Tegher Monastery
Tegher Monastery is an early 13th-century Armenian monastic complex situated on the southeastern slopes of Mount Aragats. Commissioned by Princess Khatun, it comprises the church of Surb Astvatsatsin and an adjacent gavit. The monastery is noted for its dark gray basalt construction and distinctive architectural features, having been designed by the architect Vardapet Aghbayrik.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in the early 13th century, with the church completed in 1213 and the gavit in 1221.
- ›Built for Princess Khatun, wife of Prince Vache I Vachutian.
- ›Designed by the architect Vardapet Aghbayrik, who also designed Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank.
- ›Constructed primarily from dark gray basalt.
- ›Survived intact during Mongol invasions.
- ›The gavit contains the tombs of Princess Khatun and Prince Vatcheh Vatchutian.
Armenian
- Church of Surb Astvatsatsin
- Gavit With Tomb of Princess Khatun and Prince Vatcheh Vatchutian
- Tukh Manuk Funerary Chapel
- Medieval Cemetery With Mausoleums and Khachkars
Tegheri Vank
Princess Khatun, Prince Vache I Vachutian, Vardapet Aghbayrik
Survived Mongol Invasions
About Tegher Monastery
Tegher Monastery is an early 13th-century Armenian monastic complex situated on the picturesque southeastern slopes of Mount Aragats, near the modern village of Tegher in the Aragatsotn Province of Armenia. It was commissioned by Princess Khatun, the wife of Prince Vache I Vachutian, who acquired the district of Aragatzotn. The monastery's design is attributed to the architect Vardapet Aghbayrik, who was also responsible for the monasteries of Saghmosavank and Hovhannavank.
Architectural Significance
The monastery's main church, Surb Astvatsatsin, was completed in 1213 and is constructed from dark gray basalt. It features a cruciform plan with chambers in each corner and a semicircular apse, topped by a tall, tent-style dome on a round drum. The exterior is rectangular with wall niches and windows. Adjacent to the church is a gavit, finished in 1221, which serves as a large central-plan hall supported by four columns. This structure features intersecting arches, a dome with an oculus, and second-story rooms that once housed students. Notably, the gavit contains the tombs of Princess Khatun and Prince Vatcheh Vatchutian, and its façade displays carved cross designs commemorating donors.
Historical Context and Preservation
Tegher Monastery is historically significant for having survived intact during the period of Mongol invasions that affected the region. Ruins of a 9th-century village, Old Tegher, and a 5th-century Tukh Manuk funerary chapel are located a short distance from the monastery, along with a medieval cemetery containing mausoleums and khachkars. The monastery's enduring presence and architectural integrity make it a valuable testament to medieval Armenian ecclesiastical architecture.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tegher Monastery built?
The church of Surb Astvatsatsin was built in 1213, and the adjacent gavit was finished in 1221. This places its construction in the early 13th century.
Who commissioned the construction of Tegher Monastery?
Tegher Monastery was built for Princess Khatun, who was the wife of Prince Vache I Vachutian. He had purchased the Aragatzotn district from the Zakarian brothers.
Who was the architect of Tegher Monastery?
The architect of Tegher Monastery was Vardapet Aghbayrik. He is credited with designing both the church and its gavit, as noted in an inscription within the gavit.
What materials were used in the construction of Tegher Monastery?
The church and gavit of Tegher Monastery are constructed from dark gray basalt. This material gives the structures a distinctive appearance.
What notable figures are buried at Tegher Monastery?
The gavit at Tegher Monastery contains the graves of Princess Khatun, for whom the monastery was built, and her husband, Prince Vatcheh Vatchutian.
Is Tegher Monastery still standing today?
The monastery survived intact during historical periods of invasion and remains a significant historical site. While the article describes its architectural features, it does not explicitly state its current condition beyond surviving intact historically.
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