Architecture Of Armenia

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, but many of its monuments were created in the regions of historical Armenia, the Armenian Highlands. 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.Architecture, Arts of Armenia (c) Dr. Dickran Kouymjian, Armenian Studies Program, California State University, Fresno

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)
*The vertical emphasis of the whole structure, with the height often exceeding the length of a church
*Reinforcement of the verticality with tall, narrow windows
*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:

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, 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. 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. 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 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.

Urban architectural traditions, and other forms of art in the years before Christ continued to develop and later were influenced by Greco-Roman art. 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. 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.Sacred Geometry and Armenian Architecture , Armenia Travel, History, Archeology & Ecology , TourArmenia , Travel Guide to Armenia
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10th century BC – 1st century BC

* Horom Citadel, Bronze Age
* Haykaberd, 1st millennium BC
* Musasir, 825 BC
* The Van Citadel, 9th century BC
* Erebuni Fortress, 782 BC
* Odzaberd, 735–713 BC
* Teishebaini, Between 650 and 600 BC
* Argishtikhinili, 8th and 6th centuries BC
* Kumayri historic district, 5th century BC
* Armavir, 331 Bc (originally 8th century BC)
* Artaxata, 176 BC
* Tigranakert of Artsakh, 2nd–1st century BC
* 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. 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.

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.

Gallery 4th–7th century

Էջմիածնի Մայր Տաճար.jpg, Etchmiadzin cathedral, 303
File:Amaras 18.JPG, 4th century Amaras Monastery near Sos
File:Dvin Capital.jpg, Dvin, 4th century
File:Arshakunyats Dambaran and Chapel, Aghdzk, Armenia.jpg, Arshakid Mausoleum, 4th century
File:Երերույքի Տաճար 05.jpg, Yererouk Bazelika, 4th–5th century
File:Quşçu church.jpg, Monastery of Saint Translators, 4th–5th century
File:Ապարանի Սուրբ Խաչ.jpg, Kasagh Basilica, 4th–5th century
File:Crviz 2015 jun pic 24.JPG, Tsrviz Chapel, 5th century
File:Qızılvəng foto.JPG, Karmir Monastery, 5th century
File:Tsiranavor church of Ashtarak, front view.jpg, Tsiranavor Church, 5th century
File:Ani 2.jpg, Ani, 5th century
File:Smbataberd Fortress 03.jpg, Smbataberd, 5th century
File:Tekor.jpg, Tekor Basilica, end of 5th century
File:...Ծիծեռնավանք.jpg, Tsitsernavank Monastery, Syunik, 4th–6th century
File:St peter paul yerevan 1930.png, Saint Paul and Peter Church, 4th–6th century
File:Avan 1.JPG, Cathedral of Avan, 6th century
File:Սուրբ Գևորգ եկեղեցի (Իրինդ) (10).jpg, Saint Gevorg church in Irind, 6th century
File:-Խաչգունդի տաճար 1.jpg, Odzun Church, 6th century
File:Church of Sohroul.jpg, Saint John Church of Sohrol, 5th century or 6th century
File:Sverdlov St. George Church 3.jpg, St. George Church, Sverdlov, 6th century
File:St John the Baptists monastery of Bagavan.jpg, Bagavan church, 613–619
File:Jerevan - Armenië (2892629248).jpg, Saint Hripsime Church, 618
File:Saint Gayane Church-front.JPG, Saint Gayane Church, 630
Red church Zarinja.JPG, Sourp Khach Church, c. 635
File:Mren Cathedral.jpg, Cathedral of Mren, 631–639
File:Zvartnots img 6965.jpg, Ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, 641–652
File:Bana cathedral (view from the south).JPG, Bana cathedral, 653–658
File:Gharghavank.JPG, Gharghavank, 661–685
File:Aygeshat Targmanchats Vank.JPG, Targmanchats monastery, Aygeshat, 6th–7th century
File:Պտղավանք տաճար 05.jpg, Ptghnavank, 6th century or 7th century
File:Talin Cathedral.JPG, Talin Cathedral, 7th century


File:Swallows over Aruchavank.jpg, Aruchavank, 7th century
File:Mastara-v-vgn04.jpg, Church of Saint John, Mastara, 7th century
File:Sisian church.jpg, St. Gregory the Illuminator church, 7th century
File:Khtzkonk1920.jpg, Khtzkonk Monastery, 7th century
File:Karmravor Surb Astvatsatsin.JPG, Karmravor Church, 7th century
File:St. Gevorg church of Garnahovit 2018-06-20.jpg, Saint George's Church, mid-7th century
File:Vospekar church2.jpg, Holy Mother of God Church, Voskepar 7th century
File:Saint Christopher Monastery 22-10-2018.jpg, Saint Christopher Monastery, 7th century
File:Artavazik North Wall2.JPG, Artavazik Church, 7th century
File:Ddmashen S. Tadevos Church South.JPG, St. Thaddeus Church, Ddmashen, 7th century
File:Լմբատավանք 20.jpg, Lmbatavank, 7th century
File:2ԱՄՐՈՑԻ ՀԱՄԱԼԻՐ ԱՄԲԵՐԴ.jpg, Amberd, 7th century
File:Mahardzan.jpg, Aghitu tomb, 7th century
File:161 Eglise d'Atenis Sioni -VIIe siècle- près de Gori.JPG, Ateni Sioni Church, 7th century

8th–14th century

File:Kiranc Monastery (108).jpg, Kirants Monastery, 8th century
File:Սևան Եկեղեցի Սբ. Առաքելոց.jpg, Sevanavank, 874
File:Dzor Dzor church.jpg, Chapel of Dzordzor 9th century
File:St-Stepanous-02.jpg, Saint Stepanos Monastery, 9th century
File:Կոթավանք, Ներքին Գետաշեն գյուղ 37.jpg, Kotavank, 9th century
File:Dashtadem fortress (citadel) 17-11-2019v1.jpg, Dashtadem Fortress, 9th century
File:Klášterní komplex Dadivank - panoramio.jpg, 9th century, Dadivank monastery in Karvachar
File:Holy Savior Armenian Church (Shirakavan, Yerazgaors) - Սուրբ Ամենափրկիչ եկեղեցի.jpg, Holy Saviour's monastery of Yerazgavors, end of 9th century
File:TatevMonastery.jpg, Tatev Monastery, 895–906
File:Վանական համալիր Վանեվանք, Արծվանիստ 311.jpg, Vanevan Monastery, 903
File:Vahanavank 2023 1.jpg, Vahanavank, 911
File:AkdamarIslandChurch.jpg, Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Aghtamar, 915–921
File:Kars Church Of The Apostles 2009.JPG, Cathedral of Kars 930–967
File:ՎԱՆԱԿԱՆ ՀԱՄԱԼԻՐ «ԳՆԴԵՎԱՆՔ.jpg, Gndevank, 931–936


File:Sanahin Monastery.jpg, Sanahin Monastery, 957–966
File:Haghpat Monastery, Armenia.jpg, Haghpat Monastery, 976–991
File:Ani-Cathedral, Ruine.jpeg, Cathedral of Ani, 989–1001
File:Ամրոց «Կաքավաբերդ» («Թաթուլի բերդ») 02.jpg, Kakavaberd,9th–10th century
File:Pjni Fortress 03.jpg, Bjni Fortress, 9th–10th century
File:Ani Church of St Gregory of the Abughamrents 3574.jpg, The church of St Gregory of the Abughamrents, Ani, 10th century
File:2014 Prowincja Gegharkunik, Cmentarz Noratus (01).jpg, Noratus cemetery, 10th century
File:Tmogvi fortress (Photo A. Muhranoff, 2011)-1.jpg, Tmkaberd, 10th century
File:Der Architekt, 1919 - 08.jpg, Horomos, 10th century
File:Berdavan fortress.jpg, Berdavan Fortress, 10th century
File:Byurakan Saint Hovhannes.JPG, Surp Hovhannes Church, Byurakan, 10th century
File:Narekavank 1911.png, Narekavank, 10th century
File:Tsakhats Kar 42.JPG, Tsaghats Kar Monastery, 10th century
File:Karmravank Armenian monastery (Lake Van).JPG, Karmravank, 10th century
File:-Աճարկուտի Առաքելոց վանք.jpg, Arakelots Monastery, Kirants, 10th century
File:Surb Nshan church (Sebastia).jpg, Surb Nshan Monastery, 10th century.
File:2014 Prowincja Szirak, Klasztor Marmaszen (07).jpg, Marmashen Monastery, 988–1029
File:Vorotnavank 205.JPG, Vorotnavank, 1000.
File:Ani King Gagik church of St Gregory 5718.jpg, King Gagik's church of St Gregory, Ani, 1001–1020
File:Amberd church.jpg, Vahramashen Church, 1026
File:20110419 Surp Arakelots Holy Apostles Ani Turkey.jpg, The Church of the Holy Apostles, Ani, 1031
File:Kecharis Monastery 24.03.2018.jpg, Kecharis Monastery, 1033
File:20110419 Church of Redeemer Ani Turkey view1.jpg, The church of the Holy Redeemer, Ani, 1035
File:Bgheno-Noravank.jpg, Bgheno-Noravank, 1062
File:Sights of Meghri (5).jpg, Meghri Fortress, 1083


File:Eghegnamor vank1.jpg, Eghegnamor Monastery,10th century–11th century
File:Monastery Neghuts 149.jpg, Neghuts Monastery,10th century or 11th century
File:Armenian monastery of s apostles in moush.jpg, Arakelots Monastery 11th century
File:Goshavank View.JPG, Goshavank, 1191–1196
File:Voskevaz Church1.JPG, Surp Hovhannes Church, 7th–12th century
File:Monasterio de Hnevank, Armenia, 2016-09-30, DD 83.jpg, Hnevank, 7th–12th century
File:Garni Mashtots Hayrapet Church.JPG, Mashtots Hayrapet Church of Garni, 12th century
File:Church, Kish (P1090438).jpg, Church of Kish, 12th century
File:2014 Prowincja Tawusz, Klasztor Jukhtakwank (11).jpg, Jukhtak Vank, 12th century
File:Kars castle and hill 3329.jpg, Castle of Kars, 1153
File:Kobayr 016.JPG, Kobayr monastery, 1171
File:Aprank or Surb David Monastery Surb Hovanes Church01.jpg, Aprank monastery, 1171
File:Lori Berd, Armenia, 2016-09-30, DD 71.jpg, Lori Fortress, 1177
File:Tejaruyqi monastery.JPG, Tejharuyk Monastery, 1196–1199
File:16102022 Հայրավանք 02.jpg, Hayravank Monastery,9th–12th century
File:Çandır castle, Mersin Province, Turkey.jpg, Paperon, 12th century
File:Harichavank-Harich2 - Copy.JPG, Harichavank Monastery, 1201
File:St. Karapet Church (1205).png, Hogevank Monastery, 1205
File:Geghard Monastery (5211712780).jpg, Geghard, 1215
File:20110419 Saint Gregory (Tigran Honents) Ani Turkey.jpg, St Gregory of Tigran Honents, Ani, 1215


File:Gandzasar Monastery1.jpg, Gandzasar Monastery, 1216–1238
File:Hovhannavank 24.jpg, Hovhannavank, 1216
File:Սաղմոսավանք (մօտիկ).JPG, Saghmosavank, 1215–1221
File:Ktişvəng monastırının ümumi görünüşü.jpg, Gtichavank, 1241–1246
File:Matosavank Inscription.JPG, Matosavank,1247
File:Arapgir church2.png, Cathedral of Arapgir, 1249
File:Saint Gevorg Armenian Church in Old Tbilisi seen from Samghebro Street, 5.jpg, Saint George's Church, 1251 or earlier
File:Katoghike05.jpg, Katoghike Church, Yerevan, 1264
File:Ashtarak S. Mariane.jpg, Saint Marianeh Church, Ashtarak, 1271
File:Yeghishe Arakyal Monastery - Եղիշե առաքյալի վանք.JPG, Yeghishe Arakyal Monastery, 5th–13th century
File:SAINT SARGIS MONASTERY OF USHI 237.JPG, Saint Sarkis Monastery of Ushi, 7th–13th
File:1 Վանական համալիր. Թանահատի վանքը (11).JPG, Tanahat Monastery, 8th–13th century
File:Makenyats Vank.JPG, Makenyats Vank,9th–13th century
File:St Nshan in Horomayr Bottom of canion 01.JPG, Horomayr Monastery, 10th–13th century
File:Makravank Monastery 1.JPG, Makravank Monastery, 10th–13th
File:Haghartsin monastery 2015.jpg, Haghartsin Monastery, 10th–13th
File:Makaravank 110.jpg, Makaravank, 10th–13th century
File:Bagnayr Monastery from the east Photo by Yermakov, late 19th century.jpg, Bagnayr Monastery, 10th-13tg century
File:Armenian Church in Yeghipatrush.JPG, Yeghipatrush Church, 10th–13th century
File:Khuchap Monastery 1.JPG, Khuchap Monastery, 12th–13th century
File:Կուսանաց Անապատ Քարվաճառում 03.jpg, Kusanats Anapat, 12th–13th century
File:Վանական Համալիր «Սամսոն» (03).jpg, Samsonavank Monastery, 12th–13th century
File:Klasztor dziewic Ani.JPG, Chapel in the Monastery of the Hripsimian Virgins, Ani, 13th century
File:Աղջոց վանք 02.jpg, Aghjots Vank, 13th century
File:Snake Castle - Yılankale 2748.jpg, Levonkla, 13th century
File:Iğdır kervansaray - panoramio.jpg, Caravanserai of Zor, 13th century
File:Tegher Southeast.JPG, Tegher Monastery, 13th century
File:Tsiranavor Ashtarak 1.jpg, Spitakavor Church of Ashtarak, 13th century
File:Akhtala church 3.jpg, Akhtala Monastery, 13th century
File:Tanahat Monastery-4.jpg, Tanahat Monastery, 13th century
File:Saint Bartholomew Monastery general view.png, Saint Bartholomew Monastery, 13th century
File:Church of Saint Elia, Kizkale.jpg, Church of Saint Elia, Kizkale, 13th century
File:Yeghvard Church Right 1.JPG, Holy Mother of God Church, Yeghvard, 1301
File:Lim Island.png, Lim Island, 1305
File:Qareh kelissa.jpg, Saint Thaddeus Monastery, 1319–1329
File:Areni ch.jpg, Areni Church, 1321
File:2014 Prowincja Wajoc Dzor, Klasztor Spitakawor (03).jpg, Spitakavor Monastery, 1321–1330
File:FBQH3930.jpg, Orbelian's Caravanserai, 1332
File:Noravank-astvatsatsin-IMG 2015.JPG, Noravank, 1339
File:Stary Krym Monastyr Surb Chacz.jpg, Surp Khach Monastery, 1358
File:Famagusta 01-2017 img08 Armenian Church.jpg, Ganchvor monastery, 1364
File:Lwów - Katedra Ormiańska 01.JPG, Armenian Cathedral of Lviv, 1363–1370
File:-Նոր Վարագավանք.jpg, Nor Varagavank, 13th–14th century
File:Mayravank (Solak)1.jpg, Mayravank, 7th–14th centuries

15th–18th century

File:Ktuts monastery 1986.jpg, Ktuts monastery, 15th century
File:Mănăstirea Zamca31.jpg, Armenian monastery of Suceava, 15th century
File:Churches, Tbilisi - panoramio.jpg, Norashen Church, 1507
File:ChapelofChupan.jpg, Chapel of Chupan, 1518
File:Xweşav.jpg, Hoşap Castle, 1649
File:کلیسای وانک. عکس Rasool AB.JPG, Vank Cathedral, 1655–1664
File:Խոր Վիրապ55.JPG, Khor Virap, 1661
File:St. Gevorg 2.jpg, Saint Gevork Monastery of Mughni, 1661–1669
File:Kanaker Saint Hakob church (56).jpg, Saint Hakob Church of Kanaker, 1679
File:Yerits Mankants 14.jpg, Yerits Mankants Monastery, 1691
File:Karbi Church.JPG, Surp Astvatsatsin Church, 1338–1693
File:Shoghakat Church, Ejmiadsin.JPG, Shoghakat Church, 1694
File:Surb Zoravor Astvatsatsin Church in 2019 (8).jpg, Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin Church, 1694
File:Aparank Monastery.jpg, Aparank Monastery,10th–17th century
File:Bridge in Shvanidzor 31.JPG, Bridge in Shvanidzor, 17th century
File:Armenian Church in Old Dhaka.JPG, Holy Resurrection Church, 1781
File:Церковь Сурб-Амбарцум.JPG, Church of the Ascension, 1790
File:Saint Cross in Rostov-on-Don.jpg, Holy Cross Church, 1786–1792
File:St. George's church of Sighnaghi (1).jpg, Church of St. Gevorg (Sighnaghi), 1793
File:Jolfa-Aras-3.jpg, Church of the Holy Mother of God, Darashamb, 18th century
File:S. Sargis Church of Ashtarak.JPG, St. Sarkis Church (Ashtarak, Aragatsotn, Armenia), 18th century
File:Եկեղեցական Համալիր Նորագավթի Ս. Գևորգ (48).JPG, Surp Gevork Church, Noragavit, 18th century
File:Princely Palace of Meliz Dizak (56).jpg, Togh's Melikian Palace, 18th century

19th–20th century

File:Kirke og kloster ved Musch - fo30141712180027.jpg, Surb Karapet Monastery, 4th–19th century
File:Tatevi Anapat 49.JPG, Tatevi Anapat, 18th–19th century.
File:St.Sarqis.jpg, Saint Sarkis Cathedral, 1842
File:Armenian church in Baku.jpg, Armenian Church, Baku, 1863–1869
File:Церковь. Вид из парка.jpg, Church of the Holy All-Savior, 1860–1871
File:Holy Saviour's Church, Gyumri.jpg, Holy Saviour's Church, 1858–1872
File:Էջմիածնի մայր տաճար, ArmAg 11 121 (2).jpg, Gevorgian Seminary, 1874
File:Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church 2023 drone.jpg, Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church, 443–1879
File:2014 Prowincja Szirak, Giumri, Katedra Matki Bożej (02).jpg, Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God, 1873–1884
File:Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in June 2018.jpg, Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, 1868–1887
File:Surb grigor lusavorich.png, Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church, 1900
File:St. Grigor Lusavorich Church In Goris 2023.1.jpg, St. Grigor Lusavorich Church, Goris, 1903
File:Holy Mother of God Church, Gavar by ArmAg (7).jpg, St. Astvatsatsin Church, 1902–1905
File:Crimea South Coast 04-14 img13 Yalta Armenian Church.jpg, Saint Hripsime Church of Yalta, 1905
File:Budagovski Armenian cathedral in Baku.jpg, Saint Thaddeus and Bartholomew Cathedral, 1910
File:Armenian Church Troinex1.jpg, Church of Surp Hakob, 1967–1969
File:St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church.jpg, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, 1983
File:Surb Sargis Church Nor Nork 03.JPG, St. Sarkis Church, 1998

Periods in Armenian architecture

Classical and Medieval Armenian architecture is divided into four separate periods.

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.

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.Armenia, Past and Present; Elisabeth Bauer, Jacob Schmidheiny, Frederick Leist, 1981 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.

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

Yerevan