Vank Cathedral
| Vank Cathedral | ||
|---|---|---|
 View of the cathedral with the bell tower on the right. |
||
| Data | ||
| place | Julfa District , Isfahan , Iran | |
| Client | Archbishop David | |
| Architectural style | Esfahani | |
| Construction year | 1664 | |
| Coordinates | 32 ° 38 '5.7 " N , 51 ° 39' 21" E | |
|
||
The Vank Cathedral ( Armenian Սուրբ Ամենափրկիչ Վանք , Surp Amenaprgich Vank ; Persian کلیسای وانك, DMG Kelīsā-ye Vānk orآمنا پرکیج, DMG Āmenāperkīč ) is an Armenian Apostolic Church in the district of Julfa the Iranian city of Isfahan . It is also known under the names “Cathedral of the Holy Savior” and “Church of the Holy Sisters”. The word Vank in Armenian means monastery or convent .
history
The Safavids - Shah Abbas I moved during the wars against the Ottomans between the years 1603 and 1605, the Armenian population of the city of Julfa to his capital Isfahan to. The Vank Cathedral was one of the first churches the Armenians built in their new settlement. The cathedral reflects the vibrant history of the Armenian community in its architecture and style. She had a great impact on the architecture and decoration of many Orthodox churches in the Iranian-Iraqi region.
construction
Construction probably began in 1606 and ended with major changes to the design between 1655 and 1664 under the supervision of Archbishop David. The cathedral consists of a room covered with a dome, which is reminiscent of the structure of Iranian mosques. A cross rises above the dome. The cathedral differs from a typical mosque, however, in that it has a semi-octagonal apse and a raised chancel , which are known from western church buildings. The outer buildings of the cathedral like the walls consist of relatively modern masonry and with their smooth surfaces form a contrast to the richly decorated interior.
Ornamentation
The interior is decorated with fine paintings and gilded carvings and has paneling made of magnificent tiles. The centrally placed, fine wall painting shows the biblical story of creation and the expulsion of man from paradise . The pendentives between the dome and inner walls are decorated with cherub heads surrounded by wings. The ceiling above the entrance is painted with plant motifs in the style of Persian miniature . The frescoes inside are divided into two groups: the upper frescoes depict scenes from the life of Jesus , while the lower ones depict Armenian martyrs .
In the courtyard of the cathedral stands the large, free bell tower with Christian graves at the foot. There are also graves on the inside of the outer wall. In one corner of the courtyard, next to the museum and the library, there is a memorial to the victims of the Armenian genocide in the Ottoman Empire (1915).
library
The library contains over 700 manuscripts that are unique and valuable sources of medieval Armenian history and art, including many writings on the cathedral and the Armenian community in Isfahan:
- Shah Abbas' edict on the establishment of the Julfa settlement
- several other edicts of the Iranian kings
- Vestments, monstrances, chalices and other sacred relics
- Safavid costumes, tapestries, European paintings purchased from Armenian merchants, embroidery and other community treasures
- Exhibits about Armenian culture and religion
- many exhibits (photographs, maps, Turkish documents with translations) on the genocide of the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire
gallery
Courtyard of the cathedral with museum (right)
The main facade
Frescoes inside
Heaven and Hell on the frescoes
Look inside
Look inside
View over the neighborhood of the cathedral (2008)
