Bagavan

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Bagavan

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Bagavan, Ancient religious site near Lake Van, Turkey

The monastery stood at the foothills of Mount Npat on a tributary of the Euphrates River, featuring a cross-domed basilica design with three naves.

The site transformed from a pre-Christian temple to St. Hovhannes Mkrtich monastery following Armenia's adoption of Christianity in the fourth century.

Armenian kings celebrated New Year festivals at this location during the first day of Nawasard, marking important ceremonial gatherings for the royal court.

The monastery measured 46 meters in length, 27 meters in width, and reached a height of 20 meters before its demolition in 1948.

Gregory the Illuminator selected this location for the baptism of King Trdat III in 301 CE, establishing Christianity as Armenia's state religion.

Location: Turkey

GPS coordinates: 39.61053,43.51767

Latest update: March 16, 2025 04:16

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