Aghdara:A group of international travellers touring Garabagh and East Zangezur, led by Charles Veley, founder of the Most Traveled People (MTP) club, visited the Ganjasar Monastery Complex in Vangli village of the Aghdara district.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the delegation, which includes 40 travellers from 13 countries, explored the monastery grounds and learned about the historic site.

The Ganjasar Monastery Complex, located near Vangli village in Aghdara district on the right bank of the Khachinchay River, is protected by the state as an architectural monument of world significance under a resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan. The main church of the monastery was constructed between 1216 and 1238 by Prince Hasan Jalal Dawla of Khachin, with the adjoining narthex foundation laid in 1266. Ganjasar served as a significant religious center of the Caucasian Albanian Catholicosate and was its seat until 1836.

The complex comprises the main church, narthex, fortified walls, monastic cells, and residential and utility buildings. The cross-domed main church features rich carved ornamentation, bas-reliefs, and epigraphic inscriptions.

During the occupation from 1993 to 2023, unauthorized restoration and reconstruction work altered the complex's historical setting and architectural features. Changes included relocating 286 graves, covering protective walls with modern stone slabs, replacing doors and windows, and altering the flooring, altar, and decorative features. Additionally, new administrative and seminary buildings were constructed around the complex.