2025
2025
Dadivank (Khutavank) is one of the notable medieval Armenian monastic complexes, with the first bibliographic mentions dating back to the 9th century. According to sources, the church was founded in the 1st century by Dadi, a follower of the Apostle Thaddeus. It was a major religious and cultural center of Khachen. The main church is the Katoghike Surb Nshan, built in 1214 by Arzukhatun, the wife of the Armenian Grand Prince of Haterk, Vakhtang. It is known that Mkhitar Gosh completed his famous “Datastanagirk Hayots” (The Lawcode) at Dadivank in 1184. The monastic complex preserves numerous khachkars (cross-stones) and Armenian inscriptions. Since May 2021, Armenians have been prohibited by Azerbaijanis from entering the occupied territory of Dadivank.
Although the Udi people are Christians and have been influenced by Armenian culture, being followers of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the ecclesiastical architecture and material culture of Dadivank attest to the Armenian origin of the monastic complex.