Christians of iran
An Iranian woman passing by the wall of the Vank Cathedral. Holy Savior Cathedral in Isfahan, Vank means “cathedral” in Armenian.Vank Cathedral was one of the first churches to be established in the city’s Julfa district by Armenian immigrants settled by Shah Abbas I, Isfahan became the residence of these migrating people. Consequently, churches were erected in that town. after the Ottoman War of 1603-1605. The interior is covered with fine paintings and gilded carvings and includes a wainscot of rich tile work. The delicately blue and gold painted central dome depicts the Biblical story of creation of the world and man’s expulsion from Eden. Pendentives throughout the church are painted with a distinctly Armenian motif of a cherub’s head surrounded by folded wings.The ceiling above the entrance is painted with delicate floral motifs in the style of Persian miniature. Two sections, or bands, of murals run around the interior walls: the top section depicts events from the life of Jesus, while the bottom section depicts tortures inflicted upon Armenian martyrs by the Ottoman Empire.Isfahan,Iran.