Английская Википедия:Armenian architecture
Шаблон:Short description Шаблон:Infobox art movement Armenian architecture comprises architectural works with an aesthetic or historical connection to the Armenian people. It is difficult to situate this architectural style within precise geographical or chronological limits,[1] but many of its monuments were created in the regions of historical Armenia, the Armenian Highlands.[2] The greatest achievement of Armenian architecture is generally agreed to be its medieval churches and seventh century churches, though there are different opinions precisely in which respects.
Common characteristics of Armenian architecture
Medieval Armenian architecture, and Armenian churches in particular, have several distinctive features, which some believe to be the first national style of a church building.[3]
Common characteristics include:
- Pointed domes, reminiscent of the volcanic cone of Greater Ararat. The conical or semiconical radially segmented dome or cupola is mounted above vaulted ceilings on a cylindrical drum (usually polygonal on the outside, most often octagonal)[4]
- The vertical emphasis of the whole structure, with the height often exceeding the length of a church[4]
- Reinforcement of the verticality with tall, narrow windows[4]
- Stone vaulted ceilings
- Composed almost entirely of stone, usually volcanic tuff or basalt.
- A composite roof composed of finely cut tuff shingles
- Frescoes and carvings, if present, are usually ornate and include swirling intertwining grapevines and foliage.
- Heavy use of tall structural arches, both for supporting the cupola as part of the drum, the vaulted ceiling, and the vertical walls.
- Roofs intersecting to support the dome, both in basilicas and centrally planned churches.
- Sculptural decoration of external walls, including figures.
Classification of Armenian churches
Within the bounds of the aforementioned common characteristics, individual churches display considerable variation which may reflect time, place, and the creativity of its designer. Toros Toramanian distinguished the following classical styles while studying these variations in the early 20th century:[4]
Style | Armenian nomenclature | Example |
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Basilica | Bazilik (Բազիլիկ) | Ererouk |
Domed basilica | Gmbetakir bazilik (Գմբեթակիր բազիլիկ) | Tekor Basilica |
Cruciform | Etchmiadznatip (Էջմիածնատիպ; literally "Etchmiadzin-type") | Etchmiadzin Cathedral |
Vertical-emphasis rectangular | Oughghagitz karankiun (Ուղղագիծ քառանկյուն) | Saint Gayane Church |
Radial | Sharavighayin (Շառավիղային) | Saint Hripsime |
Circular | Zvartnotsatip (Զվարթնոցատիպ; literally "Zvartnots-type") | Zvartnots |
Construction
Armenian architecture, as it originates in an earthquake-prone region, tends to be built with this hazard in mind. Armenian buildings tend to be rather low-slung and thick-walled in design. Armenia has abundant resources of stone, and relatively few forests, so stone was nearly always used throughout for large buildings. Small buildings and most residential buildings were normally constructed of lighter materials, and hardly any early examples survive, as at the abandoned medieval capital of Ani.
The stone used in buildings is typically quarried all at the same location, in order to give the structure a uniform color. In cases where different color stone are used, they are often intentionally contrasted in a striped or checkerboard pattern.[3] Powder made out of ground stone of the same type was often applied along the joints of the tuff slabs to give buildings a seamless look.[3] Unlike the Romans or Syrians who were building at the same time, Armenians never used wood or brick when building large structures.
Armenian architecture employs a form of concrete[3] to produce sturdy buildings,. It is a mixture of lime mortar, broken tuff, and rocks around which forms a core against which thin slabs of tuff are arranged in brickwork fashion. As the wet mortar mixture dries it forms a strong concrete-like mass sealed together with the tuff around it and, due to tuff's properties, it becomes harder with time. Initially, almost no core was used in the construction of churches, stone blocks were simply sealed together, but as architects saw how those with mortar cores withstood tremors, the size of the core expanded. Frescos of marble or another stone were often affixed to the side of these buildings, usually at a later date.
History of Armenian architecture
The gradual development of Armenian architecture.
Pre-Christian Armenia
During the third millennium B.C, prehistoric Armenian architecture was already distinctive. The most common feature was its groundwork, which incorporated many geometrical shapes, ultimately forming a cell shape. An example of such architecture can be found in Kültəpə, near Nakhchivan. These buildings were approximately 6–7 metres wide and about 5 metres high.[5]
Urban architectural traditions, and other forms of art in the years before Christ continued to develop and later were influenced by Greco-Roman art.[6] Urartian architecture is known for its use of intricately cut rocks, used as foundations for mud brick buildings, usually constructed in a compact manner (such as in Erebuni).
Urartian temples had massive stone walls at lower levels and a relatively small interior space, usually square, and rose high; they were generally placed at the highest point of a site. Higher levels were in mud brick, which has not survived, and it is not fully clear how appeared. The late Temple of Garni of the 1st century AD, in a fully Hellenistic style, is the only pagan monument left in any sort of complete state in Armenia, as many others were destroyed or converted to Christian places of worship under Tiridates III of Armenia.[7] Garni includes local elements of sacred numerology and geometry. The temple has a column to inter column ratio of 1/3 (1 is the primary number of the universe and 3 is the holiest of all numbers as it represents the Greco-Roman triad Jupiter, Juno and Minerva). Aside from being aesthetically beautiful, Garni's design can be seen as being a reaffirmation of the universal laws that governed man's destiny. The angles, number of columns, and dimensions were created with a careful eye; Armenian pagans wanted to appease the gods and protect humanity from their wrath. This sacred geometry is evident in the entire temple. To the people who created it, it was the perfect embodiment of their communion with the universe. Note that although sacred geometry was mostly used in religious buildings, secular buildings adopted some aspects of it.[8]
Pre-Christian and Christian structures
- Stone sculptures of horses and sheep
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Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (Julfa)
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Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (Julfa)
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Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (Julfa)
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Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (Julfa)
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Stone sheep sculpture in Sardarapat Museum
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10th century BC – 1st century BC
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Musasir, 825 BC
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The Van Citadel, 9th century BC
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Erebuni Fortress, 782 BC
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Odzaberd, 735–713 BC
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Teishebaini, Between 650 and 600 BC
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Argishtikhinili, 8th and 6th centuries BC
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Artaxata, 176 BC
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Tigranakert of Artsakh, 2nd–1st century BC
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Mount Nemrut, 1st century BC
Christian Armenia
Christianity's institution as Armenia's official religion in 301 allowed new developments in Armenian architecture, which nevertheless preserved older traditions.[6] In fact it would be almost impossible to find any religion that rose completely on its own without borrowing some traditions from the past. Exploring Armenian churches is critical to our understanding of Medieval Armenia. Beyond that, the Armenian churches describe us the general landscape of the Christian East at a time when eyewitness accounts were exceedingly rare. In their messages of authenticity and legitimacy, the churches shaped and preserved public memory, negotiating among diverse linguistic, religious, political, and ethnic groups.[9]
The first Armenian churches were built on the orders of St. Gregory the Illuminator, and were often built on top of pagan temples, and imitated some aspects of Armenian pre-Christian architecture.[8]
Gallery 4th–7th century
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Aghperig Monastery, 300
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4th century Katarovank close to Hin Tagher
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Tekor Basilica, end of 5th century
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Bagavan church, 613–619
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Saint Gayane Church, 630
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Cathedral of Mren, 631–639
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Ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, 641–652
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Varagavank, 653
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Bana cathedral, 653–658
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Gharghavank, 661–685
8th–14th century
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9th century, Dadivank monastery in Karvachar
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Tatev Monastery, 895–906
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Vanevan Monastery, 903
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Vahanavank, 911
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Cathedral of Kars 930–967
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Gndevank, 931–936
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Sanahin Monastery, 957–966
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Haghpat Monastery, 976–991
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Cathedral of Ani, 989–1001
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Vorotnavank, 1000.
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King Gagik's church of St Gregory, Ani, 1001–1020
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Vahramashen Church, 1026
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Kecharis Monastery, 1033
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Bgheno-Noravank, 1062
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Meghri Fortress, 1083
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Goshavank, 1191–1196
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Castle of Kars, 1153
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Kobayr monastery, 1171
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Lori Fortress, 1177
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Tejharuyk Monastery, 1196–1199
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Harichavank Monastery, 1201
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Hogevank Monastery, 1205
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Geghard, 1215
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Hovhannavank, 1216
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Saghmosavank, 1215–1221
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Gtichavank, 1241–1246
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Matosavank,1247
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Cathedral of Arapgir, 1249
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Saint George's Church, 1251 or earlier
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Lim Island, 1305
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Saint Thaddeus Monastery, 1319–1329
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Areni Church, 1321
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Spitakavor Monastery, 1321–1330
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Orbelian's Caravanserai, 1332
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Noravank, 1339
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Ganchvor monastery, 1364
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Armenian Cathedral of Lviv, 1363–1370
15th–18th century
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Forty Martyrs Cathedral, 1491
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Norashen Church, 1507
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Chapel of Chupan, 1518
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St. Georg Church, 1611
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Bedkhem Church, 1627
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Hoşap Castle, 1649
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Vank Cathedral, 1655–1664
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Khor Virap, 1661
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Saint Gevork Monastery of Mughni, 1661–1669
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Red Bridge, 1679
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Gethsemane Chapel, 1690s
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Surp Astvatsatsin Church, 1338–1693
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Shoghakat Church, 1694
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Saint Karapet Church, 1705
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Surb Nshan Church, 1703–1711
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St. Mary's Church, 1718
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Jigrashen Avetyats Church, 1624 or 1729
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Church of Saint George, 1753
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Church of the Red Gospel, 1775
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Saint Catherine's Armenian Church, 1771–1776
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Holy Resurrection Church, 1781
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Kamoyants Saint Gevork Church, 1727 or 1788
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Church of the Ascension, 1790
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Holy Cross Church, 1786–1792
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Church of St. Gevorg (Sighnaghi), 1793
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St. George's Church, 1795
19th–20th century
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Nor Ejmiatsin Church, 1806–1809
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Saint Sarkis Cathedral, 1842
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Armenian Church, Baku, 1863–1869
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Lower Bethlehemi Church, 1868–1870
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Church of the Holy All-Savior, 1860–1871
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Holy Saviour's Church, 1858–1872
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Gevorgian Seminary, 1874
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Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church, 443–1879
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St. Karapet's Church, 1881
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Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God, 1873–1884
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Church of St. George of Samatya, 1866–1887
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Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, 1868–1887
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St. Astvatsatsin Church, 1902–1905
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Church of Surp Hakob, 1967–1969
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St. Sarkis Church, 1998
Khachkar
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Khachkars in Talin Cathedral, 9th century
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Mughni Church, 986Khachkar
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Goris, 991
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Vagharshapat, 996
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Haghpat Monastery, 1023
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1056
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Khachkar of Queen Sophie, 1081
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Vagarshapat, 1148
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Sanahin, 1184
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Aprank, 1194
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1210
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Haghpat Monastery 1211
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1211
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Geghard Monastery, 1213
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Sanahin, 1215
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Haghpat Monastery, 1220
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Vagharshapat, 1233
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1251
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Sanahin, 1262
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Geghard Monastery, 1263
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1271
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1271
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Haghpat Monastery, 1273
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Etchmiadzin Cathedral, 1279
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Geghard Monastery, 1283
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Dadivank, 1283
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1285
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Goshavank Khachkar, carved in 1291 by the artist Poghos
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1298
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Armenian-inscribed double khachkars of the Memorial Bell-Tower of the Dadivank Monastery
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A 15th century khachkar at the Armenian Cathedral of Saint James, Jerusalem
Periods in Armenian architecture
Classical and Medieval Armenian architecture is divided into four separate periods.[3]
The formative period
The first Armenian churches were built between the 4th and 7th century, beginning when Armenia converted to Christianity, and ending with the Arab invasion of Armenia. The early churches were mostly simple basilicas, but some with side apses. By the 5th century the typical cupola cone in the center had become widely used. By the 7th century, centrally-planned churches had been built and a more complicated niched buttress and radiating Hrip'simé style had formed. By the time of the Arab invasion, most of what we now know as classical Armenian architecture had formed.[10]
Bagratid revival
From the 9th to 11th century, Armenian architecture underwent a revival under the patronage of the Bagratid dynasty with a great deal of building done in the area of Lake Van, this included both traditional styles and new innovations. Ornately carved Armenian khachkars were developed during this time.[7] Many new cities and churches were built during this time, including a new capital at Lake Van and a new Cathedral on Akdamar Island to match. The Cathedral of Ani was also completed during this dynasty. It was during this time that the first major monasteries, such as Haghpat and Haritchavank were built. This period was ended by the Seljuk invasion.
Monasteries flourish
From the 12th to 14th century under the Zakarid dynasty saw an explosion in the number of monasteries built, including Saghmosavank Monastery, the Akhtala monastery, Kaymaklı Monastery, Kecharis Monastery and Makaravank Monastery. Monasteries were institutes of learning, and much of medieval Armenian literature was written in this time period. The invasion of Timurlane and the destruction of Cilician Armenia ended architectural progression from another 250 .
Seventeenth century
The last great period in classic Armenian construction was under the Iranian Safavid Shahs, under which a number of new churches were built, usually at existing holy sites such as Etchmiadzin as well as in diaspora communities like New Julfa.[3]
Nineteenth century
Armenian architecture experienced a huge stage of development during the 19th century, when the Russians entered Eastern Armenia. A number of architectural masterpieces were built in the Kumayri historic district of Alexandropol and Yerevan, as well in Kars, which is now a part of the Republic of Turkey.
The Armenian buildings of that time were mainly made of black tuff, therefore those buildings were mainly of black color.
Gallery of Armenian architecture of the 19th century – 20th century
Modern times
One of the most prolific architects of Armenian architectural monuments in the 20th century was Baghdasar Arzoumanian. Based in Yerevan, Armenia, he was the author of a great number of civil and church buildings along with other designs. The legendary architects of the 20th century were Alexander Tamanyan, Rafael Israyelyan, G. Kochar, E. Tigranyan, S. Safaryan, etc. Today the masters of Armenian architecture are S.Gurzadyan, S. Kalashyan, L. Khristaforyan, R. Asratyan etc.
Devastation of Armenian architecture
As a result of Anti-Armenianism, relics of Armenia's past such as churches, cemeteries and khachkars in neighboring countries have been subject to devastation. In certain cases such as in Turkey or Azerbaijan, this had been as a result of national campaigns to eradicate traces of the Armenian people to thwart any potential claims by the Armenian state.
The largest collection in the world was formerly to be found at the ruins of Old Jugha in Nakhichevan (today's Azerbaijan). Reports (see RFE/RL) and photographs from observers in Iranian territory emerged at the end of 2005 showing Azeri soldiers making deliberate attempts to destroy the gravestones. More recent photographs have revealed that the entire graveyard has been obliterated and a military training ground has been constructed on the site.[11]
Armenian architecture in the diaspora
The tumultuous past of Armenia over the last millennium has resulted in the formation of an extensive Armenian Diaspora in various corners of the globe. Armenian communities seeking to keep the traditions of their homeland, influenced the architectural vernacular of Armenian Quarters in cities such as Zamość and Lviv. This influence is most evident in the sacred architecture of churches built by the Armenian community, where designs based on historic landmarks such as the cathedrals of Ani, Zvartnots and Etchmiadzin have been used as inspirational templates to construct these structures in their new surroundings. This tradition still continues into the present day as Armenian immigration has shifted away from the traditional areas of outmigration in Europe and the Middle East into the Americas and Australia.
Khachkars have also become additional signifiers of Armenian identity and have been erected in recent year in cities such as Wrocław, Kraków, Elbląg in Poland, Novi Sad in Serbia, Beirut in Lebanon as well as in Dearborn, Michigan.
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Church of the Nativity, 325–565.
20th century secular buildings in Armenia
- 20th century
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National Assembly (1918).
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Yerevan State University in 1968, (1919).
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Yerevan State Medical University in 1960s, (1920).
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Yerevan opera house by A. Tamanyan in 1951, (1926–1939).
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Unevermag of Yerevan (1935).
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Moscow Cinema (1936).
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The Victory Bridge, Yerevan on Hrazdan River (1945).
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Pak Suka in 1968, (1952).
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Matenadaran (1920–1959).
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Tsitsernakaberd (1967).
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Erebuni Museum (1968).
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Yerevan Youth Palace (1970).
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Republic Square, Yerevan by A.Tamanyan in 1953, (1926–1977).
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Komitas Chamber Music House (1977).
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Yerevan Cascade (1971–1980).
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Karen Demirchyan Complex (1983).
- Buildings
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Residential building with Armenian decoration in Yerevan
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21st century buildings in Armenia
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Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, 1997–2001
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Holy Trinity Church, 2001–2003
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Church of St. Nerses the Great, 2004 .
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Saint Anna Church, 2011–2014
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COAF SMART center in the village of Debet, Lori province.
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Holy Mother of God Cathedral, 2006–2019
UNESCO designated World Heritage Sites
Armenian cross-stones art and Symbolism and craftsmanship of Khachkars, listed to UNESCO intangible world heritage site. The following is a list of World Heritage Sites designed or constructed by Iranians, or designed and constructed in the style of Armenian architecture:
- Incide Armenia
- Outside Armenia
- Church of the Holy All-Savior of Derbent in Russia
- Ani in Turkey
- Ani Cathedral in Turkey
- The church of the Holy Redeemer in Turkey
- The church of St Gregory of the Abughamrents in Turkey
- The church of St Gregory of Tigran Honents in Turkey
- Monastery of the Hripsimian Virgins in Turkey
- King Gagik's church of St Gregory in Turkey
- St. Thaddeus Monastery in Iran
- Saint Stepanos Monastery in Iran
- Chapel of Dzordzor in Iran
- Chapel of Chupan in Iran
- Church of the Holy Mother of God, Darashamb in Iran
Gallery
Examples of Armenian religious architecture
Armenia
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The Holy Trinity Church (2003) modeled after Zvartnots Cathedral, in the Malatia-Sebastia district of Yerevan
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The Saint Gregory of Narek Cathedral (2005) in Vanadzor, Armenia
Azerbaijan and Artsakh
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13th century Gandzasar monastery, near Vank village
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4th century Amaras Monastery near Sos village
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7th century Vankasar Church near Tigranakert
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4th century Katarovank close to Hin Tagher village
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Tsitsernavank, near Tsitsernavank village
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12th-century Holy Mother of God Church, Hunarli, Azerbaijan
Iran
Turkey
Elsewhere in Western Asia
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The Holy Mother of God Cathedral (1940) at the Catholicossate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon
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Holy Cross Church (Sourp Nshan) in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, adjacent to the Grand Serail
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Holy Mother of God Church (Sourp Asdvadzadzin) at the Armenian Seminary in Bikfaya, Lebanon
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The belfry of the Forty Martyrs Armenian Cathedral of Aleppo erected in 1912
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Interior of St. Gregory The Illuminator Church of Cairo
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Saint John the Baptist Armenian church on Jordan River, Al-Maghtas, Jordan
North America
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St. Paul's Armenian Apostolic Church, (1908).
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Saint Paul Armenian Church (1979) in Fresno, California
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The Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Church (2001) in Glendale, California
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Saint Stepanos Armenian Church (1986) in Elberon, New Jersey
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St Gregory Armenian Church in Springfield, Massachusetts,USA
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St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, Toronto (1983) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Russia
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Holy Transfiguration Cathedral, Moscow
Singapore
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Armenian Church, Singapore, (1836).
See also
- Armenian church architecture
- Armenian art
- Armenian Khachkars
- Armenian Palaces
- Research on Armenian Architecture
- Children of Armenia Fund
- Tumo Center for Creative Technologies
References
Bibliography
External links
- Armenian Historical Monuments Шаблон:Webarchive presented by the Research on Armenian Architecture organization
- Arts of Armenia:Architecture, a chapter in a book by Dickran Kouymjian of Cal State University, Fresno
- Index of Armenian Art: Armenian Architecture, a listing and details of Armenian architecture grouped by classification
- Pictorial Gallery of Armenian Architecture
- Armenian Architecture Collection of the Rensselaer Digital Collections, part of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (includes monasteries in Western Armenia)
- Armenian Architecture in Turkey and the City of Ani
- Armenian Architectures and Its Protection in Turkey
- Cilician Armenian Architecture
Шаблон:Armenian Churches Шаблон:Contemporary Armenian Churches Шаблон:Asia in topic Шаблон:Architecture of Europe
- ↑ Patrick Donabédian, Jean-Michel Thierry, "Armenian Art", New York, 1989, pp. 29–30
- ↑ Vazken Lawrence Parsegian, 1996
- ↑ 3,0 3,1 3,2 3,3 3,4 3,5 Architecture, Arts of Armenia (c) Dr. Dickran Kouymjian , Armenian Studies Program, California State University, Fresno Шаблон:Webarchive
- ↑ 4,0 4,1 4,2 4,3 4,4 Шаблон:Garbis Armen 1992
- ↑ History of Armenian Architecture: Volume 1 Шаблон:Full citation needed
- ↑ 6,0 6,1 Шаблон:Cite web
- ↑ 7,0 7,1 Armenia, Past and Present; Elisabeth Bauer, Jacob Schmidheiny, Frederick Leist , 1981
- ↑ 8,0 8,1 Sacred Geometry and Armenian Architecture | Armenia Travel, History, Archeology & Ecology | TourArmenia | Travel Guide to Armenia
- ↑ Шаблон:Cite web
- ↑ Шаблон:Cite book
- ↑ Шаблон:Cite web