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KhachkarKhachkar ("Խաչքար" in Armenian, meaning "cross-stone") is a carved memorial stone, typically found in Armenia. The most common feature is a cross, sometimes a crucifix, with a rosette or sun disc behind it. The remainder is usually filled with patterns of leaves, grapes or abstract patterns. Occasionally it is surmounted by a cornice with biblical or saints' characters. The first khachkars appeared in the 9th century, during the time of Armenian revival after liberation from the Arab rule. The oldest khachkar with a known date was carved in 879. Erected in Garni, it is dedicated to the queen Katranide, the wife of the king Ashot Bagratuni I. The peak of the khachkar carving art was between the 12th and the 14th century. The art declined during the Mongol invasion at the end of the 14th century, and was revived in the 16th and 17 th centuries, but the artistical 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. 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. 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 with the largest collection of khachkars is the field of khackars, an old graveyard with approx. 900 khackars from various periods and of various styles, in Noratus, at the western shore of the Lake Sevan.
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