Army Temple – Armenian Monastery Complex

An army temple, an Armenian monastery complex in Historical Armenia in the province of Taik (in the village of Banak (Penek) in the Erzurum-Karin region. In the 16th century, as a result of the invasion of the Turks, the monastery was abandoned and later destroyed.

The army settlement was located in the Berdatspor region of Taik (now Penek). Initially, the monastery complex was the headquarters of the Armenian Army during the reign of the Arshakid dynasty, hence the name of the settlement – Army.

The village church, erected in 652-658, during the reign of Catholicos Nerses III Taetsi, was built according to the type of the Zvartnots temple.

In the 9th century, Kyurike Banaktsi restored the church by order of Prince Atrnerseh. The church stood until the 17th century. At the beginning of the 20th century, two floors of the church could still be seen here.

The authenticity of Thai monuments has been confirmed by various authors. The 17th century Armenian writer Hakob Karnetsi does not hide his admiration, comparing the monastery complex with the Cathedral of St. Sophia.

Taken from: Sukias Torosyan Commentary: Hermine Zarmanyan Translation Atr-A-Tsolum