A proposal for the preservation and re-functioning of Abrank Surp Tavit Monastery

Located in the northeastern part of Anatolia, Erzincan is a city marked by the traces of numerous civilizations throughout history. Since pagan times, the city has been a center of faith for Armenians as well. This characteristic as a center of faith continued during the Christian period. In the early Christian period, the first monasteries in the region were established by demolishing temples by Saint Gregory the Illuminator. The establishment date of the Abrank Surp Tavit Monastery, which according to tradition was founded by Saint Gregory in the region, is not precise. Abrank Surp Tavit Monastery is located near the village of Üçpınar in the Tercan district of Erzincan Province. It was established on the northwest slope of Mount Höbek. The monastery structures are grouped in clusters at different elevations. In the lower settlement, within a courtyard surrounded by walls, there are the monastery church and additional buildings. The exact dates of the construction of the other buildings are unknown. In the northwest of the courtyard, a fountain and other structural remains can be seen. The chapel, along with its courtyard and khachkar, is situated on a higher ground to the south of this settlement. A group of three khachkars, not connected to the architecture, is erected on a natural stone platform northeast of the chapel. There are four khachkars in the monastery. Crosses are at the center of their compositions. As a way of expressing religious beliefs and events, they use allegorical figures. They are among the most characteristic elements of Armenian art. In order to conduct a survey for the monastery technological measurement and documentation methods were used in the fieldwork. Permission was received from Ministry of Culture and Tourism General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums Excavations and Research Department for the field studies in order to document the monastery. Field work was completed under the supervision of the representative appointed by the ministry. Data that would form the basis for the surveys were created through terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetry studies, and drawings were made in the CAD software. The structures that make up the monastery are described in detail, including their plans, interior features, facade characteristics, decorations, materials and construction techniques, and observed deteriorations. Reconstitution projects for the church and chapel were drawn. Conservation projects were developed by identifying the interventions needed to improve the state of preservation for the structures. It has been proposed that the monastery be repurposed as a monument museum, provided that this does not interfere with worship activities, taking into account its cultural identity.