Sanahin Monastery
Armenian Apostolic·Armenia·Active (administered by Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin)·10th century
Sanahin Monastery is a historic Armenian monastic complex located in the Lori Province of Armenia, founded in the 10th century. It is known for its claim to be older than the neighboring Haghpat Monastery, with which it forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex showcases a rich architectural history, including churches, a seminary, a library, and various chapels, and was a significant center for learning and religious life.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in the 10th century in Sanahin, Lori Province, Armenia.
- ›Forms a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the neighboring Haghpat Monastery.
- ›The name 'Sanahin' translates to 'this one is older than that one'.
- ›The complex includes the churches of Surb Astvatsatsin and Surb Amenaprkich, a seminary, and a library.
- ›Served as a significant educational center, teaching subjects beyond theology like philosophy and medicine.
- ›Architectural materials primarily consist of local light gray polished basalt.
Medieval Armenian
Unesco World Heritage Site, Surb Astvatsatsin Church, Surb Amenaprkich Church, Academy/Seminary, Oldest Armenian Library, Bell Tower, Numerous Khachkars, Sanahin Bridge
King Abas I Bagratuni, King Ashot Iii the Merciful, Queen Khosrovanuysh, Kiurike, Smbat, Polycarp, Hovhannes, Isaiah, Dioscoros Sanahnetsi, Grigor Magistros Pahlavuni, Grigor Tuteord, Sargis, Hovhannes Khachents, Vardan, Grigor Rabunapet, Queen Hranush, David Anhoghin, Archbishop Sargis Arghutyan, Archbishop Harutyun Ter-Barseghyants, Captain Solomon Arghutyan, Prince Zakare, Arghutyan Hovsep Parsadanyan, Zhamhayr
- Founded In the 10th Century.
- Became Seat of the Bishop of the Kyurikian Kingdom In 979.
- Experienced Decline During Seljuk Invasions.
- Restored Its Role Under the Zakarid Princes In the Late 12th Century.
- Interrupted Activity During Mongol Invasions Starting In the 1230s.
- Transferred Property To the Arghutyan-Yerkaynabazuk Family In the Late 14th Century.
- Experienced A Rise In Manuscript Art In the 14th and 15th Centuries.
- Underwent Significant Renovation In the Mid-17th Century.
- Activity Stopped At the Beginning of the 20th Century.
- Placed Under State Protection During Soviet Rule.
- Handed Over To the Administration of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin In 1998.
About Sanahin Monastery
Sanahin Monastery is a significant Armenian monastic complex situated in the village of Sanahin, within the Lori Province of Armenia. Founded in the 10th century, it is historically notable for its assertion of being older than the nearby Haghpat Monastery, an idea reflected in its name which translates from Armenian as 'this one is older than that one'. Together, Sanahin and Haghpat monasteries form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for their shared architectural and cultural significance.
History and Development
The monastic complex's origins trace back to the 10th century, with the construction of the Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) church in the 930s-950s under King Abas I Bagratuni. A later, larger church, Surb Amenaprkich (Holy Savior), was built in 966 by Queen Khosrovanuysh. The monastery developed into an important educational and cultural center, particularly under the patronage of the Bagratuni and later the Zakarid (Zakaryan) princes. Its academy, situated between the two main churches, offered instruction in theology, philosophy, rhetoric, music, and medicine, attracting scholars and producing numerous manuscripts. The monastery faced periods of decline, notably during the Seljuk and Mongol invasions, but experienced revivals, with significant construction and renovation occurring in the 12th century and later. Its activity ceased in the early 20th century, and it was later placed under state protection and restored by the Soviet government before being administered by the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin from 1998.
Architecture and Features
The architectural ensemble of Sanahin Monastery is characterized by its use of local light gray polished basalt. The complex comprises the Surb Astvatsatsin and Surb Amenaprkich churches, known for their cruciform dome designs, along with their associated vestibules (gavits). Other key structures include a seminary, the St. Gregory Chapel, a library (considered the oldest Armenian library), and a distinctive three-story bell tower from the early 13th century. The monastery grounds are also adorned with numerous khachkars (cross-stones) and the tombs of prominent families, including the Zakaryans. The nearby Sanahin Bridge, an impressive 12th-century structure over the Debed River, is also closely associated with the monastery's historical access.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Sanahin Monastery founded?
Sanahin Monastery was founded in the 10th century. The first church, Surb Astvatsatsin, was built between the 930s and 950s, with the Surb Amenaprkich church constructed in 966.
What is the significance of the name Sanahin?
The name Sanahin literally translates from Armenian as 'this one is older than that one'. This likely represents a claim to being an older monastery than the nearby Haghpat Monastery.
Is Sanahin Monastery a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, Sanahin Monastery, along with the neighboring Haghpat Monastery, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are similar in many ways and lie in plain view of each other.
What are the main architectural elements of Sanahin Monastery?
The complex includes the churches of Surb Astvatsatsin and Surb Amenaprkich, each with its vestibule, a seminary, St. Gregory chapel, a bookstore, and a bell tower. The primary building material is local light gray polished basalt.
What was the role of Sanahin Monastery in education?
Sanahin Monastery was a significant educational center. Its school taught not only theology but also philosophy, rhetoric, music, medicine, and calendars, attracting scholars and writers.
Has the monastery undergone renovations?
Yes, the monastery has undergone several renovations throughout its history, notably in the mid-17th century, in 1831, and during the Soviet era for preservation and restoration.
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