Gem of Gandzasar

The Gandzasar Monastery Complex, with its rich natural surroundings, is one of Artsakh’s treasures thanks to its architecture. The significance of this complex is further emphasized by the hundreds of monuments surrounding it, which, like brave soldiers, guard Khachen’s “Gandz.” The work of the masters who created the monastery is not only an expression of skillful craftsmanship, but also a vivid result of creative thought, an encyclopedia that explains the 13th century Armenian architecture. 

Gandzasar is located in the region of Martakert, next to the Vank village and Khachen river. The main church, St. Hovhannes Mkrtich, was built between 1216 and 1238 by Hasan-Jalal Dawla, the Armenian prince of Inner Khachen and the patriarch of the House of Hasan-Jalalyan. Around two hundred inscriptions are engraved in different parts of the monastery complex. Most of the engravings are examples of fine medieval art, which proves that Armenians have lived and created in this area.

The first half of the 13th century is considered to be the peak era of the Khachen power. During this period, great works of art that entered the golden fund of the Armenian artistic heritage were created in Artsakh.

The Gandzasar monastery is made of the church and the gavit, which complement each other so smoothly that it’s impossible to know that they were built in different eras. Residential and economic buildings, as well as the gates, make Gandzasar a powerful complex.

Kirakos of Gandzak, an Armenian historian of that time, has written about the traditional rituals of Gandzasar. According to him, Gandzasar was considered a political and religious meeting center for Artsakh and other Armenian regions nearby. Gandzasar quickly became the most important church in the region.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Gandzasar became the center in the liberation efforts by Karabakh Armenian meliks, who were united around Catholicos Yesayi Hasan-Jalalyan. He was staunchly pro-Russian, and in a 1701 letter signed by Karabakh and Syunik meliks, he asked Peter the Great to protect Armenians from Muslims.

In 1923, when Artsakh was given to Azerbaijan, Gandzasar stopped its operation. In 1993, Armenians renovated the church when an opportunity arose after the battle against Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan had aimed to destroy the church. However, they were unable to. 

To this day, Gandzasar remains a gorgeous monastery that reminds the world to whom Artsakh belongs. 

Ardēan's A Gem of Gandzasar shawl and Relic of Gandzasar scarf were both inspired by this powerful complex.