Armenian architecture

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.[5]

Urban architectural traditions, and other forms of art in the years before Christ continued to develop and later were influenced by Greco-Roman art.[6] 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).

The Temple of Garni, the only standing Greco-Roman building in Armenia

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.[7] 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.[8]

• Vishapakars
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  Vishapakar in Armenia Ethnography Museum
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  Vishapakar in Metsamor
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• Stone sculptures of horses and sheep
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  Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (Julfa)
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  Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (Julfa)
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  Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (Julfa)
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  Tombstone in the form of a ram in the Armenian cemetery of Jugha (Julfa)
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  Stone sheep sculpture in Sardarapat Museum
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  Stone sheep sculpture in Sisian
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  Stone sheep sculpture in Sisian
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  Stone sheep sculpture in Sisian
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  Stone sheep sculpture in Zolakar
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  Horom Citadel, Bronze Age
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  Haykaberd, 1st millennium BC
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  Musasir, 825 BC
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  The Van Citadel, 9th century BC
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  Erebuni Fortress, 782 BC
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  Odzaberd, 735–713 BC
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  Teishebaini, Between 650 and 600 BC
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  Argishtikhinili, 8th and 6th centuries BC
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  Kumayri historic district, 5th century BC
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  Armavir, ruins of Anahit goodness temple, 331 BC
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  Artaxata, 176 BC
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  Tigranakert of Artsakh, 2nd–1st century BC
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  Mount Nemrut, 1st century BC

Armenian gravestones. Lake Van.

Late-medieval Armenian Khachkars from Julfa, Azerbaijan. They were removed from the Julfa graveyard before its destruction and are now on display within the precincts of Etchmiadzin in Armenia.

Christianity's institution as Armenia's official religion in 301 allowed new developments in Armenian architecture, which nevertheless preserved older traditions.[6] 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.[9]

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.[8]

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  Etchmiadzin cathedral, 303
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  Aghperig Monastery, 300
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  4th century Amaras Monastery near Sos
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  4th century Katarovank close to Hin Tagher
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  Saint Hripsime Church (Vermashen), 4th century
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  Baghaberd, 4th century
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  Dvin, 4th century
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  Saint Thomas Monastery of Agulis, 4th century
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  Arshakid Mausoleum, 4th century
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  Yererouk Bazelika, 4th–5th century
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  Monastery of Saint Translators, 4th–5th century
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  Kasagh Basilica, 4th–5th century
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  Mesrop Mashtots Monastery, Nasirvaz, 456
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  Vorotnaberd, 5th century
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  Tsrviz Chapel, 5th century
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  Karmir Monastery, 5th century
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  Tsiranavor Church, 5th century
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  Ani, 5th century
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  Smbataberd, 5th century
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  Tekor Basilica, end of 5th century
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  Tsitsernavank Monastery, Syunik, 4th–6th century
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  Saint Paul and Peter Church, 4th–6th century
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  Holy Mother church (Kurtan), 5th-6th century
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  Tormak, 5th-6th century
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  Cathedral of Avan, 6th century
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  Saint Gevorg church in Irind, 6th century
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  Odzun Church, 6th century
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  Saint John Church of Sohrol, 5th century or 6th century
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  St. George Church, Sverdlov, 6th century
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  Saint Hripsime Church (Aygedzor), 6th century
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  Bagavan church, 613–619
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  Saint Hripsime Church, 618
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  Saint Gayane Church, 630
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  Cathedral of Mren, 631–639
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  Ruins of Zvartnots Cathedral, 641–652
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  Varagavank, 653
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  Bana cathedral, 653–658
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  Gharghavank, 661–685
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  Targmanchats monastery, Aygeshat, 6th–7th century
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  Ptghnavank, 6th century or 7th century
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  Talin Cathedral, 7th century

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  Aruchavank, 7th century
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  7th century Vankasar Church near Tigranakert
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  Church of Saint John, Mastara, 7th century
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  St. Gregory the Illuminator church, 7th century
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  Khtzkonk Monastery, 7th century
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  Karmravor Church, 7th century
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  Saint George's Church, mid-7th century
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  Holy Mother of God Church, Voskepar 7th century
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  Saint Christopher Monastery, 7th century
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  Artavazik Church, 7th century
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  St. Thaddeus Church, Ddmashen, 7th century
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  Lmbatavank, 7th century
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  Amberd, 7th century
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  Aghitu tomb, 7th century
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  Ateni Sioni Church, 7th century

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  Kirants Monastery, 8th century
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  Sevanavank, 874
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  Chapel of Dzordzor 9th century
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  Saint Stepanos Monastery, 9th century
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  Kotavank, 9th century
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  Dashtadem Fortress, 9th century
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  9th century, Dadivank monastery in Karvachar
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  Khokhanaberd, 9th century
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  Handaberd, 9th century
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  Holy Saviour's monastery of Yerazgavors, end of 9th century
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  Kachaghakaberd, 9th century
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  Tatev Monastery, 895–906
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  Vanevan Monastery, 903
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  Vahanavank, 911
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  Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Aghtamar, 915–921
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  Cathedral of Kars 930–967
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  Gndevank, 931–936

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  Sanahin Monastery, 957–966
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  Haghpat Monastery, 976–991
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  Cathedral of Ani, 989–1001
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  Kakavaberd,9th–10th century
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  Bjni Fortress, 9th–10th century
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  Holy Saviour Monastery of Julfa, 9th–10th century
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  The church of St Gregory of the Abughamrents, Ani, 10th century
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  Noratus cemetery, 10th century
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  Tmkaberd, 10th century
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  Horomos, 10th century
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  Berdavan Fortress, 10th century
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  Surp Hovhannes Church, Byurakan, 10th century
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  Narekavank, 10th century
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  Tsaghats Kar Monastery, 10th century
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  Karmravank, 10th century
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  Arakelots Monastery, Kirants, 10th century
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  Surb Nshan Monastery, 10th century.
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  Marmashen Monastery, 988–1029
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  Vorotnavank, 1000.
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  King Gagik's church of St Gregory, Ani, 1001–1020
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  Vahramashen Church, 1026
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  The Church of the Holy Apostles, Ani, 1031
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  Kecharis Monastery, 1033
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  The church of the Holy Redeemer, Ani, 1035
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  Bgheno-Noravank, 1062
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  Meghri Fortress, 1083

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  Eghegnamor Monastery,10th century–11th century
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  Neghuts Monastery,10th century or 11th century
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  Arakelots Monastery 11th century
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  Goshavank, 1191–1196
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  Surp Hovhannes Church, 7th–12th century
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  Hnevank, 7th–12th century
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  Mashtots Hayrapet Church of Garni, 12th century
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  Church of Kish, 12th century
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  Jukhtak Vank, 12th century
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  Castle of Kars, 1153
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  Kobayr monastery, 1171
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  Lori Fortress, 1177
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  Tejharuyk Monastery, 1196–1199
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  Hayravank Monastery,9th–12th century
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  St. Hakob-Hayrapet Church, Shurud, 12th century
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  Paperon, 12th century
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  Harichavank Monastery, 1201
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  Hogevank Monastery, 1205
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  Geghard, 1215
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  St Gregory of Tigran Honents, Ani, 1215

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  Gandzasar Monastery, 1216–1238
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  Hovhannavank, 1216
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  Saghmosavank, 1215–1221
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  Gtichavank, 1241–1246
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  Matosavank,1247
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  Cathedral of Arapgir, 1249
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  Saint George's Church, 1251 or earlier
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  Katoghike Church, Yerevan, 1264
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  Saint Marianeh Church, Ashtarak, 1271
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  Yeghishe Arakyal Monastery, 5th–13th century
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  Saint Sarkis Monastery of Ushi, 7th–13th
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  Tanahat Monastery, 8th–13th century
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  Makenyats Vank,9th–13th century
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  Horomayr Monastery, 10th–13th century
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  Makravank Monastery, 10th–13th
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  Haghartsin Monastery, 10th–13th
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  Makaravank, 10th–13th century
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  Yeghipatrush Church, 10th–13th century
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  Khuchap Monastery, 12th–13th century
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  Kusanats Anapat, 12th–13th century
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  Samsonavank Monastery, 12th–13th century
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  Chapel in the Monastery of the Hripsimian Virgins, Ani, 13th century
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  Aghjots Vank, 13th century
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  Levonkla, 13th century
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  Caravanserai of Zor, 13th century
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  Tegher Monastery, 13th century
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  Spitakavor Church of Ashtarak, 13th century
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  Akhtala Monastery, 13th century
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  Tanahat Monastery, 13th century
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  Saint Bartholomew Monastery, 13th century
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  Ertij Fort, 13th century
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  Proshaberd, 13th century
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  Church of Saint Elia, Kizkale, 13th century
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  Krtsanis Tsiranavor Surp Astvatsatsin, 13th century
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  Bodrumkale, 13th century
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  Holy Mother of God Church, Yeghvard, 1301
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  Lim Island, 1305
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  Saint Thaddeus Monastery, 1319–1329
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  Areni Church, 1321
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  Spitakavor Monastery, 1321–1330
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  Orbelian's Caravanserai, 1332
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  Noravank, 1339
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  St. Astvatsatsin Monastery (Channab), 1349
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  Ganchvor monastery, 1364
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  Armenian Cathedral of Lviv, 1363–1370
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  Sinap Castle, 12th–14th century
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  Nor Varagavank, 13th–14th century
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  Mayravank, 7th–14th century
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  Kosh Fortress, 14th century
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  Vank Monastery, 14th century

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  Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church of Galata, 1391–1436
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  Forty Martyrs Cathedral, 1491
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  Ktuts monastery, 15th century
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  Armenian monastery of Suceava, 15th century
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  St. Kristapor Church, Yukhari Aylis, 15th century
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  Norashen Church, 1507
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  Chapel of Chupan, 1518
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  St. Georg Church, 1611
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  Bedkhem Church, 1627
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  St. Nicholas Church, New Julfa, 1630
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  Hoşap Castle, 1649
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  Vank Cathedral, 1655–1664
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  Khor Virap, 1661
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  Saint Gevork Monastery of Mughni, 1661–1669
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  Saint Hakob Church of Kanaker, 1679
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  Red Bridge, 1679
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  Gethsemane Chapel, 1690s
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  Yerits Mankants Monastery, 1691
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  Surp Astvatsatsin Church, 1338–1693
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  Shoghakat Church, 1694
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  Zoravor Surp Astvatsatsin Church, 1694
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  The Holy Mother of God Church, 1695
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  Aparank Monastery,10th–17th century
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  Kond, 17th century
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  Saint Karapet Church, 1705
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  Surb Nshan Church, 1703–1711
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  Saint John the Baptist Church, Yerevan, 1710
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  St. Mary's Church, 1718
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  Holy Mother of God Church of Bethlehem, 13th century–1727
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  Jigrashen Avetyats Church, 1624 or 1729
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  Saint Gevorg of Mughni Church, 13th century–1756
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  Church of Saint George, 1753
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  Church of the Red Gospel, 1775
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  Saint Catherine's Armenian Church, 1771–1776
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  Holy Resurrection Church, 1781
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  Saint Mary Church of Tabriz, 1785
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  Kamoyants Saint Gevork Church, 1727 or 1788
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  Church of the Ascension, 1790
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  Holy Cross Church, 1786–1792
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  Church of St. Gevorg (Sighnaghi), 1793
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  St. George's Church, 1795
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  Saint George Church of Tehran, 1795
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  Church of the Holy Mother of God, Darashamb, 18th century
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  St. Sarkis Church (Ashtarak, Aragatsotn, Armenia), 18th century
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  Surp Gevork Church, Noragavit, 18th century
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  Togh's Melikian Palace, 18th century

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  Surb Karapet Monastery, 4th–19th century
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  Tatevi Anapat, 18th–19th century.
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  Nor Ejmiatsin Church, 1806–1809
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  Surp Yerrortutyun Armenian Catholic Church, 1836
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  Saint Sarkis Cathedral, 1842
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  Church of the Holy Mother of God, 1848
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  Saint Minas Church of Tehran, 1856
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  Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Armenian Church, Kuzguncuk, 1861
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  Armenian Church, Baku, 1863–1869
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  Lower Bethlehemi Church, 1868–1870
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  Church of John the Baptist, 1870
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  Church of the Holy All-Savior, 1860–1871
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  Holy Saviour's Church, 1858–1872
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  Gevorgian Seminary, 1874
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  Saint Mesrop Mashtots Church, 443–1879
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  St. Karapet's Church, 1881
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  Saint John the Baptist Church, 1883
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  Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God, 1873–1884
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  Church of St. George of Samatya, 1866–1887
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  Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, 1868–1887
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  Taksim Surp Harutyun Church, 1895
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  Church of Christ the Savior, 1895
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  Church of the Holy Virgin (Baku), 19th century
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  Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church, 1900
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  St. Grigor Lusavorich Church, Goris, 1903
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  St. Astvatsatsin Church, 1902–1905
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  Saint Hripsime Church of Yalta, 1905
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  Saint Thaddeus and Bartholomew Cathedral, 1910
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  Church of Surp Hakob, 1967–1969
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  St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, 1983
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  St. Sarkis Church, 1998

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  Khachkars in Talin Cathedral, 9th century
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  Mughni Church, 986Khachkar
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  Goris, 991
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  Vagharshapat, 996
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  Haghpat Monastery, 1023
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  1056
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  Khachkar of Queen Sophie, 1081
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  Sisian, 10th century
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  Vagarshapat, 1148
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  Sanahin, 1184
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  Aprank, 1194
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  Holy Mother of God Church, Vagharshapat, 1200
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  12th century
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  12th century
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  Louvre, 12th–13th century
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  1210
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  Haghpat Monastery 1211
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  1211
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  Geghard Monastery, 1213
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  Sanahin, 1215
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  Haghpat Monastery, 1220
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  Vagharshapat, 1233
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  1251
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  Sanahin, 1262
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  Geghard Monastery, 1263
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  1271
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  1271
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  Haghpat Monastery, 1273
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  Etchmiadzin Cathedral, 1279
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  Geghard Monastery, 1283
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  Dadivank, 1283
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  1285
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  Goshavank Khachkar, carved in 1291 by the artist Poghos
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  1298
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  Vagharshapat, 13th century
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  Vagharshapat, 13th century
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  Vagharshapat, 13th century
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  Armenian-inscribed double khachkars of the Memorial Bell-Tower of the Dadivank Monastery
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  A 15th century khachkar at the Armenian Cathedral of Saint James, Jerusalem

The cupola of the Cathedral of Etchmiadzin.

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.[10]

External reliefs of David and Goliath on the 10th century Cathedral at Akdamar

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.[7] 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.

Kecharis Monastery

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 .

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.[3]

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.

• Yerevan
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  Hripsime School for Girls
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• Gyumri
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• Goris
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• Ashtarak
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• Kars
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  The Holy Trinity Church (2003) modeled after Zvartnots Cathedral, in the Malatia-Sebastia district of Yerevan
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  The Saint Gregory of Narek Cathedral (2005) in Vanadzor, Armenia

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  13th century Gandzasar monastery, near Vank village
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  9th century Dadivank monastery in Karvachar
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  4th century Amaras Monastery near Sos village
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  7th century Vankasar Church near Tigranakert
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  4th century Katarovank close to Hin Tagher village
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  19th century Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Baku
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  Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, Shushi
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  Kanach Zham, Shushi
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  Tsitsernavank, near Tsitsernavank village
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  Yerits Mankants Monastery, near Jraberd
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  12th-century Holy Mother of God Church, Hunarli, Azerbaijan

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  Saint Stepanos Monastery near Julfa
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  Saint Thaddeus Monastery near Julfa
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  Saint Sarkis Church (1970) in Tehran, Iran

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  Khtzkonk Monastery in Kars

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  Saint Gregory the Illuminator – Saint Elie (Eghishe) Armenian Catholic Cathedral (1909) in downtown Beirut, Lebanon
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  The Holy Mother of God Cathedral (1940) at the Catholicossate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon
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  Holy Cross Church (Sourp Nshan) in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, adjacent to the Grand Serail
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  Holy Mother of God Church (Sourp Asdvadzadzin) at the Armenian Seminary in Bikfaya, Lebanon
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  Holy Mother of God Armenian Apostolic church, Aleppo
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  The belfry of the Forty Martyrs Armenian Cathedral of Aleppo erected in 1912
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  Armenian Genocide Memorial Church in Deir ez-Zor, Syria
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  St. Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church (1928) in Cairo, Egypt
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  Interior of St. Gregory The Illuminator Church of Cairo
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  Saint John the Baptist Armenian church on Jordan River, Al-Maghtas, Jordan

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  St. Paul's Armenian Apostolic Church, (1908).
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  Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church (1914) in Fresno, California
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  Saint Paul Armenian Church (1979) in Fresno, California
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  The Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Catholic Church (2001) in Glendale, California
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  Saint Stepanos Armenian Church (1986) in Elberon, New Jersey
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  St Gregory Armenian Church in Springfield, Massachusetts,USA
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  St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, Toronto (1983) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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  Holy Transfiguration Cathedral, Moscow

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  Armenian Church, Singapore, (1836).