Van gevaş saint thomas (altinsaç) church survey, restitution and restoration project

This study aims to document and transfer to future generations the Saint Thomas (Surp Tovmas) Monastery and Church, located in the Altınsaç village of Gevaş district in Van, within architectural, historical, and conservation contexts by means of a sustainable restoration approach. As one of the important structures of the Vaspurakan region surrounding Lake Van, this church represents typical features of Armenian ecclesiastical architecture with a single-nave layout and a dome set on a polygonal drum. Dated to the 10th century, the structure stands out with its stone masonry adapted to seismic activity, use of lime mortar, and architectural simplicity in harmony with rural architecture. The thesis first conducts a comparative analysis with other Armenian churches in the Van and Gevaş region (Akdamar, Garmravank, Deveboynu, and Altınsaç Churches). The architectural, material, and plan characteristics of the Saint Thomas Monastery were evaluated in terms of similarities and differences with these examples. Then, the current condition of the structure was examined in detail. Traditional measuring techniques as well as laser scanning, drone-based aerial photography, and digital modeling were used to prepare the measured drawings, restitution, and restoration projects. The restoration proposals were systematically developed in line with national and international conservation principles (Venice Charter, ICOMOS, UNESCO) through interventions such as cleaning, consolidation, reintegration, reconstruction, renovation, and functional reuse. Additionally, strategies that encourage community participation and create awareness were proposed for sustainable conservation, taking into account the local tourism potential of the site and its surroundings. This thesis contributes both to the documentation of Armenian heritage in the Van region and offers a methodological model for the conservation of such structures within Anatolia's multi-layered cultural memory. Keywords: Saint Thomas Monastery, Armenian Church Architecture, Gevaş, Lake Van, Cultural Heritage, Survey, Restitution, Restoration, Conservation Principles, Rural Architectur