The Surb Gevorg Church of Nerkin Horatagh

The Surb Gevorg Church of Nerkin Horatagh

Location

Surb Gevorg Church is situated in the village of Nerkin Horatagh, Martakert District, Republic of Artsakh, within the compound of a unit of the Artsakh Defense Army (Figs. 1, 2). Azerbaijani forces presently occupy the site.

Fig. 1 The location of the church, photo by K. Hovhannisyan.

Fig. 2 The general view of the church, photo by K. Hovhannisyan.

Historical Overview

The Surb Gevorg Church was constructed in 2012. The architect of the project was Manushak Titanyan. Both local villagers and soldiers from the adjacent army unit participated in the building process (https://news.am/arm/news/94233.html). The initiative for construction was led by Norayr Aslanyan, a commander of the Artsakh Defense Army (https://times.am/6039/).

Architectural-compositional examination

The church has a rectangular hall plan, terminating in an eastern apse and covered by a pitched (gable) roof. It is built of white Artsakh limestone. The walls are constructed of roughly dressed small‐ and medium‐sized stones, while the cornerstones, entrance surround, and window frames are crafted from finely dressed ashlar (Figs. 3, 4). The main entrance is adorned with decorative relief carving. The roof is shingled and crowned by a small bell turret.

Fig. 3 The main façade of the church, photo by K. Hovhannisyan.

Fig. 4 The east façade of the church, photo by M. Titanyan.

The Condition Before and After the War

The church did not suffer any damage during the Artsakh Wars. It remains standing and intact.

Bibliography

  1. "Surb Gevorg Church Consecrated in Nerkin Horatagh Village, Artsakh," https://times.am/6039/
  2. "Since Independence, 12 Churches Have Been Built in Artsakh," https://hetq.am/hy/article/64015
The Surb Gevorg Church of Nerkin Horatagh
The Surb Gevorg Church of Nerkin Horatagh
The Surb Gevorg Church of Nerkin Horatagh
Artsakh