The Monastery of Saint Stepanos is a historic Armenian Apostolic monastery located about 15 km northwest of the city of Jolfa in the province of East Azarbaijan, northwestern Iran. Situated atop a picturesque hill overlooking the Aras River, this ancient monastery dates back to the 9th century and is considered one of the oldest surviving Armenian monasteries in the country.

The monastery is built in a traditional Armenian architectural style, with stone walls, domed chapels, and intricate carvings adorning its facade. The interior of the monastery features beautiful frescoes, intricate woodwork, and stunning religious artifacts that have been preserved over the centuries.

Saint Stepanos Monastery was an important center of religious and cultural life for Armenians in the region, serving as a place of worship, education, and pilgrimage. It played a key role in preserving Armenian identity and heritage during times of political and cultural upheaval.

Today, the monastery continues to attract visitors from around the world who come to admire its beauty, learn about its history, and experience a sense of peace and tranquility in its serene surroundings. The Monastery of Saint Stepanos stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Armenian culture and spirituality in Iran.

Optic : Canon 24-105 L
Focal Length : 70 mm F/4 – 24mm F/5.6 – 5mm F/2
Mount : Tripod
Camera : Canon EOS R6 – SM-A507FN
ISO : 32 – 2000
Filters : –
Guide Scope : –
Total EXP : 1/110 sec. – 1/160 sec.
Technique used : –
Software : Photoshop
Date Taken : 10 October 2022
Place : East Azerbaijan, Iran

The Church of Saint John is a 5th- or 6th- century Armenian Catholic church in Sohrol, Shabestar, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. It was rebuilt in 1840 by Samson Makintsev (Sam Khan) in brick on the older church foundation.

With its magnificent architecture and serene surroundings, the church attracts visitors from far and wide who come to admire its beauty and seek solace in its peaceful ambiance.
the Saint John Church of Sohrol offers visitors a glimpse into Iran’s diverse cultural and serves as a symbol of religious tolerance and coexistence in the region.

Optic : Canon 24-105 L
Focal Length : 105 mm F/6.3
Mount : Tripod
Camera : Canon EOS R6
ISO : 100
Filters : –
Guide Scope : –
Total EXP : 1/640 sec.
Technique used : –
Software : Photoshop
Date Taken : 9 September 2022
Place : Shabestar, Tabriz, Iran

The Chapel of Chupan known as Shepherd’s Chapel, is a small, historic Armenian church in a mountain valley west of Jolfa near the Aras River in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran.
The chapel was built in 1518 (rebuilt in 1836), likely for shepherds of the region who did not have immediate access to a church. It has a cruciform shape, and is made of stone and mortar. The interior walls are covered in plain plaster.
It is part of the Saint Stepanos Monastic Ensemble, within the Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran listing.

P.S. Unfortunately, I could not take a good night photo because of the bright light but still you can see ursa major constellation clearly.

Optic : Canon 24-105 L
Focal Length : 24 mm F/4
Mount : Tripod
Camera : Canon EOS R6
ISO : 25600
Filters : –
Guide Scope : –
Total EXP : 1/8 sec.
Technique used : –
Software : Photoshop
Date Taken : 10 September 2022
Place : Jolfa, Iran