Architecture occupies a unique place in Armenian culture. Since time immemorial, Armenians have been compulsive builders and chose to express their ingenuity, creativeness and aspiration predominantly through stone and mortar.
It is not a mere coincidence that countless of these monuments have survived to this day, some intact and some in ruin, to assert in their classic dignity the will of their builders to prevail over the ravages of man and Nature.
Building activities began in the Armenian highlands in prehistoric times. Building techniques and architecture as such reached a high degree of development during the period of the Urartian Kingdom (XIII-VI cc BC.). From the IInd to Ist c. BC, during the period of organized and powerful nation, the cities Artashat (166 BC.) and Tigranakert (77 BC.) were built.
In 301 A.D. St. Gregory the Illuminator and the Armenian king Tiridates proclaimed Christianity as the official religion of the state. At the very outset of the formal adoption of Christianity, St. Gregory the Illuminator founded the first churches and houses of prayer. Fifth century architectural developments resulted in the creation of central-domed cathedrals and domed basilicas. There were basic innovations in Armenian church architecture.
The cruciform, central-domed church structure was in general use during the VI and VII cc. The cruciform was expressed in the interior and exterior by different adaptations of the arms of the cross.
The Arab conquest of the VII c. disrupted the economic and cultural life of Armenia and only in the latter part of the IX c. new cultural development arose during the time of the Bagratid Dynasty.
In 961, Ashot III Bagratouni moved his capital from Kars to Ani where he built a palace and walled city. Trdat was the greatest architect of this time. His name spread outside of Armenia. In 989 it was he who restored the dome of the Cathedral of St. Sophia in Constantinopole, which was destroyed by an earthquake. His restoration stands to this day. Trdat designed and built the Cathedral of Ani (989-1000) and the church of St, Gregory the Illuminator at Gagikashen (1002-1010).
The monastic buildings that were started towards the end of the X c. were further developed during the XII-XIII cc. and these buildings finally evolved into integrated clusters of architectural monuments. Examples are numerous and include Tatev, Sanahin, Haghpat, Kecharis, Geghard, Goshavank, Noravank and Sahmosavank. It was in these Monasteries that the cultural and educational foundations of Armenia were centered.
The problems of site selection whether for one or for a cluster of buildings, and the functional and aesthetic integration of the buildings with their natural surroundings, were solved with great mastery by Armenian architects. Whether the monuments were located in the open plain or on the side of a mountain, in the forest or a top of a rocky cliff, their grand and noble design completed their natural backdrop and appeared to be a part of Nature.
In the monastic complexes, the principal structure was the church (basically a domed enclosure), which stood out by its sheer size and dominated its surroundings. Attached to the western side of the church, was the porch or gavit (annex), the arrangement of which was dictated by a local custom. The Complex included Refectory, Depositary, Belfry, Cloisters auxiliary units and memorials. The entire complex was enclosed by a rampart and was as impregnable as a fortress.
Minor forms of architecture, such as the construction of Khatchkars (cross-stone) monuments reached a high degree of development during the XII-XIV cc. Each of these monuments, which can be numbered in the thousands, is a peerless creation in stone carving and design. Armenians can be credited with being the originators and main practitioners of this particular form of Art in the World History of Art.
With the loss of independence, Armenians using their immense experience, made numerous constructions for their neighbors. Mosques, palaces, mausoleums, bridges, etc. were built by them. Since gaining the independence again in the beginning of XX century in Yerevan - the capital of Armenia and in other towns began the rapid construction on the basis of national traditions.
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Photos: Zaven Sargsyan