Aparank Monastery

The monastery complex includes multiple churches, chapels, a fountain, and accommodation buildings at 2,400 meters elevation on Vankin Dağ mountain.

Founded in 901, the monastery held a relic of the True Cross and remained an active religious center until its abandonment in the early 20th century.

The Surb Hovhannes Karapet Church, built in 950, exhibits traditional Armenian architectural elements with stone walls decorated with brick strips.

The monastery location coordinates are 37.96667°N and 42.75°E, situated in the Van province of southeastern Turkey near the town of Aparank.

Gregory of Narek wrote a detailed panegyric about the monastery's founding and its reception of the True Cross relic from Byzantine emperors.

Location: Bahçesaray

Inception: 10 century

Architectural style: Armenian architecture

GPS coordinates: 37.96667,42.75000

Latest update: March 6, 2025 10:06