Khachkar
Khachkar, or խաչքար in Armenian, is a carved memorial stele bearing a cross, a distinctive form of Armenian Christian art. Typically a tall, vertical slab of stone—often basalt or tuff—a khachkar is carved in relief with a central cross, surrounded by rosettes, vines, and geometric or botanical motifs, sometimes accompanied by inscriptions in Armenian.
The tradition began in medieval Armenia, with the earliest widely recognized examples dating from the 9th to
Designs typically feature a prominent cross at the center, often framed by layers of decorative motifs that
Cultural significance and preservation: Khachkars are regarded as a distinctive expression of Armenian Christian heritage and
Modern practice: Today, contemporary sculptors continue the tradition, producing both traditional and modern interpretations. Khachkars are