Taking advantage of an unexpected interval between jobs, I decided to fulfill a dream and explore a rather remote part of the world where one of the most ancient still-surviving cultures was born and continues to exist.
After exploring Georgia, Armenia and Karabakh, I crossed the Georgian-Turkish border to Hopa and then rented a car to Artvin. In the mountains of Artvin I was searching for hidden and abandoned Armenian-Georgian monuments. In the lush, mountainous area I was able to locate the churches of Parkhali and Ishan, two ninth century basilicas. The basilicas were part of medieval Georgian monastic complexes. However, I was informed by locals that the architect was most likely Armenian and that they also served the needs of the local Armenian community. In fact, the churches probably served the cultural, spiritual and liturgical needs of both communities. There is a close link between the countries since the Bagrationi dynasty of Georgia was related to the Bagratid dynasty of Armenia (ninth century).
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Bravo!
What a great adventure! I wish more of us could make this pilgrimage to our homeland. Learn more in my latest book, The Armenian Highland.
Dear Mr Karanian,
Thank you for your message.
I have read your book ‘Historic Armenia after 100 years’.
I am interested in connecting with you to exchange photographs and ideas.
With kind regards,
Anastasios
Efkharisto, Dr. Mavrakis on a wonderfully written account of your travels through my ancestors’ homeland. Turkey’s eradication of Armenian history is very intentional and painful to observe. Only by studying and remembering the past can we push back against the rewriting of history.
What an experience, wish I had been there. Dolores
Thank you for documwnting your trip and publishing it in AW.
I tried to find an Armenian church in Erzerum in 1992 but was told it was no longer there. I would be very interested to know if you actually found it and if so, if you could share some details and a photo.
If Xaristo
Dear Mr Antoine Stépan Terjanian,
Thank you for your message.
I have found and photographed an Armenian church in Erzerum. It is now functioning as a mosque.
If you are interested, I can send you some photographs.
With kind regards,
Anastasios
anmavrakis@msn.com
Dear Mr Terjanian,
I did find a church in Erzurum.
If you are interested, I can email you some photographs.
With kind regards,
Anastasios
Hi, Summer 2015, I visited both Armenia’s, in Erzurum, I saw one Armenian Church closed, in one of the armenians old quarters, and the the in the fortress of Erzurum…
Best regards. Adrine K.
Beautiful article, my dear Anastasios. So proud of your magnificent trip!
Thank you very much Dr Mavrakis.
Modern day so-called “civilised” western powers are much to blame for turning a blind eye on the ongoing genocide of the ancient Armenian, Greek and other monuments. It is extremely frustrating for me and countless children of Genocide survivors ( now in our 70’s and 80’s) to witness the continued savagery desperately unable to put a stop to it. At this moment in my life I’m painfully convinced that not much – if anything- will change in the foreseeable future. It is extremely comforting however to have brilliant minds like your good self , prof. Taner Akcam and others brave enough to expose the truth. Efkharisto para poli!
Wonderful article. Thank you
Very very interesting and enlightening. Thank you so very much for this gift to us Armenians and the free world. Your travels and accounts of the experiences made me feel like I was travelling along. You are an honorary Armenian by all means.
Much respect to your commitment and honest reporting.
Dear Mr Hamalian,
Thank you very much for your kind words.
The Armenian culture is one of the most ancient cultures still existing.
I want to thank you for all the beauty I was able to see and photograph during my trip. The Armenian aesthetics are unparalelled. I hope this precious cultural heritage will be preserved for all of us to admire. I did my best with my photographic machine.
Thank you again.
With kind regards,
Anastasios
Dear Mr Hamalian,
Thank you very much for your kind words.
The Armenian civilization is one of the most ancient civilizations still existing.
I want to thank you for all the beauty I was able to see and photograph during my trip. The Armenian aesthetics are unparalleled. I hope this precious cultural heritage will be preserved for all of us to admire. I did my best with my photographic machine.
Thank you again.
With kind regards,
Anastasios
Thank you! I have been to Georgia, Armenia and the east of Turkey. I am a witness.
Bravo Tasso εξαιρετικό !
Anastasios,
Beautiful photos and a most interesting and informative
publication.
Blessings,
Stephanie (Metropolis) Peterson