On the historical lands of Georgia, in Tao-Klarjeti, today on the territory of the Republic of Turkey, the monumental main church of the Khakhuli monastic complex stands in the Tortum River valley. Founded in the 10th century, Khakhuli, under the special patronage of David III Kuropalates and later David the Builder, quickly became one of the most important spiritual, cultural, and educational centers of medieval Georgia—a true royal lavra. The monastery’s name is inextricably linked to the most magnificent example of Georgian goldsmithing—the Khakhuli Icon of the Mother of God, one of the world’s largest works of cloisonné enamel art, which was enshrined here for centuries.

Today, the main church of Khakhuli, despite being converted into a mosque, is structurally one of the best-preserved Georgian monuments in Tao-Klarjeti. Its architectural grandeur, the decoration of its facades, and its scale still amaze visitors and clearly speak to the power and cultural heights of the united Kingdom of Georgia.

Fundamental Identification

• Official Name: Khakhuli Monastic Complex of the Mother of God
• Type: Georgian Orthodox Monastic Complex (Lavra)
• Location: Historical Tao-Klarjeti, currently the Republic of Turkey, Erzurum Province, on the territory of the village of Bağbaşı (formerly Khakhuli).
• Status: Architectural monument, currently functions as a village mosque (Haho Camii).

Historical Context

• Founding (10th century): The monastery was founded in the second half of the 10th century, likely during the reign of the King of Tao, David III Kuropalates.
• Golden Age (11th-12th centuries): The monastery grew particularly strong after the unification of Georgia. It enjoyed the special attention of David the Builder. It was during this period that the Khakhuli Icon was moved to Gelati Monastery for safety.
• The Khakhuli Triptych: The main relic of the monastery was the Icon of the Mother of God, which was later adorned with lavish metalwork and cloisonné enamel plaques, becoming a masterpiece of world art known as the Khakhuli Triptych. Today, this triptych (without its central icon) is housed in the Art Museum of Georgia.
• Ottoman Period and Conversion: After the Ottoman Empire conquered the region in the 16th century, the monastery lost its function. Later, in the 17th-18th centuries, the main church was converted into a mosque.

Significance and Purpose

• Religious-Cultural Significance: A major spiritual, educational, and literary center of medieval Georgia. The original home of one of the most important relics in the Christian world, the Khakhuli Icon of the Mother of God.
• Architectural Significance: One of the most large-scale and artistically accomplished examples of the Tao-Klarjeti architectural school, which had a great influence on subsequent Georgian architecture.

Description of Architecture and Art

• Main Church: It is a large, central-domed, inscribed-cross type structure. It is built of well-hewn, yellowish-brown stone. The church is well-preserved to this day.
• Facades: The facades are adorned with decorative blind arches. Well-preserved window carvings and relief images of high craftsmanship have survived, including the famous composition of an eagle clutching an animal in its talons.
• Interior: Due to its conversion into a mosque, the interior is altered: a mihrab has been added, the walls are partially plastered, but the original architectural space—pillars, the apse, and the sub-dome square—is preserved. The original dome has been replaced with a conical roof.
• Other Structures: The ruins of small chapels have survived around the main church.

Useful Visitor Information

• Location and Access: Khakhuli is located in Turkey, in the Erzurum Province. Unlike Khandzta, accessing it is relatively easy. A paved road leads to the monastery, and it is accessible by any type of vehicle.
• What to Expect: You will see an impressively large, well-preserved medieval Georgian church that currently serves as an active village mosque. Be prepared for a unique combination of Christian architecture and Islamic prayer attributes.
• Accessibility: The monument is located in a village on flat ground and is easily accessible.
• Rules and Recommendations: Very Important: As this is an active mosque, showing the utmost respect is essential.
  • Dress Code: Dress as modestly as possible (covered shoulders and knees for everyone; a headscarf is mandatory for women).
  • Footwear: You must remove your shoes before entering the building.
  • Timing: Do not visit during prayer times (especially on Fridays during the noon prayer).
  • Behavior: Maintain complete silence. Be as careful and discreet as possible when taking photographs.