AGHDARA, Azerbaijan, October
9. International travelers representing 13
countries visited the Ganjasar Monastery as part of their trip to
the Aghdara district today, Trend‘s Karabakh bureau reports.
The delegation, led by Charles Veley, founder of the prestigious
MTP (Most Traveled People) club, toured the historical complex
located in Vangli village.
During the visit, the guests were provided with detailed
information about the history, architectural style, and historical
significance of the Ganjasar Monastery. Attention was also drawn to
alterations reportedly made to the monument during the occupation,
including interventions affecting historical inscriptions and
ornamentation, as well as the legal aspects of these issues.
Situated on a high plateau along the banks of the Khachinchay
River, the Ganjasar Monastery stands as a significant example of
Albanian architecture. The complex was constructed between 1216 and
1238 at the initiative of the Albanian Prince Hasan-Jalal. Having
served for many years as the center of the Albanian Catholicosate,
the monastery remained the residence of the last Albanian
Catholicoses until 1836. During the travelers’ visit, it was
reported that intervention, restoration, and reconstruction works
carried out at various times have affected the monument’s
architectural structure and original appearance. Alterations to
some of the historical stone inscriptions, ornaments, and symbols
were also noted.
Additionally, during the visit, information was provided
regarding the findings of an on-site inspection of the complex
conducted in 2024. The importance of a comparative analysis,
incorporating written sources, epigraphic materials, archaeological
evidence, and architectural features, in investigating the
monument’s historical origins was emphasized.
