A Khachkar ("Խաչքար" in Armenian, meaning cross-stone) is a carved, memorial stele bearing a cross, and often with additional motifs such as rosettes, interlaces, and botanical motifs. 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.
Since 2010, khachkars are included in UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Khachkar by Momik
A khachkar at Cathedral of Saint James in the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem
A khachkar from Old Julfa’s cemetery, now in Ēǰmiacin. The khachkars in the cemetery have since been leveled in an act of cultural vandalism by the Azerbaijani government.