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YEREVAN, JULY 27, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Saint Thomas monastery in Gevash region of Van has been left to the mercy of fate. In result of actions of adventurous treasure seekers now the monastery is on the edge of collapse. “Armenpress” reports calling Turkish Demokrathaber.net that about this alarmed art critic Mesut Gul. “The value given to Islamic architecture should be given also to Armenian architecture. In order to stop the destruction of Armenian cultural values by local people it is necessary to compare them with Islamic architecture. In order to stop the damage to buildings the society should be made more cognizant,” he highlighted. In his words the church is in abandoned condition. In 100 meters to west of the monastery is Armenian cemetery where have been kept many tombstones with trims.
Mesut Gul alarmed that the church is being attacked very frequently. Particularly, treasure seekers dig holes inside the church and on the walls in result of which it is on the edge of collapse.
According to Armenian historian Tovma Artsruni the monastery was built in 10-11 centuries by architect Manuel. It was repaired in 1581 and in 1671 were built the walls around it. In 1801 it again was repaired.