The historic 15th-century Armenian church and monastery of St. Karapet in the Chungush region of Tigranakert province in Western Armenia was recently plundered by treasure hunters.
Residents of the surrounding areas want these structures that have stood here for centuries despite natural disasters to be restored. They hope to bring believers and tourists here.
The monastery is located 1 km from the church. The church needs care and restoration too.
In addition to being a once magnificent church, St. Karapet is also a target for treasure hunters. Treasure hunters are often trying to get inside the church, while law enforcement is trying to protect this place as much as possible.
Ansir Caves in Malatya are open to visitors
The Ansir Caves located on the historic Silk Road in Buzluk village, Malatya Province, Historical Armenia, will play an important role in the area’s tourism.
It is not certain when exactly these caves have been used by ancient humans as shelter. However, traces of Stone Age civilizations and the Hittite civilization were found here.
Under the rocks are the ruins of three churches and about 40-50 cave rooms. At the foot of the caves lies a cultural layer and a cemetery.
Research is underway to finally open the Ansir Caves to visitors. Roads are being built toward the cave complex to allow for easy transportation. Ansir Caves will also play an important role in the area of the Arguvan and Arabkir cultural corridors.
Excavations in the 12,000-year-old Tigranakert cave continue
The Hillar Caves on the Chayon Hill in the province of Tigranakert, Historical Armenia, amaze the imagination of visitors and can shed light on the history of mankind tens of thousands of years back.
This area is one of the local permanent settlements with traces of the Stone Age. It attracts tourist attention with its various caves and ruins of ancient structures. The artifacts and archaeological values found there shine in the history of mankind, covering at least 12,000 years of history.
Archaeological excavations in the area – which began in 1964 and continue to this day – have uncovered important stone artifacts. Their remains indicate that plants such as wheat and lentils were first cultivated here, and that sheep and goats were also domesticated in the area.
The region continues to delight its visitors.
In the province of Ayntap, Historical Armenia, traces of Armenians are being erased
The issue of the conversion of Hagia Sophia into a mosque, which recently was widely covered, in some way drew attention to Historical Armenia. Many Armenian churches in Historical Armenia have been converted into mosques, but the most important of them is located in Ayntap.
The current Kurtulus Mosque was converted into a mosque in 1892. This structure was built as the Church of the Virgin Mary (Saint Mary). Originally a church, this site also used to be used as a corrective labor colony in Ayntap.
During the years of Abdülkadir Aksu, one of the former governors of Ayntap, the church was converted into a mosque after first being restored.
