THE UNKNOWN CHILGA (CHICHAN) CHURCH IN ÇATAK DISTRICT OF VAN

Van is an important city with many historical and cultural values. The church is located in Çılga village, which is to the west 25 km of Çatak district center. The village settlement, which has a very troublesome transportation and can be reached by crossing deep valleys, was founded on the eastern hillside of Kepçe (Arnos) Mountain. ​

As a result of our a detailed material scanning, it was seen that the church was not included in any local and foreign publications. Our research in Van and its surroundings has been continuing on for 30 years without interruption. During our fieldwork in Çatak District, we obtained data on the existence of this building. Based on the information received from the local authorities and the residents of Çılga village, field investigations were carried out. The aim of the research is to introduce an architectural work that has never before entered the literature to the scientific world by working with scientific methods. The data sources of the study consist entirely of information, findings and scientific studies obtained during the fieldwork.

It is important to clarify the construction date of the building, which has no inscription, based on the plan type, ornamentation, material and technical features.

The upper cover of the church is in the closed-cross plan type (Greek cross in square) resting on four free supports. In the central square space, a 3.80 m. diameter dome with a pendant transition rests on four free piers. The four main directions are covered with more depressed barrel vaults. The corner spaces are covered with four lower and smaller domes. The entrance is from the west. In the east, there are apses and apsidioles that do not protrude outwards. It is noteworthy that smooth cut stone is used in the interior of the building, which is built with masonry on the exterior. The building was built on a sloping land in the north-south direction.

Religious buildings are at the forefront of architectural formations in the region. It is seen that monasteries and churches, which have an important place in terms of Armenian Art, were predominantly shaped under the rule of Muslim states. The research is valuable in terms of illuminating the architectural and cultural development and interaction within the region. Scientific studies in this field in our country are quite limited.

These architectural works are the historical and cultural heritage of our country. The study will contribute to both regional and district tourism by adding momentum.

Keywords

Van, Çatak, Armenian Architecture, Church, Closed-Cross Plan/Greek cross in square