Khtzkonk Monastery, Medieval Armenian monastery in Kars Province, Turkey.
Khtzkonk Monastery is a medieval Armenian monastery in Kars Province that stretches across three narrow promontories above steep canyon walls. The complex incorporates multiple churches and monastic buildings into the surrounding landscape.
The monastery was founded in 601 and contained five Armenian churches until 1950, when four structures were destroyed. Only Saint Sargis Church survived this dramatic change.
The remaining church displays traditional Armenian architectural elements through its stone masonry, dome construction, and religious carvings on the exterior walls. These design features reflect the religious building practices of the region and remain visible when examining the structure today.
Reaching the monastery requires trekking from Digor village through a river canyon with demanding terrain. Visitors should bring identification documents since the site is near the border region.
The walls of the surviving church show evidence of deliberate destruction through explosives rather than natural deterioration. These physical marks tell a story that extends beyond official explanations.
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