Tsakair Cave

Tsakair Cave is located in the vertical cliff of the Haghpat Gorge and played a major role in the preservation and development of Armenian parchment-making. It was also known as the “Library.” The parchment manuscripts once kept here later became part of the world-renowned Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts — the Matenadaran in Yerevan.

Tsakair Cave as a Military Observation Post

Originally, Tsakair Cave served as a watchpoint to protect the lower cave-fortresses of Zarni and Parni, from where archers would strike approaching enemies. Later, it became a sanctuary of learning and manuscript preservation.

The Hidden Library and Scientific Center of Haghpat Monastery

During the Middle Ages, in times of enemy invasions, the books of Haghpat Monastery’s library were transferred to Tsakair Cave for safekeeping. It also served as a place for writing new manuscripts and nurturing scientific thought. For some time, the great medieval scholar Hovhannes Imastaser worked here. He directed the educational centers of Ani and Haghpat and authored works dedicated to science, religion, and culture. Other prominent Armenian scholars, such as David Ganjakeci, David Kobayretsi, and others, also studied and worked here.

From the 14th–15th centuries onward, due to the country’s difficult circumstances, Tsakair Cave and the manuscripts stored in it were forgotten.

Rediscovery and Later Fate

In the 1770s, an unworthy abbot of Haghpat Monastery, searching for treasure, removed hundreds of ancient manuscripts from Tsakair and nearby caves and brought them to the monastery. Over time, many were stolen, and some were burned as “useless.”

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Armenian archaeologists carried out studies in Tsakair Cave and discovered fragments of Armenian parchment manuscripts.

Visiting Information

Today, Tsakair Cave is closed due to its difficult access. To see it from the outside, visitors should go to the Zarni and Parni cave complex and climb the steps to the upper cave. On the left side of the wall, in the rock, you can see a stone-built wall with a small window in the center. The area is managed by a nearby recreation zone, and there is an entrance fee. The complex is open during daylight hours.