07/06/2008

Armenian Monastic Ensembles in Iran added to UNESCO's World Heritage List

Iran's Armenian Monastic Ensembles have been designated as the country's ninth property to be inscribed onto the World Heritage List.

The three Armenian churches in northeastern Iran - the Saint Thaddeus Monastery, the Saint Stepanos Church and the Chapel of Dzordzor - were inscribed during the 32nd session of the World Heritage Committee in Quebec, Canada.

The Armenian Monastic Ensembles in northeastern Iran were a major hub for the dissemination of the Armenian culture into Azerbaijan and Persia. The site comprises three monastic ensembles, with the oldest edifice dating back to the 7th century.

The structures - the oldest of which, St Thaddeus, dates back to the 7th century - are examples of the universal value of Armenian architectural and decorative traditions.

The committee voted to inscribe the structures for their important interaction with other regional cultures, in particular the Byzantine, Orthodox and Persian. Most of the committee member praised Iran for presenting this site and preparing the file.

The Saint Thaddeus Church is considered as one of the oldest churches in the world and dates back 1,700 years. Historians believe the church is the tomb of Thaddeus who is said to have been one of Christ's disciples and who traveled to Armenia, then a part of the Persian Empire, to preach the teachings of Christ.

A district about 18 km south of Maku inherits the precious treasure of Armenians where many Armenian pilgrims from all over Iran and abroad gather in the church on the feast day of St. Thaddeus to attend the ceremonies for three days in June.

"Kara Kelisa" or "Tatavus Church" is located south of Maku City, 20 km from Chaldoran.

More details and photos: The Armenian Monastic Ensembles
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