Akhtamar Church

Rising on a small island in Lake Van, visible even from a great distance, Akhtamar Church is a unique example of Eastern Christian architectural art with its relief carvings adorning its exterior in bands. These reliefs, mostly flat, become indistinct within the wall in misty weather or shade, yet come alive in daylight; thus, the church almost "comes to life" with the sun.

In previous research on Akhtamar, the church's architecture and decorations were treated separately. However, in Akhtamar, the architecture and exterior ornamentation are an inseparable whole, and it is this integrity that makes the church a "radiant" structure. Therefore, the church should be considered a holistic work of art. The art historical importance of Akhtamar can only be revealed through such a perspective.

Although Akhtamar Church represents a type of structure for which other examples have been seen before, it holds great importance as the only well-preserved example.