Targmanchats Monastery :: ARMENIAN HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

Targmanchats Monastery 5 c․

Azerbaijan / Northern Artsakh / Dashkesan / Khachakap

Location

Targmanchats Monastery is located on the south-facing slope of a mountain rising between two small gorges, 1.5 kilometres north of the village, at an altitude of 1,315 metres above sea level.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 182.

Foundation
5 c․

Its foundation is traditionally connected with the activity of St. Mesrop Mashtots, who preached Christianity in Artsakh in the 5th century; hence comes its name, i.e. Targmanchats, which means ‘Of the Holy Translators.’

Alishan, Gh. Political Georgraphy. Venice, 1853.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 182.

Repairs

One of the most famous and prolific spiritual and cultural centres in North-Eastern Armenia, the monastery repeatedly suffered destruction, which left traces in its stonework. With this regard, a record states, “…In Timur’s times, this sanctuary was so heavily dilapidated that its walls were almost levelled with the ground…”

“Ardzagank,” 1886, No. 21, p. 308.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 182.

1885 y․

Seeing the evident marks of frequent renovation in the monument, a visitor wrote the following in 1885, “...throughout many centuries, the monastery was periodically destroyed and repaired so that its once virgin antiquity gradually withered away. Its bema, however, seems to have preserved its original position. Early in the 11th century (1029), the choir and hall were repaired, becoming narrower and smaller in dimensions.”

The original of this extract reads “10th century,” a mistake which we have corrected. “Ardzagank,” 1885, No. 4, p. 55.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 182.

Historical Introduction

The only church of the monastery was dedicated to Sts. Sahak and Mesrop.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list14, file 205, pp. 231-232.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 182.

Repairs
1872 — 1890 yy․

Between 1872 and 1890, an amount of 9,116 rubles was collected for the overhaul of the monastery. In fact, it needed 9,880 rubles, with another 15,000 rubles still necessary for the accomplishment of the work. In 1888 the spiritual authorities called upon the local people to contribute to that work of the utmost importance.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 31, p. 97.
“Nor-Dar,” 1888, No. 109.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 183.

Description
1880 y․

Despite the aforementioned, however, in the 1880s the prospering sanctuary aroused admiration, a visitor writing the following with that regard, “Leaving behind some luxuriant fields abounding in harvest, together with a number of magnificent forests and arable lands, a traveller approaches a gorge presently called Arjadzor. On the opposite side, on a slope right at the beginning of the canyon rises the fine edifice of Sourb Targmanchats Monastery, surrounded by well-built dwellings, gardens, meadows and a newly-growing wood. … Thanks to different donations and the strenuous efforts of its benefactor (Armenian merchant and exporter Nerses Ter-Nersissiants - S. K.), at present the cloister has two antechambers, a dwelling of four rooms, and a basement built of mortar. That abode is adjoined by the prior's large, fine room: you can hardly find one like that in the residences of the bishops of Holy Echmiatzin. … The church represents a finely-decorated building with inner and outer courts, and a cattle-pen located in the latter. Now the construction of a garden is underway within the large enclosure of the monument. There is a magnificent spring with a fine basin in the upper part of that garden…”

“Ardzagank,” 1885, No. 4, p. 55.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 183.

1890 y․

About ten years later, another visitor wrote, “The monastery, fortified by a mighty enclosure, comprises a garden, a hive, eight cells, some bridges and a splendid spring. With its newly-built bridges, as well as its finely-repaired gavit, enclosure and cells, it is truly the most superb sanctuary I have ever seen. We owe all this revival and magnificence to Nerses Bey Abrahamian Ter-Nersissiants from Gandzak.”

Barkhutariants, M. Artsakh. Baku, 1895, p. 291.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 183.

Historical Introduction
1896 y․

Unfortunately, with its benefactor’s death in 1896, the monastery started gradually losing its significance. Concerned about that situation, Echmiatzin assigned “…provisional leader of Georgia’s Armenian diocese Bishop Yeprem to charge vicar of Gandzak Diocese Levon the Archimandrite with establishing regular control over Targmanchats Monastery.” Before his death, in 1888 N. Ter-Nersissiants addressed a letter to the Catholicos, expressing concern about the future state of the monastery. He particularly wrote, “…What especially worries me is who is going to take care of the expensive property, utensils, library, newly-erected buildings, etc. belonging to the sanctuary. I am afraid lest all our efforts and hard work should prove futile once Prior Theodoros Shirakuny, who is an old sick man, passes away. Is all this to fall prey to robbery and appropriation, which is, unfortunately, the case in many Armenian churches and monasteries, a crying shame for the entire Armenian nation…?”

“Ararat,” 1913, p. 106.
National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 18, file 31, p. 56.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, pp. 183-184.

Regretfully, N. Ter-Nersissiants’ fears and forebodings were to come true, and that not after the Prior’s death, but right in his lifetime.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 184.

1898 y․

After N. Ter-Nersissiants’ death, in 1898 the Father Superior of the cloister applied to Georgia and Imeret’s Armenian Consistory for permission to raise means to implement renovation and purchase some church utensils. Most probably, his petition was not met.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 1, file 9450, pp. 1-2.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 184.

Repairs
1917 y․

In 1917 the church roof was in bad need of repairs, the amount necessary for the fulfillment of the work coming up to 13, 472 rubles. However, selling the unnecessary woodwork and iron articles of the sanctuary by auction, its trustees managed to raise only 277 rubles by 1919. Thus, the monument was actually in rather a poor state of preservation on the eve of the Soviet takeover.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 1174, p. 11, list 5, file 250, p. 94.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 184.

Historical Introduction

Throughout the subsequent 70 years, it was consigned to total oblivion.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 184.

1980 y․

In the 1980s, when we visited it for several times, we found its cemetery totally reduced to ruins, its enclosure being in almost the same condition. No traces of the annexes and the once functioning monastic school could be seen anywhere. Although standing, St. Sahak-Mesrop Church, its gavit and belfry were in a state of utter collapse. The same could be said of a vaulted underground building which had probably served as the basement of some structure.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, pp. 184-185.

1847 y․

From time immemorial Targmanchats Monastery had a number of buildings inside its enclosure intended for the monks and pilgrims. As stated in a record, in 1847 “The ramparts are adjoined by a large dwelling and three small rooms, where the members of the monastic community live.”

National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3814, pp. 108-109.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 191.

Repairs
1902 y․

In 1902 the Prior received 220 rubles raised for the repairs of the monasxtic rooms. Despite that, however, a report made up in 1910 revealed that the condition of the rooms was becoming still more deplorable: “...I found the roofs of the bakery and kitchen in bad need of overhaul, the other parts of the monastery sharing that miserable state. At present it is highly important to establish strict control over the entire monument to save it from final collapse.”

National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 18, file 435, p. 37.
National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 775, p. 11.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 191.

Priors
1764 y․

Bishop Israel is mentioned in 1764.

Barkhutariants, M. Artsakh. Baku, 1895, p. VI.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 191.

1781 y․

Archimandrite Yeprem died in 1781 and was buried in the gavit of the monastery.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 191.

1800 y․

Bishop Samuel, mentioned in 1800, was buried in the gavit built in his days, but we failed to find his gravestone.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 191.

1830 — 1852 yy․

According to his epitaph, Archimandrite Grigor Ter-Hovhannissiants, who was still a coenobite in 1839, served as prior from 1830 till 1852. That period marked certain outrages perpetrated against the property of the monastery.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 457, p. 8.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 191.

1860 y․

Two archimandrites are mentioned as priors of the sanctuary in 1860.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 53, list 1, file 3833, pp. 112-113.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 191.

1867 y․

In 1867 the spiritual powers removed Archimandrite Theodoros Shirakuny from his post of the spiritual leader of Vanevank, located in Nor Bayazet (present-day Gegharkunik Marz in the Republic of Armenia), and appointed him Father Superior of Targmanchats Monastery, meeting the petition Khachakap inhabitants had twice addressed to them. Under Theodoros Shirakuny, the cloister gained even greater fame and significance. The year 1872 marked the opening of a school, the foundation of a college and the beginning of large-scale renovation there. The prior taught at the aforementioned school, wrote some works and translated others. In the meantime, he also focused his efforts on the preservation of the estates belonging to the monastery. In appreciation of all his endeavours, in 1898 the Catholicos issued a bull stating, “The diocese consistory is to appoint Archimandrite Theodoros Shirakuny lifelong prior of Khachakap’s Targmanchats Monastery.”

National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 31, pp. 56-58; file 775, p. 10.
“Ararat,” 1884, pp. 420-421.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 191.

1910 y․

In 1910 Theodoros Shirakuny, who had reached rather an advanced age, still performed the duties of Father Superior. A contemporary, however, wrote the following with that regard, “How can Prior Theodoros Shirakuny look after such a monastery now that he himself needs care and attention? It is not surprising that he has brought the cloister to such a lamentable state.”

National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 775, pp. 10, 13.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 192.

1917 y․

Priest Hovhannes Ter-Yeghiazariants is mentioned between 1917 and 1919 as provisional Father Superior of Targmanchats Monastery and parish priest of Khachakap Village. At that time, the church roof was in need of overhaul, and he himself made up the estimate of expenditures of that work.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 1174, list 5, file 250, p. 94.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 192.

Historical Introduction
1904 y․

The Movable Property Belonging to the Monastery. In compliance with the will of Patriarch of Constantinople Archbishop Melkisedek Muradian, who died in 1904, his vestment was sent to Targmanchats Monastery. On 7 February 1924, spiritual leader of Gandzak Armenians Bishop Levon entered a protest to Echmiatzin’s Spiritual Council, particularly stating the following, “Without consulting anybody, the Executive Committee of Khachakap Village moved the copper pans, carpets, clock and boards belonging to Sourb Targmanchats Monastery to the village, and sold them at 75 million rubles by February 1923.”

“Ararat,” 1904, p. 739.
Documents on the History of the Armenian Church (1921 to 1938). Yerevan, 1994, p. 46, in Armenian.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 192.

Estates
19 c․

The earliest archive documents, containing information on the boundaries, economic state and income of the large domains of the cloister, date back to the 19th century.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 192.

1840 — 1860 yy․

Between 1840 and 1860, Priest Movses Yepiskopossiants illegally allocated some of the monastic estates to certain relatives of his.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 31, pp. 56-58.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 192.

The forest belonging to the monastery was so mercilessly exploited that it “... resembles a pasture rather than a wood: the trees having been ruthlessly chopped down, it now comprises merely some bushes.”

“Ardzagank”, 1885, No. 4, p. 55.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 192.

The neglected state of the monastic domains aroused the peasants’ and spiritual powers’ righteous indignation.

Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 192.

1872 y․

Together with Nerses Ter-Nersissiants, who had been appointed guardian of the sanctuary in 1872, Prior Theodoros Shirakuny made great endeavours for the preservation of the monastic estates. They succeeded in maintaining “a territory of 183 dessiatinas, including some arable lands, a hayfield and a forest.” They also took some actions for the restoration of the aforementioned wood.

“Ardzagank”, 1885, No. 4, p. 55.
“Ardzagank,” 1885, No. 21, p. 308.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 192.

1880 y․

In 1880 the income received from the pastures, garden and arable lands of the monastery amounted to 451 rubles.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 31, p. 98.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 192.

1886 y․

In 1886 the cloister had some arable lands, a kitchen garden and 5 rooms.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 18, file 138, pp. 100-101.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 192.

1890 y․

Despite all the measures taken, the monastic domains again suffered losses so that in 1890 they were confined to 10 dessiatinas.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 31, pp. 56-58.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 192.

1901 y․

In 1901 the real estate of the sanctuary comprised a garden, 5 rooms and some arable lands.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 14, file 205, pp. 231-232.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 192.

1910 y․

According to a reference-book of 1910, the estates of Targmanchats Monastery covered 92 dessiatinas, including 30 dessiatinas of arable land, another 30 dessiatinas of pastures and 32 dessiatinas of forest, all of them lying in total neglect.

National Archives of Armenia, fund 56, list 6, file 775, p. 11.
Karapetian, Samvel. Northern Artsakh, Yerevan, 2007, p. 192.

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1980 — 1982 yy․

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1980 — 1982 yy․

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Date 1980 — 1982 yy․

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1980 — 1982 yy․

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative

Type Photo
View Detail
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative

Type Photo
View General
Direction From the south-west
Author Hovhannes Zakarian
Source Colour Negative

Type Photo
View General
Direction From the north
Author Hovhannes Zakarian
Source Colour Negative
Date 1980 — 1982 yy․

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Date 1980 — 1982 yy․

Type Photo
Direction From the north-east
Author Hovhannes Badalian
Source Colour Negative

Type Photo
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative

The eastern facade of the church of Targmanchats Monastery

Type Measurement
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Sketch

The plan of Targmanchats Monastery

Type Photo
Date 1911 y․

Type Photo
View Detail
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1980 — 1982 yy․

Type Photo
View Interior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1980 — 1982 yy․

Its drum

Type Photo
View Exterior
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1980 — 1982 yy․

Type Photo
View Detail
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative
Date 1980 — 1982 yy․

Type Photo
View Detail
Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative

Author V. Taskayev
Date 2011 y․