Tatev

The monastery of Tatev (Armenian : Տաթեվ, Russian: Татев) - established in 895 - is located in the Tatev village. The term "Tatev" usually refers to the monastery. The monastery always performed an important role in the history of the region, becoming its political, spiritual and cultural center.

History

Tatev Monastery is located in South-East of Armenia, in the area of ancient Armenian Syunik, not far from city of Goris and 280km away from Yerevan. It was founded in 9th century and became the political center of Syunik principality. Armenian historian Stepanos Orbelian, the founders of the monastery were Prince Ashot, his wife Shushan, Grigor Supan, the ruler of Gekharkunik, and Prince Dzagik. Their portraits are placed on the northern facade. In 10th century Tatev had a population of 1000 people and owned several villages. In the same century a school was founded at the monastery, where humanitarian sciences and manuscript illustration were taught. An important in development of humanitarian and art sciences in Tatev played Ovnan Vorotnitsi (1315-1388) and Grigor Tatevatsi (1346-1411). In 13th century the number of villages controlled became 680. In 14th-15th centuries Tatev became one of the most important centers of Armenian art and science.

On December 25 1920 in Tatev Monastery a conference was organized, which announced the foundation of Independent Syunik State, the constitution was adopted, the State was divided into 6 regions – the Main Zangezur, Tatev canyon, Kapan, Gharabas canyon, Sisian, Genvaz. Gedeon Ter-Minasyan was elected government head, Garegin Njdeh was elected the sparapet or minister of military and the capital of the State became Goris.

The monastery was seriously damaged after an earthquake in 1931, the dome of the St. Paul and St. Peter church and the bell tower were destroyed. In the latter years the St. Paul and St. Peter church was reconstructed, but the bell tower remains destroyed up today.

Buildings

*The main architectural building – the St. Paul and St. Peter church, built in 895-906
*Church of St. Gregory, stands joined with the main construction to South part. Built in 1295 on the place of a more recent construction of 836-848.
*The over-gate church of Astvatsatsin (11 century).
*Gazavan – an eight-meter tall pendulous pillar, constructed in 904 in the yard part of the monastery. The pillar staggered as a result of earthquakes and also giving notice of the enemy army approaching.

External links

* [http://www.findarmenia.com/?id=46&lang=ru&parent_id=6&shablon=sight Сокровища Армянских Гор]
* [http://www.armeniapedia.org/index.php?title=Tatev Article about Tatev Monastery on Armeniapedia]