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{{Infobox intangible heritage
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[[File:Khatchkar at Goshavank Monastery in Armenia.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The famous ''khachkar'' at [[Goshavank]], carved in 1291 by the artist Poghos.]]
| Image = Khatchkar at Goshavank Monastery in Armenia.jpg
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[[File:Dadivank-khachkars2.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The famous 13th century Armenian-inscribed double khachkars of the Memorial Bell-Tower of the [[Dadivank Monastery]]]]
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| Caption = The famous ''khachkar'' at [[Goshavank]], carved in 1291 by the artist Poghos
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[[Image:Jugha-khachkar-CIMG1581.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Two 16th century Julfa ''khachkars'' in [[Etchmiadzin Cathedral|Etchmiadzin]], removed from the [[Julfa, Azerbaijan (city)|Julfa]] graveyard before its [[Khachkar destruction in Nakhchivan|destruction]] by Azerbaijan.]]
| ICH = Armenian cross-stones art.<br/>Symbolism and craftsmanship of Khachkars<br>{{nobold|Խաչքար}}
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[[Image:Khachkars.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Khachkars appear in large numbers in the [[Noratus cemetery]].]]
| State Party = Armenia
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[[Image:Խաչքարի արհեստանոց.JPG|thumb|200px|right|A modern-day ''khachkar'' carver's workshop in downtown [[Yerevan]].]]
| Domains = Sculpture

| ID = 00434
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A '''''khachkar''''', also known as an '''Armenian cross-stone'''<ref name="Grove"/> ({{lang-hy|խաչքար}}, {{IPA-hy|χɑtʃʰˈkʰɑɾ|pron}}, խաչ xačʿ "cross" + քար kʿar "stone") is a carved, memorial [[stele]] bearing a cross, and often with additional motifs such as [[rosette (design)|rosette]]s, interlaces, and botanical motifs.<ref>Thierry, cover sleeve.{{ref|Thiery|Thierry 1989}}</ref> ''Khachkars'' are characteristic of [[Medieval]] [[Christianity|Christian]] [[Armenian art]].<ref name="Grove">The Grove Encyclopedia of Medieval Art and Architecture. — [[Oxford University Press]], 2012. — Vol. 2. — P. 222.''"'Khatck'ar' [Armen.:'cross-stone'] Typical Armenian stone monument, comprising an upright slab (h. c. 1—3 m) carved with a cross design, usually set on a plinth or rectangular base. "''</ref><ref>Gough M., ''The Origins of Christian Art'', London, 1973</ref>
| Region = ENA
| Year = 2010
| Session = 5th
| List = Representative
}}
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A '''''khachkar''''' (also spelled as '''''khatchkar''''') or '''Armenian cross-stone'''<ref name="Grove"/> ({{langx|hy|խաչքար}}, {{IPA-hy|χɑtʃʰˈkʰɑɾ|pron}}, խաչ xačʿ "cross" + քար kʿar "stone") is a carved, memorial [[stele]] bearing a cross, and often with additional motifs such as [[rosette (design)|rosette]]s, interlaces, and botanical motifs.<ref>Thierry, cover sleeve.{{ref|Thiery|Thierry 1989}}</ref> ''Khachkars'' are characteristic of [[medieval]] [[Christianity|Christian]] [[Armenian art]].<ref name="Grove">The Grove Encyclopedia of Medieval Art and Architecture. — [[Oxford University Press]], 2012. — Vol. 2. — P. 222.''"'Khatck'ar' [Armen.:'cross-stone'] Typical Armenian stone monument, comprising an upright slab (h. c. 1—3 m) carved with a cross design, usually set on a plinth or rectangular base. "''</ref><ref>Gough M., ''The Origins of Christian Art'', London, 1973</ref>


Since 2010, khachkars, their symbolism and craftsmanship are inscribed in the [[UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists|UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage]].<ref>{{cite web| title= Armenian cross-stones art. Symbolism and craftsmanship of Khachkars |url= http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index.php?lg=en&pg=00011&RL=00434|publisher=UNESCO Culture Sector |access-date=2010-11-20}}</ref>
Since 2010, khachkars, their symbolism and craftsmanship are inscribed in the [[UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists|UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage]].<ref>{{cite web| title= Armenian cross-stones art. Symbolism and craftsmanship of Khachkars |url= http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/index.php?lg=en&pg=00011&RL=00434|publisher=UNESCO Culture Sector |access-date=2010-11-20}}</ref>


==Description==
==Description==
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[[File:Dadivank-khachkars2.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The famous 13th century Armenian-inscribed double khachkars of the Memorial Bell-Tower of the [[Dadivank Monastery]]]]
[[File:Stonework at the Cathedral of Saint James in the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem 3.jpg|thumb|200px|A 15th century khachkar at the Armenian [[Cathedral of Saint James, Jerusalem]]]]
The most common ''khachkar'' feature is a [[cross]] surmounting a [[Rosette (design)|rosette]] or a [[solar symbol|solar disc]]. The remainder of the stone face is typically filled with elaborate patterns of leaves, [[grape]]s, [[pomegranate]]s, and bands of interlace. Occasionally a ''khachkar'' is surmounted by a [[cornice]] sometimes containing [[Bible|biblical]] or saintly figures.
The most common ''khachkar'' feature is a [[cross]] surmounting a [[Rosette (design)|rosette]] or a [[solar symbol|solar disc]]. The remainder of the stone face is typically filled with elaborate patterns of leaves, [[grape]]s, [[pomegranate]]s, and bands of interlace. Occasionally a ''khachkar'' is surmounted by a [[cornice]] sometimes containing [[Bible|biblical]] or saintly figures.


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==History==
==History==
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[[Image:Jugha-khachkar-CIMG1581.JPG|thumb|200px|right|Two 16th century Julfa ''khachkars'' in [[Etchmiadzin Cathedral|Etchmiadzin]], removed from the [[Julfa, Azerbaijan (city)|Julfa]] graveyard before its [[Khachkar destruction in Nakhchivan|destruction]] by Azerbaijan.]]
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The first true ''khachkars'' appeared in the 9th century,<ref name="Grove"/> during the time of [[Armenians|Armenian]] revival after liberation from [[Arab]] rule. The oldest ''khachkar'' with a known date was carved in 879 (though earlier, cruder, examples exist). Erected in [[Garni]], it is dedicated to queen [[Katranide I]], the wife of king [[Ashot I of Armenia|Ashot I Bagratuni]]. The peak of the khachkar carving art was between the 12th and the 14th centuries. The art declined during the [[Mongols|Mongol]] invasion at the end of the 14th century. It revived in the 16th and 17th centuries, but the artistic heights of the 14th century were never achieved again. Today, the tradition still remains, and one can still see khachkar carvers in some parts of [[Yerevan]].<ref>Anatoli L. Yakobson. Armenian Khachkars, Moscow, 1986</ref>
⚫
[[Image:Khachkars.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Khachkars appear in large numbers in the [[Noratus cemetery]].]]
⚫
The first true ''khachkars'' appeared in the 9th century,<ref name="Grove"/> during the time of [[Armenians|Armenian]] revival after liberation from [[Arab]] rule. The oldest ''khachkar'' with a known date was carved in 879 (though earlier, cruder, examples exist). Erected in [[Garni]], it is dedicated to queen [[Katranide I]], the wife of king [[Ashot I of Armenia|Ashot I Bagratuni]].{{citation needed|date=March 2022}} The peak of the khachkar carving art was between the 12th and the 14th centuries. The art declined during the [[Mongol invasions of Georgia|Mongol invasion]] at the end of the 14th century. It revived in the 16th and 17th centuries, but the artistic heights of the 14th century were never achieved again. Today, the tradition still remains, and one can still see khachkar carvers in some parts of [[Yerevan]].<ref>Anatoli L. Yakobson. Armenian Khachkars, Moscow, 1986</ref>


About 40,000 khachkars survive today. Most of them are free standing, though those recording donations are usually built into monastery walls. The following three khachkars are believed{{by whom|date=October 2014}} to be the finest examples of the art form:
About 40,000 khachkars survive today.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}} Most of them are free standing, though those recording donations are usually built into monastery walls. The following three khachkars are believed{{by whom|date=October 2014}} to be the finest examples of the art form:
*One in [[Geghard]], carved in 1213, probably by master ''Timot'' and master ''Mkhitar''
*One in [[Geghard]], carved in 1213, probably by master ''Timot'' and master ''Mkhitar''
*The Holy Redeemer khachkar in [[Haghpat]] (see gallery), carved in 1273 by master ''Vahram''
*The Holy Redeemer khachkar in [[Haghpat]] (see gallery), carved in 1273 by master ''Vahram''
*A khachkar in [[Goshavank]], carved in 1291 by master ''Poghos''.
*A khachkar in [[Goshavank]], carved in 1291 by master ''Poghos''.


A number of good examples have been transferred to the Historical Museum in [[Yerevan]] and beside the cathedral in [[Echmiadzin]]. The largest surviving collection of khachkars is in Armenia, at [[Noraduz cemetery]] on the western shore of the [[Lake Sevan]], where an old graveyard with around 900 khachkars from various periods and of various styles can be seen. The largest number was formerly located at the [[Armenian cemetery in Julfa]] in the [[Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic]] of [[Azerbaijan]], which contained approximately 10,000 khachkars in 1648<ref name="SAE">{{cite book|last=Aivazian|first=Argam|title=[[Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia]] Volume IX|publisher=[[Armenian Academy of Sciences]]|year=1983|location=Yerevan|page=550|contribution=Ջուղայի գերեզմանատուն (The Cemetery of Jugha)|author-link=Argam Aivazian}}</ref>. The number of khachkars dwindled over time through destruction of various causes until the only 2,700 khachkars remained in 1998<ref name="BBCreport2">"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/ Armenian intellectuals blast 'barbaric' destruction of Nakhchivan monuments]." ''BBC News'' in ''BBC Monitoring Central Asia''. February 13, 2003. Retrieved April 16, 2007</ref>, when the Azerbaijani government embarked on a systematic campaign destroying and leveling the entire medieval cemetery between 1998 and 2005.<ref>{{cite news
A number of good examples have been transferred to the Historical Museum in [[Yerevan]] and beside the cathedral in [[Echmiadzin]]. The largest surviving collection of khachkars is in Armenia, at [[Noraduz cemetery]] on the western shore of the [[Lake Sevan]], where an old graveyard with around 900 khachkars from various periods and of various styles can be seen. The largest number was formerly located at the [[Armenian cemetery in Julfa]] in the [[Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic]] of [[Azerbaijan]], which contained approximately 10,000 khachkars in 1648.<ref name="SAE">{{cite book|last=Aivazian|first=Argam|title=[[Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia]] Volume IX|publisher=[[Armenian Academy of Sciences]]|year=1983|location=Yerevan|page=550|contribution=Ջուղայի գերեզմանատուն (The Cemetery of Jugha)|author-link=Argam Aivazian}}</ref> The number of khachkars dwindled over time through destruction of various causes until the only 2,700 khachkars remained in 1998,<ref name="BBCreport2">"[http://news.bbc.co.uk/ Armenian intellectuals blast 'barbaric' destruction of Nakhchivan monuments]." ''BBC News'' in ''BBC Monitoring Central Asia''. February 13, 2003. Retrieved April 16, 2007</ref> when the Azerbaijani government embarked on a systematic campaign destroying and leveling the entire medieval cemetery between 1998 and 2005.<ref>{{cite news
| title = Tragedy on the Araxes
| title = Tragedy on the Araxes
| publisher = [[Archaeology (magazine)|Archaeology]]
| publisher = [[Archaeology (magazine)|Archaeology]]
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==Present==
==Present==
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[[Image:Խաչքարի արհեստանոց.JPG|thumb|200px|right|A modern-day ''khachkar'' carver's workshop in downtown [[Yerevan]].]]
The art of carving khachkars has witnessed a rebirth as a symbol of [[Culture of Armenia|Armenian culture]] in the 20th century.
The art of carving khachkars has witnessed a rebirth as a symbol of [[Culture of Armenia|Armenian culture]] in the 20th century.


There are hundreds of khachkars worldwide, many of which are memorials to commemorate the victims of the [[Armenian genocide]]. Khachkars have been placed in various locations, including at the [[Vatican Museums]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Medieval Armenian cross-stone unveiled in Vatican |url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2014/09/20/serzh-sargsyan-vatika/846590 |website=aysor.am |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702131733/https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2014/09/20/serzh-sargsyan-vatika/846590 |archive-date=2 July 2019 |date=20 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The story behind the Medieval Armenian Cross that's now in the Vatican Museums |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBl3ZEyH13k |publisher=ROME REPORTS in English |date=Mar 29, 2015}}</ref> [[Canterbury Cathedral]]'s memorial garden,<ref>{{cite news |title=The Canterbury Khachkar: A Historic Day in the Heart of the Anglican Church |url=http://asbarez.com/178156/the-canterbury-khachkar-a-historic-day-in-the-heart-of-the-anglican-church/ |work=[[Asbarez]] |date=March 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404172740/http://asbarez.com/178156/the-canterbury-khachkar-a-historic-day-in-the-heart-of-the-anglican-church/ |archive-date=4 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=1st Armenian cross-stone dedicated to memory of Armenian Genocide victims unveiled in Great Britain's spiritual center |url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/966493.html |agency=[[Armenpress]] |date=5 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305210806/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/966493.html |archive-date=5 March 2019}}</ref> [[St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rodrigues |first1=Marilyn |title=Armenian monument unveiled at cathedral |url=https://www.catholicweekly.com.au/armenian-monument-unveiled-at-cathedral/ |work=[[The Catholic Weekly]] |date=December 19, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Armenian khachkar unveiled at Sydney's St. Mary's Cathedral (PHOTO) |url=https://news.am/eng/news/486878.html |date=18 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621050835/https://news.am/eng/news/486878.html |archive-date=21 June 2019}}</ref> [[Colorado State Capitol]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Colorado Governor Unveils America's First State Capitol Khachkar |url=http://asbarez.com/136097/colorado-governor-unveils-americas-first-state-capitol-khachkar/ |work=[[Asbarez]] |date=May 15, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Colorado Governor Unveils First State Capitol 'Khachkar' on Genocide Centennial |url=https://armenianweekly.com/2015/05/15/colorado-khachkar/ |work=[[The Armenian Weekly]] |date=May 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502112433/https://armenianweekly.com/2015/05/15/colorado-khachkar/ |archive-date=2 May 2019}}</ref> [[Temple of Peace, Cardiff]],<ref>{{cite news |title=The Armenian Genocide Monument in Wales |url=https://www.armenian-genocide.org/Memorial.158/current_category.62/memorials_detail.html |work=armenian-genocide.org |agency=[[Armenian National Institute]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228031730/https://www.armenian-genocide.org/Memorial.158/current_category.62/memorials_detail.html |archive-date=28 February 2019}}</ref> [[Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Service of Remembrance |url=http://armenians.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Service_of_Remembrance_Programme_24April2017.pdf |publisher=The Armenian Church & Community in Ireland |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114021336/http://armenians.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Service_of_Remembrance_Programme_24April2017.pdf |archive-date=14 November 2017 |page=3 |date=April 2017 |quote=In December 2015 we unveiled the Khachkar Memorial (Stone-Cross) in Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin in remembrance of the Armenian Genocide “MEZ YEGHERN” and in dedication to the massive destruction that took place 102 years ago.}}</ref> and elsewhere.
There are hundreds of khachkars worldwide, many of which are memorials to commemorate the victims of the [[Armenian genocide]]. Khachkars have been placed in various locations, including at the [[Vatican Museums]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Medieval Armenian cross-stone unveiled in Vatican |url=https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2014/09/20/serzh-sargsyan-vatika/846590 |website=aysor.am |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702131733/https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2014/09/20/serzh-sargsyan-vatika/846590 |archive-date=2 July 2019 |date=20 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The story behind the Medieval Armenian Cross that's now in the Vatican Museums |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBl3ZEyH13k |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/VBl3ZEyH13k |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|publisher=ROME REPORTS in English |date=Mar 29, 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[Canterbury Cathedral]]'s memorial garden,<ref>{{cite news |title=The Canterbury Khachkar: A Historic Day in the Heart of the Anglican Church |url=http://asbarez.com/178156/the-canterbury-khachkar-a-historic-day-in-the-heart-of-the-anglican-church/ |work=[[Asbarez]] |date=March 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404172740/http://asbarez.com/178156/the-canterbury-khachkar-a-historic-day-in-the-heart-of-the-anglican-church/ |archive-date=4 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=1st Armenian cross-stone dedicated to memory of Armenian Genocide victims unveiled in Great Britain's spiritual center |url=https://armenpress.am/eng/news/966493.html |agency=[[Armenpress]] |date=5 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305210806/https://armenpress.am/eng/news/966493.html |archive-date=5 March 2019}}</ref> [[St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rodrigues |first1=Marilyn |title=Armenian monument unveiled at cathedral |url=https://www.catholicweekly.com.au/armenian-monument-unveiled-at-cathedral/ |work=[[The Catholic Weekly]] |date=December 19, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Armenian khachkar unveiled at Sydney's St. Mary's Cathedral (PHOTO) |url=https://news.am/eng/news/486878.html |date=18 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621050835/https://news.am/eng/news/486878.html |archive-date=21 June 2019}}</ref> [[Colorado State Capitol]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Colorado Governor Unveils America's First State Capitol Khachkar |url=http://asbarez.com/136097/colorado-governor-unveils-americas-first-state-capitol-khachkar/ |work=[[Asbarez]] |date=May 15, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Colorado Governor Unveils First State Capitol 'Khachkar' on Genocide Centennial |url=https://armenianweekly.com/2015/05/15/colorado-khachkar/ |work=[[The Armenian Weekly]] |date=May 15, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502112433/https://armenianweekly.com/2015/05/15/colorado-khachkar/ |archive-date=2 May 2019}}</ref> [[Temple of Peace, Cardiff]],<ref>{{cite news |title=The Armenian Genocide Monument in Wales |url=https://www.armenian-genocide.org/Memorial.158/current_category.62/memorials_detail.html |work=armenian-genocide.org |agency=[[Armenian National Institute]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228031730/https://www.armenian-genocide.org/Memorial.158/current_category.62/memorials_detail.html |archive-date=28 February 2019}}</ref> [[Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Service of Remembrance |url=http://armenians.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Service_of_Remembrance_Programme_24April2017.pdf |publisher=The Armenian Church & Community in Ireland |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114021336/http://armenians.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Service_of_Remembrance_Programme_24April2017.pdf |archive-date=14 November 2017 |page=3 |date=April 2017 |quote=In December 2015 we unveiled the Khachkar Memorial (Stone-Cross) in Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin in remembrance of the Armenian Genocide “MEZ YEGHERN” and in dedication to the massive destruction that took place 102 years ago.}}</ref> and elsewhere.


According to one count, there are nearly 30 khachkars on public locations in France.<ref>{{cite web|title=Toponymie et Monuments arméniens|url=http://www.acam-france.org/contacts/index_lieux.php|website=acam-france.org|publisher=Association Culturelle Arménienne de Marne-la-Vallée (France)|language=fr}}</ref>
According to one count, there are nearly 30 khachkars on public locations in France.<ref>{{cite web|title=Toponymie et Monuments arméniens|url=http://www.acam-france.org/contacts/index_lieux.php|website=acam-france.org|publisher=Association Culturelle Arménienne de Marne-la-Vallée (France)|language=fr}}</ref> Some 20 khachkars are located in [[Poland]],<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Chaczkar stanął w Białymstoku|magazine=Awedis|issue=48|year=2021|language=pl|page=2}}</ref> which is home to an important [[Armenians in Poland|Armenian community]] since the [[Late Middle Ages]].


Armenian khachkars have been acquired or donated to many museums or temporarily represented at significant exhibitions all around the world such as at the [[British Museum]], the [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]] or the Special Exhibition of the [[National Museum of Ethnology (Japan)|National Museum of Ethnology]], Osaka, Japan.<ref>{{cite web|title=Khachkar (Stone Cross)|url=https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/478063|language=en}}</ref><ref>[https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1977-0505-1 British Museum Collection]</ref>
Armenian khachkars have been acquired or donated to many museums or temporarily represented at significant exhibitions all around the world such as at the [[British Museum]], the [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]] or the Special Exhibition of the [[National Museum of Ethnology (Japan)|National Museum of Ethnology]], Osaka, Japan.<ref>{{cite web|title=Khachkar (Stone Cross)|url=https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/478063|language=en}}</ref><ref>[https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/H_1977-0505-1 British Museum Collection]</ref>


==Endangered khachkars==
==Endangered khachkars==
A large portion of khachkars, which were created in historic Armenia and surrounding regions, in modern times have become the possession of Turkey, Azerbaijan, and partly Georgia and Iran. As a result of systematic eradication of khachkars in [[Turkey]], today only a few examples survive. Unfortunately these few survivors are not cataloged and properly photographed. Thus, it is difficult to follow up with the current situation.<ref>[[Sirarpie Der-Nersessian|Der Nersessian S.]] Armenian Art, Paris, 1978.</ref> One documented example took place in the [[Armenian Cemetery in Jugha]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://iwpr.net/?p=crs&s=f&o=261191&apc_state=henh | title = Azerbaijan: Famous Medieval Cemetery Vanishes | work = Caucasus Reporting Service, [[Institute for War and Peace Reporting]] |date=April 19, 2006 | access-date = 2007-04-15 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = World Watches In Silence As Azerbaijan Wipes Out Armenian Culture | publisher = [[The Art Newspaper]] | date = 2006-05-25 | url =http://www.theartnewspaper.com/article01.asp?id=281 | access-date = 2006-05-25 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Tragedy on the Araxes | publisher = [[Archaeology (magazine)|Archaeology]] | date = 2006-06-30 | url =http://www.archaeology.org/online/features/djulfa/index.html | access-date = 2006-06-30 }}</ref>
A large portion of khachkars, which were created in historic Armenia and surrounding regions, in modern times are now located in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Iran. As a result of systematic eradication of khachkars in [[Turkey]] since the [[Armenian Genocide]], today only a few examples survive. These few survivors are not cataloged and properly photographed. Thus, it is difficult to follow up with the current situation.<ref>[[Sirarpie Der-Nersessian|Der Nersessian S.]] Armenian Art, Paris, 1978.</ref> One documented example of such destruction took place in the [[Armenian Cemetery in Jugha]], in [[Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic|Nakhchivan]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://iwpr.net/?p=crs&s=f&o=261191&apc_state=henh | title = Azerbaijan: Famous Medieval Cemetery Vanishes | work = Caucasus Reporting Service, [[Institute for War and Peace Reporting]] |date=April 19, 2006 | access-date = 2007-04-15 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = World Watches In Silence As Azerbaijan Wipes Out Armenian Culture | publisher = [[The Art Newspaper]] | date = 2006-05-25 | url = http://www.theartnewspaper.com/article01.asp?id=281 | access-date = 2006-05-25 | archive-date = 2006-09-11 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060911033444/http://www.theartnewspaper.com/article01.asp?id=281 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Tragedy on the Araxes | publisher = [[Archaeology (magazine)|Archaeology]] | date = 2006-06-30 | url =http://www.archaeology.org/online/features/djulfa/index.html | access-date = 2006-06-30 }}</ref> The government of [[Azerbaijan]] has denied claims that members of the [[Azerbaijani Armed Forces]] smashed the khachkars with sledgehammers in December 2005.<ref>{{Cite news| last = Castle| first = Stephen| title = Azerbaijan 'flattened' sacred Armenian site| work = Belfast Telegraph| access-date = 2018-05-14| date = 2006-05-30| url = https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-10731370.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180514213758/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-10731370.html| url-status = dead| archive-date = 2018-05-14}}</ref> The destruction of khachkars was despite a 2000 [[UNESCO]] order demanding their protection, in what has been termed "the worst [[cultural genocide]] of the 21st century."<ref name="LA Times">{{cite news |last= Womack|first= Catherine|date=7 November 2019|title=Historic Armenian monuments were obliterated. Some call it 'cultural genocide'|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2019-11-07/armenian-monuments-azerbaijan|newspaper=LA Times}}</ref><ref name="The Guardian">{{cite news |last= Sawa|first= Dale Berning|date=1 March 2019|title=Monumental loss: Azerbaijan and 'the worst cultural genocide of the 21st century'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/mar/01/monumental-loss-azerbaijan-cultural-genocide-khachkars|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref>

⚫
One source says that khachkars are being damaged, neglected, or moved in Armenia.<ref name="Khachkar.am">{{cite web|url=http://khachkar.am/en/endangered.php |title=Endangered Khachkars |publisher=Khachkar.am |access-date=2012-05-06}}</ref> Reasons cited for moving these khachkars include; decoration, to create new holy places, or to make space for new burials.


⚫
One source says that khachkars are being damaged, neglected, or moved in Armenia.<ref name="Khachkar.am">{{cite web|url=http://khachkar.am/en/endangered.php |title=Endangered Khachkars |publisher=Khachkar.am |access-date=2012-05-06}}</ref> Reasons cited for moving these khachkars include; decoration, to create new holy places, or to make space for new burials.
The government of [[Azerbaijan]] has denied claims that members of the [[Azerbaijani Armed Forces]] smashed khachkars with sledgehammers in [[Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic|Nakhichevan]] in December 2005.<ref>{{Cite news| last = Castle| first = Stephen| title = Azerbaijan 'flattened' sacred Armenian site| work = Belfast Telegraph| access-date = 2018-05-14| date = 2006-05-30| url = https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-10731370.html| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180514213758/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-10731370.html| url-status = dead| archive-date = 2018-05-14}}</ref>


[[File:Khachkar.jpg|thumb|upright|A khachkar behind the cathedral in Echmiadzin, Armenia. Place of origin is unknown.]]
[[File:Khachkar.jpg|thumb|upright|A khachkar behind the cathedral in Echmiadzin, Armenia. Place of origin is unknown.]]


== Types ==
== Types ==
'''Amenaprkich''' ({{lang-hy|Ամէնափրկիչ}}, meaning ''Holy Saviour'') is a particular type of khachkar in which on the cross is a depiction of the crucified [[Christ]]. Only a few such designs are known, and most date from the late 13th century.{{Cn|date=January 2021}}
'''Amenaprkich''' ({{langx|hy|Ամէնափրկիչ}}, meaning ''Holy Saviour'') is a particular type of khachkar in which on the cross is a depiction of the crucified [[Christ]]. Only a few such designs are known, and most date from the late 13th century.{{Cn|date=January 2021}} One of the few such surviving khachkars today is located in the [[Sevanavank|Sevanavank monastery]], which also depicts scenes from the Bible.<ref>{{Cite web |last=vahemart |date=2012-01-25 |title=Хачкар Айрапета и Ребекки (Всеспаситель) в Севанаванке |url=https://vahemart.livejournal.com/117481.html |access-date=2023-11-25 |website=Vahe Martirosyan's blog}}</ref>


== Gallery ==
== Gallery ==
Line 69: Line 78:
File:Armenian 'khachkar'.jpg|Armenian Khachkar
File:Armenian 'khachkar'.jpg|Armenian Khachkar
File:Armenian 'khachkar' 1.jpg|Armenian Khachkar
File:Armenian 'khachkar' 1.jpg|Armenian Khachkar
File:NYC Khatchkar Metropolitan.JPG|Khackar in [[Metropolitan Museum of Art]]
</gallery>
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
{{commons category|Khatchkars}}
{{commons category|Khatchkars}}
*[[Değirmenaltı, Turkey|Değirmenaltı]] - village in Turkey containing preserved khachkars
*[[Trei Ierarhi Monastery]] - a 17th-century church in [[Iași]], [[Romania]], decorated with Khachkar motifs
*[[Trei Ierarhi Monastery]] - a 17th-century church in [[Iași]], [[Romania]], decorated with Khachkar motifs
*[[High cross]] - Monumental Celtic crosses.
*[[High cross]] - Monumental Celtic crosses.
*[[Preaching cross]] - Monumental crosses used as open air pulpits
*[[Preaching cross]] - Monumental crosses used as open air pulpits
Line 88: Line 99:
==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/RL/armenian-cross-stones-art-symbolism-and-craftsmanship-of-khachkars-00434 Armenian cross-stones art. Symbolism and craftsmanship of Khachkars]
*[http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/RL/armenian-cross-stones-art-symbolism-and-craftsmanship-of-khachkars-00434 Armenian cross-stones art. Symbolism and craftsmanship of Khachkars]
*[http://www.armenica.org/cgi-bin/armenica.cgi?=2=h Khatchkar collection at Armenica.org]
*[http://www.armeniapedia.org/index.php?title=Hin_Jugha Old Jugha page on Armeniapedia]
*[http://www.armenica.org/history/old-jougha/index.html Destruction of Jugha khachkars by Azeri soldiers captured in photos and movie clips.]
*[http://www.armeniapedia.org/index.php?title=Khachkar Khachkar page on Armeniapedia (many photos)]
*[http://armeniaphotos.info/find/khachkar Photos at Armenia Photos.info]
*[http://www.virtualani.org/por/index.htm Photos of 15th/16th CE khatchkars near Bitlis, Turkey]
*[http://www.virtualani.org/por/index.htm Photos of 15th/16th CE khatchkars near Bitlis, Turkey]
*[http://www.khachkar.am Khachkar.am :: Everything about khachkars]
*[http://www.armeniaguide.com/html/_khachkar.html Photos and history of Khachkars]
*[http://www.djulfa.com/ Djulfa Virtual Memorial and Museum]
*[http://www.djulfa.com/ Djulfa Virtual Memorial and Museum]
*[https://www.facebook.com/khachqar Largest facebook page dedicated to Armenian Cross-Stones (Khachkars)]


{{Intangible Cultural Heritage in Armenia}}
{{Intangible Cultural Heritage in Armenia}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Monuments and memorials in the Republic of Artsakh]]
[[Category:Monuments and memorials in Azerbaijan]]
[[Category:Armenian art]]
[[Category:Armenian art]]
[[Category:Monuments and memorials in Armenia]]
[[Category:Monuments and memorials in Armenia]]

Latest revision as of 00:41, 2 November 2024

"Kachkar" redirects here. For the mountain range in Turkey, see Kaçkar Mountains.

Armenian cross-stones art.
Symbolism and craftsmanship of Khachkars
Խաչքար
The famous khachkar at Goshavank, carved in 1291 by the artist Poghos
CountryArmenia
DomainsSculpture
Reference00434
RegionEurope and North America
Inscription history
Inscription2010 (5th session)
ListRepresentative

A khachkar (also spelled as khatchkar) or Armenian cross-stone[1] (Armenian: խաչքար, pronounced [χɑtʃʰˈkʰɑɾ], խաչ xačʿ "cross" + քար kʿar "stone") is a carved, memorial stele bearing a cross, and often with additional motifs such as rosettes, interlaces, and botanical motifs.[2] Khachkars are characteristic of medieval Christian Armenian art.[1][3]

Since 2010, khachkars, their symbolism and craftsmanship are inscribed in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.[4]

Description

[edit]
The famous 13th century Armenian-inscribed double khachkars of the Memorial Bell-Tower of the Dadivank Monastery
A 15th century khachkar at the Armenian Cathedral of Saint James, Jerusalem

The most common khachkar feature is a cross surmounting a rosette or a solar disc. The remainder of the stone face is typically filled with elaborate patterns of leaves, grapes, pomegranates, and bands of interlace. Occasionally a khachkar is surmounted by a cornice sometimes containing biblical or saintly figures.

Most early khachkars were erected for the salvation of the soul of either a living or a deceased person. Otherwise they were intended to commemorate a military victory, the construction of a church, or as a form of protection from natural disasters.[5]

The most common location for early khachkars was in a graveyard. However, Armenian gravestones take many other forms, and only a minority are khachkars.

History

[edit]
Two 16th century Julfa khachkars in Etchmiadzin, removed from the Julfa graveyard before its destruction by Azerbaijan.
Khachkars appear in large numbers in the Noratus cemetery.

The first true khachkars appeared in the 9th century,[1] during the time of Armenian revival after liberation from Arab rule. The oldest khachkar with a known date was carved in 879 (though earlier, cruder, examples exist). Erected in Garni, it is dedicated to queen Katranide I, the wife of king Ashot I Bagratuni.[citation needed] 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. It revived in the 16th and 17th centuries, but the artistic heights of the 14th century were never achieved again. Today, the tradition still remains, and one can still see khachkar carvers in some parts of Yerevan.[6]

About 40,000 khachkars survive today.[citation needed] Most of them are free standing, though those recording donations are usually built into monastery walls. The following three khachkars are believed[by whom?] to be the finest examples of the art form:

  • One in Geghard, carved in 1213, probably by master Timot and master Mkhitar
  • The Holy Redeemer khachkar in Haghpat (see gallery), carved in 1273 by master Vahram
  • A khachkar in Goshavank, carved in 1291 by master Poghos.

A number of good examples have been transferred to the Historical Museum in Yerevan and beside the cathedral in Echmiadzin. The largest surviving collection of khachkars is in Armenia, at Noraduz cemetery on the western shore of the Lake Sevan, where an old graveyard with around 900 khachkars from various periods and of various styles can be seen. The largest number was formerly located at the Armenian cemetery in Julfa in the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, which contained approximately 10,000 khachkars in 1648.[7] The number of khachkars dwindled over time through destruction of various causes until the only 2,700 khachkars remained in 1998,[8] when the Azerbaijani government embarked on a systematic campaign destroying and leveling the entire medieval cemetery between 1998 and 2005.[9]

Present

[edit]
A modern-day khachkar carver's workshop in downtown Yerevan.

The art of carving khachkars has witnessed a rebirth as a symbol of Armenian culture in the 20th century.

There are hundreds of khachkars worldwide, many of which are memorials to commemorate the victims of the Armenian genocide. Khachkars have been placed in various locations, including at the Vatican Museums,[10][11] Canterbury Cathedral's memorial garden,[12][13] St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney,[14][15] Colorado State Capitol,[16][17] Temple of Peace, Cardiff,[18] Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin,[19] and elsewhere.

According to one count, there are nearly 30 khachkars on public locations in France.[20] Some 20 khachkars are located in Poland,[21] which is home to an important Armenian community since the Late Middle Ages.

Armenian khachkars have been acquired or donated to many museums or temporarily represented at significant exhibitions all around the world such as at the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Special Exhibition of the National Museum of Ethnology, Osaka, Japan.[22][23]

Endangered khachkars

[edit]

A large portion of khachkars, which were created in historic Armenia and surrounding regions, in modern times are now located in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Iran. As a result of systematic eradication of khachkars in Turkey since the Armenian Genocide, today only a few examples survive. These few survivors are not cataloged and properly photographed. Thus, it is difficult to follow up with the current situation.[24] One documented example of such destruction took place in the Armenian Cemetery in Jugha, in Nakhchivan.[25][26][27] The government of Azerbaijan has denied claims that members of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces smashed the khachkars with sledgehammers in December 2005.[28] The destruction of khachkars was despite a 2000 UNESCO order demanding their protection, in what has been termed "the worst cultural genocide of the 21st century."[29][30]

One source says that khachkars are being damaged, neglected, or moved in Armenia.[31] Reasons cited for moving these khachkars include; decoration, to create new holy places, or to make space for new burials.

A khachkar behind the cathedral in Echmiadzin, Armenia. Place of origin is unknown.

Types

[edit]

Amenaprkich (Armenian: Ամէնափրկիչ, meaning Holy Saviour) is a particular type of khachkar in which on the cross is a depiction of the crucified Christ. Only a few such designs are known, and most date from the late 13th century.[citation needed] One of the few such surviving khachkars today is located in the Sevanavank monastery, which also depicts scenes from the Bible.[32]

[edit]

See also

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Khatchkars.

References

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c The Grove Encyclopedia of Medieval Art and Architecture. — Oxford University Press, 2012. — Vol. 2. — P. 222."'Khatck'ar' [Armen.:'cross-stone'] Typical Armenian stone monument, comprising an upright slab (h. c. 1—3 m) carved with a cross design, usually set on a plinth or rectangular base. "
  2. ^ Thierry, cover sleeve.Thierry 1989
  3. ^ Gough M., The Origins of Christian Art, London, 1973
  4. ^ "Armenian cross-stones art. Symbolism and craftsmanship of Khachkars". UNESCO Culture Sector. Retrieved 2010-11-20.
  5. ^ "Armenian Khatchkars" (Editions Erebuni, 1978)
  6. ^ Anatoli L. Yakobson. Armenian Khachkars, Moscow, 1986
  7. ^ Aivazian, Argam (1983). "Ջուղայի գերեզմանատուն (The Cemetery of Jugha)". Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia Volume IX. Yerevan: Armenian Academy of Sciences. p. 550.
  8. ^ "Armenian intellectuals blast 'barbaric' destruction of Nakhchivan monuments." BBC News in BBC Monitoring Central Asia. February 13, 2003. Retrieved April 16, 2007
  9. ^ "Tragedy on the Araxes". Archaeology. 2006-06-30. Retrieved 2006-06-30.
  10. ^ "Medieval Armenian cross-stone unveiled in Vatican". aysor.am. 20 September 2014. Archived from the original on 2 July 2019.
  11. ^ "The story behind the Medieval Armenian Cross that's now in the Vatican Museums". ROME REPORTS in English. Mar 29, 2015. Archived from the original on 2021-12-22.
  12. ^ "The Canterbury Khachkar: A Historic Day in the Heart of the Anglican Church". Asbarez. March 6, 2019. Archived from the original on 4 April 2019.
  13. ^ "1st Armenian cross-stone dedicated to memory of Armenian Genocide victims unveiled in Great Britain's spiritual center". Armenpress. 5 March 2019. Archived from the original on 5 March 2019.
  14. ^ Rodrigues, Marilyn (December 19, 2018). "Armenian monument unveiled at cathedral". The Catholic Weekly.
  15. ^ "Armenian khachkar unveiled at Sydney's St. Mary's Cathedral (PHOTO)". 18 December 2018. Archived from the original on 21 June 2019.
  16. ^ "Colorado Governor Unveils America's First State Capitol Khachkar". Asbarez. May 15, 2015.
  17. ^ "Colorado Governor Unveils First State Capitol 'Khachkar' on Genocide Centennial". The Armenian Weekly. May 15, 2015. Archived from the original on 2 May 2019.
  18. ^ "The Armenian Genocide Monument in Wales". armenian-genocide.org. Armenian National Institute. Archived from the original on 28 February 2019.
  19. ^ "Service of Remembrance" (PDF). The Armenian Church & Community in Ireland. April 2017. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 November 2017. In December 2015 we unveiled the Khachkar Memorial (Stone-Cross) in Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin in remembrance of the Armenian Genocide "MEZ YEGHERN" and in dedication to the massive destruction that took place 102 years ago.
  20. ^ "Toponymie et Monuments arméniens". acam-france.org (in French). Association Culturelle Arménienne de Marne-la-Vallée (France).
  21. ^ "Chaczkar stanął w Białymstoku". Awedis (in Polish). No. 48. 2021. p. 2.
  22. ^ "Khachkar (Stone Cross)".
  23. ^ British Museum Collection
  24. ^ Der Nersessian S. Armenian Art, Paris, 1978.
  25. ^ "Azerbaijan: Famous Medieval Cemetery Vanishes". Caucasus Reporting Service, Institute for War and Peace Reporting. April 19, 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-15.
  26. ^ "World Watches In Silence As Azerbaijan Wipes Out Armenian Culture". The Art Newspaper. 2006-05-25. Archived from the original on 2006-09-11. Retrieved 2006-05-25.
  27. ^ "Tragedy on the Araxes". Archaeology. 2006-06-30. Retrieved 2006-06-30.
  28. ^ Castle, Stephen (2006-05-30). "Azerbaijan 'flattened' sacred Armenian site". Belfast Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2018-05-14. Retrieved 2018-05-14.
  29. ^ Womack, Catherine (7 November 2019). "Historic Armenian monuments were obliterated. Some call it 'cultural genocide'". LA Times.
  30. ^ Sawa, Dale Berning (1 March 2019). "Monumental loss: Azerbaijan and 'the worst cultural genocide of the 21st century'". The Guardian.
  31. ^ "Endangered Khachkars". Khachkar.am. Retrieved 2012-05-06.
  32. ^ vahemart (2012-01-25). "Хачкар Айрапета и Ребекки (Всеспаситель) в Севанаванке". Vahe Martirosyan's blog. Retrieved 2023-11-25.

Other sources

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