The Church of the Holy Cross located on the island of Akhtamar (Akdamar) on Lake Van (modern Turkey)

The Church of the Holy Cross  is an outstanding monument of medieval Armenian architecture, located on the island of Akhtamar (Akdamar) on Lake Van (modern Turkey).

This rare photo was taken in 1914. It depicts a group of Armenian priests, pilgrims and local residents in the monastery courtyard against the background of the cathedral.

The photograph is unique in that it captures the last peaceful months of the existence of the existing religious complex. Just a year later, in April 1915, during the Armenian Genocide, the monks of the monastery were killed, the cathedral itself was looted, and the centuries-old residential and monastery buildings surrounding it were completely destroyed.

The temple was built in 915-921 by the architect Manuel by order of Gagik I Artsrun, king of the Vaspurakan kingdom.

The church is famous for its rich stone bas-reliefs on the outer walls, depicting biblical scenes (such as the fight between David and Goliath, the prophet Daniel in the pit with lions), Tsar Gagik, as well as vines, birds and animals.

In the 21st century, the cathedral was restored by the Turkish authorities and today it functions as a secular museum, where it is allowed to hold a festive service once a year.