FRESNO — Author Hrair Hawk Khatcherian will present a talk on his new book, “Aghtamar: The Armenian Architectural Masterpiece” at 7:00PM on Friday, January 30, 2026, in the University Business Center (5245 N. Backer Ave.), Alice Peters Auditorium, on the Fresno State campus.
Khatcherian’s presentation is part of the Armenian Studies Program Spring 2026 Lecture Series and is co-sponsored by the Armenian General Benevolent Union Greater Fresno Chapter. The lecture is free and open to the public.
The Holy Cross Church of Aghtamar (in Armenian Surp Khatch), located on the island of Aghtamar in Lake Van in present-day eastern Turkey, was part of a monastic complex built (915-921AD) by the order of King Khatchik-Gagik, also known as Gagik I, of the medieval Artsruni dynasty. The abundance of decoration – both interior painting and the sculpted exterior – is unmatched, not only in Armenia, but also throughout the medieval Christian world.
“Aghtamar: The Armenian Architectural Masterpiece” is an exploration of cultural history, blending research and creative approaches. It showcases years of study and graphic illustrations and photography that serve as both artistic expressions and documentary sources, shedding light on significant moments and values from the past.
Hrair Hawk Khatcherian is an internationally-renowned photographer. Originally from Lebanon, Khatcherian moved to Canada in 1984. He has spent thirty years documenting Armenian cultural heritage through photography and has presented exhibitions and lectures around the world. His photographs have appeared in magazines, newspapers, books and journals. Khatcherian has traveled to Armenia over 150 times and taken many risks to capture the images of monasteries, churches, fortresses, khatchkars (stone-cross in Armenian), villages, manuscripts, among others.
The lecture is free and open to the public. Free parking is available in Fresno State Lot P6 or P5, near the University Business Center. Permits are NOT required for Friday night lectures.
The presentation will also be live-streamed on YouTube at: https://bit.ly/armenianstudiesyoutube.
For information about upcoming Armenian Studies Program presentations, please follow us on our Facebook page, @ArmenianStudiesFresnoState or at the Program website, https://fresnostate.edu/armenianstudies.
