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Document Details :

Title: Gošavank', un complexe monastique au regards des sources littéraires et épigraphiques
Author(s): AUGÉ, Isabelle
Journal: Le Muséon
Volume: 125    Issue: 3-4   Date: 2012   
Pages: 335-365
DOI: 10.2143/MUS.125.3.2186373

Abstract :
Following a brief presentation of various phases in the development of Armenian monasticism, the article focuses on the Gošavank‘ (or Nor Getik) complex which was founded by the famous Armenian lawyer and theologian, Mxit‘ar Goš, during the renewal period in Northern Armenia under the Zak‘arē and Iwanē brothers’ government. This study is based on literary sources, notably with the important chapter by Kirakos Ganjakec¨i devoted to the monastery; it is also based on epigraphic sources with 111 inscriptions found on one or the other of the monastic complex buildings and published in Corpus des inscriptions arméniennes. After they are crossed with one another, these documents allow to identify the various site benefactors and to establish the list of the various families of 'patrons', a term used from the 13th century to designate church builders and monastery benefactors. Finally, these sources help make notes on the spiritual and intellectual life in Gošavank‘, in particular by studying the inscriptions of donations which give some information on piety. This brief study is followed by the text, translation and commentary of 21 among the most significant inscriptions.

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