The Relation between Urartian Temple Gates and Monumental Rock Niches

Abstract

The relation of doors and windows to the wall is a fundamental architectural problem. Size, number, and placing of the openings are determined to an essential degree by environment and climate, but shape and proportion are a decisive factor in the artistic effect of a building. Even a moderately initiated layman can distinguish a Romanesque, Gothic, or Renaissance structure by the form of its doors and windows rather than by its total effect. As a result of the many excavations and considerable research done in Urartian centers during recent years, important conclusions have been drawn concerning the architecture of Urartian temples. It has become clear that the structures with a square shaped single "cella" discovered in the excavations at Toprakkale, Patnos-Aznavurtepe, Altıntepe, Çavuştepe, Varto-Kayalıdere and Bastam occupy an important place in the architecture of temples. Many original and interesting ideas have been advanced on this subject. However, in spite of the fact that attempts at reconstruction have been made with these different ideas in mind, sufficient attention has not been giyen to the problem related to the gates of these temples.