Website review: Vank Cathedral, Isfahan
Persiana discovered this in Christianity
•1 reviews since Dec 15, 2006
arts
•iraniantours.com/attractions/isfahan/vank.htm
People who like this website
StumbleUpon is the best way to discover great web sites, videos, photos, blogs and more - based on your interests.
Everything is submitted and rated by the community. Discover, share and review the best of the web!
Reviews of this website
Persiana discovered 21 months ago- Vank; where Persian arts are entwined with Christian illustrations Vank is the most visited cathedral in Isfahan, Iran. Work on the cathedral began in 1605 during the Safavid period for the new Armenian migrants to the Jolfa district of Isfahan. Construction as it stands, was started in 1655 and completed in 1664. Vank means "cathedral" in the Armenian language. By contrast to its modest exterior, the cathedral's interior is lavishly decorated. Vank Cathedral is renowned for its majestic wall murals depicting scenes from Old/New Testament. When I toured the cathedral a few years ago, I found the section depicting the story of creation in fresco style quite stunning. In addition, the painting about the life and burial ceremony of Jesus is beautifully depicted. From the Iran website: "The cathedral of Vank in Isphahan, Iran, aka "The Church Of The Saintly Sisters" is a holy delight to the eye with its richly decorated walls and ceilings in mostly Persian patterns and with touches of byzantic elements of art. The walls are covered by fabulous paintings depicting biblic stories. Isfahan the former capital of Iran, was made into a center of art and culture during the reign of the Safavid Dynasty, and Shah Abbas I in particular. It also houses the largest Armenian and Jewish communities in Iran. Contrary to what is reported by some foreign media, Christians in Iran are totally free to practice their faith, as are Jews and Zoroastrians, and are also represented in the parliament." From the page: "The museum of Armenian culture is the building next to the cathedral. The museum displays 700 handwritten books, the first book printed in Iran, a variety of objects related to Armenian community in Isfahan such as Safavid costumes, tapestries, European paintings brought back by Armenian merchants , embroidery, and other ethnological displays related to Armenian culture and religion. There are several carved stones showing scenes from the Bible outside the museum." A 17th century Persian carpet at the Museum Jolfa region alone, is host to 11 other churches all dating from the 17th century.
Subscribe to updates
