HISTORICAL BUILDINGS

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NORTHERN CEMETERY OF AVAN


VI-XIX centuries


 State index: 1.2.2.1

The cemetery is located on the northern edge of the district, on the high right bank of the Getar River, between Avan and Arinj. Most of the area has been destroyed, as a result of residential constructions. It is assumed that burials began to be conducted here since around 6th century. Cross-stones (khachkars) of  X-XIII centuries have been preserved (mainly dislodged and broken), cross-decorated or inscribed pedestals of cross stones, paved tombs, tombstones with rectangular, cradle-shaped and pitched tops, one of which dates back to 1650 (Tombstone of Ulubab). Some of the tombstones are decorated with crosses and sculptures with household and human silhouettes. An epigraph on a split pedestal testifies to the erected Tirik cross-stone in 1221. In the eastern part of the cemetery, traces of the destroyed chapel can be seen, in the vicinity of which, hewn and frescoed stones have been preserved.

One of the best monuments of the medieval cross stone art is the inscribed, fragmented walled  cross stone (XII-XIII centuries), painted with vordan karmir (red paint made from Armenian cochineal). The Christ and the animal symbols of the evangelists are depicted on the plant-ornamented part of its niche.

“Scientific Research Center of Historical and Cultural Heritage” SNCO

Yerevan Municipality



On the right bank of the Getar River