The Armenian Heritage of Constantinople: The Armenian Cemetery of Şişli


The largest Armenian cemetery in Istanbul is Şişli, which was founded in 1865. The rules and layout of the cemetery were officially approved by the Patriarchal Decree. It covers an area of ​​about 41,950 square meters. It is managed and maintained by the Armenian community of Turkey. The Şişli cemetery also houses the pantheon of Armenian patriarchs, intellectuals and artists of Constantinople.

The Armenian Heritage of Constantinople: Beyoglu's Holy Trinity Church


About 50,000 Armenians live in Istanbul. There are 33 Armenian churches. The largest in the Beyoglu district is the Holy Trinity, which was built in 1838. The architects are the famous Karapet Palyan, Hovhannes Serveryan, and master Minas. In the northern courtyard of the Holy Trinity Church is the tomb of the Catholicos of All Armenians Hakob Jughayetsi (1598-1680).

Aghitu Monument and Tanahat Monastery


The Tanahat Monastery, or as the locals call it, the Red Monastery, is located 25 km southwest of Sisian, near the village of Arevis. Stepanos Orbelyan called the monastery a “great monastery of virtues,” where numerous legends about the holy life of ascetics and lay clergy were woven. During our trip, we also presented the unique monument of the 6th-7th centuries in the village of Aghitu.

Sisian: St. Gregory the Illuminator Church


After the destruction of the Syunik principality of Shaghat and the monastery by Persian troops in the 360s, the Syunik monastery became the main sanctuary of the Syunik principality and until the 9th century was the episcopal seat of Syunik and the center of the ministerial dynasty. In the 80s of the 6th century, the Syunik princess Varazdukht built the St. Gregory the Illuminator temple on the site of the ancient temple of the monastery, which is now the visiting card of Sisian.

Oghbi


One of the 60 abandoned villages in Vayots Dzor is Oghbin. It is not known what the name of the settlement means or how it is explained. The village borders Azerbaijan, located about 8 km northeast of the village of Khndzorut. The only remaining witness to the abandoned village is the Oghbin church, built in 1666 and carved into the rocks.

 

Martirosats Monastery


The 13th-century rock-cut Holy Mother God Church in the village of Martiros in Vayots Dzor is the largest rock-cut architectural complex in Armenia after Geghard. It is built entirely inside Mount Nzar. The square-shaped complex consists of a vestibule, a prayer room, and a church. It is entirely carved into the rock, with only a small entrance from the outside, which was much more inconspicuous in its time.

Bovurkhan Monastery in Artsakh


Bovurkhan Monastery is located in the Martuni region of the Republic of Artsakh. It was built in the 17th century, in the historical Varanda province of Artsakh. The monastery complex was the summer residence of the Varanda meliks. In 2023, the monastery was annexed by Azerbaijan along with the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.
The Bovurkhan Monastery Complex is under the jurisdiction of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
 

St. Ascension Church in Artsakh


The Church of the Holy Ascension in Berdzor is the first church in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic to declare independence in the 20th century. It was consecrated on May 31, 1998.
The church, along with the city of Berdzor, came under the control of the Azerbaijani armed forces in 2022. Satellite photos from May 2024 show that it was completely destroyed by Azerbaijan.
The deliberate destruction of the church is a gross violation of international law and is considered a grave crime against humanity.
 

Gandzasar in Artsakh


Gandzasar Monastery is located in the Martakert region of the Republic of Artsakh, near the village of Vank. Hasan Jalal Dolan, the prince of the Khachen province of Artsakh, began the construction of the St. John Church in 1216. The construction lasted 22 years.
In 2023, the monastery, along with the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, was annexed by Azerbaijan. Gandzasar Monastery is under the jurisdiction of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
 

Shoshkavank in Artsakh


Shoshkavank is located in the Martuni region of the Republic of Artsakh, on a mountain peak between the villages of Msmna and Khachmach. In 2023, the monastery was occupied by Azerbaijan along with the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Shoshkavank is under the jurisdiction of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Ulubab Monastery in Artsakh


The village of Ulubab is in the Askeran region of the Republic of Artsakh. The village, which has a rich history, was the royal residence of Uli Pap, a descendant of the famous Hasan Jalalyan dynasty of Artsakh, and was named Ulupap or Ulubab after him. St. Gevorg of Ptkesberk is located here. In 2023, together with the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, the monastery was occupied by Azerbaijan. The monastery of the Holy Young Children is under the jurisdiction of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Holy Mother of God Church in Khnushinak


The Holy Mother of God Church in the village of Khnushinak, Martuni region, Republic of Artsakh is a basilica built on two spans of arches. It was built in 1860, with the funds of Hayrapet Bey Dolukhanyan from Shushi. In 2023, the church was occupied by Azerbaijan along with the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The Holy Mother of God Church in Khnushinak is under the jurisdiction of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.