Oshki, Medieval monastery in Erzurum Province, Turkey
Oshki is a medieval monastery in Erzurum Province featuring Georgian architectural design with a central dome and four radiating wings. The buildings sit on a hilltop and form a connected compound with various rooms and prayer spaces.
The monastery was built between 963 and 973 under Georgian King David III Kuropalates and was dedicated to John the Baptist. Its construction marked a period of cultural development under Georgian rule in the region.
The monastery served as a center for religious learning where monks copied sacred texts to share knowledge across communities.
The site is located in a rural area and can be reached via roads in the Uzundere district. Spring and summer months offer the best visiting conditions due to weather and road access.
The walls contain 47 Georgian inscriptions discovered in 2016 that reveal details about past inhabitants. Recent wall collapses have exposed previously hidden frescoes that offer glimpses into the artistic history.
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