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Akdamar Island facts for kids

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General view of Akdamar Island

Akdamar Island is a small island located in Lake Van in the eastern part of Turkey. It's also known by other names like Aghtamar or Ahktamar. The island is famous for its beautiful old church, which has a lot of history and amazing carvings.

What is Akdamar Island?

Akdamar Island is one of the most well-known islands in Lake Van, which is the largest lake in Turkey. The island is quite small, but it holds a very important historical building: the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. This church is a big reason why many people visit the island today.

Where is Akdamar Island Located?

The island is found in the eastern part of Turkey, within the Van Province. Lake Van itself is a large, salty lake. Akdamar Island is close to the town of Gevaş, making it easy for visitors to reach by boat. The journey to the island offers amazing views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

The Famous Church on Akdamar

The main attraction on Akdamar Island is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. This church was built a very long time ago, between the years 915 and 921 AD. It was built by an Armenian king named Gagik I Artsruni. The church is a stunning example of old Armenian architecture and art.

What Makes the Church Special?

The church is famous for its detailed stone carvings on the outside walls. These carvings show many different scenes, including stories from the Bible, like David and Goliath. There are also carvings of animals, plants, and people. These carvings are like a giant outdoor art gallery, telling stories and showing the beliefs of the people who built it. Inside, the church has old paintings called frescoes, though some have faded over time. The church's design and its decorations make it a very special place to visit and learn about history and art.

The Story of the Church

For many centuries, the Cathedral of the Holy Cross was an important religious center. It served as a place of worship and a symbol of Armenian culture in the region. Over the years, the church faced many challenges, but it has been carefully restored to preserve its beauty and history. Today, it stands as a museum and a monument, attracting visitors from all over the world who want to see its unique architecture and learn about its past.

Images for kids

  • Waiting eternally for her love, Sevan, Armenia

    A statue of princess Tamara waiting for her love, near Sevan Lake, Armenia. The author is Armenian-American sculptor Rafael Petrosyan.

  • USSHER(1865) p371 AKTHAMAR FROM AGHAVANK

    "Akthamar from Aghavank" an engraving c. 1860

  • Akhtamar Island on Lake Van with the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross

    General view of Akdamar Island in springtime.

  • Akdamar and mountain

    The Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross

  • Akdamar kirche

    The cathedral.

  • Akdamar Church

    A detail of David and Goliath from the cathedral

  • Akhtamar Surb Khach Armenian Church

    The cross was mounted on top of the Armenian cathedral after restoration.

  • Aghtamar 1890

    The church in 1890.

  • Aghtamar 1923

    The church in 1923.

  • The Church of the Holy Cross on Akhtamar Island

    The church in 2013.

  • Surb Khach - Akhtamar - khachkar (1913)

    An Armenian cross-stone (khachkar) dated 1434 (in a photo published in 1913)

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Isla Akdamar para niños

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