From Cultural Memory to History, part I

Memories, though, can be erased or replaced. This happened numerous times throughout human history, eventually leading us to create systems that preserve and protect the memories we deem important.

The impulse for this new concept arose in 1959, when the governments of modern Egypt, the United Arab Republic, and Sudan, appealed to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

This launched the largest archaeological rescue operation in history at that time, resulting in a new direction in preserving human memory, the World Heritage List.

In 1972, UNESCO adopted a Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. This document finally took effect in 1975.

To be included on the World Heritage List, sites must be of outstanding universal value and meet at least one out of ten selection criteria.

The first site listed in Armenia was the Haghpat Monastery in 1996.

Later in the 13th century, a Fortress Kayanberd was built nearby to observe the area. 

The site is also full of cross-stones, called initially “khachkars” in Armenian. These khachkars are totem-like elongated stones with engravings of cross garnished with other ornaments, taken and adapted from much earlier stages of Armenian culture. 

Haghpat holds a scarce type of khachkars called “Amenaprkich” (Holy Saviour). It is one of few rare examples, depicting the Crucified Jesus. Only a couple of such designs survived, all dating back to the 13th century.

A typical example of tenth-century Armenian architecture, this church has retained its original character and preserved its priceless frescoes.

The largest church of the Haghpat complex, the Cathedral of Sourb Nshan, was fully completed in 991. Commissioned by the Queen, this cathedral was created for the longevity and prosperity of her sons, Smbat and Gourgen. According to that time’s standard ethics, donors’ images were placed in the domed hall. Images of Prince Smbat and Gourgen were sculpted on the eastern wall, holding a small model of the church they commissioned.

Though the donor figures were often shown on a far smaller scale in the Middle Ages than the sacred figures, this unwritten rule did not apply to holy places. 

This monastic complex also held the largest medieval Armenian library in existence and was known for its school.

Situated on a mountain slope covered with forest, this monastery was established in 966 and served as an administrative center and family mausoleum for members of the medieval Armenian royal dynasties from the 11th to 19th centuries.

The oldest structure of Sanahin is the church of the Holy Mother of God, an exceptional example of Medieval architecture. On its North Eastern corner is the scriptorium, built by Queen Hranoush in 1063. Next to it lays a church of St Gregory, built in the 10th century. Each narthex of this monastery is designed differently from others.

The Sanahin monastery complex includes the Holy Mother of God churches, All Savior church and the chapel of St Grigor, a narthex, a fore-church and scriptorium, a belfry, and an academy. 

The All Saviour Church was built between AD 957 and 966 under the patronage of Queen Khosrovanush. It is approached through a narthex with a cross-in-square plan and a roof supported by four columns. 

This is the earliest known example of this type of planning. All were built in AD 1181. The church's exterior has votive portraits on its Eastern walls depicting King Gourgen Kyurikian and King Smbat Bagratouni holding a miniature model of it. 

Sanahin was built to be in tune with its surrounding nature and thus has an irregular asymmetry.

click to read  "From Cultural Memory to History", Part II