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Sights

Erebuni: Historical & Archaeological Museum

Erebuni: Historical & Archaeological Museum

Erebuni Fortress also known as Arin Berd is a fortified city from the ancient kingdom…

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Yerevan - Capital of Armenia

Yerevan - Capital of Armenia

Archaeological evidence indicates that a military fortress Erebuni stood on Yerevan's site in the 8th…

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Vishap

Vishap

It is believed that vishapakar symbolized the power and bliss of nature, the protector of agriculture…

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Armenian cross-stones art. Symbolism and Craftsmanship of Khachkars

Inscribed in 2010 (5.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Khachkars are outdoor steles carved from stone by craftspeople in Armenia and communities in the Armenian diaspora. They act as a focal point for worship, as memorial stones and as relics facilitating communication between the secular and divine. Khachkars reach 1.5 metres in height, and have an ornamentally carved cross in the middle, resting on the symbol of a sun or wheel of eternity, accompanied by vegetative-geometric motifs, carvings of saints and animals. Khachkars are created usually using local stone and carved using chisel, die, sharp pens and hammers. The carvings are then ground using fine sand. Small breaks and rough surfaces are eliminated by plaster of clay or lime, and then painted. Once finished, the Khachkar is erected during a small religious ceremony. After being blessed and anointed, the Khachkar is believed to possess holy powers and can provide help, protection, victory, long life, remembrance and mediation towards salvation of the soul. Among more than 50,000 Khachkars in Armenia, each has its own pattern, and no two are alike. Khachkar craftsmanship is transmitted through families or from master to apprentice, teaching the traditional methods and patterns, while encouraging regional distinctiveness and individual improvisation.

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