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Document Details :

Title: Contribution à l'étude du royaume d'Arménie en Cilicie
Subtitle: Les tours monastiques
Author(s): GOEPP, Maxime
Journal: Revue des Études Arméniennes
Volume: 40    Date: 2021   
Pages: 133-232
DOI: 10.2143/REA.40.0.3290113

Abstract :
The isolated fortified tower is a widespread architectural model in the Middle East, commissioned by the Romans, Franks or Byzantine, which has been well studied by scholars. After a decade of field investigation within the ancient borders of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, we are able to identify a new type of towers. They are characterized by particular architectural features and by their unique association with churches and other conventual buildings. This article provides a description of these towers, most of which are little known. It contains an analysis of their common and specific architectural characteristics, and an interpretation of their functions. The evidence provided allows us to conclude that they aimed at protecting monasteries. Therefore we call them fortified monastic towers.

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