Van Akdamar Monument Museum: Home to a Tragic Love Story
Akdamar Island, which sits in the middle of the clear waters of Lake Van in eastern Turkey, has become a favourite of history, culture and nature lovers with its unique structure. Akdamar Memorial Museum, better known as Akdamar Church, is not only an architectural structure, but also a unique monument bearing the traces of Armenian culture in Anatolia.
In this guide, you will find all the information you need before your visit, from the history of Akdamar Church to its cultural significance; from how to get to the island to the places to visit around it.
Image Source: Türkiye Kültür Portalı
History of Akdamar Monument Museum
Akdamar Church was built by the Vaspurakan King Gagik I between 915-921 by the Armenian architect Manuel. The building, which is considered one of the most important examples of Armenian architecture of the period, is also known as Surp Haç (Holy Cross) Church. This church was originally part of a large monastery complex. Only the church part has survived to the present day.
The fate of the building has changed many times throughout its history. After the 1915 Armenian Events, the church lost its function and remained in ruins for a long time. In 2007, it was restored and opened to visitors as a cultural heritage museum.
Architectural Features and Artistic Details of Akdamar Church
The architecture of Akdamar Church is one of the most magnificent examples of Armenian stonemasonry. Constructed of pink-coloured andesite stone, the building stands out with the relief figures on its façade. These reliefs include scenes from the Torah and the Bible, mythological creatures, animal figures and depictions reflecting the lifestyle of the period.
In addition, the scenes on the exterior surface include figurative compositions such as David and Goliath, Prophet Jonah and the fish, Adam and Eve, and religious narratives are conveyed in an artistic language.
Remains of the frescoes of the period can also be seen in the interior of the church. Although they have been damaged over time, it is possible to feel the mystical atmosphere even today.
The Legend of Akdamar: Tamara's Story
The name of Akdamar Island is based on a local legend. According to the legend, Tamara, a beautiful Armenian nun living on the island, falls in love with a young Turkish man living on the shore. The young man swims to the island every night by following the lantern that Tamara lights on the island. However, one night, Tamara's father learns about this situation and puts the lantern in the wrong place. The young man loses his direction in the middle of the dark waters and cries out, ‘Oh Tamara!’ as he drowns. This cry turns into the name of the island in time: Akdamar.
This tragic love story adds a romantic aura to the island and offers a mystical atmosphere to the visitors.
The Religious Significance of the Akdamar Church
The Akdamar Church is notable not only for its architectural and artistic value, but also for its deep religious significance for the Armenian Apostolic Church. The full name of the building, Surp Haç Church (Church of the Holy Cross), directly reflects this religious significance. According to legend, when the church was being built, a piece of the cross on which Jesus was crucified was brought from Jerusalem and this holy relic was kept here. This made the building a centre of pilgrimage.
Akdamar, which was an important religious stop for Armenian pilgrims throughout the Middle Ages, was considered one of the spiritual centres of its period. The rituals held in the church were not only religious worship, but also had a deep place in the social structure of the society.
After 1915, the church was closed for worship, and although it has not been used for many years, since 2010, it has been allowed to hold a service once a year in September. This service is an event of high symbolic and spiritual value for the Armenian Apostolic community. Every year, Armenian Christians from different parts of the world flock to Akdamar Island on this special day and pray in the shadow of the Holy Cross.
This has made Akdamar Church a revered religious heritage not only in Turkey but also among the international Christian community. Although it is not used for worship today, this building, which has the status of a memorial museum, still carries deep meaning as a place of spirituality.
Akdamar Monument Museum Today
After the restoration in 2007, Akdamar Church was opened to visitors with the status of 'monument museum' by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Since 2010, the Armenian Apostolic Church has been allowed to hold services once a year. This development has once again brought the religious and cultural importance of the building to the agenda.
Today, Akdamar Memorial Museum stands out as one of the most important stops of Lake Van tourism. Thousands of local and foreign tourists flock to Akdamar Island every year to see this historical structure.
How to get to Akdamar Island?
Access to Akdamar Island is only possible by sea. Here's what you need to know to get to the island:
You can go to Akdamar Island by boat departing from Gevaş district, which is about 50 km from Van city centre.
Gevaş Pier is the closest exit point to Akdamar. Boats depart from here regularly and it takes about 20 minutes to reach the island.
The frequency increases in the summer months and decreases in the winter months. Especially during the tourism season, boats depart at frequent intervals from 09:00 in the morning until 17:00 in the evening.
Visiting Hours and Entrance Information to Akdamar Island
Akdamar Memorial Museum is open to visitors at different times in summer and winter. In general, it can be visited between 09:00 - 19:00 in summer and 08:00 - 17:00 in winter.
The museum card is valid at the entrance.
The entrance fee to Akdamar Island is 12 euros
Places to Visit Around Akdamar Island
Van and its surroundings are full of historical and natural beauties, other than Akdamar Island. After you visit the island, we recommendthat you see the following places:
Van Castle: This huge castle from the Urartian Kingdom offers an impressive view of the shores of Lake Van.
Hoşap Castle: It was built during the Ottoman period and is located in the Gürpınar district of Van.
Muradiye Waterfall: This natural wonder, which offers a visual feast especially in spring, is about 80 km from the centre of Van.
Van Cat House: You can see the world-famous Van cats, which are unique only to Van, up close here.
Van Museum: It has a rich archaeological collection with thousands of artefacts from the Urartians, Medes and Ottomans.
Best Time to Visit
Akdamar Island should be visited especially in spring and summer. The almond blossoms that bloom on the island in spring turn the landscape into postcards. Visits during this period are an unmissable opportunity for both nature and photography enthusiasts.
Keşfet ile ziyaret ettiğin tüm kategorileri tek akışta gör!
Test
Gündem
Magazin
Video
Send Comment