Armenian Women in the Ruins of Tatev Monastery, 1931

The photograph shows Armenian women in the ruins of Tatev Monastery. It was taken in 1931.

Two women with long dark shawls over their heads, one seated and one standing, are beside carved stone walls and half-ruined structures. Hills rise in the background.

For centuries Tatev Monastery was one of the most important spiritual, educational and cultural centres of Syunik. In the first half of the 20th century the monastery was in a poor state, yet even in ruins it remained a symbol of faith, memory and national identity.