Move Zvartnots to SoCal
Move An Ancient Armenian Church to L.A.
This would create a bridge between Armenia and its largest
diaspora community.
It would also of course be the oldest church in the
new world. That would instantly make it a tourist attraction. The fact
that LA already has tons of tourists that would visit it and a movie
industry that would love a new set is icing on the cake. This could
do more for Armenian Tourism than anything else. Many 100% odar
couples would even want to be married there.
There are many Armenian churches to choose from, but if there is a
very beautifukl on in ruins that needs to be reconstructed
anyways (like Zvartnots), that would probably be ideal.
It does not necessarily HAVE to be moved from Armenia, it could be an
exact reconstruction, but that would not be the same. It should be
very grand and breathtaking though. A nice functioning monastary
complex. Hollywood would love it.
Where exactly it is located is an interesting question. Would you want it
in the city? Probably not, probably on a hill or in a canyon is the
best route. But proximity is key. A nice Armenian museum and
khatchar collection would be nice too.
Of course you could decide to put it in the boonies and build an entire
traditional Armenian village around it similiar to the Dutch village of
Solvang, but that would draw less tourists and could be done in addition
to the church relocation anyways.
 Beshkilise (5 churches) near Digor (to the
south of Kars in present day Turkey). Only one of the 5 original churches
survive. the others were blown up by the Turkish army in the 1960s (Source=SSim609987) |
"Zvartnots Cathedral Ruins, VII AD"
Drawings of this church before its demise are beautiful, one of the most beautiful designs ever (completely round). It should be rebuilt.
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"Zvartnots Cathedral, VII AD"
Drawing of Church as it was.
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