Bagavan, Ancient religious site near Lake Van, Turkey
Bagavan was a monastery near Lake Van in Turkey, built on a hillside at the edge of the Euphrates. The structure featured a cross-domed basilica with three naves and measured approximately 46 meters long, 27 meters wide, and 20 meters tall.
The monastery was founded after Armenia adopted Christianity in the fourth century, replacing an earlier pagan temple at the site. It served as an important center during the early Christianization of the region before being demolished in 1948.
Armenian kings celebrated New Year festivals at this location during the first day of Nawasard, marking important ceremonial gatherings for the royal court.
The site sits in a mountainous area with access to the Euphrates and views toward Lake Van. Today it is remote and difficult to visit, with only traces of the original building remaining visible.
The site is linked to a pivotal moment in Armenian history when King Trdat III was baptized here in 301 CE, making Christianity the official religion of Armenia. This event marked a turning point for the entire Christian world in the East.
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