Church

The Ine Mas Anapat (Desert of the Nine Relics)

Location The Ine Mas Anapat is situated on the namesake plateau, stretching between the villages of Kusapat and Mokhratagh in the Martakert region of the Republic of Artsakh. Positioned 500 meters east of the Old Mokhratagh village, the monument group rests atop a hill surrounded by mountains, dense forests, and streams meandering through the landscape. This natural setting has served as a protective barrier for the monastery. The current church, known as Ine Masants or Anapat (Fig. 1), is situated on the southern edge of the village, close to the mouth of the valley, where remnants of other religious structures are also discernible (CAE 5, 93). The complex is currently under Azerbaijani occupation. Historical overview The old village of Mokhratagh was historically significant, once serving as a large settlement and a residence for Meliks, with a population of up to 700 houses. Only limited historical information about the village and the surrounding area has been preserved. Makar Barkhudaryants provides some details, mentioning the location of the residence, the church that remains there, the estate of the Melik Israelyans, and the cemetery associated with the princely house. The author also notes that at the time of his visit, the village was already abandoned, and the inhabitants had relocated to Nor (New) Mokhratagh (Barkhutareants 1895, 216, 217). Jalalyants mentions two churches (Inne masants, Astvatsatsin) and a mansion belonging to Melik Adam in Old Ashram (referred to as the Small Village) (Jalalyants 1842, 180). According to them, the Ine Mas Anapat was a favorite place of pilgrimage for the locals and residents of the surrounding villages. There is no information about the origin of the name of the complex; it is only assumed that it got its name due to the nine relics kept there. Architectural-compositional examination The Ine Mas Anapat was a complex of buildings of various types and natures. Currently, the primary church, gavit walls, tombstones, over two dozen inscriptions, and other monumental structures remain intact. It is believed that there was a church on the site as early as the 12th century, which is supported by the presence of khachkars from the 12th and 13th centuries embedded in the walls of the main church. The current church was constructed in the late 19th century. Three inscriptions within the building provide information about its construction. The first inscription is located on the northern wall and reads, “The Holy Temple of Ine Masants was built in 1881 with the donations of the people under the Vardapet Hovsep Pinachyants” (Barkhutareants 1895, 217). The second inscription is on the left side of the main tabernacle, on the southern edge of the pilaster. It reads, “The Ine Masants was built as a gift from Sharkhanum in the name of the soul of Harutyun-bek Atabekyan, the village of Kusapat, 1884” (Barkhutareants 1895, 217). Lastly, there is an inscription on the lintel above the entrance (Kerobyan 1984, 238) (Fig. 2). The current church has a rectangular layout, measuring 8.0 by 13.0 meters externally (Fig. 3). It was built with roughly polished and rough stones, predominately limestone, but also sandstone and river stones were used. The corners, niches, and arches of the church walls, along with the frames of the openings were constructed using cut limestone. This type of construction is also found in the architectural complexes of Syunik, adjacent to Artsakh. The buildings were primarily constructed using rough-polished stones, while regularly shaped polished stones were reserved for corners, arches, domes of the conch, drums, and other structurally critical areas (Hasratyan 1973, 151). The only entrance is situated at the southern corner of the western wall of the church, deviating from the longitudinal axis. Next to the entrance on this side, there is also a window.

The Surb Astvatsatsin Church of Zardanashen

Location The Surb Astvatsatsin Church is situated in the heart of Zardanashen village, Martuni region, Republic of Artsakh (Fig. 1). Historical overview Zardanashen village, also known as Verin (Upper) Taghavard, (Balayan 2020, 424) is described by Makar Barkhudaryants. He notes that “…the church was newly built at the expense of the people, stone-built and not yet consecrated, the length is 18 meters 35 centimeters, the width is 9 meters 65 centimeters, the priest is one…” However, Barkhudaryants does not specify the date of construction of the church. The elders of Zardanashen village claimed that the village church was constructed by the same builders who built the Surb Astvatsatsin Church of Nerkin (Inner) Taghavard. Architectural-compositional examination The Surb Astvatsatsin Church is constructed using local white limestone, with small and medium-sized stones held together with lime mortar. The cornerstones, main entrance, and windows are made of polished stone. The primary entrance, located on the south side, is arched and formed by a double arch (Fig. 2). Additionally, there is a small entrance on the west side of the church. Carved onto the lintel are three crosses, with a space in the center possibly intended for a construction inscription, although none is present. Each of the south and north facades features three windows (Fig. 3). Inside, the church consists of a single-nave, vaulted structure with sacristies (Fig. 4).

The Surb Astvatsatsin Church of Inner Horatagh village

Location The Surb Astvatsatsin Church is situated in the central area of Inner Horatagh village, in the Martakert region of the Republic of Artsakh (Fig. 1). Historical overview Inner Horatagh is a relatively recent settlement, emerging in the early 19th century. The construction of the church occurred towards the latter part of the 19th century, operating until the onset of the Soviet era. In his work “Artsakh,” Makar Barkhudaryants provides concise details about the village, stating:  “Horatagh, nestled among the orchards of Kusapat, stands as a distinct village closely intertwined with the households there”(Barkhutareants 1895, 155). The village priest likely commuted from the nearby Kusapat to serve in the village church. Architectural-compositional examination Constructed with local yellowish limestone and lime mortar, the three-nave vaulted hall has a rectangular plan of 16.2 x 7.5 meters and 9.6 meters high. The entire interior is lined with polished, semi-finished stones. The vault is supported by eight columns against the walls, as well as four independent columns with arches rising from them (Figs. 2, 3). Its roof is two-pitched and tapers to the north and south on the outside. The two sacristies are parallel to the tabernacle, which faces east. It features a high stage and a semi-circular tabernacle. There is a single storage niche on the tabernacle’s north and south walls.

New information about the Karmir (red) Church of Tsovategh village

Location The Karmir Church complex, also known as Melik Pashayan’s mausoleum, is situated on the eastern side of Tsovategh village in the Martuni region of the Republic of Artsakh. It is positioned within the area of the old cemetery, atop a hill (Fig. 1). Following September 19, 2023, the village fell under Azerbaijani occupation. Our website has already showcased this interesting monument (https://monumentwatch.org/en/monument/the-karmir-red-church-mausoleum-of-melik-pashayans/). The current investigation, considering the excavation works conducted at the monument, reveals new circumstances. Historical overview Information about the monument has been documented in the works of Sargis Jalalyants, Makar Barkhudaryants, and Yervand Lalayan (Jalalyants, 1858, pp. 333-334; Barkhudaryants, 1895, pp. 106-107; Lalayan, 1897, 49-50). According to Jalalyants, “On the eastern side of the village of Tsovategh, atop a small hill, lies a cluster of graves, within which stands a four-chambered, vaulted church. Three chambers are subterranean, while one protrudes halfway above the ground surface…thus, these chambers contain the tombs of numerous meliks, including those of Melik Pasha and Bishop Sahak” (Jalaleants 1858, 333). According to Makar Bishop Barkhudaryants, “the mausoleum of Melik Pashayants, situated not far from the eastern side of the village on a hill, bears this name. Surrounding the mausoleum are densely clustered graves, some adorned with crosses on tombstones dating back to ancient times. The mausoleum itself is subterranean and comprises four chapels: the first being large, the second medium-sized, and the third serving as a church, and the fourth a small chapel. These chapels are interconnected by cross doors, facilitating passage between them. The first large chapel has suffered damage from a vertical crack, with only remnants of its southern wall and door visible, as all chapels are located underground” (Barkhutareants 1895, 107). Therefore, while Sargis Jalalyants mentions a four-apse church, with only one apse partially above ground and the remaining three below, Makar Barkhudaryants describes the Tomb as underground, comprising four chapels. The first is large, followed by two medium-sized chapels, and the fourth, is a small chapel. Additionally, the first chapel serves as a church in Barkhudaryants’ account. The inscription detailing the construction of the church was not found on-site. However, both Sargis Jalalyants and Makar Barkhudaryants reported seeing it previously. Sargis Jalalyants records: “At the church door, in the year (955), I, Bishop Petros, built this church [and] this monastery as a memorial, [designating] it to be the tomb and burial site of our forefathers “(Jalaleants 1858, 333). In essence, according to Sargis Jalalyants, the church was constructed in 1506 by Bishop Petros. However, Makar Barkhudaryants provides a different account, stating that the church was built in 1621 by Bishop Davit. “In 1621, Bishop David. It is a memorial to my church and monastery, designating it as the tomb and burial site of our ancestors” (Barkhudaryants 1895, 108). Yervand Lalayan echoes Barkhudaryants’s account precisely (Lalayan 1897, 149). Therefore, Makar Barkhudaryants and Yervand Lalayan both indicate 1621 as the year of the church’s construction. It’s worth noting that the inscriptions on the khachkars situated on the north and south sides of the church’s tabernacle bear the dates 1576 and 1586 (Figs. 2, 3).

The Surb Astvatsatsin Church of Ashan

Location The Surb Astvatsatsin Church is situated in the village of Ashan, within the Martuni region, specifically in the Old Ashan village (Fig. 1). Since September 2023, the village has been under the occupation of Azerbaijan. Historical overview Ashan village is situated approximately 25 km northwest of Martuni city. According to M. Barkhudaryants, approximately half of the village’s population consists of natives, while the other half comprises migrants from Jraberd (Barkhutareants, 1895, 121). The Surb Astvatsatsin Church, based on its dimensional layout and the elaborate sculptures adorning the porch facing south (Fig. 2), bears resemblance to the porches of temples such as Herher, Tsakurii Tsakhkavank, and Yerit Mankants. This architectural style suggests that the church likely dates back to the 17th century. The entrance lintel features four relief crosses. Above the bar, there are decorative slabs with crosses and six-pointed stars inlaid in six-pointed circles. Later, the inscription “paving the church” was inscribed in the left corner of the tabernacle (Fig. 3). “The stone floor of this church in memory of Nancy ter Avak, 1896” (the inscription is published for the first time). The mention of the church’s paving in this inscription has led to confusion among some researchers, who previously thought it to be a 19th-century structure.

The Surb Astvatsatsin Church of Avdur village

Location The Surb Astvatsatsin Church is situated in Avdur village within the Martuni region (Figs 1 and 2). However, as of September 2023, the village has been under the occupation of Azerbaijan.

The Surb Stepanos church of Khantsk village

Location The Surb Stepanos church is situated in the heart of Khantsk village, within the Askeran region of the Republic of Artsakh. The village is currently under occupation by the Azerbaijani army. Historical overview The construction inscription engraved on the western entrance lintel (Fig. 2) indicates that the church was built in 1673 by Catholicos Petros from Caucasian Albania and members of his family, who hailed from the village of Khantsk. “In the summer of 1122, I, Petros, Catholicos of Aghvank from the village of Khantsk, alongside my father Mankasar, my mother Adhan, and my elder brother Ishkhan, along with his sons Hovhannes, Papajan, and his grandson Mankasar, and grandmother Khatun, built a church in commemoration of ourselves and our departed kin” (CAE 1982, 143, Barkhutareants 1895, 159). Architectural-compositional examination The church is constructed using local rough limestone, both large and small stones, held together with lime mortar. Notably, the entrance, curbstones, and windows exhibit polished craftsmanship. It boasts a rectangular single-nave design, internally vaulted. The structure’s walls, tabernacle vault, and vault-bearing arches serve as its foundation. Featuring a semi-circular apse with a dome, the church includes one sacristy each to the north and south. Unfortunately, the original height of the stage has not been preserved, now aligning with the floor of the prayer hall. Access to the church is solely from the west side, and in the 19th century, the windows underwent widening.

The Surb Astvatsatsin Church of Mokhratagh village

Location The Surb Astvatsatsin Church is situated in the western part of Mokhratagh village in the Martakert region of the Republic of Artsakh (Fig. 1), positioned at the heart of the village’s old quarter. Historical overview Mokhratagh village is situated approximately 4 km west of Martakert city, and about 2 km northeast of Old Mokhratagh village. The construction of the Surb Astvatsatsin Church dates back to 1883, funded by the Mokhratagh village community and Mesrop Tarumyan from Shushi. Evidence from khachkars and fragments discovered in the vicinity of the church (Fig. 2) suggests that the current building was built on the site of an earlier sanctuary. Information regarding the village and the church is sourced from the work “Artsakh” by Makar Barkhudaryants, where it is detailed among other aspects: “New-Mokhratagh is a village located on the northern side of Kusapat Mountain. The view from the top is beautiful. The land is fertile and although it may seem arid, it is actually very fruitful. The local crops are also honorable. The air, climate, and water are of good quality. The life expectancy of the residents is long, ranging from 90 to 100 years. The Church of Surb Astvatsatsin is made of stone and built on two arches. It is 17 meters and 95 centimeters long and 11 meters wide. The church has one priest. On its facade, there is an inscription that reads, “I, a resident of the city of Shushi, Mesrop Tarumeants, built with my means, for the sake of God, for my unmentioned deceased brothers Abraham, Grigor, and my son Astvatsatur M. Tarumeants, in 1883.” The village consists of 85 households with a population of 394 people, 85 male, 349 female.” (Barkhutareants 1895, 218-219). According to Makar Barkhudaryants, the community of the village actively contributed to the construction of the church, with residents joining forces to complete the construction up to the stage of vault construction. Architectural-compositional examination It is a single-nave vaulted hall with a rectangular layout, boasting external dimensions measuring 15.2 x 8.3 meters and standing at a height of 8 meters. Constructed using local rough stones and lime mortar, meticulous attention to detail is evident in the incorporation of polished limestone for key architectural elements such as the entrance frames, windows, cornerstones, and arches. Supporting the vault are three wall arches positioned along both the north and south sides, alongside a pair of wall pillars and arches. Externally, the church showcases a gable roof (Fig. 3). Originally, the roof of the church was adorned with tiles, although it was subsequently replaced with asbestos. Positioned at the eastern end is a semi-circular tabernacle accompanied by an elevated platform (Fig. 4). Within the central section of the tabernacle lies a small window, expanding outwardly and featuring a cross-like design. Additionally, rectangular niches are incorporated into the side walls of the tabernacle, serving as storage spaces for religious artifacts. Positioned on the northern wall within its customary location and framed by an arched frame, a rectangular alcove houses the baptismal font (Fig. 5). The sole entrance to the church is situated on the southern facade. Illumination is provided through seven windows dispersed across the western, southern, and eastern facades.

The Surb Hovhannes Church of Lusadzor (Mehtishen)

Location The church is situated in the heart of Lusadzor village, within the Askeran region of the Republic of Artsakh (Fig. 1). The village has been occupied by the Azerbaijani army. Historical overview Makar Barkhudaryants offers some insight into the village and its church: “…the Church of Surb Hovhannes, constructed of stone and lime, with the priest coming from the village of Pallucha” (Barkhutareants, 1895, 156). Unfortunately, this mention by Barkhudaryants is the sole piece of information available about the church. It is presumed that the village church was likely built towards the end of the 19th century. Documentation from the Artsakh Diocese of 1901 also refers to the church (Balayan, 2020, 66-67). In the informative database of the Republic of Artsakh, the church is listed as Surb Astvatsatsin. It’s important to note that there is no other church present in the village. Additionally, the village church is also documented as Surb Hovhannes on the Artsakh Diocese website. (https://artsakhdiocese.am/churches/gortsox/gortsogh-vanqer-yekeghetsiner/askerani-shrjan). Architectural-compositional examination The Surb Hovhannes Church is a single-nave vaulted hall (Fig. 2). Constructed with rough-polished medium and small-sized limestone, the window frames and cornerstones of the walls are crafted from polished stone, with a porch opening on the southern façade (Fig. 3). The nave is supported by walls and pointed lancet arches rising from the pillars. Six wide windows provide illumination on all facades. The semi-circular apse features two sacristies, and the baptismal font is situated on the northern wall. (http://monuments.nk.am/pages.php?al=home&id=695&act1=more&act=filter&mtype=12&searchword=%D4%BC%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%BD%D5%A1%D5%B1%D5%B8%D6%80).

The Surb Astvatsatsin Church of Aygestan (Baluja) village

Location The Surb Astvatsatsin Church is situated in the southern part of Aygestan village, within the Askeran region of the Republic of Artsakh (Fig. 1). It is located in the heart of the old quarter. Historical overview The Surb Astvatsatsin Church was initially constructed in 1839, but it was rebuilt on the same site in 1850. During this reconstruction, the entrance gate with the inscription detailing the construction of the original church was affixed to the north wall of the newly built church. Makar Barkhudaryants provides information about the village and the church, mentioning: “The church is newly built, Surb Astvatsatsin, constructed entirely of cut limestone resting on four pillars, built with funds from the entire community. It features a round dome above the area where people gather to pray, and inside the southern wall, near the two windows, a stone snake is measuring 20 meters and 10 inches in length and 11 meters and 45 inches in width. The priest in charge of the church is one soul” (Barkhutareants 1895, p. 155). The explorer likely referred to the bell tower as the “round dome.” Architectural-compositional examination The church is a rectangular hall with three naves and a vaulted ceiling, made entirely of polished local white limestone and lime mortar. It is a rare example of a church from the late period of Artsakh built entirely with polished stones. The tomb rests on two pairs of gables, wall pillars, and wall arches from the north and south (Figs. 2, 3). The church has a gable roof on the outside. To the east of the church, there is a semi-circular tabernacle with a high stage and two adjoining sacristies. In the center of the altar, there is a small window that narrows outward.

The Surb Astvastatsin Church of Nerkin Sznek

Location The Surb Astvatsatsin Church is situated in the central area of Nerkin Sznek village, located in the Askeran region of the Republic of Artsakh (Fig. 1). Historical overview According to the inscription on the entrance lintel, which is now lying in the yard, the church was constructed in 1849 and was named Surb Astsvatsatsin. “This is the Church of the Surb Astvatsatsin, built by those mentioned. This was in the year of 1289.” There might have been another inscription that listed the names of the church’s builders, as indicated by the term “mentioned.” Information about the village and the church was recorded in Makar Barkhudaryants’ work “Artsakh,” where the author states: “The village of Nerkin Sznek was established not far from Verin Sznek, with similar land, crops, etc. The church, Surb Astvatsatsin, was constructed of stones and lime and has three priests. There are 92 households, with 377 men and 350 women” (Barkhutareants 1895, 99). Around the church, particularly in the southern yard, there is a small late medieval cemetery where several rectangular tombstones belonging to the clergy of the village have been preserved next to the southern wall of the church. The oldest of these tombstones bears the following inscription: “This is the tombstone of the son of Hovannes, Ter Zakarya, and year 1287 (1848).” This inscription suggests that the current church building was constructed on the grounds of an already-established cemetery (Fig. 3). Here are also the tombstones of the last priests of the church, Hovhannes Mangasaryan (1889) and Ghevond Ter Hovhannesyan-Mangasaryan (1901) (Figs. 4, 5).

The Surb Stepanos Church of Khachen village

Location The church is located in the center of Khachen village, Askeran region of the Republic of Artsakh (Figs. 1, 2). Historical overview There is limited bibliographical information available about Surb Stepanos Church in Khachen. Makar Barkhudaryants refers to the village as Seytishen in his work “Artsakh”. The village church was known as Surb Hovhannes. Barkhudaryants describes the church as “… stone-built, a tribute to Mahtesi (Pilgrim to Jerusalem) Balai Zakaryants of Shushi, but severely damaged” (Barkhutareants 1895, 163). The church mentioned by Barkhudaryants was in fact damaged and was originally named after Surb Hovhannes. The current church was constructed in 1901 and is called Surb Stepanos, as indicated by the inscription on the southern lintel. This inscription provides extensive evidence of the church’s construction. “This temple was built during 1900-1901 in the reign of Emperor Nicholas II of Russia and during the time of the Catholicos of the Mkrtich I, with the expenses of the Collegiate Assessor and knight Nerses bek Sarumeants, for the sake of the Martyr Stepannos, in memory of his most grateful parents, priest Andreas and Nanasi Asrumeants and his prematurely aged sisters, Anna, Reyhan and Mariam, also in his memory and his spouse Voski and all ancestors. And the church was consecrated on May 5, 1902.” It is probable that Nerses Sarumyants, who was a Collegiate Assessor, was instrumental in the reconstruction of the old church. The role of Collegiate Assessor was a prestigious one in the Russian Empire, offering significant financial benefits, social status, and a distinctive uniform. Architectural-compositional examination The Surb Stepanos Church is a single-nave vaulted hall, constructed with rough-polished local small and medium-sized stones. The window frames and cornerstones of the walls are made of polished stone. The church is illuminated by wide windows on all facades, with two windows on the south and north facades, and one each on the west and east. Additionally, it has two sacristies and a small baptistery. Near the church, there are several khachkars (Fig. 4) that date back to the 9th-13th centuries. These khachkars were relocated to the site from the neighboring Ulubab settlement’s field areas(http://monuments.nk.am/pages.php?al=home&id=1015&act1=more&d=3&act=filter&mtype=12&fbclid=IwAR1Q_dk7OQ9lCemlGYR0vpqMKRK02G7fQzubkG-G1S66hzJGkoZV2-qrQtk). The condition before and after the war The church remained undamaged during military operations. Throughout the Soviet era, it served as a warehouse. It underwent renovation in 2007 (https://armenpress.am/arm/news/444482.html). A small bell tower was built on the roof of the church during that time, and the roof was tiled (Fig. 5). However, during the military operations of September 19-20, 2023, the village was taken over by Azerbaijan, and the current state of the church is uncertain. Bibliography Barkhutareants 1895 – Barkhutareants M., Artsakh, Baku. The Surb Stepanos Church of Kahchen in NKR has been reopened, https://armenpress.am/arm/news/444482.html. The Surb Stepanos Church of Khachen village, http://monuments.nk.am/pages.php?al=home&id=1015&act1=more&d=3&act=filter&mtype=12&fbclid=IwAR1Q_dk7OQ9lCemlGYR0vpqMKRK02G7fQzubkG-G1S66hzJGkoZV2-qrQtk.

Surb Stephanos church of Shosh

Location Shosh village is located in the Artsakh Republic’s Askeran region. The village’s Surb Stephanos church is located in the village square (Figs. 1, 2).

Surb Astvatsatsin church of Shosh

Location                                                       Shosh village is located in the Artsakh Republic’s Askeran region. Surb Astvatsatsin Church is located on the northwestern outskirts of the village, surrounded by the old and new cemeteries. Following the 44-day war, Shosh appeared on the occupation border. Historical overview There is no historical information available about the church. Architectural-compositional examination The church is a single-nave hall with a rectangular architectural plan. It is made of raw and semi-polished white, small and medium-sized limestone. Only the entrance and window curbstones, in addition to the corner stones of the walls, are polished. The building’s only entrance is on the south side (Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4).The church’s interior is vaulted, with a low bema and two sacristies (Fig. 9). Small khachkars and tombstones from the 17th and 18th centuries are enchased on the walls (Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8). According to the inscription on the upper part of the church porch, “This sacred church was built in 1918 in memory of Deacon Baghdasar Abareants from Shushi and his friend Arusdam Gapean, which cost a pood of wheat (20 rubles)”(Fig. 10). The inscription on the right side of the high altar (Fig. 11) says, “This church was built in 1915 by Baghdasar and his wife, Margarit Abareants, for the salvation of their souls.”

Churhush Church of Taghavard

It is located in Hin (Old) Taghvard village under Armenian control, at a distance of 40 meters from the current border. Probable time of construction – 17th century. It is a single-nave vaulted hall with a sole western entrance. The eastern altar is rectangular, separated from the prayer hall by a vaulted arch made of hewn stones on their facades. There are rectangular niches opened on the southern and northern walls of the altar. The lintel made of polished stones and the northern curbstones are preserved from the entrance. The exterior of the church is built by large stones and internally – with medium-sized blue stones and lime mortar. In the line of the western facade, linear cross-figures have been preserved on the boulder placed near the foundation. There are no sculptures or inscriptions. The church has been a famous place of pilgrimage for the residents of Taghavard and neighboring villages, the limbs and heads of sacrificed animals hanging on the surrounding trees. The candle-lighting in the church continues up to day.   According to the residents of Taghavard, the church was shelled by the Azerbaijani air force on November 10 at 1 p.m., 2020. As a result, the church was turned into ruins. Twelve soldiers were martyred at the approaches and surroundings of the church.  

Ghaybalushen

Ghaybalushen is located on the left slant slope of the left tributary of the Karkar River (Ghaybalu or Karkar proper), at the foot of the north-western gorge of Shushi. In the 18th-20th centuries, it was connected to Shushi by a busy route leading from the gates of Yerevan to Khachen, and a single-span bridge was built over the underpass (the probable time of the current structure is the 17th-18th centuries). After the massacres perpetrated by the Turks of Shushi in 1919, to which the majority of the village population fell victim, the settlement was abandoned. St. Astvatsatsin church, built in the 17th century and modified in the 19th century (it is a single-nave vaulted hall with a gable roof, sole southern entrance, eastern altar, adjacent northern and southern vestries, in-built baptismal pool on the eastern side of the northern wall), the cemetery, the bridge, the ruins of several mills are preserved on the site. The lintel inscription on the portal of Ghaybalushen’s church and the solar relief of Christ, the inscriptions of the upper mill had been erased by the Azeris of Shushi before 1988.   During the war, the monument was shelled, as a result of which the crack in the western wall of the church more widened, the stones of the south-eastern plinth wall were moved, cracks appeared in different parts of the eastern altar and the vestries. Currently, the monument is located immediately on the border and needs special monitoring.    

The Church of Pirumashen

It is located in the territory of Sarushen community of Askeran region of Artsakh, about 0.5 km south-west of the village, on the right edge of the Stepanakert-Hadrut highway, near the current border. It is a single-nave vaulted hall with a semicircle eastern apse and adjacent vestries. The church is built of medium-sized rough stones and lime mortar. Built by a combination of large blocks of white lime and black sandstone, the sculpted portal stands out. The volumetric and sculptural solutions of the portal indicate the 17th century. It is not excluded that it was rebuilt on the foundation dated to the 12th-13th centuries once existed earlier on the site, taking into account the 12th-13th century tombstones and khachkars embedded in the walls. The building was completely restored in 2012-2014.   It was not damaged during the Second Artsakh War. Special monitoring is required, as the adjacent highway is also used by Azeri columns heading to Shushi.  

The Surb Astvatsatsin Church of Kolkhozashen

Location The Surb Astvatsatsin Church is situated in the heart of the Kolkhozashen village within the Martuni region of the Republic of Artsakh (Fig. 1), nestled amidst the historical quarter and adjacent to the cemetery. Historical overview The village of Kolkhozashen, formerly known by various names such as Burutes, Meshadishen, Mushadeshen, Mashadishen, and Mashadi Shen, among others, is steeped in history. The Surb Astvatsatsin Church, constructed in the 19th century, stands upon the grounds of the former sanctuary. This information regarding the village and its church is sourced from Makar Barkhudaryants’ work “Artsakh,” which provides comprehensive insights into various aspects of the region.”Mashadishen village was founded on two slopes of a valley, located on the eastern side of Msmna village. The inhabitants are indigenous and the soil is both fragile and fertile. The local crops are the same and the air, climate, and water are harmless, resulting in a long life expectancy of 75-80. The church, Surb Astsvatsatsin, is made of stone, with only one priest. There are a total of 120 households, with 510 males and 433 females residing in the village.” (Barkhutareants, 1895, 108). There is no historical information available about the construction of Surb Astvatsatsin Church. However, there are khachkars on the walls of the church, particularly in the niche and on the edges of the baptismal font, that indicate the existence of the sanctuary at least from the developed Middle Ages (Figs. 2, 3, 4, 5).

The Surb Astvatatsin Church of Khnatsakh village

Location The Surb Astvatsatsin Church of Khnatsakh is situated at the heart of the village (Fig. 1). Following the Azerbaijani military aggression in September 2023 and the subsequent forced displacement of Armenians, the church is now under Azerbaijani occupation. Historical overview According to M. Barkhudaryants, the residents of Khnatsakh village migrated from Mets-Siuneats in 1686, which is now in the Syunik region (Khnatsakh village) (Barkhutareants 1895, 152-154). The Surb Astvatsatsin Church of Khnatsakh was constructed at the end of the 19th century, specifically in 1894, and funded by the residents (Barkhutareants, 1895, 226). Makar Barkhudaryants was born in this village as well. The church served as one of the centers of manuscript production. According to M. Barkhudaryants, at the beginning of the 19th century, two manuscripts were preserved here: one was a manuscript of “Chashots,” and the other was a gospel written on paper. Architectural-compositional examination The church is a rectangular hall with three naves. The vault is supported by semicircular and arrow-shaped arches that rise on cross pillars and wall pillars in the section (Fig. 2). It was constructed with local limestone and has dimensions of 18 meters in length and 10 meters in width. The entrances and window frames, as well as the columns, have been polished. During the years of independence, the gable roof underwent renovation and was covered with tiles. The primary polished and sculpted entrance is situated on the southern side (Fig. 3). Additionally, there is an entrance from the west, also polished but lacking specific embellishments. Notably, the upper section of the porch, particularly the southern entrance, stands out for its color scheme. It features a star-like rosette crafted from white and brown tabular tiles against a red-brown background, along with a cross composition and a circular rosette positioned above it (Fig. 4). All of the decorative elements in this structure were likely taken from an older building, possibly from the 13th century. The polished slabs on the edges of the composition were likely originally intended for inscriptions. However, they have remained blank or without any inscriptions.

The Surb Astvatsatsin Church of Askeran city

Location The church is situated within the boundaries of the city of Askeran, which serves as the regional center of the Askeran region in the Republic of Artsakh (Figs. 1, 2).