Oshakan - Journey to The Armenian Alphabet

Oshakan Church: Historical Significance

The main reason why Armenians visit Oshakan, and, in fact, foreign tourists as well, is because of the tomb of Mesrop Mashtots. One of the core values of any Armenian is his/her language, the alphabet of which was created by Mashtots.

After his death in 444 a small chapel was built on his tombstone by Vahan Amatuni. The chapel continued to host Armenian pilgrims in the course of 14 centuries. The chapel was partially ruined towards the end of the 18th century. Its condition was gradually getting worse and worse. Only in the 19th century the small chapel was replaced by a respectable basilica. The local people of Oshakan village had greatly invested in the construction of their church. The building of the new church was initiated by His Holiness Gevorg D.

In 1880 a monument was unveiled in the memory of Vahan Amatuni, who had built the original chapel. A new school was built in the southern part of the church in the beginning of the 20th century.

An event that makes Oshakan significant is the victory won by Russians over Persia in 1827. One of the stories of this battle has survived, partially due to humor, and partially because of tragedy. The hero’s name was Hakob Harutyunyan, who was a soldier of the Persian army. It can be said that he turned the course of the battle by pointing his gun at his own army, hence, protecting the Russian one. Unfortunately, he had suffered the consequences of that action after the battle. Persians, surprised and angry, tortured Harutyunyan and cut his ears and tongue. Later on, Harutyunyan received Russian imperial pension.

Oshakan Church: Architecture

Together with the shape of the church, the belfry, which was built in 1884 and is comprised of two stories, is a new style and design that won’t be met in other sacred sites of Armenia.

Because of the fact that the church was built just recently (as compared to the majority of Armenian churches), it looks very modern. It has its advantages and disadvantages. One of the pluses is that the building is nice and clean. Nothing is ruined, and there is no danger of walls falling apart while you’re inside. But, on the other hand, the spiritual atmosphere of the Armenian churches, for which they are so famous, is probably a little less than in other ancient churches.

The mystical sensation you feel when entering medieval churches is very slightly felt here. In any case, this church is one of new players of modern Armenian culture, and it surely has a long way to go, serving as a house of faith.

The Oshakan Church contains wall paintings that, in contrary to the majority of Armenian churches, are of very recent origin, 1960. Their creator is H. Minasian.

Oshakan Church: Heritage of Mesrop Mashtots

Starting from that day, the church was named St. Mesrop Mashtots and became closely associated with the Armenian alphabet, which is of extreme value to the Armenian patriotism.

This is why Oshakan Church looks particularly busy on September 1, which is the first day of school and a holiday symbolizing knowledge and science. On that day the main visitors of the church are 1st grade students, who, according to the tradition that is being kept for years now, learn the first letters of the Armenian alphabet inside the church, close to the tomb of Mesrop Mashtots.

Oshakan Church: Additional Constructions

In 1962 a huge monument was built just in front of the church. The monument is dedicated to the 1600th anniversary of Mesrop Mashtots. It’s in the form of an enormous book, on the left page of which you can see a carved alphabet.

Another construction that can be viewed together with the church is the bridge, made of red tuff by His Holiness Nahapet. The bridge is older than the church, it dates back to 1706.