Bekhents Monastery :: ARMENIAN HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

Bekhents Monastery

Turkey / Kars / Bash-Shoragyal / Ani

Location

The nunnery stands on a mass of rock projecting on the right bank of the river Akhurian, at the south-eastern extremity of the New City.

Karapetian, Samvel. Ani 1050, Yerevan, 2011, p. 198.

Historical Introduction
1211 y․

One of the first historical references to the convent dates from 1211, when a manuscript was created there.

Karapetian, Samvel. Ani 1050, Yerevan, 2011, p. 198.

The walls of the church bear inscriptions tracing back to 1314, 1318 and 1345.

Karapetian, Samvel. Ani 1050, Yerevan, 2011, p. 198.

Architectural Description

It represents a central-domed building of six apses both outwardly and inwardly. Its dodecahedral tambour is crowned with a fan-shaped spire. Its only entrance opens from its western facade into an abutting hall/narthex.

Karapetian, Samvel. Ani 1050, Yerevan, 2011, p. 198.

Exterior dimensions: 4.6 x 4.6 metres.

Karapetian, Samvel. Ani 1050, Yerevan, 2011, p. 198.

Foundation

It was founded by Tigran Honents earlier than St. Grigor Church (1215), which is known by his name.

Karapetian, Samvel. Ani 1050, Yerevan, 2011, p. 198.

Description

Its principal structures include a church and a uni-nave vaulted chapel adjoining it from the south.

Karapetian, Samvel. Ani 1050, Yerevan, 2011, p. 198.

The church is distinguished for its splendid outer ornamentation comprising an arcature stretching all around it and fringed with decorative patterns.

Karapetian, Samvel. Ani 1050, Yerevan, 2011, p. 198.

Type Photo
View General
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 2000 y․

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Archive
Source Black-and-white negative

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Armen Hakhnazarian
Source Colour Negative
Date 1974 — 1975 yy․

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 1974 — 1975 yy․

Type Photo
View Exterior
Direction From the north-west
Author Armen Hakhnazarian
Source Colour Negative
Date 1974 — 1975 yy․

Type Photo
View General
Author Armen Hakhnazarian
Source Colour Negative
Date 1974 — 1975 yy․

Type Photo
View Exterior
Direction From the north-east
Author Archive
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1900 — 1910 yy․

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Archive
Source Black-and-white negative

Type Photo
View Exterior
Direction From the west
Author Ashot Hakobian
Source Colour Negative
Date 2011 y․

Type Photo
View General
Direction From the north-east
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Colour Negative
Date 2006 y․