Armenia, Travels and Studies (Volume 1 of 2): The Russian Provinces — John Shaqi
Armenia, Travels and Studies (Volume 1 of 2): The Russian ProvincesLynch, H. F. B. (Harry Finnis Blosse)
History
Armenia, Travels and Studies (Volume 1 of 2): The Russian Provinces
Lynch, H. F. B. (Harry Finnis Blosse)
Armenia
South of this building, beyond the large mosque of the quarter,
which is without architectural interest, are situated the two Greek
churches of Aivasil and Aiana, the first almost on the fringe of
the bazars. Aivasil (No. 14) has been rebuilt, or rather the site
of the old church has been covered by a modern and tasteless
erection. But a long stone, part of a frieze, containing an
inscription of Justinian, which belonged to the earlier edifice,
is still preserved as an historical relic in the body of the
church. Aiana (No. 13), its close neighbour, is, on the other
hand, quite intact, and remains a most interesting example of the
beginnings of Christian architecture. A small and unpretentious
building of stone, not too evenly put together, with the arches
over the little windows constructed of brick, it would almost
escape notice were it not for a large bas-relief in marble which
is inserted into the wall over the door on the south. Although
the stone is cracked and the sculpture has suffered mutilation,
one can recognise that there is represented a colossal seated
figure, with a smaller figure, holding a shield, at her feet. The
interior is built of brick, and consists of a nave and two aisles,
the principal apse being flanked by two side apses. [3] But there
is no dome; and the scanty light which falls on the withered
frescos comes from nine little windows in the walls. Each aisle
has two arches, the more easterly pair resting on piers, and the
more westerly on marble pillars with Ionic capitals. One remarks
the narrowness of the apse, in which is placed a primitive altar,
resembling those in the oldest Armenian churches. It consists
of a horizontal slab resting on a circular stone, and on the
side of the slab is a Greek inscription. Several of the frescos
remain with which the walls were once covered, the building being
still used as a church. Besides Biblical subjects, one observes
several portraits upon the wall on the west. The greater portion
of the space is filled with the pictures of saints and monks;
but on the north side there is represented a colossal figure,
of which the head has unfortunately been effaced. The figure is
attired in a purple robe, with bands of gold embroidered in black,
the same costume as that in which the Emperor Alexius III. is
depicted in the Bull at Sumelas. He holds a circular ornament
or emblem in his left hand. An inscription, partially effaced,
is seen on the wall below the figure. [4] Such is this relic
of the early city, with its spoils of still earlier temples,
bridging the periods of the old worship and the new.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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