Khachkar :: ARTSAKH HISTORICAL MONUMENTS

Khachkar 916 y․

NKR / Karvajar / Karvatchar

Historical Introduction
1965 y․

That khachkar had been brought to the museum on Nov. 4, 1965. Unfortunately, its provenance is not clear. It was exhibited in the museum during the last 28 years and the label in Azerbaijanian and Russian explained to the visitors that it was an Albanian “Khachdash” ‘khachkar’.

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, pp. 47-48.

Architectural Description

It was carved on white limestone (dimensions: 28.5x19.0x4.5) and contained a dated inscription of 6 lines on the rear.

Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 47.

Description
1993 y․

Neverleless, the khachkar exhibited in the historical museum of the town till April 1993, was the most interesting sample of the ancient art.

S. Karapetian, The Khachkar from Karvajar, Erected in 916, "Azg" daily, 1995, N 2, p. 6. See also 'The Ancient Khachkar in Karvajar", "HH" daily, 1995, Aug, 28, N 216, p. 1 (in Arm.); Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 47.

Inscription, Armenian, Engraved, Commemoration 916 y․

“YEAR 916 OF ARMENIAN DATING, IF THERE IS THE WILL OF GOD, I WILL DO ANOTHER CROSS WITH THE PROVIDENCE OF THE GOD”.

Published in: Samvel Karapetian, Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Region of Karabakh, Yerevan, 2001, p. 48. The meaning of the last two lines is rather enigmatic. However, it should be born in mind that as far as we are informed, the oldest Armenian khachkar dates back to 876, thus this sample is only 40 years younger. Currently, for security considerations, the cross was taken to the Gandzasar monastery. S. Karapetian, Newly Discovered Khachkar of the Most Ancient Age, Echmiadzin monthly, 1987, 5-6, p. 80-81 (in Arm.).

Type Photo
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Author Samvel Karapetyan

Type Photo
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Author Samvel Karapetyan
Source Black-and-white negative

Type Photo
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Author Samvel Karapetyan