Aparank Monastery, Armenian monastery in Bahçesaray, Turkey
Aparank Monastery is an Armenian religious complex in Bahçesaray comprising multiple churches, chapels, a fountain, and residential structures positioned at about 2,400 meters elevation on Vankin Dağ mountain. The buildings display traditional Armenian architectural style with stone walls decorated with brick strips and carved decorative elements.
The monastery was founded in 901 and housed a relic of the True Cross, which gave it significant religious importance in the medieval period. It remained an active spiritual center until the early 20th century when it was gradually abandoned.
The Surb Hovhannes Karapet Church, built in 950, exhibits traditional Armenian architectural elements with stone walls decorated with brick strips.
The monastery sits on a mountainside at approximately 2,400 meters elevation, so expect steep terrain and sparse vegetation throughout the site. Visitors should prepare for the high altitude and wear sturdy footwear and layers, particularly during cooler months when conditions become more challenging.
The renowned Armenian poet Gregory of Narek composed a detailed account celebrating the monastery's founding and the arrival of the True Cross relic from Byzantine sources. This literary work provides rare insights into early medieval regional history and the site's spiritual importance to the Armenian community.
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