The “Voske Khach” Shrine of Gish

The “Voske Khach” Shrine of Gish

Location

The monument is situated on the southwestern outskirts of the village of Gish in the Martuni region of the Republic of Artsakh. Azerbaijan has occupied it since 2023.

Historical overview

There is limited written information about the monument "Voske Khach" (Armenian: "Golden Cross"). M. Barkhudaryants provides the following description:

"That is the name of the ancient shrine, located near the village spring on the right bank of the river. The shrine has a square shape and is built of stone. The dome of the building no longer exists, and an old maple tree grows within the shrine. A stone cross still stands, where candles are lit. On the tympanum above the entrance, the following is inscribed: 'The year 1300, bless the memory of Sayam and/or Bagdasar Arutyunyan Bagreants.' On the old temple grounds near the shrine, the following is inscribed on a tombstone: 'This is the tombstone of the son of Beknazar, the elder of the village of Agabek (1723).'" (Barkhutareants 1895, 12).

Additionally, the fifth volume of the Corpus of Armenian Epigraphy notes:

"On the outskirts of the village, on the right bank of the ravine, there is a chapel known as 'Voskyants Hach,' built in the 10th century. However, the adjacent cemetery is even older" (CAE,  5, 159).

Architectural-compositional examination

The traces of the “Voske Khach” cult structure are no longer visible (Fig. 1). According to M. Barkhutaryants’ accounts, the chapel was constructed near the second spring, situated directly beneath the trees associated with the “Voske Khach” or in its immediate vicinity (Fig. 2), where some gravestones remain (Fig. 3).

Fig. 1 The general view of the "Voske Khach" shrine-spring, photo by L. Hovhannisyan.

Fig. 2 The second spring of "Voske Khach," photo by L. Hovhannisyan.

Fig. 3 The tombstones preserved around the former chapel of "Voske Khach," photo by L. Hovhannisyan.

One of the springs of the shrine was constructed at the end of the 19th century through the initiative of wealthy Poghos Kagramanyan, a native of the village of Gish (Fig. 4). A plaque was embedded in the spring’s wall depicting a craftsman holding a masonry trowel and a shovel, accompanied by the following inscription: “Blessed be the memory of Poghos Kagramanyants” (Fig. 5).

A legend associated with the shrine’s name has been preserved, according to which one of the residents of the old village located on the "Shrmana Kerts”  cliff-a man named Aghabek-would bring jars of wine and generously offer them both to strangers and members of the community. One of the village’s experienced hunters, Vorsapet (master of the hunt) Voskan, later continued this fine tradition. Each time Voskan returned from hunting, he would bring his game to what is now known as the “Golden Cross” site, roast it, and share it along with wine with travelers passing through. Grateful for his life, Voskan would make the sign of the cross over his face daily at this location, praying to God for success, health, and happiness. The people from neighboring villages also knew of Voskan’s kindness and praised him for it. After his death, the villagers began to refer to this place as “the spot where Voskan crossed himself.” Over time, the name underwent slight changes and became known as “Voske Khach.” (ASU Armenological Center).

Candles were lit in the hollows of two “Golden Cross” trees (Fig. 6). Roosters or sheep were brought from Gishi and surrounding settlements to be offered as sacrifices at the sacred trees.

The nearby cemetery also bears the name “Voske Khach.” One preserved gravestone, erected in 1908 (height: 3 meters; width: 1.34 meters), is notable for the historical details provided by its Russian inscription: “Der Khachatur Ter-Grigoryants, great-grandfather of academician Samvel Samvelovich” (Figs. 7, 8). This gravestone is unique in its construction and design within the cemetery. It features a vertical structure topped with a stone cross and is made of white, durable limestone (Certificate of Monuments of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Artsakh).

Fig. 6 The tree of "Voske Khach," in whose hollows candles are lit, photo by L. Hovhannisyan.

Fig. 7 The 1908 gravestone at the "Voske Khach" cemetery, photo by L. Hovhannisyan.

Fig. 8 The inscription on the 1908 gravestone, photo by L. Hovhannisyan.

The condition before, during, and after the war

The monument was well-preserved before the war, but its current condition remains unknown.

Bibliography

  1. Barkhutareants 1895 - Barkhutareants M. Artsakh, Baku.
  2. CAE 5 - The Corpus of Armenian Epigraphy, Vol. 5, Artsakh.
  3. Certificate of Monuments of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Artsakh- Certificate of Department of Monuments Protection and Study of Tourism Department.
  4. ASU Armenological Center - Artsakh State University Armenological Center.
The “Voske Khach” Shrine of Gish
The "Voske Khach" Shrine of Gish
The "Voske Khach" Shrine of Gish
Artsakh