Vank Cathedral

Isfahan, Iran

The All-Saviour’s Cathedral, known locally as the Vank Cathedral or the Church of the Saintly Sisters, was one of the first churches to be built in the Julfa quarter of Isfahan by Armenian immigrants. The original building was established after the Ottoman War of 1603–05 CE. Between 1655 and 1664 CE, the church was reconstructed, and major alterations made to become what is today’s current building. The Armenians built their churches in Isfahan using the same plans as their original churches in Armenia. But in terms of form and material, they were very much influenced by the local architecture of the Safavid era. All Isfahan churches were built in brick, and all have spherical double domes. Unlike the mosques, however, they didn’t disappear into the city fabric but stayed independent. Based on Islamic law, there were limitations on height, whereby the height of the belfry and dome were not to exceed the height of nearby mosques. In terms of decoration, Armenian methods were combined with local traditions. The interior of Vank Cathedral is covered with beautiful, gilded murals on the ceiling, depicting biblical stories, such as the creation of the world or the expulsion of Adam from Eden. Dados were made of Safavid ceramic with Persian geometrical or vegetal designs. The exterior used the same approach and was decorated with a combination of stone carvings and brickwork.

Biography:

Dr Sohrab Sardashti was born and raised in Gorgan, a beautiful city on the shores of the Caspian Sea in Iran. While studying architecture as an undergraduate student, he took a photography course which then became his passion. Alongside studying and teaching architecture, he has worked with some of the best photographic agencies and magazines in Iran. In 2019, he graduated from the Isfahan University of Art with a PhD in Islamic Architecture.

Acknowledgements:

I would like to thank everyone who has helped me during the process of creating this book. Mr Jurg Grutter, who honoured me by writing the opening of the book. My dear friend, Dr Nima Deimary, for his valuable guidance. All those professors who, during my architectural studies, gave me, not only an advanced and critical insight into architecture, but also precious life lessons: Dr Heshmat Allah Motedeyn, Dr Hamid Nadimi, Dr Minoo Shafaie and all the other teachers whose classes I have had the privilege to attend. I would also like to thank my family for their unconditional love and support throughout these years. Finally, many thanks to ACC Art Books for their help and support during the process of publishing this book.