Surb Khach Akdamar Island, Turkey

Armenian
The Church of the Holy Cross (Armenian: Surb Khach) on Akdamar Island, Turkey, was a cathedral of the Armenian Apostolic Church, built as a palace church for the kings of Vaspurakan and later serving as the seat of the Armenian Catholicosate of Aght'amar.
History
During his reign, King Gagik I Artsruni (r. 908-944) of the Armenian kingdom of Vaspurakan chose the island of Aght'amar as one of his residences founding a settlement there... james_gordon_losangeles all photos →

The Church of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island is a ruined Armenian cathedral dating from 921. Beautifully situated on Lake Van, the church is famed for its early medieval sculptures.

Location map of Surb Khach, Akdamar Island, Turkey. Click to enlarge.
Aerial view of Surb Khach, Akdamar Island, Turkey. Click to enlarge.

Quick Facts

Address
Akdamar Island, Turkey
Coordinates
map · aerial

Article Info

Page Title
Surb Khach
Added By
Holly Hayes
Date Published
October 8, 2013
Last Updated
April 15, 2024
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