The inscription on the lintel of the 5th-century basilica – the earliest example of Armenian script in use

The Basilica of Saint Sarkis, also known as the Tekor Basilica, was a prominent 5th-century church situated in historical Armenia. It was located on a slope overlooking the village of Digor, previously known as Tekor, and was distinguished by its stone dome, one of the earliest of its kind in Armenia, making it a significant structure in Armenian architectural history. Situated in the Kars Province, approximately 16 kilometers west of the Armenian border, the basilica, with its three aisles and dome, endured substantial damage from earthquakes in 1912 and 1936, as well as subsequent acts of vandalism. Today, all that remains of the basilica are the lower sections of the rubble and concrete core of the walls, as the facing stone was seemingly removed to build the town hall—a structure that has since been demolished.

Originating from the 480s, the basilica contained a lapidary dedicatory inscription, which represents the earliest known and dated example of the usage of the Armenian script. The inscription, positioned on the lintel above the western entrance, identified the building as “this Saint Sargis’ martyrion,” signifying that it was built by Prince Sahak Kamsarakan and consecrated by the Patriarch Yohan Mandakuni. Mentions of these individuals played a crucial role in dating the church to the 480s. Notably, the inscription displayed an unusual feature of running from bottom to top.