Restoration of Historical Armenian Monumentswith the Involvement of the RAA Specialists
Since 2012, architects Samvel Ayvazian and Ashot Hakobian have collaborated
with the Center for Historical Churches of Iran (directed by Sherly Avetian)
under the Iranian Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Organization.
Church of Andreordi (Hovvi) | Old Jugha, Julfa District
From 2012 to 2013, extensive research and architectural studies were conducted at the church, which had previously been destroyed by an explosion and subsequently undergone an incomplete, inaccurate reconstruction. RAA specialists measured the monument to develop a comprehensive, historically faithful restoration project. This project was awarded a Second-Class Diploma at the pan-Armenian competition-exhibition, the Yerevan Architectural Biennale 2014.
Between 2014 and 2015, structural restoration was carried out under the supervision of Samvel Ayvazian. On April 9, 2015, the church was officially re-consecrated by the Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Atropatene, Bishop Grigor Chiftjian.
Monastery of St. Tadevos Arakyal (Thaddeus the Apostle) | West Azerbaijan Province, Iran
In 2015, partial measurements and structural studies were implemented on the monastery’s newer (white stone) church and its unfinished belfry, of which only the first floor had historically been built. That same year, a comprehensive renovation project was drafted in collaboration with architect Amiran Badishian and structural engineer Artavazd Arzumanian. Architectural sketches and proposals were also submitted for the ultimate completion of the belfry.
Sourb Astvatzatzin (Holy Virgin) Church of Darashamb | West Azerbaijan Province, Iran
Following meticulous measuring activities in 2015 and deep engineering studies in 2016, a definitive structural restoration project was developed. The blueprint was finalized with the critical participation of structural engineers Artavazd Arzumanian and Vrezh Asatrian.
