The Armenian monastery complex of Varagavank in the Bakracli village the Van province of Western Armenia (territory temporarily occupied by Turkey) is on the verge of complete destruction, Ermenihaber reports.
The monastery was built in the 7th century in the historical Armenian province of Vaspurakan, in the southeastern part of Van city, on the slopes of Mount Varaka.
It was previously the seat of the Archbishop of Van.
Locals call the monastery “Seven Churches.”
Most of the churches of Varakavank no longer exist. What remains are only the walls and stones. Only one church is half-preserved, but it too is on the verge of collapse.
This historical monastery, which has not undergone comprehensive restoration to this day, has been subjected to vandalism over the years by treasure hunters and was seriously damaged during the 2011 Van earthquake.
The collapsed church has been under the care of local resident Mehmet Coban for 40 years.
Near Varakavank, there is also a mosque whose religious leader in the 1950s was Coban’s father, and he emphasized the importance of preserving this historical Armenian structure. He noted that the monastery once served as a barn, but thanks to his father’s warnings, it did not continue to function as a barn.
“My father wanted this place to be preserved. I have been here for 35-40 years, and for his memory, I cannot leave it,” he said.
Coban added that he has passed this responsibility on to his child, saying, “It would be a shame if it remains neglected after my death. I told my child, but they say they will face difficulties due to heavy work obligations.”
The local resident said he maintains the monastery entirely at his own expense. According to him, three of the domes have collapsed, and he covered them with wood and sheet metal. In winter, when it snows, he clears it himself and fences the monastery grounds with a metal mesh.
“Last year, I covered it completely with tarpaulin, but the wind tore it. Every year I spend money from my own pocket,” he said.
Coban added that he has repeatedly appealed to relevant authorities but has not received the necessary support.
According to him, various groups from Armenia, Switzerland, the US, and Russia are ready to voluntarily assist in preserving the monastery. As long as restoration is undertaken, everyone is willing to help, but he noted that official processes have not made any progress.
