Tatev Monastery Complex

Name: Tatev monastery complex
Monument type: Church-Monastic Complex
Region: Syunik Province
Periods: Medieval

Name: Tatev monastery complex

Other nomination: Tatev monastery

Monument type: Monastery complex

Region: Syunik

Community: Tatev

Residence: Tatev village

Location: The monastery complex is located 25 km south-west of Goris city, in the southern part of Tatev village. The monastic complex is spread over a naturally well protected promontory surrounded by gorges on the eastern and south-western sides.

Preservation: The monuments in the monastic complex significantly damaged by the earthquake in 1931, were thoroughly restored in the 1980s and 1990s. The olive grove, the northern entrance, the spring, St. Astvatsatsin gate church were renovated within the framework of the Tatev Revival project in 2010.

Coordinates: 390 22′ 45.66” N 46o15’01.09” E

Altitude: 1493 m

Era and chronology: The preserved structures of the monastery date back to the High and Late Middle Ages, IX-XVII centuries.

Tatev Monastery Complex:
A Monument to Centuries of Wisdom and Devotion

As you embark on a journey to explore the Tatev Monastery Complex, you are transported into the depths of Armenia’s storied past. Nestled amidst the rugged grandeur of the Syunik region, Tatev’s towering walls and intricate architecture stand as a testament to its rich historical significance.

But Tatev is not merely a relic of bygone eras; it is a living testament to Armenia’s enduring cultural and educational legacy, an ancient hub of wisdom and creativity that continues to inspire and captivate all who have the privilege of walking within its hallowed precincts.

As you explore the Tatev Monastery Complex, located in the picturesque Syunik region of Armenia, you embark on a journey through the annals of time, delving into the echoes of history and uncovering a legacy of unwavering faith, profound learning, and architectural splendors that have stood the test of centuries.

Perched majestically at an altitude of 1,493 meters within the heart of Tatev village in Armenia’s Syunik region, the monastery complex stands on a naturally well-protected promontory. Bordered by rugged gorges on its eastern and southwestern flanks, this lofty location has sheltered the spiritual and cultural treasures held within the complex for generations.

This breathtaking monument serves as a living testament to the passage of time and human endeavor. The surviving structures, which date from the High and Late Middle Ages (9th to 17th centuries), offer a kaleidoscope of architectural styles and artistic sensibilities, reflecting the diverse eras and artistic influences that have shaped the complex.

Tatev Monastery has long held its place as one of Armenia’s most renowned monastic centers. Though the legend attributes its foundation to the 5th century, many of the complex’s extant structures trace their origins back to the 9th century. At its zenith in the 10th century, the monastery became home to around a thousand monks and featured a multitude of workshops, churches, and other significant buildings.

Yet, like many great historical sites, Tatev Monastery faced challenges throughout its existence. It endured invasions, most notably by the Seljuks, resulting in the destruction of many treasured structures. The earthquake of 1931 also took a heavy toll. However, the indomitable spirit of Tatev endured, and extensive restoration efforts have breathed new life into this venerable place of worship and learning.

The 13th century ushered in a new phase of architectural development for the complex, marked by reconstruction and the construction of new buildings. The 14th century witnessed the establishment of a renowned university within Tatev’s walls, complete with multiple departments and a thriving community of scholars and students. It was during this era that Tatev gained renown for its miniature school, producing intricate and delicate works of art.
Another significant wave of construction occurred in the 17th century, resulting in the creation of various buildings, including the iconic St. Paul-Peter church. This church, as the central spiritual edifice of the complex, showcases architectural elegance, intricate carvings, and ancient frescoes that reflect the complex’s rich history and religious significance.

Of particular note is the Tatev University, which came to life in the 14th century. This venerable institution emerged as one of the foremost scientific, educational, and cultural centers of its time. The university’s manuscript library, said to house over 10,000 manuscripts, was an intellectual treasure trove. Notable scholars, philosophers, musicians, writers, and artists were drawn to the institution, and their works continue to enrich Armenian cultural heritage to this day.

The preservation of this remarkable site has not been without its challenges. In 1931, a devastating earthquake dealt a severe blow to the monuments within the complex, causing extensive damage. However, concerted efforts during the 1980s and 1990s ensured the meticulous restoration of the sacred grounds. More recently, the Tatev Revival project in 2010 undertook essential renovation works, including the restoration of the olive grove, the northern entrance, the spring, and the St. Astvatsatsin gate church, ensuring that this jewel of Armenian heritage continues to shine.

Tales about Tatev’s name are as diverse as they are enchanting. One legend attributes the name to the Armenian expression “ta tever,” symbolizing the giving of wings through faith. Another narrative speaks of Eustatheos, a disciple of the apostle Thaddeus, who preached Christianity in Armenia and was martyred for his faith. A church built over his grave in the 4th century, consecrated by Saint Gregory the Illuminator, is said to have inspired the name Tatev.

FACTS

❈ The Tatev Monastery Complex in Armenia’s Syunik region is a historical treasure showcasing unwavering faith and architectural marvels.
❈ Located at an altitude of 1,493 meters, it stands on a well-protected promontory surrounded by rugged gorges.
❈ The complex, dating from the 9th to 17th centuries, displays diverse architectural styles and influences.
❈ Originally founded in the 5th century, it reached its zenith in the 10th century, housing around a thousand monks and numerous workshops.
❈ Despite challenges, including invasions and a 1931 earthquake, Tatev endured and underwent extensive restoration.
❈ Tatev was home to a renowned university and manuscript library, attracting scholars, artists, and writers, enriching Armenian culture.
❈ The complex’s preservation efforts, including the Tatev Revival project, ensure its continued significance.
❈ The origin of Tatev’s name is attributed to legends symbolizing faith and the martyrdom of a disciple of the apostle Thaddeus.

Research history

Topographers and researchers of the architectural history referred to the monastery complex. Archaeological studies were carried out in the complex in 1969 by the expedition of the special scientific-production studio for the restoration of cultural monuments (led by A. Kalantaryan). Due to the monument restoration works, excavations were carried out in the territory of Van by the expedition of the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (led by H. Melkonyan) in 2014-2015.

Archaeological description

Location
Tatev Monastery represents a large and walled monument group of religious and secular buildings with secular buildings built around it, and the main monument of the monastery – St. Paul-Peter Church in the center. There are living rooms, baths, production structures built adjacent to the walls of the monastery complex. Outside the enclosure are quite well-preserved working olive groves.

Architecture
It is one of the famous monastic complexes of Armenia. According to the legend, the monastery was founded in the V century, but the earliest of its current structures dates back to the IX century. Tatev Monastery was the most important of the forty-eight monasteries of Syunik Kingdom; in the XII century it was the Syunyats episcopal center. In the X century about a thousand monks already lived in the monastery complex, and many workshops operated on the monastery’s extensive estates, and many buildings of various significance were built. However, most of the above mentioned monastery structures were destroyed during the Seljuk invasions. Not long after, the monastery was restored but was again completely destroyed caused by the 1931 earthquake.

In the XIII century a new phase of architectural complex formation began; old ones were reconstructed and new buildings were built. In the XIV century the famous university started to operate in Tatev with several departments and a large number of students. At that time Tatev was also known for its famous miniature school.

The next extensive construction phase of the monastery was the XVII century, when adjacent buildings were built, standing until the 1931 strong earthquake, causing Paul-Peter church and the belfry to be severely damaged. The Tatev University was founded and operated here with the support of the Orbelyan princes; theology, philosophy, mathematics, grammar, art of writing, miniature painting, and music were taught here. St. Gregory the Illuminator Church was built by Prince Philip in 848, on the southern side of the existing old church. The church was destroyed during the Seljuk conquests, then it was rebuilt, but destroyed again by the 1138 earthquake. St. Gregory the Illuminator Church and the vestibule were built with Stepanos Orbelyan’s efforts in 1295. St. Paul-Peter church is the main spiritual structure of the monastery. It was built in 895-906 next to St. Gregory the Illuminator Church. The church is rectangular on the outside (16.4×27.2m), with vaults on the eastern and western sides. The original dome of the temple was destroyed in 1138 during the earthquake and was rebuilt in 1274. The main entrance to the temple is from the western side. Another entrance was from the southern side with a chapel later built in front of it. The windows are quite large, particularly the human sculptures of the window arches stand out with coiled snakes on both sides, and heads pointing towards the human figure. The snake images found in other monuments as well (Odzun, Mren), indicates the meaning of a protective being. Theologian, philosopher, prominent church figure of the Middle Ages, canonized Grigor Tatevatsi’s tomb is on the southern side of the church. The new belfry was attached to the western side of the church at the end of the XIX century instead of the destroyed old one. The inner walls of the temple were covered with frescoes in 930 by the initiative of Bishop Hakob Dvinetsi; only separate parts of the apse, northern and western wall frescoes have reached us. The composition “The Last Judgment” was depicted on the Upper Tabernacle.

St. Astvatsatsin (or gate) church is located on the small vaulted rooms (presumably tomb, S. Mnatsakanyan) in the north-eastern corner of the monastery walls. The church built in 1087 is rectangular on the outside, without vaults, with an entrance on the western side. The staff or swinging pillar is located on the southern side of the monastery courtyard. It was erected after the main church construction by the monastery leader, bishop Hovhannes, and was named the Holy Trinity. The staff pillar stands in an octagonal pit surrounded by curbstones. The three-level construction has a total height of about 6.0m. The polyhedral first and second steps rising on a one-piece stone plinth end with cornices, and the third with a khachkar piled on the plinth. The swinging of the pillar actually occurs as a result of giving some tilt to the lower plane of the internal slab.

🔨 Findings

Two large bells were found while cleaning the rubble of the belfry in 1969, which were hanging in the belfry before the earthquake. Bells are inscripted. Many findings of pottery, glass, and metal were found during the 2014-15excavations.

Significance

The university built in the XIV century in Tatev Monastery, was one of the important scientific, educational and cultural centers. The university had a rich manuscript-library where there were more than 10 thousand manuscripts preserved. Besides the students famous philosophers, musicians, writers and artists of the time lived and worked at the university.

📜 Traditional legends

According to the legend, the name Tatev originates from the Armenian expression “ta tever” (give wings). After finishing the construction of the monastery, the master stands on the edge of the gorge and says “Give the Holy Spirit wings” and jumps down. The Holy Spirit gives wings to the great master. According to another legend, the monastery was named after Eustatheos, disciple of the apostle Thaddeus. He preached Christianity in Armenia and died in agony for that; a church was built on his grave in the IV century consecrated by Saint Gregory the Illuminator.

Sources

Orbelyan Stepanos1910, History of Sisakan province, Tiflis, N. Aghaniantsi printing house, 619 pages.
Divan of the Armenian lithography 1960, Prak 2, Goris, Sisian and Ghapan regions, compiled by S. Barkhudaryan, Yerevan, USSR Academy of Sciences ed., 143 pages.
Mnatsakanyan S., 1960, Syunik School of Armenian Architecture, Yerevan, USSR Academy of Sciences ed., 267 pages.
Kalantaryan A. 1974, The bells of Tatev monastery and their inscriptions, Armenological researches, lab A, Yerevan, pp. 115-119.
Durnovo L. 1979, Essays on the Fine Arts of Medieval Armenia, Moscow, Art, 331p.
Melkonyan H.,Harutyunyan A. , Davtyan D. 2017, Excavations at Tatev monastery in 2014-2015, Aramazd, Armenian Journal of Near Eastern Studies, Oxford, vol. 11, N1-2, pp. 305-320.

List of monuments

Syunik 8.97.8

📷 Gallery

1. The plan of the monastery complex (Mnatsakanyan 1960).
2. Tatev Monastery before the 1931earthquake (Mnatsakanyan 1960).
3. Tatev Monastery after the 1931earthquake (Mnatsakanyan 1960).
4. Measurements of St. Paul-Peter Church damaged by the earthquake. (Mnatsakanyan 1960).
5. General appearance of the monastery complex (photo by A. Harutyunyan).