What is a Khachkar?
Q: What is a Khachkar?
A: A Khachkar is a carved memorial stone found in Armenia.
Q: What does Khachkar mean in Armenian?
A: Khachkar means "cross-stone" in Armenian.
Q: What is the design of a typical Khachkar?
A: A typical Khachkar has a crucifix or cross, with a rosette or sun circle below it. Other parts can be filled with patterns of leaves, grapes or knots. Sometimes it has a ledge at the top with saints' or characters from the bible.
Q: Why are Khachkars usually put up?
A: Khachkars are usually put up for religious reasons such as the salvation of the soul of a living or a dead person.
Q: Where are most Khachkars found?
A: Most Khachkars are found in graveyards.
Q: What are some reasons that Khachkars have been removed?
A: Khachkars have been removed for other reasons, such as to show a military win, building of a new church, or as a protection from natural disasters.
Q: Are all Armenian gravestones Khachkars?
A: No, Armenian gravestones take many other forms, and only a small percentage are Khachkars.
