Monastery of the Miracles

The stone monastery stands on hills northwest of Adilcevaz near Lake Van, incorporating architectural elements from an earlier Urartian religious site.

First documented in the eighth century, the monastery served as a retreat for Vahan of Goghthen, who returned to Christianity after being raised as a Muslim.

The monastery contained a scriptorium that produced twenty manuscripts between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, preserving Armenian literary traditions.

The monastery features two main sections consisting of a central church and an annex, with remnants of a graveyard and natural springs nearby.

The building incorporates free-standing columns instead of solid walls, reflecting influences from middle Byzantine architecture and regional Islamic styles.

Location: Bitlis Province

Inception: 8 century

Architectural style: Armenian architecture

GPS coordinates: 38.83067,42.71208

Latest update: March 14, 2025 21:31