“The Vank Cathedral “
The Vank Cathedral, resembling a shining gem, is located in the center of Isfahan. Its simple and beautiful architecture, unique paintings, and historical significance distinguish it from other churches in Iran. Over the years, the Vank Cathedral has undergone evolutionary changes, with various sections added to the compound and the building, enhancing its importance. Today, the Vank Cathedral still holds a powerful position among the Armenian community in Isfahan and is recognized globally.
The Vank Cathedral is one of the largest historical and religious attractions in the Jolfa neighborhood and a prominent sight in Isfahan. Armenians built the Vank Cathedral during the Safavid era under Shah Abbas; however, its original form differed from the current structure. Initially serving as a religious space for Christians, today, the cathedral attracts the most attention for its historical significance and cultural appeal.
The Vank Cathedral is considered the largest and most famous church in Iran, serving as the main cathedral for the Armenian community in Isfahan. Also known as “Amnaperkich,” it is one of the 13 remaining churches in the Jolfa neighborhood of Isfahan dating back to the 17th century. “Vank” translates to “monastery” in Armenian. Over time, the Vank Cathedral not only maintained its religious significance among the people of Isfahan, especially the Armenians in Jolfa, but also transformed into an administrative center and a venue for social events. Interestingly, the first printing house with a printing press in Iran and the Middle East was established in the courtyard of this cathedral in later years.
One of the most captivating features of the Vank Cathedral is the prominent impact of artistic masterpieces within its walls. Throughout the Vank Cathedral, numerous works by great artists catch the eye, including elegant and magnificent architecture, beautiful sculptures, colorful reliefs, historical paintings, and artworks. In the courtyard of the Vank Cathedral, some of the notable Armenians are also buried, adding to the significance of this cultural and historical landmark.
The neighborhood of Jolfa in Isfahan, where the Vank Cathedral is located, has historically been the residence of Armenian immigrants in Iran. During the Safavid era, Shah Abbas I brought Armenians to Iran and granted them lands in Jolfa. The Vank Cathedral, dating back to 1606, stands as a testament to this history. In this neighborhood, numerous churches were established in the 17th century, but today only 13 of them remain from that period.
The old shape of Jolfa differed significantly from its present form. Over time, Armenians in Jolfa decided to build and develop various facilities, including religious buildings for their religious practices. By the end of the 17th century, efforts by the Armenian residents of Isfahan’s Jolfa neighborhood led to the establishment of 24 churches, while other parts of Isfahan had only six at that time. Unfortunately, today only 13 churches from that era have survived.
The history of the Vank Cathedral dates back to 1606 AD. Initially, a small structure was built in the southwest part of the current building, known as the Hakob (Jacob) Church. This small church served Christian clergy for 50 years, during which many priests and successors received education. The Hakob Church eventually transformed into the main structure of the current cathedral, known as Amna Perkich or the Vank Cathedral.
In 1655 AD, during the reign of Shah Abbas II, the residents of Jolfa initiated the construction of the main building of the cathedral, which is essentially the structure we see today. The inscription at the entrance of the Vank Cathedral indicates its history:
“Vank Amna Perkich and the seat of the supreme bishop of Armenians, 1606 AD.”
The construction of the new Vank Cathedral took approximately 10 years, from 1655 to 1664. In 1905, Armenians began expanding the cathedral’s compound, leading to the construction of new buildings within the premises.
The Vank Cathedral Museum was established in 1905 and functioned as both a museum and a library until 1930. Over time, various sections within the Vank Cathedral were completed, including a prayer hall, entrance tower, and administrative buildings. At the western entrance door of the Vank Cathedral, a ceramic and enamel plaque with gold inscriptions displays the following text:
The Vank Cathedral, also known as Amna Perkich, commenced construction in 1655 AD during the reign of King Abbas II. This project was initiated with the support of Jathoghikos Philippos and the leadership of Prelate Khachatur Filippus, along with the assistance of philanthropic people from Jolfa. The construction concluded in 1664 AD. The merits of the worship conducted in this cathedral are dedicated to those currently alive or those who have passed away.
The construction activities of the Armenian community in Jolfa, Isfahan, led to the emergence of a new architectural style in this neighborhood. Among various structures, the Vank Cathedral stands out prominently. Today, this authentic area in Isfahan is known as “New Jolfa,” and tourists and travelers visit the Vank Cathedral as one of the most prominent historical landmarks in the city.
The Vank Cathedral is situated within an approximately 8,700 square meter area, with around 4,000 square meters dedicated to buildings and the rest forming the Vank Garden and green space. The exterior facade of the cathedral is covered with bricks, which is distinctive as many churches traditionally use stone in their construction. Amid the brick structure, you can find tiles depicting angels with wings. The entrance street to the Vank Cathedral and its inner courtyard are paved with stone.
The main entrance for visitors is a grand wooden door that enhances the splendor of the cathedral. Above the doorway, a painting depicting the interior of the church catches the eye, adorned with turquoise and gray tiles. At the top of this artwork, the following Armenian inscription is written:
“Deir Naji Hamgan, a place for monks.”
At the entrance of the Vank Cathedral, the Bell Tower proudly stands. This three-story tower features a large clock on its second floor, weighing 300 kilograms. The clock, donated by Mardiros Gouyrk Hordannian in 1931, serves as a memorial to his late brother. Four steel faces display the time, with three faces mounted on the other sides of the tower columns. The clock bells chime simultaneously, resonating their sound across the Jolfa area. At the entrance of the tower, a marble plaque is installed with
This tower and its clock were constructed and gifted by Mardiros George Hordannian in 1931 in memory of his late brother, who passed away in 1924.
The Bell Tower, now commonly known as the Clock Tower, was built 38 years after the construction of the main cathedral by Hovhannes Jamalian. Beneath the Bell Tower, there are two tombs belonging to an Armenian soldier and an Armenian clergyman. On the right side of the Bell Tower, there is a blue plaque covered with cross-shaped stones. These stones, called Khach Kalim in the Armenian language, have been transferred from other churches in Jolfa to the Vank Cathedral.
On both sides of the cathedral’s entrance, two rooms were constructed in the past for hosting guests. However, these rooms have now been repurposed into a shop and a guard room. Another architectural feature of the Vank Cathedral includes its domes.
The Vank Cathedral features two domes, one small and one large. The small dome is located above the assembly hall, where people gather, and the large dome is situated above the mihrab of the church. Upon entering the cathedral from the west, square-shaped columns with tall vaulted arches are visible. The domes of the cathedral are constructed on these columns and vaulted arches.
The architectural style of the large dome bears a strong resemblance to the domes of mosques, unlike the conical domes typically found in traditional churches. Given the construction period during the Safavid era, the architects drew inspiration from mosque architecture of that time in creating this dome. The outer shell of the dome is made of bricks, while the inner shell is adorned with turquoise-colored paintings. Around this large round dome, eight windows have been incorporated. Between these windows, interior murals and paintings catch the eye.
The paintings on the dome of the Vank Cathedral are among its most beautiful attractions, providing tourists with a delightful experience. On the turquoise surface of the large dome, images depict the creation of Adam and Eve, the story of eating the forbidden fruit by Adam, and the tale of Cain and Abel.
On the roof of the cathedral, near the small dome, another bell is placed within a square-shaped structure supported by three-meter columns. These columns are connected at the top with wooden beams, and there are pointed arches between the columns.
The paintings within the Vank Cathedral are among the most beautiful aspects of its architecture. The interior walls of the cathedral’s hall are adorned with intricate plasterwork, and magnificent paintings cover all the walls. The interior architecture of the Vank Cathedral, with its goldwork, gilding, and unique wall paintings, stands out not only in Iran but also globally, making it a renowned church with exceptional architecture.
The paintings in the Vank Cathedral can be divided into two categories. The first category includes paintings on canvas, fabric, and panels that are hung in the mihrab and other areas. The second category comprises wall paintings and painted stone pieces. One of the notable paintings in the Vank Cathedral depicts seven layers of heaven, paradise, and hell, ranking among the most beautiful artworks within the church.
One of the most captivating features of the Vank Cathedral that attracts visitors is the installation of sculptures in its courtyard. These sculptures are half-length statues depicting Armenian luminaries. On the right side of the museum entrance, there is a statue of Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet, and on the left, a statue of Khachatur Kesaratsi, the supreme patriarch of Armenians. Other notable statues in the Vank Cathedral include those of renowned Armenian poets from the 20th century, placed on both sides of the library entrance. One of them belongs to Baruir Sevag, a prolific Armenian poet. These statues, along with the entrance sculptures of the museum, are the work of the prominent Armenian artist Zaven Aivazian, created before his migration to Italy, and are considered among the masterpieces of this artist. The courtyard of the Vank Cathedral also houses numerous tombs of prominent Armenian individuals.
The statue of the famous Armenian poet at the entrance of the Vank Library:
The statue of Khachatur Kesaratsi, the founder of the first printing house in Iran, at the entrance of the Vank Museum:
The statue of Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet, at the entrance of the Vank Museum:
The statue of Baruir Sevag, a famous Armenian poet, at the entrance of the Vank Library:
The life-size statue in front of Vank Cathedral depicts Khachatur Kesaratsi, the supreme patriarch of Armenians from 1620 to 1646. He was the founder of the first printing press in Iran and is considered one of the most powerful and influential Armenian leaders, providing valuable services to Armenians worldwide.
Vank church museum:
In all Isfahan’s churches, a significant portion is dedicated to preserving prominent historical artifacts. The churches’ role, not confined to a religious context throughout history, includes safeguarding and disseminating Armenian culture to future generations. Vank Cathedral is home to one of the most notable Armenian museums.
Among the museum’s remarkable exhibits is an 18-year-old girl’s hair strand with a sentence from the Torah inscribed on it. Originally consisting of a few simple rooms established by Thaddeus Hoonanian around a century ago on the northern side of Vank Cathedral, the museum has evolved into a large and comprehensive institution. It now houses prominent historical paintings, precious handwritten manuscripts, and valuable ancient artifacts that were previously stored in a neglected storeroom within the church before the museum’s establishment.
One of the most renowned artifacts in this museum is a hair strand from an 18-year-old girl, inscribed with a sentence from the Torah using a diamond pen. Armenian artist Vahram Hakobyan created this piece in 1974 and donated the hair strand to the Vank Museum in 1975. Visitors can use a microscope to observe the writing on the hair strand, which reads:
“To know wisdom and justice, to understand the words of understanding.”
The Vank Church Museum is one of the most significant cultural centers for Armenians in Iran and around the world. Each year, numerous tourists visit the museum to admire its collection of artifacts.
