Madnavank‘ monastery is partially set into the cliff on the left bank of the Madnavank‘ River [Madavans] across from the village of Madnavank‘, [Madavans], also known as *Kharashad, at 38° 46’ N et 42° 27’ E. Madnavank‘ is situated northwest of the town of Khlat‘ [Ahlat], itself located in the northwest corner of Lake Van.
Apart from a dubious mention in 1348, the monastery is attested as a scriptorium in the 15th- 17th centuries under the names of Holy Mother of God (Surp Asdwadzadzin), Mother of Light (Môrën Lousso Sourp Asdwadzadzin), Saint Sergius (Surp Sarkis) and Saint George (Surp Kevork). It seems to have been especially active the 15th century: in 1490, according to two colophons, the abbot was Archbishop Vartan. Scriptorial activity fell off in the 18th century, and by the 19th and early 20th century it was primarily a parish establishment.
Abside, 2011 (Coll. privée).
The Madnavank‘ monastery extends for nearly a kilometer along the river below. It includes numerous caves hewn into the rock, which served as gathering rooms, granaries, cells and oratories. The colophon of 1490 gives it eleven altars. At the center of this complex is a cave church, with three altars; the entrance is preceded by a narthex built on the rim of the cliff and resting on ten engaged piers and two free-standing supports surmounted by pointed arches. At one end of the complex is the cemetery.
Plan (Thierry, 1989, 216).
Confiscated after the Great War, Madnavank‘ monastery was left empty. If the caves are still visible, the narthex has collapsed completely. In the 1970s, part of the wall opposite the entrance could still be seen, as could several arches and piers, but these too have now disappeared.
Oskian, 1953, 254-258. Thierry, 1989, 213-218. Kadjbérouni, 2003, 267-268. Bixio, R. et al, 2014, 27-44.