Hidden heritage under threat - Khoranashat (13th century)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
What Makes this Place Special?
Khoranashat monastery is one of the most outstanding religious complexes in the Tavush region, northeast from Yerevan, in Armenia.
Location - Khoranashat (13th century)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Where is it Located?
Khoranashat is located at the edge of a forest in the middle of an untouched landscape, 200 km from Yerevan, 1 km from the village of Chinari, and only 500 m from the border with Azerbaijan.
History - Khoranashat (13th century)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
When was it Built?
According to historians, the complex was built between 1211 and 1251 by Vardapet Vanakan, pupil of Mkhitar Gosh and author of the book History of Armenia.
What are its Historical Connections?
It has been the venue of an important medieval university and some of the greatest Armenian minds of Medieval times have studied here, such as Kirakos Gandzaketsi, Vardan Areveltsi, Grigor Aknertsi, and Mkhitar Ayrivanetsi.
Why is it significant? - Khoranashat (13th century)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
You Won't Believe What Happened Here
Khoranashat gained notoriety not only for its cultural importance as the centre for the illumination of manuscripts, such as the Bible of Khoranashat (1223) and the Book of Lamentation (1563), but also for being a place where miracles happened.
Religious significance - Khoranashat (13th century)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Who Do These Buildings Serve Now?
Khoranashat religious buildings bear a great importance for the local population as they are the only churches available as a place of worship for a community of around 4100 people (the population of the nearby villages of Chinari and Aygedzor).
Typical Armenian design - Khoranashat (13th century)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Its an Example of Typical Armenian Design
The main church, Surp Asdvatzadzin (Holy Mother of God), has an Armenian cross plan layout and is dominated by a cylindrical drum whose surface is occupied by a series of small arches and concluded by a conical dome.
Take a Look at the Layout
The church has a large portal on the west side, open to its gavit, a sort of narthex (entrance to the church), with an almost square plan with four columns in the centre.
State of conservation - Khoranashat (13th century)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
What is the State of Conservation?
The church of Sourp Astvatsatsin and the little church of St. Kiraki are the only conserved religious or secular buildings from the 1211-1222 period that hosted the university and monastery. Both are in a severe state, endangering visitors and the survival of the monuments.
Why is this building under threat? - Khoranashat (13th century)ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites
Why is this Building Under Threat?
Although restored in the past, the religious buildings are still under threat due to geologic and seismic risk, and the proximity to the border with Azerbaijan, which became a dangerous area since the start of the conflict over Nagorno Gharabagh.
Gaiane Casnati - Europa Nostra, ICOMOS Canada and Carleton University
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