Being in a Muslim country, it is quite unexpected to hear a bell ringing.

In the city of Isfahan, in the Nor-Juga (New Julfa) quarter, there is the Cathedral of Christ the All-Savior, or Vank Cathedral. For Armenians living in Iran, this is the most important temple.

The cathedral was built a very long time ago, in 1606-1665. The building was erected by order of Shah Abbas I. Interestingly, the cathedral looks very eclectic. It clearly shows both Muslim and Christian styles. At first glance, Vank Cathedral is very laconic and modest. However, the interior decoration changes the opinion. On the walls of the church you can see frescoes, tiles and carvings. The main dome of the temple is the most beautiful. It is painted with gold and blue paint. If you go into the courtyard of the church, you can see a large bell tower, and next to it are Christian graves. In addition, there is a small monument on the territory that reminds everyone of the Armenian genocide in Turkey. The monument was erected in 1915. A little further on the territory there is a library and a museum.

The museum houses many handwritten books, as well as documents testifying to the history of the Armenians in Isfahan. One of the most important can be considered the decree of Abbas I on the creation of the Armenian quarter on the banks of the Zayenderud River in 1606. In addition, here you can see the first printed books of Iran and things related to the life of the Armenian diaspora in Iran: tapestries, paintings, clothing items and much more. . There are also various religious items.