Manuscript Production Associated with Hamšēn

Cowe, S. Peter · 2005

Reconstructs the cultural profile of the Trapezuntine region of Hamshen from surviving codices, earlier descriptions of lost ones, and manuscripts copied or owned by Hamshentsis elsewhere. Because no major regional history survives, these documents carry heightened political, cultural, religious and economic significance. Most are liturgical, ranging from the fifteenth century to 1812, with the majority emanating from the Monastery of St Khachik the Father near the village of Eghnovit. Locally copied manuscripts generally belonged to deacons and lower clergy, while those copied elsewhere show local clergy continuing their education outside the region; the heavy use of parchment appears to reflect the role of animal husbandry in the local economy.

Citation checked against the publisher's record on 2026-07-13.