Expedition members of “Service for Protection of Historical Environment” of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Artsakh cleaning and excavation work has been carried out since March in Togh village renowned palace area, in the medieval church of St. John. Head of the Economy Ministry’s tourism department Arman Grigoryan said that during archaeological work in these areas are opened tombstones, some of them are arks of famous dizak.
Before 1928-30tt. St. John’s was the church, the church of the 18th century turned into the club during Soviet times, losing spiritual significance, but was preserved. The club has been serving the church floor, covered with wood and was built on stage. In 1989-90tt. wooden floors were destroyed, the carved stones were found in the debris.
It turned out that there is also renowned Yegan`s tombstone. According to historical information line there must be another four or five princes tombstones. It is believed that these were the sarcophagus of St. John church, probably from there they moved to the church hall Melik Yegani tombstone and placed under the wooden floor, or as a building block, or to save from destruction. The archaeological excavations revealed that the church had once access has also lined up a stone, sand and cement mixture. After dismantling it turned out that the entrance is arched. The northern wall of the church and courtyard were covered with soil layer. Already in the north part of the yard, cleaning and excavation of the church are ended. More than two dozen gravestones were opened, everyone was generally well protected. Ark visible images. Both the church and gravestones dating back to the 18th century. It`s layers released from the soil, graves are pictures of party, celebration or hunting scenes.
Church of St. John is located at “Renowned edifice of Togh ” Historical Reserve and is open for tourists.
It is planned to carry out excavations in the church mausoleum in the southern part of the yard, for searching other princes tombstones. Beside Melik Yegan`s gravestone is known more than one Melik Bakhtam`s tombstone location address. It is located in Togh at Nahatakyats, and the fates of other princes gravestones are still unknown.
Excavations will continue in Togh.
