Akhtamar (Akdamar)

Akhtamar is unforgettable, for two reasons: its spectacular site on a small island in Lake Van and the remarkable sculptural reliefs (vivacious, naive, almost childishly simple) on the external walls of the church.

Built by the Armenians in the years 915-921, it really doesn’t qualify as classical, and it’s far remote from İstanbul, but it’s very well worth a visit.

These photos date from 1983 and 2021.