Ulgyur - Vishapaqars - Birthplace of Momik

In the eastern part of the settlement, on the territory of the Ulgyur village (about 5 km north-west of Aghavnadzor) there is the Surb Astvatsatsin church-chapel (XI-XIV centuries), which was restored during the Soviet era.

On the southern side of the monument, there are two vishapakars (dragon stones), one of which was turned into a khachkar (cross stone) in 1001, and the other in the 11th-12th centuries. Later they carved new symbols on the lower part of vishapakars and a cuneiform on the other side.

Ulgyur is a birthplace of famous architect Momik. Here, at the church cemetery, the graves of his parents, the grave of his brother with his family and other relatives were found.

The protocols found in 1995 and 2004 in the Upper and Lower Ulgyur help us to visualize the family tree of Momik. In the Church of St. Stepanos (XIII century), which is located on the territory of the village of Upper Ulgyur, only the foundations of the walls have survived.

Momik

Momik mainly worked in Aghberts monastery in Vayots Dzor region, in Noravank, probably also in Cilicia. He was a student to Hovasap priest and studied in Gladzor University.

He was a secretary of Orbelyan dynasty, the head artist, architect and sculptor. The clients of Momik were Stephanos Orbelyan, Hovhannes Orbel, prominent prince of Orbelyan family Burtel and princess Tamta.

Works of Momik

Name of Momik was first mentioned in 1283 in one manuscript. His early work indicates that Momik was familiar with the specifics of Western iconography. His miniatures stand out with the harmony of colors and clearness of ornaments. The best work of Momik is the Gospel of 1302. It is also believed that the miniaturist decorated the “Gospel of Queen Keran” in 1283. In Noravank, a khachkar was erected in his honor.

In Armenia, The Youth Association of Christian Culture and the park in Yeghegnadzor are named after Momik. A monument was erected in his honor in Ijevan. In 2010 on his 750^th anniversary, museum of Momik was opened in Noravak monastery complex.

Photos by Hrachuhi Ayvazyan, Kristine Safaryan, Tigran Shahbazyan