Bana (Georgian: ბანა) is a Georgian Orthodox cathedral, which is one of the most impressive examples of Georgian architecture. Located in the historical region of Tao in northeastern Turkey (Erzurum). According to one version, its construction is attributed to the 7th century, although the medieval Georgian chronicles of the 11th century indicate that the cathedral was built during the reign of King Adarnase IV of Iberia (888-923) between 881 and 923. It served as the royal Cathedral of Georgia until it was captured by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. Subsequently, this historical temple was transformed by the Ottoman troops into a fortress during the Crimean War. As a result of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878, the cathedral was almost completely destroyed.
1. Reconstruction of the Bana Cathedral by Russian architect Anatoly Kalgin, 1907
2. The current state of the temple
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Penek, Erzurum, Turkey
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Tao-Klarjeti is a part of the historical region of Georgia Zemo (Upper) Kartli, Meskheti. The name of the region comes from the names of two districts of the region - Tao and Klarjeti.
This place is significant in terms of the number of cultural and historical monuments dating back to the Middle Ages.
By the end of the 13th century, the Meskhetian Principality covered the following regions/provinces: Tao, Shavsheti, Klarjeti, Kola, Artaani, Karnifor, Adjara, Karsi region and Speri. The residence of the princes was the city of Akhaltsikhe (translation. literally, a new fortress). Throughout history, the Tao-Klarjeti region has been in the zone of influence of various states and empires. This part of Georgia was ruled by the princes of Samtskhe/Meskheti. Subsequently, the Meskhetian princes received the title of "Atabagi" (Atabagi is the title of the first vizier, whose duties included the upbringing of the heir to the throne of Georgia) and the principality became known as "Samtskhe Saatabago". The principality was conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1551. During the Ottoman rule, as part of the Islamization policy, many Christian churches were destroyed or turned into mosques.
After the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878, most of the territory of Tao-Klarjeti was incorporated into the Russian Empire, but later, under the Brest-Litovsk Agreement between Turkey and Soviet Russia in 1918, it was returned to Turkey.
After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I, the newly formed Democratic Republic of Georgia regained control over the territory of the region. Part of the region is Olti (by cargo. Oltisi) remained under Turkish control.
Later, after the invasion of Georgia by the Red Army in February 1921, the territory of the region was again taken under Turkish control. According to the Moscow agreement between the Soviet Government and Turkey, the Tao-Klarjeti region was transferred to Turkey and today the territory of the region is part of Turkey.
Despite the fact that many historical monuments have been destroyed or redone, some churches, monasteries, bridges and fortresses in the region have been preserved. Unfortunately, many of them are in a deplorable state and on the verge of destruction.
The following famous churches and monasteries were built in Tao-Klarjeti: Khandzta, Khakhuli, Ancha, Opiza, Oshki, Ishkhani, Bana, Doliskana, Otkhta and Tbeti.
(Map from the Internet)
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Modern northeastern Turkey, Erzrum region
Georgian historical province of Tao
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Bana (Georgian: ბანა) is a Georgian Orthodox cathedral, which is one of the most impressive examples of Georgian architecture. Located in the historical region of Tao in northeastern Turkey (Erzurum). According to one version, its construction is attributed to the 7th century, although the medieval Georgian chronicles of the 11th century indicate that the cathedral was built during the reign of King Adarnase IV of Iberia (888-923) between 881 and 923. It served as the royal Cathedral of Georgia until it was captured by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. Subsequently, this historical temple was transformed by the Ottoman troops into a fortress during the Crimean War. As a result of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878, the cathedral was almost completely destroyed.
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