Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Frontiers of Architectural Research, 2026 (AHCI, Scopus)
Studies on Vaspurakan monasteries in Türkiye are limited to historical narratives and schematic descriptions; however, systematic architectural documentation and analysis have not been undertaken. Addressing this gap, this study examines the architectural characteristics of Surb T'ovma Monastery, an understudied Vaspurakan monastery, for the first time. Field surveys and 3D documentation reveal the monastery's architectural features and conservation condition. Comparative analysis situates Surb T'ovma within the broader context of Armenian monastic architecture. The findings demonstrate that architectural characteristics of Surb T'ovma, such as its simple design approach, and regional rubble-wall techniques, reflect a typical Vaspurakan monastery. In addition, the presence of a semi-civic jamatoun stands out as a distinctive feature within Armenian monastic architecture. However, although Surb T'ovma shares a unique architectural character with other monasteries in the region, the loss of function has accelerated the deterioration process. The study provides new insights into Vaspurakan architectural historiography, by revealing development of monastic architecture and its preservation state. It highlights the methodological value of digital documentation by enabling the precise identification of architectural details and structural deterioration beyond the limits of conventional survey methods. The study contributes to raising awareness of similar abandoned cultural heritage sites by introducing a comprehensive methodology.