Abrank Surp Tavit Monastery: Documenting, Conserving, and Rehabilitating a Threatened Armenian Cultural Heritage Site in Eastern Anatolia

Abstract

Abrank Surp Tavit Monastery, situated near Üçpınar Village in Erzincan’s Tercan district, Eastern Anatolia, Turkey, stands as a significant yet critically endangered example of Armenian monastic heritage. This article presents a comprehensive study based on original data from fieldwork and archival research, documenting the monastery’s complex history, intricate architectural fabric, current state of preservation, and proposing conservation strategies alongside a sustainable adaptive reuse plan. Combining terrestrial laser scanning and droneassisted photogrammetry, the research provides unprecedented detailed documentation of the partially standing cruciform church, chapel, khachkars (UNESCO-listed Armenian cross-stones), and ruined auxiliary structures. Historical analysis traces the site’s evolution from a pre-Christian religious center through its foundation (traditionally attributed to St. Gregory the Illuminator), 19th-century restoration, and subsequent abandonment. The monastery faces imminent loss due to structural instability, material decay, environmental factors, and human-induced damage like looting and vandalism. Emphasizing minimal intervention and material compatibility, the conservation proposal includes structural stabilization, material consolidation, and sensitive reintegration of lost elements. Crucially, the study advocates for adaptive reuse as a “Monument Museum” and open-air exhibition, respecting the site’s spiritual legacy while ensuring its preservation and accessibility. This work fills a critical gap in the conservation of Armenian heritage in Turkey and offers a model for safeguarding similar endangered sites.