About the Project
Since 2008, ARALEZ Scouts have visited numerous historical sites during their hikes and have consistently noticed that khachkars (Armenian cross-stones) are everywhere. Unfortunately, this cultural heritage has suffered damage and disappearance over the years due to natural causes and hostile actions.
Recognizing the disappearance of these cultural treasures, the Scouts decided to restore, preserve, and digitally document this thousands-of-years-old history to share with the world. Thus began the program for the preservation of historical and cultural values.
As a starting point, the Scouts visited the Noratus Cemetery, known as the “Forest of Khachkars.” Historically, it was home to approximately 1,200 khachkars, but the Scouts discovered that only 552 remain. The others have been damaged, toppled from their foundations, or buried under soil over the years.
According to UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), there are over 50,000 khachkars in Armenia (source).
In Nakhichevan alone, a small cemetery in the city of Julfa once housed more than 10,000 khachkars. However, in 1998, the azerbaijani state destroyed these khachkars, and only two were saved and are currently in Echmiadzin, Armenia. (learn more by clicking here).
Places where the Scouts have visited during the years
Purpose of this Project
Armenia is an open-air museum, but over the years, our khachkars, being exposed to the elements, have endured the harsh conditions of nature. And in one instance, in just one day, azerbaijan decided to destroy the centuries-old khachkars of Julfa, wiping them out entirely.
- Photograph and digitize all the khachkars (Cross Stones).
Through the efforts of scouts and volunteers, photograph all the khachkars in Armenia and preserve them digitally. This digital archive will be safeguarded for centuries to come for future generations, showcasing the status of the khachkars during the 21st century and capturing the impact of time and nature on them.
2. Restore and conserve damaged khachkars.
In collaboration with specialists, restore broken khachkars while preserving their historical appearance in accordance with established laws and standards. Treat the khachkars by removing the effects of years of natural wear, thereby extending their lifespan.
3. Unearth and restore khachkars buried under the soil in the Noratus Cemetery.
In collaboration with specialists, identify and excavate khachkars buried under the soil, restoring them while preserving their historical appearance in accordance with established laws and standards. Treat the khachkars by removing the effects of years of natural wear to extend their lifespan.
4. Publish photographs of all khachkars online.
The Scouts have created the first khachkar (Cross Stones) online digital treasury, and we aim to make all khachkars accessible to Armenians worldwide and to all of humanity. By showcasing our remarkable history and millennia-old heritage, this initiative will contribute to:
The development of the art of khachkar-making,
Increased tourist visits,
Encouraging tourists and citizens of Armenia to explore various sites across the country to see and experience the khachkars, which will also be presented in a mapped format,
Preserving our history in the digital realm, ensuring that hundreds of years from now, our nation will always have access to the legacy created by its ancestors, with the khachkar as one of the key symbols of our culture.
Support this project by donating and funding this project.