Armenian church in Turkiye is on the UNESCO world heritage list

Currently, the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross of Aghtamar Island, located between Van and Bitlis provinces of Turkiye, is registered in the UNESCO world heritage list, Ermenihaber reports.

The church was built in 915-921 by the order of King Gagik I of Bagratuni to preserve the relic of the Holy Cross. The relic was brought to Van after the 7th century, having been first in Jerusalem and then in Iran.

The cathedral is one of the best examples of medieval Armenian architecture. Built by the famous architect, painter and sculptor Manuel, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross is famous for its various sculptures.

The church was renovated in 2005 and 2007, and on April 13, 2015, it was registered in the UNESCO world heritage list.

It should be noted that every year a liturgy is celebrated in the church on one of the five feasts of the Armenian Church, on the Sunday preceding “Holy Cross”, celebrated between September 11-17.

In 2023, the liturgy will take place on September 10.