Charek monastery, Armenian monastery in Gadabay District, Azerbaijan
Charek monastery sits on the left bank of the Shamkor River and contains a church, bell tower, chapel, and residential buildings at approximately 1070 meters elevation. The complex displays characteristic features of Armenian architecture from the 17th century with intact structures throughout the site.
The monastery was established in 1700 by Bishop David of the Gharamaniants family, who founded it after returning from the Metz Anapat monastery at Tatev. This founding reflected a period of monastic expansion in the region during that era.
The monastery served as a center for manuscript copying and learning, with stone inscriptions still visible that record the lives of the monks who lived here. These carved records reveal how important this place was as a hub of knowledge and spiritual activity.
The monastery is located about 7 kilometers southeast of the district center and can be reached by following local roads through hilly terrain. Good hiking shoes are recommended since the area is elevated and uneven, and visitors should allow time to explore the entire complex.
A Russian researcher documented in the mid-1800s that beehives were kept within the monastery grounds as part of daily operations. This detail reveals how the community managed food production and lived self-sufficiently alongside their religious duties.
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