Border Aygehovit and its Monuments

Abstract

The border community of Aygehovit is located in the Tavush region of the Republic of Armenia and is rich in medieval monuments. Five dozen monuments of republican and local significance are included in the state lists of monuments. Among the numerous settlements, standing and dilapidated churches, chapels and cemeteries with beautiful carved khachkars (cross stones), the Srvegh monastery complex stands out, which is the second brick complex in the region after the Kirants monastery. 

As part of the fixation and restoration program, in 2021-2022 research work and partial excavations were carried out here. In the developed Middle Ages, the monastery complex was a popular place of pilgrimage and played an important role in the spiritual and cultural life of the region along with its contemporaries, Kirants and Makaravank.

Today, Armenian border settlements, including monuments, are under the threat of Azerbaijan vandalism. In such conditions, in addition to various studies, we consider the most important factor to be the publication of these studies, the creation and strengthening of the monument-society connection. It is of great importance to cultivate a sense of ownership in the minds of the younger generation, which will contribute to the formation of the “psychology of the owner” and the growth of responsibility for the historical and cultural heritage.