The Armenian Artsvaber Monastery in Van’s Ercis (Archesh) region is on the verge of disappearance. Treasure hunters have dug deep holes in the monastery, while local residents throw the garbage there, Akunq.net reports, quoting Turkish Gazetekarinca.com website.

Artsvaber was built in the 7-8th centuries and was one of the three important monasteries of the region. There were 60 students at the church school in 1393. The monastery was renovated between 1409 and 1414.

The dome of the monastery was partially destroyed and rebuilt in the 19^th century. In 1986 and 1995 the church survived attacks by Kurds or Turks.

Artsvaber Monastery was invaded by Turks immediately after the First World War and the Armenian Genocide. The walls and cross-stones of the monastery have been completely destroyed, the ruins are on the verge of disappearance.