Location

The Yerits Mankants Monastery is situated in the Martakert region of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), precisely 5.0 kilometers from the historic Jraberd. It graces the slope of one of the southern extensions of the Mrav mountain range, which is cloaked in pristine forests, on the left bank of the Trghi River. Just above the monastery complex, nearby, lies the nearly deserted village known as Khotorashen (also referred to as Khokhomashen). Below the monastery rests Jraberd. The entire complex is ensconced amidst towering mountains, with the road leading to the monastery traversing a densely wooded terrain, rendering the passage somewhat challenging (Fig. 1).

		<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Yeritsmankants-scaled.jpg?v=1693473629" width="2560" height="681" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Yeritsmankants-scaled.jpg?v=1693473629 2560w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Yeritsmankants-300x80.jpg?v=1693473629 300w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Yeritsmankants-1024x272.jpg?v=1693473629 1024w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Yeritsmankants-768x204.jpg?v=1693473629 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Yeritsmankants-1536x408.jpg?v=1693473629 1536w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Yeritsmankants-2048x545.jpg?v=1693473629 2048w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Yeritsmankants-370x98.jpg?v=1693473629 370w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" title="Yeritsmankants" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001-4-1-scaled.jpg?v=1693462237" width="2560" height="1702" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001-4-1-scaled.jpg?v=1693462237 2560w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001-4-1-300x199.jpg?v=1693462237 300w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001-4-1-1024x681.jpg?v=1693462237 1024w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001-4-1-768x511.jpg?v=1693462237 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001-4-1-1536x1021.jpg?v=1693462237 1536w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001-4-1-2048x1362.jpg?v=1693462237 2048w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001-4-1-370x246.jpg?v=1693462237 370w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001-4-1-272x182.jpg?v=1693462237 272w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 1 The general view of Yerits Mankants Monastery, viewed from above, photo by H. Petrosyan.

Historical overview

Historical sources indicate that the Yerits Mankants Monastery complex was constructed with the specific intention of disrupting the cohesion of the Catholicosate of Aghvan, which was centered on the Gandzasar monastery.

The southern entrance of the monastery bears an inscription on its facade that provides information regarding the construction of the monastery church. "In the era of the illustrious Persian monarch, Shah Suleiman I, Simeon, the Catholicos hailing from Aghvan, who, by the divine grace, oversaw the construction of this church. Alongside me stood my brother, the revered Ignatios, both born of the lineage of Priest Sargis Metsashents. O descendants of Sion, as you pass through the hallowed threshold of the Lord's door, remember me in your prayers to Christ” (CAE 5, 96-97). The inscription bears witness to the fact that this complex was funded under the patronage of the Persian Shah and came into existence in the year 1691. Its construction was masterminded by Simeon, the offspring of Priest Sargis from the village of Mets Shen in the Jraberd province. Simeon, who traces his lineage back to the esteemed Catholicos from Aghvan, reigning until 1705, spearheaded this endeavor in collaboration with his brother, the venerated Reverend Ignatios. The architect was Sargis, according to a tripartite inscription preserved on the eastern wall pilaster of the church's northern wall: "In your prayers to Christ, do not forget to remember Usta Sargis, the master and builder of this church"(CAE 5, 97). Catholicos Nahapet I Edesatsi, who reigned from 1691 to 1705 in Etchmiadzin, took it upon himself to mediate the longstanding and intractable conflict between Simeon and Catholicos Jeremiah of Gandzasar, whose tenure lasted from 1676 to 1700. As part of the resolution, the self-declared Catholicos Simeon made a solemn commitment that none of his descendants would ever assume the role of Catholicos again. However, in 1705, in direct contradiction to Simeon's previous promise and written commitment, his relative Nerses ascended to the position of Catholicos (a reign that lasted until 1736). Instead of resolving the conflict, Nerses exacerbated tensions with Catholicos Yesai Hasan Jalaliants from Aghvan, who held the position in Gandzasar. By 1707, the situation had escalated to the point where both Catholicos figures were summoned once more to Etchmiadzin. After a thorough examination of the matter, the Catholicos of All Armenians, Alexander I Jughaetsi (who served from 1706 to 1714), excommunicated Nerses and officially declared Yesai as the rightful Catholicos (Leo 1973, 116). However, Catholicos Yesai, recognizing the detrimental impact of their prolonged conflict on the Armenian community, wisely chose to reconcile with Nerses. Following this reconciliation, Nerses' nephew, Israel (who held office from 1728 to 1763), was declared Catholicos within the Yerits Mankanats Monastery. Subsequently, Simeon's nephew, Simeon the Younger Catholicos, also hailing from the village of Khotorashen, assumed the position and reigned until 1819 (Raffi 1964, 229).

The presence of older khachkars within the monastery walls provides compelling evidence of the existence of a cemetery, and possibly even a church or chapel, predating the construction of the main church (Karapetyan 1985, 230). One particular khachkar, positioned within the niche of the northern wall of the northeastern sacristy, bears the following inscription: "1571 year, Mezhlum." In the southern niche of the southeastern sacristy of the small church, an inscription reads: "The Holy Cross of Shahum, Melkum. 1620" (CAE 5, 98).

It's worth noting that in 1854, the monastery had virtually no possessions and was nearly deserted (Leo 1985, 126).

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/002-4-1-scaled.jpg?v=1693462424" width="2560" height="1702" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/002-4-1-scaled.jpg?v=1693462424 2560w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/002-4-1-300x199.jpg?v=1693462424 300w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/002-4-1-1024x681.jpg?v=1693462424 1024w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/002-4-1-768x511.jpg?v=1693462424 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/002-4-1-1536x1021.jpg?v=1693462424 1536w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/002-4-1-2048x1362.jpg?v=1693462424 2048w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/002-4-1-370x246.jpg?v=1693462424 370w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/002-4-1-272x182.jpg?v=1693462424 272w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 2 The inscription on the facade stone of the southern entrance of the church, photo. H. Petrosyan.

Architectural-compositional examination

The Yerits Mankants Monastery complex comprises several components, including a church, and a refectory, secular structures, one of which is safeguarded by a corner round tower, likely serving as part of the monastery (Harutyunyan 1992, 398). Additionally, there is a cemetery (Fig. 3). The entire area is enclosed by walls on the southwest and northwest sides, with remnants of their foundations still in existence. The complex is flanked by the steep valley of the Trghi River on its southwest side. The church assumes a central position within the complex, with the refectory situated approximately 15.0 meters to the northeast of the church. The patriarchate residence is positioned near the southeast corner of the church, nestled in a lower area. This arrangement allows the earthen roof of the patriarchate residence to seamlessly extend the southern courtyard of the church, leading towards the valley.

Fig. 3 The main architectural plan of the monastery, measurements by S. Karapetyan.

The presence of numerous living quarters, monks' residences, and halls, complete with their fireplaces, all still discernible within the confines of the monastery complex, attests to the substantial congregation that once thrived at the Yerits Mankants Monastery.

The architectural design of the monastery's church adheres to the domed basilica style, characterized by its topographical and spatial layout. The sole entrance to the church is positioned on its southern side. Within the prayer hall, slightly nearer to the western wall, stand four pilasters that support the grand dome. Of these pilasters, the western pair is cross-sectioned, while the pair in the eastern row assumes a square shape, and it is upon these supports that the majestic dome finds its foundation. The prayer hall culminates with the high altar, distinguished by its semicircular wall featuring a total of seven niches. Notably, among these niches, the one on the left draws particular attention due to its opulent ornamentation. The rear wall of the altar showcases the incorporation of earlier khachkars, while its border boasts sculptures reminiscent of intricate stalactites, evoking the decorative style seen in the porches of churches from that era (Fig. 4). The baptismal font exhibits a similar decorative border. Adjacent to both sides of the tabernacle are rectangular storage rooms with two stories. A narrow door, equipped with stone steps that lead from the second-floor sacristy, grants access to the tabernacle. However, it doesn't reach the ground level, necessitating the use of suspended ladders for the remaining descent. This architectural feature, featuring second-floor repositories, can be observed in other late medieval churches throughout different regions of Artsakh. Examples include Tsakhkavank of Tsakuri (Kirakosyan 2023, 111-112), Surb Gevorg of Ptkesberk, and others (Karapetyan 1985, 120).

At the core of the tabernacle lies a preserved solid rock stone. The baptistery retains its traditional location within the north wall. The flooring of the hall has been meticulously paved, with the eastern half remarkably well-preserved.

The church's dome rises, upheld by four square and cruciform pillars interconnected by arches, notable for their arrow-like shape (Fig. 5). Both the dome's drum and the pediment adopt octagonal forms. A single window graces each of the drum's walls, generously illuminating the church's prayer hall. The walls of the drum are adorned with decorative arches, and the cross affixed to the pinnacle of the spire remains in its rightful position.

The grandeur and expansiveness of the church's prayer hall are accentuated by several remarkable features. These include the soaring columns that reach upward, the graceful curvature of intersecting arches, the enchantment of sunlight streaming through the expansive windows of the drum (Fig. 6), the elaborate lithograph with majuscule writing on the stage facade, as well as the presence of numerous large and small khachkars and windows throughout the space.

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/004-3-1-scaled.jpg?v=1693466338" width="2560" height="1702" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/004-3-1-scaled.jpg?v=1693466338 2560w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/004-3-1-300x199.jpg?v=1693466338 300w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/004-3-1-1024x681.jpg?v=1693466338 1024w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/004-3-1-768x511.jpg?v=1693466338 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/004-3-1-1536x1021.jpg?v=1693466338 1536w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/004-3-1-2048x1362.jpg?v=1693466338 2048w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/004-3-1-370x246.jpg?v=1693466338 370w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/004-3-1-272x182.jpg?v=1693466338 272w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 4 The tabernacle of the church, photo by H. Petrosyan.

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/005-3-1-scaled.jpg?v=1693466454" width="2560" height="1702" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/005-3-1-scaled.jpg?v=1693466454 2560w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/005-3-1-300x199.jpg?v=1693466454 300w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/005-3-1-1024x681.jpg?v=1693466454 1024w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/005-3-1-768x511.jpg?v=1693466454 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/005-3-1-1536x1021.jpg?v=1693466454 1536w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/005-3-1-2048x1362.jpg?v=1693466454 2048w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/005-3-1-370x246.jpg?v=1693466454 370w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/005-3-1-272x182.jpg?v=1693466454 272w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 5 The Church's roof system, photo by H. Petrosyan.

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/006-3-1-scaled.jpg?v=1693466500" width="2560" height="1702" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/006-3-1-scaled.jpg?v=1693466500 2560w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/006-3-1-300x199.jpg?v=1693466500 300w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/006-3-1-1024x681.jpg?v=1693466500 1024w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/006-3-1-768x511.jpg?v=1693466500 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/006-3-1-1536x1021.jpg?v=1693466500 1536w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/006-3-1-2048x1362.jpg?v=1693466500 2048w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/006-3-1-370x246.jpg?v=1693466500 370w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/006-3-1-272x182.jpg?v=1693466500 272w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 6 The dome of the church, viewed from the interior, photo by H. Petrosyan.

The church's facades are adorned with meticulously polished stones, except the western side. These stones are embellished with sculpted relief khachkars. The southern facade stands out with its opulent architectural ornamentation, featuring an arched porch and a set and crowned window (Fig. 7). In addition to their decorative role, polished stones are strategically utilized in various structural elements, including corners, pilasters, the arches that connect them, the tabernacle, the dome, the pediments, and the drum, all contributing to the architectural integrity of the building.

The Yerits Mankants Monastery exhibits distinctive compositional characteristics. Notably, the placement of the church's dome is shifted towards the west (Fig. 3). However, this less conventional arrangement goes largely unnoticed due to the architect's ingenious decision to situate the sole entrance to the church on the southern side. Upon entering, visitors are perceptually guided to perceive the dome as being centrally positioned within the prayer hall. Furthermore, the presence of eight arches supporting the dome and the elevated composition of the upper facade of the church bestows an added layer of elegance upon the structure. Upon initial observation, the dome may even appear somewhat smaller in comparison to the main walls of the church. This architectural subtlety, combined with the strategic choice of positioning the monastery on a high elevation, allows the Yerits Mankants complex to be visible from the Jraberd Castle. Considering the original purpose of the monastery, which was to undermine the influence of the Catholicosate in Aghvan and rival the Gandzasar monastery complex, the significance of the elevated location and the soaring architectural design becomes quite evident. The architect also made deliberate efforts to give the church an outward resemblance to the Church of Surb Hovhannes Mkrtich at the Gandzasar monastery.

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/007-3-1-scaled.jpg?v=1693466617" width="2560" height="1645" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/007-3-1-scaled.jpg?v=1693466617 2560w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/007-3-1-300x193.jpg?v=1693466617 300w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/007-3-1-1024x658.jpg?v=1693466617 1024w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/007-3-1-768x494.jpg?v=1693466617 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/007-3-1-1536x987.jpg?v=1693466617 1536w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/007-3-1-2048x1316.jpg?v=1693466617 2048w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/007-3-1-370x238.jpg?v=1693466617 370w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 7 The facade of the church, photo by H. Petrosyan.

The refectory of the Yerits Mankants Monastery is a simple structure comprising a dining hall, a vestibule, and a kitchen. Within the dining room, there are niches recessed into three of its walls, while the wall facing the valley is adorned with three arched windows. The dining hall features a vaulted ceiling supported by two vaulted arches. Openings and fireplaces are integrated into the walls (Fig. 8).

The structure designated as the patriarchate residence comprises a hall enclosed by walls that open into the courtyard. Inside this hall, doors lead to dwelling rooms arranged on both sides. These rooms feature openings and fireplaces in their walls, similar to those found in the refectory. The subsequent set of rooms is situated below the level of the south wall of the church and consists of two adjoining rectangular halls (Fig. 3). Further to the left side of the hall and almost entirely subterranean, there lies a sizable hall with a circular layout, which serves as the patriarchate residence. This structure is remarkably unique in its design. The solitary window within this hall offers a scenic view of Jraberd and the picturesque valley of the Trghi River.

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/008-3-1-scaled.jpg?v=1693466737" width="2560" height="1702" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/008-3-1-scaled.jpg?v=1693466737 2560w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/008-3-1-300x199.jpg?v=1693466737 300w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/008-3-1-1024x681.jpg?v=1693466737 1024w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/008-3-1-768x511.jpg?v=1693466737 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/008-3-1-1536x1021.jpg?v=1693466737 1536w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/008-3-1-2048x1362.jpg?v=1693466737 2048w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/008-3-1-370x246.jpg?v=1693466737 370w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/008-3-1-272x182.jpg?v=1693466737 272w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 8 The refectory of the monastery, photo by H. Petrosyan.

A surviving inscription in the monastery suggests that, aside from its other purposes, there was a seminary and various living quarters. The living quarters had basements that served as storage and hiding spaces, but some of these had been damaged or broken over time.

 The condition before, during, and after the war

As a fortified monastery, Yerits Mankants Monastery held significant importance in the liberation struggle of Artsakh during the early 18th century.

During the First Artsakh War, when Azerbaijan occupied Gulistan in June 1992, the local Armenian population, numbering around 14,000, embarked on a journey on foot to the Martakert region. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 individuals from this group made their way through the forests and found refuge within the confines of the Yerits Mankants Monastery. They sheltered there until auxiliary groups arrived.

The structures of the monastery have endured significant damage over time, with some of the secular buildings being either destroyed or reduced to rubble.

Following the conclusion of the First Artsakh War, efforts towards partial restoration of the Yerits Mankant Monastery began. Work was underway to repair the roof slabs of the church and reinforce the facades (Fig. 9). These restoration efforts were interrupted due to the events of the Second Artsakh War. The proximity of Yerits Mankants Monastery to the border with Azerbaijan has posed challenges for comprehensive research of the complex. Despite its significant historical and cultural value, the monastery remains highly endangered. Urgent measures are needed for preventive fortifications, further research, and restoration efforts to ensure its preservation.

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/009-3-1-scaled.jpg?v=1693466930" width="2560" height="1707" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/009-3-1-scaled.jpg?v=1693466930 2560w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/009-3-1-300x200.jpg?v=1693466930 300w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/009-3-1-1024x683.jpg?v=1693466930 1024w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/009-3-1-768x512.jpg?v=1693466930 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/009-3-1-1536x1024.jpg?v=1693466930 1536w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/009-3-1-2048x1365.jpg?v=1693466930 2048w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/009-3-1-370x247.jpg?v=1693466930 370w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/009-3-1-272x182.jpg?v=1693466930 272w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 9 The process of church renovation, according to the ArmGo. AM website.

Bibliography

CAE 5 - Corpus of Armenian Lithography, Issue 5, Artsakh/compiled by S. Barkhudaryan, Yerevan, 1982.

Leo 1985 - Leo, My Diary. Tartar and Mrav, Leo, Compositions, Vol. 8, pp. 97-140, "Soviet Writer" ed., Yerevan.

Leo 1973 - Leo, History of Armenia, Leo, Collection of Compositions, Vol. 3, book 2, "Hayastan" ed., Yerevan.

Karapetyan 1985 - Karapetyan St., two monastic complexes of the 17th century Artsakh, PBH, No. 1, Yerevan.

Hasratyan 1973 - Hasratyan M., Architectural complexes of Syunik in the 17th-18th centuries, Publishing House of the USSR Academy of Sciences, Yerevan.

Harutyunyan 1992 - Harutyunyan V., History of Armenian Architecture, 2004, "Luys" publishing house, Yerevan.

Mkrtchyan 1985 - Mkrtchyan Sh., Historical-architectural monuments of Nagorno Karabakh,"Hayastan" publishing house, Yerevan.

Raffi 1964 - Raffi, The Melikdoms of Khamsa, Raffi, Collection of Compositions, volume 10, Yerevan.

Lyuba Kirakosyan 2023 - Kirakosyan L. “Albanization” of Artsakh Monuments as One of the Manifestations of Anti-Armenian Discourse in Azerbaijan։ The Example of Tsaghkavank, Lectures Croisées des Discours Hiatus entre Réalités Sociopolitiques, Récits de Mémoire et Approches Interprétatives Yerevan State University, Department of Translation Studies, Translation Studies: Theory and Practice, International Scientific Journal, Special Issue 1, Yerevan, 108-116.

Location The Yerits Mankants Monastery is situated in the Martakert region of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), precisely 5.0 kilometers from the historic Jraberd. It graces the slope of one of the southern extensions of the Mrav mountain range, which is cloaked in pristine forests, on the left bank of the Trghi River. Just above the monastery complex, nearby, lies the nearly deserted village known as Khotorashen (also referred to as Khokhomashen). Below the monastery rests Jraberd. The entire complex is ensconced amidst towering mountains, with the road leading to the monastery traversing a densely wooded terrain, rendering the passage somewhat challenging (Fig. 1). Historical overview Historical sources indicate that the Yerits Mankants Monastery complex was constructed with the specific intention of disrupting the cohesion of the Catholicosate of Aghvan, which was centered on the Gandzasar monastery. The southern entrance of the monastery bears an inscription on its facade that provides information regarding the construction of the monastery church. “In the era of the illustrious Persian monarch, Shah Suleiman I, Simeon, the Catholicos hailing from Aghvan, who, by the divine grace, oversaw the construction of this church. Alongside me stood my brother, the revered Ignatios, both born of the lineage of Priest Sargis Metsashents. O descendants of Sion, as you pass through the hallowed threshold of the Lord’s door, remember me in your prayers to Christ” (CAE 5, 96-97). The inscription bears witness to the fact that this complex was funded under the patronage of the Persian Shah and came into existence in the year 1691. Its construction was masterminded by Simeon, the offspring of Priest Sargis from the village of Mets Shen in the Jraberd province. Simeon, who traces his lineage back to the esteemed Catholicos from Aghvan, reigning until 1705, spearheaded this endeavor in collaboration with his brother, the venerated Reverend Ignatios. The architect was Sargis, according to a tripartite inscription preserved on the eastern wall pilaster of the church’s northern wall: “In your prayers to Christ, do not forget to remember Usta Sargis, the master and builder of this church”(CAE 5, 97). Catholicos Nahapet I Edesatsi, who reigned from 1691 to 1705 in Etchmiadzin, took it upon himself to mediate the longstanding and intractable conflict between Simeon and Catholicos Jeremiah of Gandzasar, whose tenure lasted from 1676 to 1700. As part of the resolution, the self-declared Catholicos Simeon made a solemn commitment that none of his descendants would ever assume the role of Catholicos again. However, in 1705, in direct contradiction to Simeon’s previous promise and written commitment, his relative Nerses ascended to the position of Catholicos (a reign that lasted until 1736). Instead of resolving the conflict, Nerses exacerbated tensions with Catholicos Yesai Hasan Jalaliants from Aghvan, who held the position in Gandzasar. By 1707, the situation had escalated to the point where both Catholicos figures were summoned once more to Etchmiadzin. After a thorough examination of the matter, the Catholicos of All Armenians, Alexander I Jughaetsi (who served from 1706 to 1714), excommunicated Nerses and officially declared Yesai as the rightful Catholicos (Leo 1973, 116). However, Catholicos Yesai, recognizing the detrimental impact of their prolonged conflict on the Armenian community, wisely chose to reconcile with Nerses. Following this reconciliation, Nerses’ nephew, Israel (who held office from 1728 to 1763), was declared Catholicos within the Yerits Mankanats Monastery. Subsequently, Simeon’s nephew, Simeon the Younger Catholicos, also hailing from the village of Khotorashen, assumed the position and reigned until 1819 (Raffi 1964, 229). The presence of older khachkars within the monastery walls provides compelling evidence of the existence of a cemetery, and possibly even a church or chapel, predating the construction of the main church (Karapetyan 1985, 230). One particular khachkar, positioned within the niche of the northern wall of the northeastern sacristy, bears the following inscription: “1571 year, Mezhlum.” In the southern niche of the southeastern sacristy of the small church, an inscription reads: “The Holy Cross of Shahum, Melkum. 1620” (CAE 5, 98). It’s worth noting that in 1854, the monastery had virtually no possessions and was nearly deserted (Leo 1985, 126). Architectural-compositional examination The Yerits Mankants Monastery complex comprises several components, including a church, and a refectory, secular structures, one of which is safeguarded by a corner round tower, likely serving as part of the monastery (Harutyunyan 1992, 398). Additionally, there is a cemetery (Fig. 3). The entire area is enclosed by walls on the southwest and northwest sides, with remnants of their foundations still in existence. The complex is flanked by the steep valley of the Trghi River on its southwest side. The church assumes a central position within the complex, with the refectory situated approximately 15.0 meters to the northeast of the church. The patriarchate residence is positioned near the southeast corner of the church, nestled in a lower area. This arrangement allows the earthen roof of the patriarchate residence to seamlessly extend the southern courtyard of the church, leading towards the valley.

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<meta property="og:description" content="Location The Yerits Mankants Monastery is situated in the Martakert region of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), precisely 5.0 kilometers from the historic Jraberd. It graces the slope of one of the southern extensions of the Mrav mountain range, which is cloaked in pristine forests, on the left bank of the Trghi River. Just above the monastery complex, nearby, lies the nearly deserted village known as Khotorashen (also referred to as Khokhomashen). Below the monastery rests Jraberd. The entire complex is ensconced amidst towering mountains, with the road leading to the monastery traversing a densely wooded terrain, rendering the passage somewhat challenging (Fig. 1). Historical overview Historical sources indicate that the Yerits Mankants Monastery complex was constructed with the specific intention of disrupting the cohesion of the Catholicosate of Aghvan, which was centered on the Gandzasar monastery. The southern entrance of the monastery bears an inscription on its facade that provides information regarding the construction of the monastery church. "In the era of the illustrious Persian monarch, Shah Suleiman I, Simeon, the Catholicos hailing from Aghvan, who, by the divine grace, oversaw the construction of this church. Alongside me stood my brother, the revered Ignatios, both born of the lineage of Priest Sargis Metsashents. O descendants of Sion, as you pass through the hallowed threshold of the Lord's door, remember me in your prayers to Christ” (CAE 5, 96-97). The inscription bears witness to the fact that this complex was funded under the patronage of the Persian Shah and came into existence in the year 1691. Its construction was masterminded by Simeon, the offspring of Priest Sargis from the village of Mets Shen in the Jraberd province. Simeon, who traces his lineage back to the esteemed Catholicos from Aghvan, reigning until 1705, spearheaded this endeavor in collaboration with his brother, the venerated Reverend Ignatios. The architect was Sargis, according to a tripartite inscription preserved on the eastern wall pilaster of the church's northern wall: "In your prayers to Christ, do not forget to remember Usta Sargis, the master and builder of this church"(CAE 5, 97). Catholicos Nahapet I Edesatsi, who reigned from 1691 to 1705 in Etchmiadzin, took it upon himself to mediate the longstanding and intractable conflict between Simeon and Catholicos Jeremiah of Gandzasar, whose tenure lasted from 1676 to 1700. As part of the resolution, the self-declared Catholicos Simeon made a solemn commitment that none of his descendants would ever assume the role of Catholicos again. However, in 1705, in direct contradiction to Simeon's previous promise and written commitment, his relative Nerses ascended to the position of Catholicos (a reign that lasted until 1736). Instead of resolving the conflict, Nerses exacerbated tensions with Catholicos Yesai Hasan Jalaliants from Aghvan, who held the position in Gandzasar. By 1707, the situation had escalated to the point where both Catholicos figures were summoned once more to Etchmiadzin. After a thorough examination of the matter, the Catholicos of All Armenians, Alexander I Jughaetsi (who served from 1706 to 1714), excommunicated Nerses and officially declared Yesai as the rightful Catholicos (Leo 1973, 116). However, Catholicos Yesai, recognizing the detrimental impact of their prolonged conflict on the Armenian community, wisely chose to reconcile with Nerses. Following this reconciliation, Nerses' nephew, Israel (who held office from 1728 to 1763), was declared Catholicos within the Yerits Mankanats Monastery. Subsequently, Simeon's nephew, Simeon the Younger Catholicos, also hailing from the village of Khotorashen, assumed the position and reigned until 1819 (Raffi 1964, 229). The presence of older khachkars within the monastery walls provides compelling evidence of the existence of a cemetery, and possibly even a church or chapel, predating the construction of the main church (Karapetyan 1985, 230). One particular khachkar, positioned within the niche of the northern wall of the northeastern sacristy, bears the following inscription: "1571 year, Mezhlum." In the southern niche of the southeastern sacristy of the small church, an inscription reads: "The Holy Cross of Shahum, Melkum. 1620" (CAE 5, 98). It's worth noting that in 1854, the monastery had virtually no possessions and was nearly deserted (Leo 1985, 126). Architectural-compositional examination The Yerits Mankants Monastery complex comprises several components, including a church, and a refectory, secular structures, one of which is safeguarded by a corner round tower, likely serving as part of the monastery (Harutyunyan 1992, 398). Additionally, there is a cemetery (Fig. 3). The entire area is enclosed by walls on the southwest and northwest sides, with remnants of their foundations still in existence. The complex is flanked by the steep valley of the Trghi River on its southwest side. The church assumes a central position within the complex, with the refectory situated approximately 15.0 meters to the northeast of the church. The patriarchate residence is positioned near the southeast corner of the church, nestled in a lower area. This arrangement allows the earthen roof of the patriarchate residence to seamlessly extend the southern courtyard of the church, leading towards the valley." />
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Location

The Surb Grigor or Karmir (Red) Monastery of Berdadzori is situated in the Martakert region, approximately 3 to 3.5 kilometers southwest of Vaghuhas village. It is positioned on the left bank of the Vaghuhas River, specifically in an area known as Laban (Figs. 1, 2).

		<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Karmir-vank.jpg?v=1693079277" width="1721" height="603" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Karmir-vank.jpg?v=1693079277 1721w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Karmir-vank-300x105.jpg?v=1693079277 300w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Karmir-vank-1024x359.jpg?v=1693079277 1024w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Karmir-vank-768x269.jpg?v=1693079277 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Karmir-vank-1536x538.jpg?v=1693079277 1536w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Karmir-vank-370x130.jpg?v=1693079277 370w" sizes="(max-width: 1721px) 100vw, 1721px" title="Karmir vank" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001-4.jpg?v=1692804846" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001-4.jpg?v=1692804846 1000w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001-4-300x225.jpg?v=1692804846 300w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001-4-768x576.jpg?v=1692804846 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/001-4-370x278.jpg?v=1692804846 370w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 1 The Karmir (Red) Monastery from the west, 2021, photo by M. Vanyan.

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/002-4-scaled.jpg?v=1692804896" width="2560" height="1920" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/002-4-scaled.jpg?v=1692804896 2560w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/002-4-300x225.jpg?v=1692804896 300w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/002-4-1024x768.jpg?v=1692804896 1024w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/002-4-768x576.jpg?v=1692804896 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/002-4-1536x1152.jpg?v=1692804896 1536w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/002-4-2048x1536.jpg?v=1692804896 2048w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/002-4-370x278.jpg?v=1692804896 370w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 2 The monastery photographed from the east, 2017, photo by G. Budaghyan.

Historical overview

The construction inscription of the church (Fig. 3), originally positioned on the eastern section of the northern wall, has been relocated near the monastery entrance. As per this inscription, the monastery was constructed in the year 1224. "In the year 1224, I, Sakr, son of Vakhtang and brother of Hasan, erected this church and dedicated my son Grigor to serve within its holy precincts. I also bestowed upon the church the garden that I cultivated in Chak, along with its caretaker, all for the salvation of my soul. Let it be known that any who dares to desecrate this sacred space shall be cursed by God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as well as by the 318 patriarchs, and shall bear the weight of my transgressions. Those who gather here are solemnly bound to devote 30 hours of worship each year on my behalf. Amen"(CAE 5, 116)

Subsequently, the monastery underwent renovations, as confirmed by the extant inscriptions. One of these inscriptions is conserved in the central segment of the church's northern wall: "Under the rule of the devout King Jalal Dol and his son Ivane Atabak, I, Grigoris, the son of Sakri, reconstructed this church in the year 1281. In return, its clergy are bound to perform one liturgy annually on my behalf, Grigoris” (CAE 1982,116)

Architectural-compositional examination

The monastery complex comprises the church, the gavit situated to the west of the church, a chapel, as well as remnants of cells and other structures.

The construction of the complex utilizes whitish and orange limestone, with polished entrances, window niches, tabernacle curbstones, and lithograph-bearing slabs.

The Karmir (Red) Monastery features a plethora of epitaph inscriptions, adorning both the khachkars positioned within and outside the monastery walls, as well as within its courtyard.

The church itself is a rectangular vaulted hall measuring 5.8 meters in length and 3.2 meters in width, complete with a semicircular tabernacle (Fig. 4).

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/003-4.jpg?v=1692804974" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/003-4.jpg?v=1692804974 1000w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/003-4-225x300.jpg?v=1692804974 225w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/003-4-768x1024.jpg?v=1692804974 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/003-4-278x370.jpg?v=1692804974 278w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 3 The construction inscription of the monastery, 2017, photo by G. Budaghyan.

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/004-3.jpg?v=1692805027" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/004-3.jpg?v=1692805027 1000w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/004-3-225x300.jpg?v=1692805027 225w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/004-3-768x1024.jpg?v=1692805027 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/004-3-278x370.jpg?v=1692805027 278w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 4 The interior of the church, 2021, photo by M. Vanyan.

The interior is illuminated by a solitary small window opening located within the alcove. The church boasts two entrances—one from the west, accessible through the gavit, and the other from the south.

An inscription can be found on the tabernacle of the western entrance of the church (Fig. 5): "In the name of God, I, the priest of this church, have willingly entered into this Sacred Covenant, committing to perform an uninterrupted liturgy each year" (CAE 5, 116)

Numerous inscriptions are still extant on the northern wall of the church: "The sincere priests, Hovhannes and Nerses, bestowed numerous offerings upon this church, and we, the servants of the monastery, devoutly offer three liturgies each year. May God bestow His blessings upon those who fulfill this"(CAE 5, 117),

The gavit, characterized by its rectangular layout, is annexed to the western portion of the church. Within the southern and northern walls of the gavit, niches have been incorporated, facilitating access to the sacristies positioned within these walls. "I, Pulul, have dedicated the land of Gog that belongs to me to this sacred covenant. The servants of this covenant offer two annual liturgies; anyone who neglects this duty shall bear the responsibility before God for my transgressions"(CAE 5, 117, Fig. 6).

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/005-3.jpg?v=1692805260" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/005-3.jpg?v=1692805260 1000w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/005-3-300x225.jpg?v=1692805260 300w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/005-3-768x576.jpg?v=1692805260 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/005-3-370x278.jpg?v=1692805260 370w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 5 The entrance to the church from the gavit, 2021, photo by M. Vanyan.

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/006-3.jpg?v=1692805307" width="1000" height="750" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/006-3.jpg?v=1692805307 1000w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/006-3-300x225.jpg?v=1692805307 300w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/006-3-768x576.jpg?v=1692805307 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/006-3-370x278.jpg?v=1692805307 370w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 6 Inscriptions on the northern wall of the church, 2021, photo. M. Vanyan.

Positioned on the western aspect of the southern alcove within the gavit, lies the tombstone of Sakri, the individual responsible for the construction of the monastery. "This is the final resting place of the devout benefactor Sakr. May Christ grant him the eternal kingdom of heaven." (CAE 5,120, Fig․ 7)

On a simple khachkar set into the eastern side of the niche along the northern wall of the gavit, the following inscription is engraved: "In the year 1196, I, Khotsadegh, raised this cross. Remember Grigor in your prayers to Christ. Sargis." (CAE 5, 119, Fig․ 8)

To the south of the church, there is a vaulted chapel measuring 4.96 meters in length, 2.90 meters in height, and 4.5 meters in width. The entrance to the chapel is located on the western side (Fig. 9).

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/007-3.jpg?v=1692805404" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/007-3.jpg?v=1692805404 1000w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/007-3-225x300.jpg?v=1692805404 225w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/007-3-768x1024.jpg?v=1692805404 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/007-3-278x370.jpg?v=1692805404 278w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 7 The tombstone of Sakri, the builder of the church, 2021, photo by M. Vanyan.

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/008-3-scaled.jpg?v=1692805456" width="1920" height="2560" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/008-3-scaled.jpg?v=1692805456 1920w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/008-3-225x300.jpg?v=1692805456 225w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/008-3-768x1024.jpg?v=1692805456 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/008-3-1152x1536.jpg?v=1692805456 1152w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/008-3-1536x2048.jpg?v=1692805456 1536w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/008-3-278x370.jpg?v=1692805456 278w" sizes="(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 8 The inscription on the wall of the northern niche of the Khachkar Gavit, 2017, photo by G. Budaghyan.

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/009-3-scaled.jpg?v=1692805529" width="2560" height="1920" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/009-3-scaled.jpg?v=1692805529 2560w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/009-3-300x225.jpg?v=1692805529 300w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/009-3-1024x768.jpg?v=1692805529 1024w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/009-3-768x576.jpg?v=1692805529 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/009-3-1536x1152.jpg?v=1692805529 1536w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/009-3-2048x1536.jpg?v=1692805529 2048w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/009-3-370x278.jpg?v=1692805529 370w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 9 A view of the chapel from the west, 2021, photo by M. Vanyan.

Within the church premises, you can find both inscribed and non-inscribed khachkars and tombstones. One particular khachkar in the monastery's courtyard was formerly positioned as a side stone on the window of the gavit's western wall. This khachkar is considered the oldest dated one within the monastery. The inscription on it states: "In the year 1074, when Hassan's son Jajur was transferred to Christ, I, Vasakik, erected this cross. Remember Christ in your prayers” (Petrosyan, 2008, p. 114) refers to a specific source, with additional context found in (CAE, vol. 5, p. 119). In the latter source, the inscription is unfortunately incomplete. Notably, S. Barkhudaryan also misinterpreted the date by reading the Armenian letter ":Ch:" as "700" instead of the correct ":Sh:" which signifies "500" (Fig. 10).

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/010-3.jpg?v=1692805579" width="1000" height="1333" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/010-3.jpg?v=1692805579 1000w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/010-3-225x300.jpg?v=1692805579 225w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/010-3-768x1024.jpg?v=1692805579 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/010-3-278x370.jpg?v=1692805579 278w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 10 A Khachkar bearing the 1074 inscription, 2017, photo by M. Vanyan.

The condition before, during, and after the war

The monastery remained unharmed during the military operations in 2020.

Bibliography

Barkhutareants M., Artsakh, Baku, 1895.

CAE 5 - Corpus of Armenian Lithography, Issue 5, Artsakh/compiled by S. Barkhudaryan, Yerevan, 1982.

Mkrtchyan Sh., Historical and Architectural Monuments of Nagorno-Karabakh, Yerevan, 1980.

Petrosyan 2008 - Petrosyan H., Khachkar, origin, function, iconography, semantics, Yerevan, Printinfo.

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Location

The monument is situated in the city of Hadrut in the Republic of Artsakh (Fig. 1). Following the 44-day Artsakh war, it was occupied by the armed forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

		<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Hadrut.jpg?v=1694977208" width="1355" height="575" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Hadrut.jpg?v=1694977208 1355w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Hadrut-300x127.jpg?v=1694977208 300w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Hadrut-1024x435.jpg?v=1694977208 1024w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Hadrut-768x326.jpg?v=1694977208 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Hadrut-370x157.jpg?v=1694977208 370w" sizes="(max-width: 1355px) 100vw, 1355px" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

			<img src="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Հայրենական-մեծ-պատերազմում-զոհված-հադրութցիների-հիշատակին-նվիրված-հուշարձան.jpg?v=1694518142" width="2048" height="1365" srcset="https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Հայրենական-մեծ-պատերազմում-զոհված-հադրութցիների-հիշատակին-նվիրված-հուշարձան.jpg?v=1694518142 2048w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Հայրենական-մեծ-պատերազմում-զոհված-հադրութցիների-հիշատակին-նվիրված-հուշարձան-300x200.jpg?v=1694518142 300w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Հայրենական-մեծ-պատերազմում-զոհված-հադրութցիների-հիշատակին-նվիրված-հուշարձան-1024x683.jpg?v=1694518142 1024w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Հայրենական-մեծ-պատերազմում-զոհված-հադրութցիների-հիշատակին-նվիրված-հուշարձան-768x512.jpg?v=1694518142 768w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Հայրենական-մեծ-պատերազմում-զոհված-հադրութցիների-հիշատակին-նվիրված-հուշարձան-1536x1024.jpg?v=1694518142 1536w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Հայրենական-մեծ-պատերազմում-զոհված-հադրութցիների-հիշատակին-նվիրված-հուշարձան-370x247.jpg?v=1694518142 370w, https://monumentwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Հայրենական-մեծ-պատերազմում-զոհված-հադրութցիների-հիշատակին-նվիրված-հուշարձան-272x182.jpg?v=1694518142 272w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" title="" alt="" loading="lazy" 		class="so-widget-image"/>

Fig. 1 The Monument Commemorating Hadrut Residents Who Perished in the Great Patriotic War, photo by S. Danielyan.

Historical overview

The monument commemorating the Hadrut residents who perished in the Great Patriotic War was constructed in 1975. An amount of 14,000 rubles was allocated for the construction of the monument. These funds were gathered from Hadrut residents residing in Artsakh, Armenia, and various republics of the USSR. Arshak Melkumov (Melkumyan), the former head of Hadrut's intelligence, played a pivotal role in gathering financial resources and overseeing organizational matters. The central element of the monument is a representation of a grieving woman, modeled after a real individual, Satenik Stepanyan from Hadrut. Tragically, she lost two sons in the war, and her four children, comprising three boys and one girl, are classified as missing. The monument was officially unveiled on May 9, 1975, during a ceremony presided over by Satenik Stepanyan and Ashot Gasparov, a Hero of the USSR.

Architectural-compositional examination

The monument consists of a rectangular memorial wall, constructed from red tuff. In the upper right corner of its front section, there are busts representing soldiers from three branches of the military: infantry, aviation, and armored forces. In front of this wall, there is a depiction of a grieving woman dressed in black, kneeling. On the opposite side of the wall, the names of 200 fallen soldiers from Hadrut are engraved. The statue of the woman is crafted from copper.

The condition before, during, and after the war

During the military operations in 2020, the monument remained intact, and there is no available information regarding its current condition.

Location The monument is situated in the city of Hadrut in the Republic of Artsakh (Fig. 1). Following the 44-day Artsakh war, it was occupied by the armed forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Historical overview The monument commemorating the Hadrut residents who perished in the Great Patriotic War was constructed in 1975. An amount of 14,000 rubles was allocated for the construction of the monument. These funds were gathered from Hadrut residents residing in Artsakh, Armenia, and various republics of the USSR. Arshak Melkumov (Melkumyan), the former head of Hadrut’s intelligence, played a pivotal role in gathering financial resources and overseeing organizational matters. The central element of the monument is a representation of a grieving woman, modeled after a real individual, Satenik Stepanyan from Hadrut. Tragically, she lost two sons in the war, and her four children, comprising three boys and one girl, are classified as missing. The monument was officially unveiled on May 9, 1975, during a ceremony presided over by Satenik Stepanyan and Ashot Gasparov, a Hero of the USSR. Architectural-compositional examination The monument consists of a rectangular memorial wall, constructed from red tuff. In the upper right corner of its front section, there are busts representing soldiers from three branches of the military: infantry, aviation, and armored forces. In front of this wall, there is a depiction of a grieving woman dressed in black, kneeling. On the opposite side of the wall, the names of 200 fallen soldiers from Hadrut are engraved. The statue of the woman is crafted from copper. The condition before, during, and after the war During the military operations in 2020, the monument remained intact, and there is no available information regarding its current condition.

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