Noratus

Noratus Cemetery

Noratus is most famous for this cemetery, the oldest part of which includes over 800 khachkars (stone crosses), carved between the 9th-17th centuries. The carvings are from each period of the art form's development, which are distilled into three main periods: 9th-10th cc, 11th-12th cc and 13th-16th cc. Noratus field was the second largest field of khachkars in existence until the larger field of around 2,500 khachkars at Jugha (Nakhichevan) were systematically destroyed by Azerbaijan in 1998-2005. Few Jugha Stones survive, mostly at Echmiadzin. After the destruction of the Jugha field, Noratus became the largest remaining collection of khachkars in the world.

The Development of the Khachkar

Among Armenia's unique contributions to world heritage, one of its most original is the Khachkar (Stone Cross). Based on ancient traditions of obelisk art, the rise of the khachkar began in the early Christina era and reached its zenith in the Middle Ages. Noratus has many fine examples from each period of their development.

The origins of the khachkar date to the pre-Christian period, to carved monumental water-worship idols erected at sources of water, known as vishaps (dragon stones). They are found on the Geghama mountain range, on Mt. Aragats, in Vayots Dzor, and other places. Later, Urartian kings erected obelisks on pedestals for inscriptions and proclamations (8th-7th cc BCE) which are considered archetypes of the khachkar form. Some of the most famous obelisks are at Zvartnots (King Rusa II), Garni (Argishti) and Van (present-day Turkey). Obelisks and steles from the Hellenistic period can be found at Pagan worship sites and on roads linking communities.

Photo By: Hatis Tour