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Tzarak'ar cave-monastery

Turkey / Kars / Kagizman /
 place with historical importance, cave / cave(s), UNESCO World Heritage Site, Armenian Apostolic church, cave church/monastery

TZARAKAR MONASTERY
A cut-in-rock Armenian monastic complex is preserved on the weathered and corroded south-facing side of a southlooking range of rocks extending along the left side of a small gorge, 1.2 km west of the village of Chukurayva,1 5 kms south-east of the fortified town of Kechror, Gabeghiank District, Ayrarat Province, Armenia Maior (Kaghzvan District, Kars Region until 1920, at present Kars ili, Kağizman ilçesi, Kötek bucaği), at an altitude of 1,949 metres above sea level (geographical coordinates: N 40o14° 51.69°°, E 42o54° 49.07°°. The monastery consists of a church which has several entrances connected with each other, at least six chapels and other adjoining buildings. It is remarkable for its very interesting structure and extended lapidary inscriptions mentioning outstanding historical personalities of the 10th century.
A Historical Introduction. The primary sources casting light on the historical events connected with Tzarakar are three lapidary inscriptions preserved in the monastery though they have reached us in a very deteriorated state. The first of them is carved on its western facade: it is marked with irregularity of writing, for its 11 lines and the size of its letters do not seem to have any order. It is a donation inscription dated 952 mentioning Tiran, spiritual shepherd of Vanand District, and Bishop Sahak Amatuny.
(Translation.: )
' 401 (952). This is written by Tiran, spiritual shepherd of Vanand... shahanshah... gardener... St. Grigor ... for my soul’s sake... may those who object to this writing be cursed by God, as well as ...Tiran and Bishop Sahak Amatuny... Hakob... may he who fulfills the commands be blessed and he who raises an objection to this writing be damned and fall into the devil’s hands. '

Another extended donation inscription of 17 irregular lines, dating from the same period, i.e. 10th century, has come down to our days in a semi-distorted state. It is engraved on the northern wall of the same church and is especially important as it mentions the founder of Vanand (Kars) Kingdom, Mushegh14:
(Translation.: )
' St. Grigor ...handwriting... For God’s sake... Armenian King Mushegh... the monastery and churches on the order of Father... after my departure... is cursed... those who carry out the orders... may be blessed... '
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   40°14'52"N   42°54'49"E
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This article was last modified 4 years ago