"Georgian" Armenian Chalcedonian church :: ARMENIAN HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

"Georgian" Armenian Chalcedonian church

Turkey / Kars / Bash-Shoragyal / Ani

Location

The church which is conventionally named “Georgian” is situated in the north of the New City.

Karapetian, Samvel. Ani 1050, Yerevan, 2011, p. 209.

Historical Introduction

The exact time of its foundation remains obscure, but it must have been built prior to 1218, for in the same year, Georgian Catholicos Yepipan had a 19-line inscription engraved on one of the walls of the already existing church. Its walls also bear inscriptions of the 14th century.

Karapetian, Samvel. Ani 1050, Yerevan, 2011, p. 209.

In 1904 in order to prevent the collapse of the church, which was in an emergency state, N. Marr carried out some conservation there. However, after the 1920s, most of its finely-finished stones were stolen, this leading to its final fall.

Karapetian, Samvel. Ani 1050, Yerevan, 2011, p. 209.

Architectural Description

The monument represents a uni-nave basilica without vestries. It is particularly distinguished for its underground vaulted floor.

Karapetian, Samvel. Ani 1050, Yerevan, 2011, p. 209.

Exterior dimensions: 13.3 x 7.5 metres.

Karapetian, Samvel. Ani 1050, Yerevan, 2011, p. 209.

Description

The only preserved part of the church, which is in an emergency condition, is its northern wall. Inwardly, it still preserves certain pieces of decoration among which reliefs depicting the Annunciation to Virgin Mary and the Visitation are particularly noteworthy.

Karapetian, Samvel. Ani 1050, Yerevan, 2011, p. 209.

Type Photo
View Exterior
Direction From the west
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 2006 y․

An Armenian Chalcedonian church conventionally named “Georgian” from the west

Type Photo
View Exterior
Direction From the south-west
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 2006 y․

Type Photo
View Exterior
Direction From the south-west
Author Toros Toramanian
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 20 c․

Type Copied Lapidary Inscription
View Exterior
Author Liparit Sadoian

Type Photo
View Exterior
Direction From the north-east
Author Archive
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1900 — 1904 yy․

The Armenian Chalcedonian church named “Georgian” from the north-east before its partial restoration implemented in 1904

Type Measurement
View Exterior
Author Toros Toramanian
Source Sketch
Date 20 c․

The plan of the Armenian Chalcedonian church named “Georgian” (measurement by T. Toramanian, early 20th century)

Type Photo
View Detail
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 2006 y․

Partial view of the ornamentation of the northern wall of the Armenian Chalcedonian church named “Georgian”

Type Photo
View Detail
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 2006 y․

Partial view of the ornamentation of the northern wall of the Armenian Chalcedonian church named “Georgian”

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 2006 y․

Partial view of the ornamentation of the northern wall of the Armenian Chalcedonian church named “Georgian”