Gavit

A gavit (Armenian գավիթ) or zhamatun (Armenian: ժամատուն) is often contiguous to the west of a church in a Medieval Armenian monastery. It served as narthex (entrance to the church), mausoleum and assembly room.[1]

For other uses, see Gavit (surname).
Gavit of Geghard Monastery in Armenia (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

History

The gavit, the distinctive Armenian style of narthex, appeared in the tenth and eleventh centuries.[2] The first were located in the south of the Armenia in the region of Syunik. The type of construction changed during the twelfth and fourteenth centuries, as found in the monasteries of Saghmosavank of Haritchavank, or Hovhannavank Monastery. The gavit changed again in the late thirteenth century as can be seen in monasteries such as Gandzasar. Gavits gradually ceased to be built in the late Middle Ages.

Structure

The earliest style of gavit consists of an oblong vault supported by double arches, with an erdik (lantern) center. This form was replaced by a square room with four columns, divided into nine sections with a dome in the center. The last evolution consists of a gavit without columns and with arched ceilings.

On the west side of the Church of the Holy Redeemer in the Sanahin Monastery complex, the gavit built in 1181 has four tall free-standing internal pillars supporting arches, The pillars and their bases are elaborately decorated. In the same complex, the gavit of the Mother of God church is a three-nave hall with lower arches and less elaborate decorations on the pillars.[3]

  • Gavit in the first style, Sanahin, Sourp Astvatsatsin.
  • Gavit in the second style, Sanahin, Sourp Amenakrpitch.
  • Gavit in the second style, Hovhannavank.
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References
  1. Levon Chorbajian; Patrick Donabédian; Claude Mutafian (1994). The Caucasian knot: the history & geopolitics of Nagorno-Karabagh. Zed Books. p. 84. ISBN 1-85649-288-5.
  2. Medieval Armenian architecture: constructions of race and nation Christina Maranci – 2001 "Unlike Strzygowski, who stressed the importance of race and nation in the formation of architecture, ... Another structure at Ani also provided Baltrusaitis with an ogive — the narthex or gavit' located at the south side of the church."
  3. Nicholas Holding (2006). Armenia: with Nagorno Karabagh. Bradt Travel Guides. p. 161. ISBN 1-84162-163-3.
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