Khachkar

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Khachkar
Examples of khachkars from Julfa which have been destroyed by Azerbaijan
Famous khachkar at Goshavank.
A new khachkar in Echmiadzin

Khachkar ("Խաչքար" in Armenian, meaning "cross-stone") is a carved memorial stone, typically found in Armenia.

1 Definition
2 Purpose
3 History
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Definition

The most common feature is a cross, rarely with a crucifix, with a rosette or sun disc below it. The remainder is usually filled with patterns of leaves, grapes or abstract knotwork patterns. Occasionally it is surmounted by a cornice with biblical or saints' characters.

[edit] Purpose

The most common reason for erecting a khachkar was salvation of the soul, but they were also erected to commemorate a military victory, construction of a church, unfulfilled love, or as a form of protection from natural disasters.

[edit] History

The first developed khachkars appeared in the 9th century, during the time of Armenian revival after liberation from the Arab rule. The oldest typical khachkar with a known date was carved in 879, though earlier, cruder examples exist. Erected in Garni, it is dedicated to the queen Katranide, the wife of the king Ashot I Bagratuni. The peak of the khachkar carving art was between the 12th and the 14th centuries. The art declined during the Mongol invasion at the end of the 14th century, and was revived in the 16th and 17th centuries, but the artistic heights of the 14th century were never achieved again. Today, the tradition still remains, as one can still see khachkar carvers in some parts of Yerevan.

About 40,000 khachkars survive today. Most of them are free standing, though those recording a donation are usually built into monasteries' walls. The following three khachkars are believed to be the finest examples of the art form:

The one in Geghard, carved in 1213, probably by Timot and Mkhitar
Holy Redeemer khachkar in Haghpat, carved in 1273 by Vahram
A khachkar in Goshavank, carved in 1291 by Poghos

Some good examples were transferred to the Historical Museum in Yerevan and behind the cathedral in Echmiadzin. The place in today's Armenia with the largest collection of khachkars is the field of khachkars, an old graveyard with approx. 900 khachkars from various periods and of various styles, in Noratus, at the western shore of the Lake Sevan. The largest collection in the world was formerly to be found at the ruins of Old Jugha in Nakhichevan (today's Azerbaijan. Reports (see RFE/RL) and photographs from observers in Iranian territory emerged at the end of 2005 showing Azeri soldiers making deliberate attempts to destroy the gravestones. More recent photographs have revealed that the entire graveyard has been obliterated and a military training ground has been constructed on the site.