Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran


Publications

Preserving Armenian Art and Architecture in Twenty-First Century Iran The Case Study of Churches in Western Azerbaijan

2026 — Book chapter — WHE8242E79560

A critical assessment of the conservation status of Armenian churches in Salmas and Khoy, Iran, reveals significant structural and material degradation, threatening their preservation. The study evaluates ongoing interventions, proposing a set of criteria for restoration, reuse, and management to ensure long-term safeguarding. Given the near-disappearance of the Armenian population in these regions, the research emphasizes the need to engage with current local communities to sustain cultural heritage. This case study offers actionable insights for balancing conservation challenges with community involvement in twenty-first-century Iran.

The Question of Persian Models in Armenian Architecture, from the Sassanids to the Safavids

2026 — Book chapter — WHE19E8B589B9

Armenian monastic ensembles in Iran exhibit profound architectural influences from Persian models, spanning millennia from the Sassanid era to the Safavids. The study highlights three key periods: the enduring Sassanian heritage, early Islamic exchanges around tomb towers, and the intricate medieval networks that culminated in New Julfa—a unique Armenian-Iranian syncretic masterpiece. These findings underscore the deep cultural and architectural interplay between Armenia and Persia, revealing a dynamic exchange that shaped both traditions.

L’arte armena. Storia critica e nuove prospettive Studies in Armenian and Eastern Christian Art 2020

2020 — Book — WHE5C5ECF0141

A global recognition of Armenian art, encompassing manuscripts, khachkar (cross-stones), and architecture, has emerged over the past two decades. This volume maps the diverse research traditions—ranging from French, Russian, to Armenian and Italian scholarship—that have explored this heritage beyond Armenia's borders, extending into Subcaucasia. It highlights emerging methodologies and themes while providing a critical framework for understanding the complex cultural and artistic phenomena of this region. The study offers new perspectives and tools for future scientific inquiries, bridging gaps between different storiographical approaches.

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