Church of Saint Gregory of Abughamrents, Armenian church in Ani, Turkey
The Church of Saint Gregory of Abughamrents is an Armenian church with a twelve-sided plan, deep wall niches, and a cylindrical drum supporting a dome. Small windows punctuate the walls and allow soft light into the interior space.
Prince Grigor Pahlavuni commissioned this building in the late tenth century when Ani was becoming the capital of the Armenian kingdom. The construction occurred during a period of significant architectural development in the city.
The walls display inscriptions from the Pahlavuni family recording their construction of two chapels for relatives. These personal dedications show how prominent families expressed their bonds through religious building.
The entrance faces southwest rather than the traditional east, adapted to accommodate the cliff edge and provide access to an open courtyard. This unusual orientation shapes how visitors approach and enter the building.
Excavations in 1907 uncovered multiple intact graves in the northern sepulchre, possibly including one belonging to Vahram Pahlavuni. These discoveries offer insight into burial practices of the Armenian aristocracy of that era.
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