Armenian architecture

During the third millennium B.C, prehistoric Armenian architecture was already distinctive. The most common feature was its groundwork, which incorporated many geometrical shapes, ultimately forming a cell shape. An example of such architecture can be found in Kültəpə, near Nakhchivan. These buildings were approximately 6–7 metres wide and about 5 metres high.[5]

Urban architectural traditions, and other forms of art in the years before Christ continued to develop and later were influenced by Greco-Roman art.[6] Urartian architecture is known for its use of intricately cut rocks, used as foundations for mud brick buildings, usually constructed in a compact manner (such as in Erebuni).

The Temple of Garni, the only standing Greco-Roman building in Armenia

Urartian temples had massive stone walls at lower levels and a relatively small interior space, usually square, and rose high; they were generally placed at the highest point of a site. Higher levels were in mud brick, which has not survived, and it is not fully clear how appeared. The late Temple of Garni of the 1st century AD, in a fully Hellenistic style, is the only pagan monument left in any sort of complete state in Armenia, as many others were destroyed or converted to Christian places of worship under Tiridates III of Armenia.[7] Garni includes local elements of sacred numerology and geometry. The temple has a column to inter column ratio of 1/3 (1 is the primary number of the universe and 3 is the holiest of all numbers as it represents the Greco-Roman triad Jupiter, Juno and Minerva). Aside from being aesthetically beautiful, Garni's design can be seen as being a reaffirmation of the universal laws that governed man's destiny. The angles, number of columns, and dimensions were created with a careful eye; Armenian pagans wanted to appease the gods and protect humanity from their wrath. This sacred geometry is evident in the entire temple. To the people who created it, it was the perfect embodiment of their communion with the universe. Note that although sacred geometry was mostly used in religious buildings, secular buildings adopted some aspects of it.[8]

• Vishapakars
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  Vishapakar in Armenia Ethnography Museum
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  Vishapakar in Metsamor
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• Stone sculptures of horses and sheep
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  Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (Julfa)
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  Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (Julfa)
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  Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (Julfa)
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  Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (Julfa)
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  Stone sheep sculpture in Sardarapat Museum
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  Stone sheep sculpture in Sisian
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  Stone sheep sculpture in Sisian
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  Stone sheep sculpture in Sisian
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  Stone sheep sculpture in Zolakar
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  Horom Citadel, Bronze Age.
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  The Van Citadel, IX century BC.
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  Erebuni Fortress, 782 BC.
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  Odzaberd, 735–713 BC.
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  Teishebaini, Between 650 and 600 BC.
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  Argishtikhinili, VIII and VI centuries BC.
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  Armavir, ruins of Anahit goodness temple, 331 BC.
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  Artaxata, 176 BC.
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  Tigranakert of Artsakh, II-I centurys BC.
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  Mount Nemrut, I century BC.

Armenian gravestones. Lake Van.

Late-medieval Armenian Khachkars from Julfa, Azerbaijan. They were removed from the Julfa graveyard before its destruction and are now on display within the precincts of Etchmiadzin in Armenia.

Christianity's institution as Armenia's official religion in 301 allowed new developments in Armenian architecture, which nevertheless preserved older traditions.[6] In fact it would be almost impossible to find any religion that rose completely on its own without borrowing some traditions from the past. Exploring Armenian churches is critical to our understanding of Medieval Armenia. Beyond that, the Armenian churches describe us the general landscape of the Christian East at a time when eyewitness accounts were exceedingly rare. In their messages of authenticity and legitimacy, the churches shaped and preserved public memory, negotiating among diverse linguistic, religious, political, and ethnic groups.[9]

The first Armenian churches were built on the orders of St. Gregory the Illuminator, and were often built on top of pagan temples, and imitated some aspects of Armenian pre-Christian architecture.[8]

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  Etchmiadzin cathedral, 303 year.
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  Aghperig Monastery, 300 year.
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  IV century Amaras Monastery near Sos village.
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  IV century Katarovank close to Hin Tagher village.
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  Baghaberd, IV century.
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  Dvin, IV century.
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  Saint Thomas Monastery of Agulis, IV century.
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  Arshakid Mausoleum, IV century.
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  Yererouk Bazelika, IV-V century.
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  Monastery of Saint Translators, IV-V.
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  Kasagh Basilica, IV-V.
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  Mesrop Mashtots Monastery, Nasirvaz, 456 year.
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  Vorotnaberd, V century.
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  Tsrviz Chapel, V century.
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  Tsiranavor Church, V century.
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  Ani, V century.
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  Smbataberd, V century.
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  Tekor Basilica, end of V century.
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  Cathedral of Avan, VI century.
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  Odzun Church, VI century
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  Saint John Church of Sohrol, V century or VI century.
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  Tsitsernavank Monastery, Syunik, IV-VI centurys.
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  Saint Paul and Peter Church, IV-VI centurys.
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  Bagavan church, 613—619 year.
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  Saint Hripsime Church, 618 year.
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  Saint Gayane Church, 630 year.
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  Cathedral of Mren, 631—639 years.
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  Ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, 641—652 years.
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  Varagavank, 653 year.
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  Bana cathedral, 653-658 years.
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  Gharghavank, 661—685 years.
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  Targmanchats monastery, Aygeshat, VI-VII centurys.
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  Ptghnavank, VI or VII century.
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  Talin Cathedral, VII century.

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  Aruchavank, VII century.
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  VII century Vankasar Church near Tigranakert.
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  Church of Saint John, Mastara, VII century.
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  St. Gregory the Illuminator church, VII century.
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  Khtzkonk Monastery, VII century.
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  Karmravor Church, VII century.
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  Saint George's Church, mid-VII century.
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  Holy Mother of God Church, Voskepar VII century.
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  Saint Christopher Monastery, VII century.
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  Artavazik Church, VII century.
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  St. Thaddeus Church, Ddmashen, VII century.
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  Lmbatavank, VII century.
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  Amberd, VII century.
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  Aghitu tomb, VII century.
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  Ateni Sioni Church, VII century.

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  Kirants Monastery, VIII century.
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  Sevanavank, 874 year.
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  Chapel of Dzordzor IX century.
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  Saint Stepanos Monastery, IX century.
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  Kotavank, IX century
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  Dashtadem Fortress, IX century.
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  IX century, Dadivank monastery in Karvachar.
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  Khokhanaberd, IX century.
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  Handaberd, IX century.
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  Собор Holy Saviour's monastery of Yerazgavors, end of IX century.
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  Kachaghakaberd, IX century.
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  Tatev Monastery, 895—906 years.
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  Vanevan Monastery, 903 year.
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  Vahanavank, 911 year.
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  Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Aghtamar, 915-921 years.
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  Cathedral of Kars 930-967 years.
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  Gndevank, 931—936 years.

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  Sanahin Monastery, 957—966 years.
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  Haghpat Monastery, 976—991 years.
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  Cathedral of Ani, 989-1001 years.
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  Kakavaberd, IX-X centurys.
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  Bjni Fortress, IX-X centurys.
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  Holy Saviour Monastery of Julfa, IX-X.
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  The church of St Gregory of the Abughamrents, Ani, X century
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  Horomos, X century.
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  Berdavan Fortress, X century.
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  Surp Hovhannes Church, Byurakan, X century.
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  Narekavank, X century.
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  Tsaghats Kar Monastery, X century.
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  Karmravank, X century.
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  Arakelots Monastery, Kirants, X century.
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  Surb Nshan Monastery, X century.
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  Marmashen Monastery, 988—1029 years.
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  Vorotnavank, 1000 year.
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  King Gagik's church of St Gregory, Ani, 1001-1020 years.
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  Vahramashen Church, 1026 year.
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  The Church of the Holy Apostles, Ani, 1031 year.
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  Kecharis Monastery, 1033 year.
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  The church of the Holy Redeemer, Ani, 1035 year.
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  Bgheno-Noravank, 1062 year.
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  Meghri Fortress, 1083 year.

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  Eghegnamor Monastery, X—XI century.
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  Neghuts Monastery, X or XI century.
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  Arakelots Monastery XI century
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  Goshavank, 1191—1196 years.
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  Surp Hovhannes Church, VII-XII century.
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  Hnevank, VII-XII century.
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  Mashtots Hayrapet Church of Garni, XII century.
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  Church of Kish, XII century.
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  Jukhtak Vank, XII century.
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  Castle of Kars, 1153 year.
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  Kobayr monastery, 1171 year.
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  Lori Fortress, 1177 year.
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  Tejharuyk Monastery, 1196-1199 years.
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  Hayravank Monastery, IX-XII.
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  St. Hakob-Hayrapet Church, Shurud, XII century.
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  Harichavank Monastery, 1201 year.
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  Hogevank Monastery, 1205 year.
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  Geghard, 1215 year.
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  The church of St Gregory of Tigran Honents, Ani, 1215 year.

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  Gandzasar Monastery, 1216—1238 years.
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  Hovhannavank, 1216 year.
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  Saghmosavank, 1215-1221 years.
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  Gtichavank, 1241-1246 years.
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  Matosavank,1247 year.
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  Cathedral of Arapgir, 1249 year.
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  Saint George's Church, 1251 year or earlier.
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  Katoghike Church, Yerevan, 1264 year.
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  Saint Marianeh Church, Ashtarak, 1271 year.
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  Yeghishe Arakyal Monastery, V-XIII centurys.
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  Saint Sarkis Monastery of Ushi, VII-XIII.
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  Tanahat Monastery, VIII-XIII centurys.
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  Makenyats Vank, IX-XIII centurys.
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  Horomayr Monastery, X-XIII centurys.
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  Makravank Monastery, X-XIII.
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  Haghartsin Monastery, X-XIII.
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  Makaravank, X-XIII.
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  Yeghipatrush Church, X-XIII.
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  Khuchap Monastery, XII-XIII century.
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  Kusanats Anapat, XII-XIII.
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  Samsonavank Monastery, XII-XIII.
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  Chapel in the Monastery of the Hripsimian Virgins, Ani, XIII century.
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  Aghjots Vank, XIII century.
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  Caravanserai of Zor, XIII century.
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  Tegher Monastery, XIII century
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  Spitakavor Church of Ashtarak, XIII century.
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  Akhtala Monastery, XIII century.
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  Tanahat Monastery, XIII century.
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  Saint Bartholomew Monastery, XIII century.
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  Ertij Fort, XIII century.
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  Proshaberd, XIII century.
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  Krtsanis Tsiranavor Surp Astvatsatsin, XIII century.
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  Holy Mother of God Church, Yeghvard, 1301 year.
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  Lim Island, 1305 year.
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  Saint Thaddeus Monastery, 1319—1329 years.
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  Areni Church, 1321 year.
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  Spitakavor Monastery, 1321-1330 years.
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  Orbelian's Caravanserai, 1332 year.
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  Noravank, 1339 year.
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  St. Astvatsatsin Monastery (Channab), 1349 year.
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  Ganchvor monastery, 1364 year.
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  Armenian Cathedral of Lviv, 1363-1370 years.
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  Nor Varagavank, XIII-XIV.
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  Mayravank, VII-XIV.
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  Kosh Fortress, XIV century.
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  Vank Monastery, XIV century.

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  Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church of Galata, 1391-1436.
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  Forty Martyrs Cathedral, 1491 year.
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  Ktuts monastery, XV century.
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  Armenian monastery of Suceava, XV century.
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  St. Kristapor Church, Yukhari Aylis, XV century.
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  Norashen Church, 1507 year.
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  Chapel of Chupan, 1518 year.
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  St. Georg Church, 1611 year.
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  Bedkhem Church, 1627 year.
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  St. Nicholas Church, New Julfa, 1630 year.
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  Vank Cathedral, 1655-1664 years.
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  Khor Virap, 1661 year.
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  Saint Gevork Monastery of Mughni, 1661—1669.
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  Saint Hakob Church of Kanaker, 1679 year.
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  Red Bridge, 1679 year.
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  Gethsemane Chapel, 1690s.
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  Yerits Mankants Monastery, 1691 year.
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  Surp Astvatsatsin Church, 1338-1693 years.
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  Shoghakat Church, 1694 year.
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  Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin Church, 1694 year.
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  The Holy Mother of God Church, 1695 year.
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  Aparank Monastery, X-XVII centurys.
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  Kond, XVII century.
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  Saint Karapet Church, 1705 year.
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  Surb Nshan Church, 1703-1711 years.
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  Saint John the Baptist Church, Yerevan, 1710 year.
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  St. Mary's Church, 1718 year.
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  Holy Mother of God Church of Bethlehem, XIII century-1727.
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  Jigrashen Avetyats Church, 1624 or 1729 year.
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  Saint Gevorg of Mughni Church, XIII century-1756 year.
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  Church of Saint George, 1753 year.
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  Church of the Red Gospel, 1775 year.
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  Saint Catherine's Armenian Church, 1771-1776 years.
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  Holy Resurrection Church, 1781 year.
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  Saint Mary Church of Tabriz, 1785 year.
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  Kamoyants Saint Gevork Church, 1727 or 1788 year.
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  Church of the Ascension, 1790 year.
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  Holy Cross Church, 1786-1792 years.
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  Church of St. Gevorg (Sighnaghi), 1793 year.
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  St. George's Church, 1795 year.
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  Saint George Church of Tehran, 1795 year.
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  Church of the Holy Mother of God, Darashamb, XVIII century.
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  St. Sarkis Church (Ashtarak, Aragatsotn, Armenia), XVIII century.
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  Surp Gevork Church, Noragavit, XVIII century.
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  Togh's Melikian Palace, XVIII century.

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  Surb Karapet Monastery, IV-XIX centuries
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  Tatevi Anapat, XVIII-XIX centurys.
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  Nor Ejmiatsin Church, 1806-1809
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  Surp Yerrortutyun Armenian Catholic Church, 1836
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  Saint Sarkis Cathedral, 1842
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  Church of the Holy Mother of God, 1848
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  Saint Minas Church of Tehran, 1856
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  Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Armenian Church, Kuzguncuk, 1861
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  Armenian Church, Baku, 1863-1869
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  Lower Bethlehemi Church, 1868-1870
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  Church of John the Baptist, 1870
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  Church of the Holy All-Savior, 1860-1871
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  Holy Saviour's Church, 1858-1872
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  Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church, 443-1879
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  St. Karapet's Church, 1881
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  Saint John the Baptist Church, 1883
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  Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God, 1873-1884
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  Church of St. George of Samatya, 1866-1887
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  Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, 1868-1887
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  Taksim Surp Harutyun Church, 1895
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  Church of Christ the Savior, 1895
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  Church of the Holy Virgin (Baku), XIX century
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  Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church, 1900
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  St. Grigor Lusavorich Church, Goris, 1903
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  St. Astvatsatsin Church, 1902-1905
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  Saint Thaddeus and Bartholomew Cathedral, 1910
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  Church of Surp Hakob, 1967-1969
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  St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, 1983
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  St. Sarkis Church, 1998

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  Khachkars in Talin Cathedral, IX century
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  Mughni Church, 986Khachkar
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  Goris, 991
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  Vagharshapat, 996
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  Haghpat Monastery, 1023
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  1056
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  Khachkar of Queen Sophie, 1081
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  Sisian, X century
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  Vagarshapat, 1148
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  Sanahin, 1184
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  Aprank, 1194
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  Holy Mother of God Church, Vagharshapat, 1200
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  XII century
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  XII century
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  Louvre, XII-XIII centurys
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  1210
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  Haghpat Monastery 1211
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  1211
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  Geghard Monastery, 1213
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  Sanahin, 1215
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  Haghpat Monastery, 1220
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  Vagharshapat, 1233
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  1251
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  Sanahin, 1262
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  Geghard Monastery, 1263
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  1271
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  1271
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  Haghpat Monastery, 1273
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  Etchmiadzin Cathedral, 1279
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  Geghard Monastery, 1283
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  Dadivank, 1283
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  1285
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  Goshavank Khachkar, carved in 1291 by the artist Poghos
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  1298
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  Vagharshapat, XIII century
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  Vagharshapat, XIII century
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  Vagharshapat, XIII century
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  Armenian-inscribed double khachkars of the Memorial Bell-Tower of the Dadivank Monastery
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  A 15th century khachkar at the Armenian Cathedral of Saint James, Jerusalem

The first Armenian churches were built between the 4th and 7th century, beginning when Armenia converted to Christianity, and ending with the Arab invasion of Armenia. The early churches were mostly simple basilicas, but some with side apses. By the 5th century the typical cupola cone in the center had become widely used. By the 7th century, centrally-planned churches had been built and a more complicated niched buttress and radiating Hrip'simé style had formed. By the time of the Arab invasion, most of what we now know as classical Armenian architecture had formed.[10]

External reliefs of David and Goliath on the 10th century Cathedral at Akdamar

The cupola of the Cathedral of Etchmiadzin.

From the 9th to 11th century, Armenian architecture underwent a revival under the patronage of the Bagratid dynasty with a great deal of building done in the area of Lake Van, this included both traditional styles and new innovations. Ornately carved Armenian khachkars were developed during this time.[7] Many new cities and churches were built during this time, including a new capital at Lake Van and a new Cathedral on Akdamar Island to match. The Cathedral of Ani was also completed during this dynasty. It was during this time that the first major monasteries, such as Haghpat and Haritchavank were built. This period was ended by the Seljuk invasion.

From the 12th to 14th century under the Zakarid dynasty saw an explosion in the number of monasteries built, including Saghmosavank Monastery, the Akhtala monastery, Kaymaklı Monastery, Kecharis Monastery and Makaravank Monastery. Monasteries were institutes of learning, and much of medieval Armenian literature was written in this time period. The invasion of Timurlane and the destruction of Cilician Armenia ended architectural progression from another 250 years.

The last great period in classic Armenian construction was under the Iranian Safavid Shahs, under which a number of new churches were built, usually at existing holy sites such as Etchmiadzin as well as in diaspora communities like New Julfa.[3]

Armenian architecture experienced a huge stage of development during the 19th century, when the Russians entered Eastern Armenia. A number of architectural masterpieces were built in the Kumayri historic district of Alexandropol and Yerevan, as well in Kars, which is now a part of the Republic of Turkey.

The Armenian buildings of that time were mainly made of black tuff, therefore those buildings were mainly of black color.

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• Kars
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  The Holy Trinity Church (2003) modeled after Zvartnots Cathedral, in the Malatia-Sebastia district of Yerevan
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  The Saint Gregory of Narek Cathedral (2005) in Vanadzor, Armenia

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  13th century Gandzasar monastery, near Vank village
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  9th century Dadivank monastery in Karvachar
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  4th century Amaras Monastery near Sos village
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  7th century Vankasar Church near Tigranakert
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  4th century Katarovank close to Hin Tagher village
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  19th century Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Baku
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  Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, Shushi
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  Kanach Zham, Shushi
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  Tsitsernavank, near Tsitsernavank village
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  Yerits Mankants Monastery, near Jraberd
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  12th century Holy Mother of God Church, Hunarli, Azerbaijan

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  Saint Stepanos Monastery near Julfa
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  Saint Thaddeus Monastery near Julfa
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  Saint Sarkis Church (1970) in Tehran, Iran

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  Khtzkonk Monastery in Kars

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  Saint Gregory the Illuminator – Saint Elie (Eghishe) Armenian Catholic Cathedral (1909) in downtown Beirut, Lebanon
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  The Holy Mother of God Cathedral (1940) at the Catholicossate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon
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  Holy Cross Church (Sourp Nshan) in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, adjacent to the Grand Serail
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  Holy Mother of God Church (Sourp Asdvadzadzin) at the Armenian Seminary in Bikfaya, Lebanon
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  Holy Mother of God Armenian Apostolic church, Aleppo
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  The belfry of the Forty Martyrs Armenian Cathedral of Aleppo erected in 1912
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  Armenian Genocide Memorial Church in Deir ez-Zor, Syria
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  St. Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church (1928) in Cairo, Egypt
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  Interior of St. Gregory The Illuminator Church of Cairo
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  Saint John the Baptist Armenian church on Jordan River, Al-Maghtas, Jordan

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  St. Paul's Armenian Apostolic Church, (1908).
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  Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church (1914) in Fresno, California
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  Saint Paul Armenian Church (1979) in Fresno, California
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  The Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Church (2001) in Glendale, California
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  Saint Stepanos Armenian Church (1986) in Elberon, New Jersey
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  St Gregory Armenian Church in Springfield, Massachusetts,USA
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  St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, Toronto (1983) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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  Holy Transfiguration Cathedral, Moscow

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  Armenian Church, Singapore, (1836).