In the course of Armenian history covering millennia, the history of Haghpat occupies a position of utmost importance. It has been written through the pro-state activities of Armenian kings and queens, the results of the struggles of princes and princesses, the prayers of religious figures and the power of scientists’ minds, the industriousness of the villagers, and by bestowing children upon the homeland.

In our days, the village of Haghpat, with its numerous historical and cultural monuments and picturesque nature, is considered a calling card of Armenia, and the Haghpat Monastery — a symbol uniting Armenians.

It is located in the Lori region of the Republic of Armenia, on the slopes of the Arajnaglukh and Surb Luys mountains. Armenia’s most abundant river, the Debed, flows from the northwest of the village, while the Acher River flows through the Haghpat Gorge from the west. On one side of Haghpat are forested mountains, and on the other side are the plateau and bottomless canyons. It is this wonderful landscape that for centuries has inspired Armenians to create miraculous monuments and cultural values, and to continue living there.

From Ancient Times to the Construction of the Monastery

Haghpat is one of the ancient settlements of Armenia, but its history is mainly presented starting from the 10th century. This circumstance has its clear reasons, which are primarily related to the construction of the famous Christian temple and, consequently, the opening of a new, significant page in history. The other reason is that the period of Haghpat village’s history during the B.C. era and the subsequent 1st to 9th centuries has been studied very little.

In ancient times, the territory of Haghpat was known by the name Surb Luys (Holy Light). Sites dating back to the 2nd to 1st millennia B.C. have been discovered there. One of them is the settlement located at the foot of Mount Surb Luys. The burial ground known as “Agravi Tapan” (Crow’s Ark) is attributed to the same period. As a result of very few excavations, a number of archaeological objects have been found in different parts of the village, including a bronze figurine of a standing horse dating to the beginning of the 1st millennium B.C., bronze snake-headed bracelets dating to the 12th to 9th centuries B.C., antimony buttons, clay jars and cups, a bronze spear blade and iron fragments, and an iron knife dating to the 9th to 6th centuries B.C.

It is known that Armenia’s famous Christian monastic complexes were built on the sites of Armenian temples of the pre-Christian faith. From this perspective, there are a number of claims that a pagan temple existed on the site of Haghpat Monastery.

With the foundation of the Haghpat Monastery in the 10th century, the name of the settlement became Haghpat, while the name Surb Luys remained as the name of the neighboring mountain.

The Rise of the Settlement in the 10th–13th Centuries

Founding and Prosperity of Haghpat Monastery

The 10th century was a period of crucial events for Armenia. For around two centuries, the Bagratuni dynasty had restored the Armenian Kingdom on Armenian lands, leaving a significant mark on Armenian history. This influence is felt even to this day. Between 953 and 978, the King of Armenia was Ashot III the Merciful (Ashot G Oghormats), who was well-known by the title “the Pious.” His wife, Queen Khosrovanuysh, is famous for her extensive construction activities.

The year 976 became the starting point for the village of Haghpat and many subsequent events in Armenia. With the support of her husband, Queen Khosrovanuysh initiated the construction of the Saint Nshan (Surb Nshan) Church of Haghpat Monastery for the longevity of her sons, Smbat and Gurgen. In 978, Smbat became the King of Bagratid Armenia, known as Smbat II the Master of the Universe (Smbat B Tiezierakal), while Gurgen became the King of the Armenian Kingdom of Lori and the founder of the Kyurikian royal dynasty. The bas-reliefs of the two kings are carved on the exterior face of the eastern wall of St. Nishan Church. They are depicted standing opposite each other, holding a small model of the church in their hands. Queen Khosrovanuysh also donated one of the dynastic symbols of the Bagratunis to the church: a relic of the True Cross of Jesus Christ, which is kept there to this day.

The construction of the church lasted 15 years, followed by the building of other monuments within the monastic complex. Overall, Haghpat Monastery in its current form was completed during the 10th to 13th centuries. Through the initiative of queens, princes and princesses, and leaders of the monastery, the Great Gavit, the bell tower, the Hamazasp Gavit, the St. Gregory (Surb Grigor) and St. Mother of God (Surb Astvatsatsin) churches, the refectory, and the defensive walls were built; the famous scriptorium (matenadaran) and school of Haghpat Monastery were also established. It was a scientific, educational, and religious-cultural center of medieval Armenia, associated with the famous scientists, historians, and ecclesiastics of the time. These included Hovhannes Imastaser, Davit Gandzaketsi, Davit Kobayretsi, and others. The “Small Armenian Calendar” and numerous manuscripts were written and preserved in Haghpat, through which various events of Armenian history are known today.

As a result of all this, Haghpat Monastery became one of the most important institutions in Armenia. In 1064, it was proclaimed an episcopal see by King Kyurike I Bagratuni and remained in that status until 1836. Haghpat was one of the four monasteries of the Armenian Apostolic Church whose leader participated in the election of the Catholicos of All Armenians, and its clergy took part in the most important decisions of Armenia and the Armenian Apostolic Church.