Aghperig Monastery, Armenian monastery in Sasun Mountains, Turkey.
Aghperig Monastery is an Armenian monastery situated in the mountainous terrain of Bitlis province in eastern Turkey, positioned around 56 kilometers west of Lake Van. The site contains multiple church structures and the remains of buildings spanning several centuries, with portions of the ruins dating back to the 4th century.
The monastery emerged during the early Christian period, with one church attributed to Saint Thaddeus and another to Saint Gregory the Illuminator around 300. The complex underwent various phases of construction and use across multiple centuries.
The monastery's name refers to a natural water source that emerges beneath the church and flows near the complex. Visitors can still see this spring today, which has given the place meaning for centuries.
The site consists of ruins that require careful navigation, as previous treasure hunting activities have left numerous pits scattered around the grounds. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for uneven surfaces.
The grounds contain numerous pits from earlier treasure hunting activities, making it something of an archaeological puzzle regarding what exactly was sought. These traces of the past tell their own story about the fascination this monastery has held across centuries.
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