Vank Cathedral
View of the cathedral with its bell tower on the right.
The Vank Cathedral ( Armenian Սուրբ Ամենափրկիչ Վանք, Surp Amenaprgich Vank; کلیسای وانک Kelisa -ye Vank or آمنا پرکیج Amenapergich Persian) is an Armenian Apostolic church in Julfa district of the Iranian city of Isfahan. It is also known under the name of " Holy Savior Cathedral " and " Church of the Holy Sisters". The word is in Vank Armenian monastery or convent for.
History
The Safavid Shah Abbas I. deported during a war against the Ottomans between the years 1603 and 1605 the Armenian population of the town of Julfa in his empire and settled them in his capital Isfahan. The Vank Cathedral was one of the first churches, built the Armenians in their new settlement. The cathedral reflects the glorious history of the Armenian community is reflected in its architecture and its style. She had a great influence on the architecture and decoration of many Orthodox churches in the Iran-Iraq region.
Construction
Construction began in 1606 and ended well with big changes to the design 1655-1664 under the supervision of Archbishop David. The cathedral consists of a roofed with a dome room, reminiscent of the structure of Iranian mosques. On the dome stands a cross up. The cathedral is different from a typical mosque but by a semi- octagonal apse and raised chancel, which are known from the western church. The outer buildings of the cathedral as the walls are made of relatively modern brickwork and form with their smooth surfaces contrasting with the abundant ornate interior.
Ornamentation
The interior is furnished with fine paintings and gilded carvings and includes a wainscot of glistening tiles. The centrally placed micro wall painting shows the biblical story of creation and the expulsion of man from Paradise. The Pendentife between dome and inner walls are decorated with Cherubköpfen, which are surrounded by wings. The ceiling above the entrance is painted with floral 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 representing the lower Armenian martyrs.
In the courtyard of the cathedral is the great, free bell tower, located at the foot of Christian graves. Also are graves on the inside of the outer wall. In a corner of the courtyard next to the museum and the library is a memorial for the victims of the Armenian genocide in the Ottoman Empire (1915 ).
Library
The library contains over 700 manuscripts that are unique and valuable sources for the medieval Armenian history and art, including many writings to the Cathedral and the Armenian community in Isfahan:
- Shah Abbas ' edict establishing the settlement Julfa
- Several other edicts of Iranian kings
- Garments, monstrance, chalices and other sacred relics
- Safavid costumes, tapestries, European paintings that have been acquired by Armenian merchants, embroidery, and other treasures of the community
- Exhibits on Armenian culture and religion
- Many exhibits ( photographs, maps, documents with Turkish Translations ) the genocide of the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire
Gallery
The main facade
Frescoes inside
Heaven and Hell on the frescoes
A look inside
A look inside
Yard with a monument to the Armenian Genocide
View of the neighborhood of the Cathedral (2008)