Vankasar church, Medieval church in Aghdam District, Azerbaijan.
Vankasar church is a stone structure perched on a hilltop in Aghdam District with a central dome and three altar apses that remain visible for several kilometers across the surrounding plain. The building displays the geometric layout and solid masonry typical of medieval religious construction.
The structure dates to the 7th century and received its first documented mention in 1858 when Archbishop Sargis Jalalyants recorded it as monastery ruins. The site experienced periods of use and abandonment across the medieval and later centuries.
The building blends Armenian and Caucasian Albanian architectural elements through its cream-colored stone walls decorated with traditional religious motifs that travelers can observe from various angles.
The site is located at coordinates 40.0721°N and 46.8874°E and requires a trek over hilly terrain starting from the nearby village of Shahbulagh. Visitors should prepare for uneven paths and variable weather conditions typical of highland areas.
The church walls contain numerous stone inscriptions attributed to monks from the construction period that provide insights into medieval religious life. These carved markings serve as a direct link to the daily activities and spiritual concerns of those who lived within these walls.
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