Akdamar Church 
Akdamar Island from a boat on Lake Van. Photo © Andrys Basten.
See many more photos in our Akdamar Island Photo Gallery.
Church of the Holy Cross against a mountain backdrop. Public domain.
Photo © Andrys Basten.
Photo © Andrys Basten.
Fascinating friezes ring the church. Photo © Dick Osseman.
Detail of border frieze and inscription. Photo © Dick Osseman.
Story of Jonah and the whale. Photo © Dick Osseman.
Jonah is eaten by the whale. Photo © Dick Osseman.
Christ Pantocrator. Photo © Dick Osseman.
Akdamar Kilesi (Akdamar Church) or Church of the Holy Cross) is a ruined Armenian cathedral in Eastern Anatolia. Situated on a small island in the beautiful mountain setting of Lake Van, the Akdamar church dates from the 10th century and is famed for the fascinating reliefs carved on the exterior.
Myth and Mystery
According to local legend, the island of Akdamar gets its name from a tragic love story. A man fell in love with a woman named Tamar, who lived on the island. He visited her every night until, one tragic night, he was overcome by the waves in a storm. As he sunk into the water he cried out, "Ach, Tamar!"
Local folklore also has it that Lake Van is enchanted and frequented by angels.
History
The Church of the Holy Cross was once an important Armenian cathedral. The seat of the Armenian Orthodox patriarch, the cathedral was founded by King Gagik between 915 and 921 as part of a royal complex that included a palace, monastery, streets, gardens and terraced parks. The church is all that remains today.
The church was designed by the Armenian architect Trdat Mendet (also known as Manuel), who also built the cathedral in nearby Ani and helped repair Hagia Sophia's dome when it collapsed after an earthquake.
The Church of the Holy Cross was the seat of an Armenian patriarch from 1116 to 1895, after which it was abandoned due to conflict between Armenia and the Ottoman Empire. The building fell into disrepair and was neglected throughout the 20th century.
The cathedral was restored by the Turkish government beginning in May 2005. The restoration cost $1.5 million and took 18 months to complete. At a ceremony on March 29, 2007, it was officially opened as a museum. The restoration project was seen as a diplomatic step by Turkey to improve relations with Armenia, which remain very tense.
What to See
On a cruciform plan and topped with a conical roof, the Akdamar church is just 49 x 39 feet (15 x 12 m) in size. It is made of red tufa stone brought to the island from distant quarries. Inside the church are faded but still-impressive frescoes.
The justly famous exterior features bas-relief carvings and friezes of biblical scenes, including Adam and Eve, Jonah and the whale, David and Goliath, Abraham and Isaac, St. George slaying a dragon, Christ Pantocrator, and Madonna and Child.
On the back is an image of King Gagik presenting his church to Christ (a theme that can also be seen in the Hagia Sophia and most other great religious buildings). A richly carved border runs around the entire church, populated with animals and figures that may represent the Months of the Year.
Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey and has a very high salt level, making it pleasant for swimming. It incorporates a number of small islands with interesting ruins to explore.
Travel Resources
- Church of the Holy Cross (Akdamar Kilisesi) - TripAdvisor traveler reviews
- Lake Van Hotel Reviews - the real truth from fellow travelers
- Akdamar - Around the World with Wes and Masami (includes details on transportation logistics)
- Lake Van - Andy Carvin's travel journal
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Akdamar Church; Akdamar Kilesi; Church of the Holy Cross; Cathedral of the Holy Cross |
| Dedicated to: | Holy Cross |
| Location: | Eastern Anatolia, Turkey |
| Category: | Cathedrals |
| Faith: | Christianity |
| Denomination: | Armenian Orthodox |
| Status: | museum |
| Date: | 915-921 AD |
| Architecture: | Byzantine, Pre-Romanesque |
| Features: | Medieval Sculpture |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 38.340512° N, 43.036644° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Akdamar Island, Lake Van, Eastern Anatolia, Turkey |
| Hours: | All reasonable hours |
| Cost: | Free |
| Photography: | Permitted |
| Public transport: | Boat ride from Gevas |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Akdamar Church. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Turkey Map.
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Akdamar Island, Lake Van, Turkey - SacredSites.com
- Ankara restores Armenian church - BBC News, March 29, 2007
- Akdamar Island - Wikipedia
- Akdamar pictures - Dick Osseman
Article last updated: 10/18/2009.
