Monastery of Geghard and the Upper Azat Valley

Gregory the Illuminator founded this medieval monastery in the 4th century CE at the site of a sanctified spring within a cave. However, the biggest monastery complex was not completed until 1215 CE, when cultural identity and architectural style flourished under medieval Armenian. The relics housed in the monastery made it famous. Geghardavank, which implies “Monastery of the Spear,” is taken from the spear which was used to wound Jesus during his crucifixion and was allegedly tried to bring to Armenia by Apostle Jude, also known as Thaddeus. The significance of these stories has made this monastery complex an important pilgrimage location for Christians of Armenia and pious visitors.

The History of Geghard Monastery

Geghard monastery’s history dates back to pre-Christian times when it was worshipped as a sanctuary due to its sacred sources and springs. It is unclear when the monastery was constructed. Geghard Monastery started as a small cave monastery, but the monastery complex gradually expanded and has become more massive.

According to legend, Gregory the Illuminator established it in the early fourth century after Armenians embraced Christianity as their state religion.

Initially, the monastery’s monks lived in the sanctuary, with the nearby caves serving as solitary cells. One of these caves is also thought to have housed St. Gregory the Illuminator. According to historical sources, the monastery complex comprises several churches, housing developments, and other structures. This medieval monastery also served as a writing centre, a school, a music academy, and a pilgrimage destination.

During the Bagratuni Kingdom (920s), an Arab army led by Nasri tried to invade Armenia and burglarised the monastery complex. Even though the monastery was later redeveloped and guarded, numerous inscriptions established are irretrievably lost. However, a portion of the manuscripts is currently in Matenadaran.

The central Catholic Church (Katoghike) was built in 1215 when the Zakarian’s were on the throne. Most of Armenia was freed from the Seljuks by the Armenian Sons, Zakaria and Ivane. The monastery complex was purchased around the 13th century by Prince Prosh, a vassal of the Zakarian’s. After some short time, the Proshyans constructed the cave structures that made Geghard famous.

The Authenticity of the Geghard Monastery Complex

The Geghard monastery complex, with its phenomenal rock-cut tombs and churches, has been maintained in its naturalistic environment. The group has a high level of authenticity, but not very less because the property has been used as a monastery for many centuries. Despite restorations carried out over time, all structures on the property and the scenery are not threatened. Academic research, remodels, design, fortification, and protective methods have been implemented to ensure authenticity to address environmental protection difficulties. Using the original materials, a section of the adjacent wall to the emergency backup construction collapsed over time and was redeveloped in 2006-2007.

Protection and Management Requirements of the Geghard Monastery

The Armenian Apostolic cathedral owns the property. Regardless of the monastery’s ownership, it is protected by the Republic of Armenia’s Law. “On protection and usage of cultural and historical immovable monuments and historical environment,” as well as the regulation “On State registration, study, protection, fortification, restoration, reconstruction, and usage of historical and cultural immovable monuments.” Additional articles for monument protection can be found in the Republic of Armenia’s civil, land, criminal and administrative codes.

The Integrity of the Medieval Monastery of Geghard

The Geghard Monastery complex is a remarkably comprehensive and well-maintained example of a medieval monastery framework in a remote and beautiful natural setting. The elements of the ancient property have not changed since the inscription period. Furthermore, the property is enclosed by a massive border region, set up in 1986, with heavy restrictions over any development or change.

However, the main threats to the site’s integrity are:

• Its location is in an active seismic zone
• Environmental damage to the natural atmosphere
• The risk of rockslides
• The active tourism route

The Geghard monastery complex is also popular due to its proximity to Armenia’s capital, Yerevan. Yerevan is only 36 kilometres away from the monastery. The 45-minute drive from the capital to the ancient temple is one-way, and the road to the monastery is breathtakingly beautiful. On the way to Geghard, you can see magnificent mountain landscapes alongside the sun and fresh air.

Conclusion

Gregory the Illuminator, the man responsible for Armenia becoming the world’s first Christian state, is said to have founded Geghard in the fourth century. It was initially called Ayrivank, which means “monastery of the cave,” because the first monastery complex site was inside a cave with a flowing spring. The main church was constructed in the early 13th century, and the attached vestry is partially free-standing and partially carved into the cliff. Apart from the main chapel, there are several rock-hewn churches near the sacristy, similar to Ethiopian rock-hewn churches but not as spectacular from the outside.