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The UNESCO Committee decided to inscribe the Monastery of Haghpat on the basis of cultural criteria considering that it is of outstanding universal value and an exceptional example of ecclesiastical architecture that developed in Armenia in the 10th to 13th centuries which is unique by virtue of its blending of elements of both Byzantine church architecture and the traditional vernacular building style of this region. Haghpat, built by the royal Bagratouni dynasty in the Lori district of northern Armenia in the 970s, was known from early times as Sourb Nshan (the Holy Cross) of Haghpat.

The monasteries of northern

Armenia are not isolated, unlike

their counterparts in

the country's arid regions. They were built in a

village environment and

Haghpat is surrounded by many hamlets

Construction to the designs of the architect Traat was completed in 991. It suffered from earthquake damage on several occasions, and in 1105 it was taken and burned by the Selcuk prince Amir-Ghzil.

Such was the spiritual importance of Haghpat and its neighbour, Sanahin, that the fortress of Kaian was built in 1233 to protect them from the marauding MongoIs, but this was taken by storm in 1241.

The fortified walls date to the 10th-11th centuriesDuring the 13th-16th century invasions the walls were rebuilt for many times. Gigantic stones were used. The walls were last repaired in the 20th centurySaint Grigor Church built in 1023-1025

The belfry of Haghpat Monastery was built in 1245. It’s a three-story building with seven prayer halls on the first and second floors

The third floor comes as rotunda with seven columns that hold the arches covered with a pointed roof

The monastery was further decimated by the legions of Timur and then the Ottomans (15th-17th centuries). In 1639 eastern Armenia became a part of Persia. The established peace was favorable for the monastery. The monastery revived and resumed its mantle as a place of learning and as a manuscript center

Its most famous 18th century resident was the courtier and troubadour Sayat Nova (1722-1795). Sayat Nova died at Haghbat

 Sayat-Nova Memorial

Sayat-Nova (1712-1795), meaning 'King of Songs' or 'Lord of Verse' in Persian, is the name given to Harutyun Sahakyan. Sayat Nova was officially recognized as the greatest ashough (folk singer-songwriter) that ever lived in the Caucasus (the area between the Black and the Caspian sea, shared among current Armenia, Russia, Georgia and Azerbaijan). The world-famous Armenian composer Alexander Arutiunian wrote an opera called "Sayat Nova". Named after him are a music school in Yerevan, Armenia, a long-established Armenian dance ensemble in United States, and an annual music competition program, to cite a few.

Monument in Yerevan

The monastery, however, went into decline in 1064, after the fall of Bagratuni dynasty  

Built in 1208-1209, the Gavit of Saint Nshan

the Gavit of Saint Nshan

Armenia was released from Seljuk domination at the end of the 12th century by Ivaneh and Zakareh Zakaryans. During their rule, the monastery was expanded occupying a territory three times larger than the previous one.Already in the middle of the 13th century Haghpat became one of the largest religious and educational centers in Armenia

Built in 1257 Hamazasp’s chapel was the largest gavit in Armenia (around 330 square meters) a low building with the eastern part of roof buried in the soil. 

The eastern part of roof of Hamazasp’s chapel buried in the soil

Dome of Hamazasp’s chapel

The vestibule is amazing and up to this day is in the center of attention of many people studying architecture

Dome of Hamazasp’s chapel

It is explained by the fact that the chapel-gavit faced attacks and earthquakes, yet it was only slightly damaged

Dome of Hamazasp’s chapel

Ukanants Family SepulcherThe lower structure dates to the early 8th century while the top khachkars are 13th century. The design follows a tradition from ancient Armenian burial sites, the graves formed into worship sites that in turn became pedestals for tall monuments of stone (steles or menhir stones). In the Christian era, the steles were replaced by khachkars, which were the precursors of modern grave monuments that can be found throughout the country

The refectory

Dome of the refectory

The 11th century Book depository (library)

The current structure replaces the original and was built between 1258-1262 and rebuilt in 1273. It was in the depository that Haghpat's vast collection of manuscripts was stored. In time of attack, manuscripts were scurried away to nearby caves to protect them from invaders.

The buried jars in the depository's floor were used to store wine and dairy products, the moist atmosphere of the room good for storing both food and manuscripts

Dome of the 11th century Book depository (library)

Gallery and academy

The library depository is directly connected to St. N'shan by what is known as the "Savior's Passage".

The gallery has a chapel-sepulcher and a number of beautiful khachkars (stone crosses), including the masterwork Amenaprkitch Khachkar.

Gallery and academy

The Amenaprkitch (All Savior) Khachkar

The Amenaprkitch (All Savior) Khachkar

The Amenaprkitch (All Savior) Khachkar of 1273, dedicated to General Sadun Atabek, is a masterpiece of art, created by master Vahram (he carved a similar khachkar also in Dsegh) and representing the crucifixion with hues of colors painted on the carving.

The realistic depiction of Christ, Virgin Mary and Maria Magdalena, 12 apostles and angels was revolutionary for the time, predating the Italian renaissance by 100 years

The red color on the stone surface is a product of Vortan Karmir, a dye made from a type of beetle found in the Ararat Valley. Vortan Karmir was highly prized for its rich hue, resilience and multiple uses: as cloth dye, paint and stain colorant. So prized was the dye it was sold in weight in gold and found its way into the courts of Constantinople, Egypt and Europe.

St. N'shan gavit was begun in 1208/09 on the ruins of a previous building

St. N'shan gavit had enormous influence on

architecture in Medieval Armenia,

especially civil structures, with its use of multi-hued colored

stone, intersecting

arches and the division of space

through roof arcature

Khachkars in St. Nshan gavit

Khachkars in St. Nshan gavit

St. Astvatsatsin church

St. Astvatsatsin church

St. Astvatsatsin church (1208-1220)

St. Astvatsatsin church (1208-1220)

St. Astvatsatsin church

St. Astvatsatsin church (1208-1220)

The graveyard

The graveyard

Sound: Djivan Gasparyan - All father are holly; Sayat Nova; Holy of holies

Text: Internet

Pictures: Internet

Sanda Foişoreanu

Copyright: All the images belong to their authors

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanu

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