The Armenian Genocide and the Destruction of Religious Heritage

The Armenian Genocide of 1915–1916, carried out by Ottoman authorities during the First World War, caused catastrophic losses to Armenian communities and their religious institutions.

Mass deportations, killings, forced conversions, and the destruction of communal life affected Armenian clergy, monasteries, churches, schools, libraries, and religious property.

Many churches were abandoned, destroyed, confiscated, or converted to other uses.

Monastic collections were dispersed or lost.

Religious leaders were among those arrested, deported, or killed.

The destruction extended beyond physical structures to the communities that had maintained them.

Churches that had served Armenian populations for centuries lost their congregations.

Some surviving buildings later became ruins.

Others were repurposed.

A smaller number underwent restoration or continued in religious use.

The long-term consequences remain visible across eastern Turkey, where numerous Armenian ecclesiastical monuments survive in varying conditions.

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island

The Cathedral of the Holy Cross, located on Akdamar Island in Lake Van, was constructed between 915 and 921 under King Gagik I Artsruni.

Its exterior reliefs are among the most important surviving examples of medieval Armenian architectural sculpture.

The cathedral was restored by Turkish authorities in the 2000s and reopened as a museum in 2007.

Occasional religious services have subsequently been permitted.

Its preservation illustrates both the possibilities and the complexities of protecting Armenian religious heritage in territories where the historic Armenian population was largely eliminated.