continues to decay.

Tzitzernavank, named St. Stephanos served as a parish church for the peasants of Zeyva till the beginning of the XX century ("Ararat", Sept. 1879, p. 398) (in Arm.).
Gh. Alishan, Sisakan, Venice, 1893, p. 268; E. Lalayan, Zangezoor, "Anthropological Magazine", vol. 4, 1898, Chapter 2, p. 46-49.
A. Sahinian, Architecture of the Kasakh Basilica, Yerevan, 1955 (in Arm.).
Paolo Cuneo, La basilique de Tzitzernavank, "REArm", vol. IV, Paris, 1967, p. 203-216.
Morus Hasratian, Tzitzernavank, "Historical-Philological Revue", 1980, N 2, Historical Archaeological Researches, Yerevan, 1985, p. 219-240 (in Arm.); As soon as the lack of detailed measurements of the decaying temple could lead to gloomy consequences during its possible renovation, we filled this gap by detailed measurements performed in Nov. 1997 with the assistance of my son Tiran Karapetian and the head of the village, Mr. Haik Harutyunian.
Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, pp. 137-138.

Architectural Description

The researchers have already provided the detailed description of the church. All of them arrived to the conclusion that the church was founded on the ruins of a pagan temple. It seems it can be also proved by the name of the monastery. The sparrow was worshipped in pre-Christian Armenia. The church was built of processed stone, its external dimensions reach 25,6x12,5 m. Traces of deteriorated frescoes are still preserved on the interior walls.

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, pp. 138-139.

Historical Introduction

In spite of the fact that the church had no building inscriptions, architectural examination revealed that it should have been constructed in the 5th -7th centuries.

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 139.

Description

Later the church was renovated and surrounded by the wall, new structures (a parvis and a bell tower) were linked. Elaborately decorated western gate of the fortress wall is still preserved though its building inscription dating back to 1613 has been erased during 1989-1992. Several vaulted cells of the monks were linked to the wall in the southern part. The old Armenian cemetery was outside the wall, in its northeastern part.

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 139.

The whole compound contained 22 inscriptions, fortunately copied earlier by the researchers. Part of them was deliberately erased, especially during 1989-1992. During our expeditions undertaken in 1985, 1993-1995 and 1997 we collected 4 additional inscriptions (total 26 inscription).

Copies of the lapidary inscriptions of Tzitzernavank were first published by E. Lalayan ("Anthropological Magazine", vol. 4, N 2, Tiflis, 1898, p. 48), with certain inaccuracies, which were preserved also in the "Corpus" while republishing these inscriptions ("Corpus", issue 5, Yerevan, 1982, p. 199). These Inaccuracies were corrected and republished by M. Hasratian in"Historical Archaeological Researches", p. 236. Generally, 16 pieces of lapidary inscriptions were published with due diligence and accuracy by M. Hasratian only (Ibid., p. 233-130). 8 pieces published by "Corpus" and especially those, published by S. Khanzadian abound in misprints, mistakes and inaccuracies.
Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 139.

Abbreviated inscriptions carved in the window casing are difficult to reach and to read.

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 145.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

Based on the peculiarities of the script the oldest inscription was one carved on the two lowest stones of the arch support, the corrected transliteration is given by A. Hakobian ("Handes Amsorya", 1998, N 1-12):

"THOSE WHO PRAY, REMEMBER GEORG."

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

Another inscription of 5 lines, which was engraved before the 10th cent, is preserved on the corner stones of one of the southern entrances to the church:
“OH, CHRIST, THE LORD, REMEMBER THE PRAYERS OF THE SERVANT OF YOURS, UNDESERVING GRIGOR FOR HIS BELOVED BROTHER AZAT.”

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 144.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

The next inscription consisting of 6 lines was within the altar apse, on the processed stones of the curved northern wall ornamented by a cross:
“I, MEHOTIK, ERECTED THIS CROSS FOR MY FATHER, MKHITAR ATARBEK.”

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 144.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration 1615 y․

Another inscription of 3 lines was carved on the last western column of the northern colonnade of the church:
“HOLY CROSS PROTECTOR FOR MY SOUL/ 1615.”

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 144.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

The southern wall of the church contains various votive inscription:
“THE CROSS PROTECTOR. REMEMBER A[…IAN].”

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 144.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

The southern wall of the church contains various votive inscription:
“IN THE NAME OF THE GOD I, HAKOB ERECTED THIS CROSS FOR THE MEMORY OF ME AND MY PARENTS.”

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 144.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration 1563 y․

The southern wall of the church contains various votive inscription:
“YEAR 1563.”

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 144.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration 1605 y․

The southern wall of the church contains various votive inscription:
“I, JOHANNES MONK ERECTED THIS CROSS... 1605.”

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 144.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

An inscription of 2 lines carved on the second pilaster from the western side of the northern wall reads:
“I, OHANJAN ERECTED THIS HOLY SYMBOL.”

"Corpus", Issue 5, compiled by S. Barkhudarian, Yerevan, 1982, p. 193.
Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 144.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

A few decades ago Morus Hasratian copied and published the following inscription:
“HOLY CROSS PROTECTOR FOR FATHER AZR, THE PRIEST.”

"Historical Archaeological Researches" by M. Hasratian, p. 234-235.
Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 144.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

A few decades ago Morus Hasratian copied and published the following inscription:
“HOLY [CROSS] PROTECTOR FOR FATHER MKHITAR - FOR MY FATHER AND MOTHER.”

"Historical Archaeological Researches" by M. Hasratian, p. 234-235.
Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 144.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration 1581 y․

A few decades ago Morus Hasratian copied and published the following inscription:
“HOLY CROSS - PROTECTOR OF UHANES. 1581.”

"Historical Archaeological Researches" by M. Hasratian, p. 234-235.
Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 144.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration 1606 y․

A few decades ago Morus Hasratian copied and published the following inscription:
“THIS CROSS FOR FATHER MKRTICH. 1606.”

"Historical Archaeological Researches" by M. Hasratian, p. 234-235.
Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 144.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

A few decades ago Morus Hasratian copied and published the following inscription:
“PUTAKH. 16 “

"Historical Archaeological Researches" by M. Hasratian, p. 234-235.
Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 144.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

A few decades ago Morus Hasratian copied and published the following inscription:
“DURNAM ATASN...”

"Historical Archaeological Researches" by M. Hasratian, pp. 234-235.
Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 144.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration 1606 y․

A few decades ago Morus Hasratian copied and published the following inscription:
“YEAR 1606.”

"Historical Archaeological Researches" by M. Hasratian, pp. 234-235.
Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 144.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

A few decades ago Morus Hasratian copied and published the following inscription:
“IN YEAR 1... I WROTE.”

"Historical Archaeological Researches" by M. Hasratian, pp. 234-235.
Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, pp. 144-145.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

A few decades ago Morus Hasratian copied and published the following inscription:
“HOLY CROSS PROTECTOR FOR FATHER NERSES, THE PRIEST.”

"Historical Archaeological Researches" by M. Hasratian, pp. 234-235.
Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 145.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration

Similar inscription was carved on the northwestern pilaster of the church:
“HOLY CROSS, PROTECTOR FOR THE SOUL/MAHDASIGN...”

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 145.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Repairs 1779 y․

An inscription of 9 lines, copied and published by M. Hasratian, which was erased a few years ago, was devoted to the renovation of the church and construction of the bell tower:
“THE HOLY TEMPLE AND THE HOLY BELL TOWER WERE RENOVATED DURING THE RULE OF IBRAHIM KHAN, BY THE HAND OF OROOK, THE SON OF NAZAGUL OF KHNAT-ZORK AND UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF YUHANN IN YEAR 1779.”

The photograph of this inscription is included into the research by M. Hasratian, "Tzitzernavank", Yerevan, 1990, p. 8, 236 (in Arm.).
Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 145.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Repairs 1613 y․

The inscription dedicated to the repair of the fortress wall in 1613 was still in site in 1988. Presently that part of the wall is entirely destroyed and the inscription has disappeared:
“BY THE WILL OF GOD ... THE FORTRESS WALL IS REPAIRED BY THE HAND OF PRINCE HAIKAZ, DURING THE PRIORSHIP OF BISHOP MKRTICH IN YEAR 1613.”

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 145, 147.

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative

A "Vishap" relief on the pillar of the northern colonnade

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative

Capital

View Interior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetyan

Capital

Type Photo
View Interior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative

The central nave seen from west

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative

Capital

Type Measurement
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Sketch

Western facade

Type Measurement
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Sketch

Eastern facade

Type Measurement
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Sketch

Southern facade

Type Measurement
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Sketch

Northern facade

Type Measurement
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Sketch

Eastern section

Type Measurement
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Sketch

Western section

Type Measurement
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Sketch

Northern section from the central nave

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetyan

Traces of a fresco on the northern wall

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetyan

Capital

Type Photo
Direction From the north-east
Author Hrair Baze (the Hawk) Khacherian

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Date 2008 y․

After its restoration (photo 2008)

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetian

Northern colonnades

Type Measurement
Source Sketch

General plan

Type Photo
Direction From the south-west
Author Samvel Karapetian

Type Photo
Direction From the north-west
Author Samvel Karapetian

Type Photo
Author Artush Khanjian
Date 2003 y․

A scene from the re-opening ceremony of the monastery following its restoration (photo by A. Khanjian 2003)

Type Photo
Direction From the south-east
Author Samvel Karapetian
Date 2008 y․

Type Photo
View General
Author Samvel Karapetyan

Author Sasun Danielian

View Interior
Author Sasun Danielian
Date 2016 y․

Direction From the north-east
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Date 1998 y․

Direction From the south-east
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Date 1998 y․

Direction From the south-east
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Date 2008 y․