The Church of Surb Sargis at Khtskonk, 1884

The photograph shows the church of the medieval monastery of Surb Sargis at Khtskonk. The complex dates from the 9th century; it stood in the Kars region and was considered one of the important centres of Armenian architecture. The photograph was taken by Karapet Hovhannjaniants in 1884, before the later destruction of the complex.

The walls of the round church are decorated with slender columns and arches, and the dome is covered by a pointed roof topped with a cross. On the left is a small arched structure. In front of the church a woman sits with a child in her arms, with several other children nearby. At the bottom is a handwritten inscription in Armenian.

According to the source, the monastery was distinguished by its central-dome design, its elegant arches and the high quality of its stone carving.