Huge Cemetery of Noratus

Name: Huge cemetery of Noratus
Monument type: Khachkar
Region: Gegharkunik Province
Periods: Medieval

Name: Huge cemetery of Noratus

Other nomination: Noratus khachkars, “forest of cross stones”

Monument type: Cemetery

Region: Gegharkunik

Community: Gavar

Residence: Noratus Village

Location: Eastern part of the village

Coordinates: 40°22’28.5″N 45°10’52.5″E

Elevation: 1937 m

Era and chronology: IX-XVIII centuries

Noratus: Symphony of Time and Craftsmanship in the ‘’Forest of Cross Stones’’

As you stand upon the sacred grounds of Noratus, an unbreakable connection to the countless souls who have passed through this hallowed place envelops you. This immense cemetery boasts the largest complex of cross-stones, providing a sanctuary where generations of spirits find solace. You’ll undoubtedly be profoundly moved by the emotional weight of history etched into these ancient stones.

So, listen intently to the gentle spirits that will share their stories with you, and prepare to embark on a transcendent journey within this mystical cemetery.

Lying in the quiet eastern embrace of the village of Noratus, in Armenia’s Gegharkunik region, Noratus transcends time itself. This place, known as the “Huge Cemetery of Noratus” or the “Forest of Cross Stones,” is not merely a burial ground; it is a testament to the resilience, artistry, and unwavering faith of a people who have endured centuries of history’s ebbs and flows.

Covering an expanse of about 1 hectare, the cemetery is a mosaic of history and culture, a canvas adorned with over 400 khachkars and tombstones that date back to the 9th through the 18th centuries.

As you walk through this ancient forest of cross stones, you’ll be captivated by the skill of the master craftsmen, who left their signatures in stone. Names like Kiram, Nerses, Bab, and Melikset echo through the ages, their artistry a living testament to a bygone era. Some khachkars bear the unmistakable marks of the XIII century, while others display the two-sloped pointed tops characteristic of later periods.

Amidst this serene expanse, two chapels, standing about 30 meters apart, have been raised to offer solace to the souls of the departed. The southern chapel, a relic of the XIII century, stands as a witness to the enduring spirit of faith. A preserved inscription reveals the origins of its northern counterpart, built by Alexan in 1714 and lovingly restored in 1977. These chapels are more than stone and mortar; they are sanctuaries where prayers continue to echo through the ages.

Noratus, it seems, has not only been a haven for the departed but also a guardian for the living. Seven cross stones, known as Tsasman khach (cross of anger), have been placed strategically around the village, like silent sentinels protecting against the unforeseen wrath of nature. At the northern edge of the village stands a famous khachkar named “Hazakhach” (cough cross), its presence a reminder of the power of faith even in the face of adversity.

Embedded in the very stones of Noratus is a legend that speaks of valor and cunning. It is the tale of King Gegham, who, facing overwhelming odds, used the khachkars to deceive his enemies. Dressed as soldiers and standing alongside these stone sentinels, Gegham and his small band of warriors struck terror into the hearts of the attacking Turks. The ruse worked, and the would-be invaders fled in fear, allowing Gegham and his men to achieve a remarkable victory.

FACTS

❈ Noratus, located in Armenia’s Gegharkunik region, is home to the “Huge Cemetery of Noratus” or the “Forest of Cross Stones,” a testament to the enduring spirit of its people.

❈ The cemetery, spanning about 1 hectare, features over 400 khachkars and tombstones dating from the 9th to the 18th centuries, showcasing
the craftsmanship of master stonemasons from different eras.

❈ Two chapels, one from the 13th century and the other built by Alexan in 1714, provide solace and are sanctuaries for prayer amidst the ancient stones.

❈ Noratus has also served as a guardian for the living, with seven Tsasman khach (cross of anger) placed around the village to protect against the wrath of nature.

❈ The legend of King Gegham, who used khachkars to deceive and repel attacking Turks, adds a touch of valor and cunning to the rich history of Noratus.

Research history

The historical and cultural monuments in the territory of Noratus village were described by the XIX-XX century topographers (H. Shahkhatunyants, S. Jalalyants, M. Smbatyants, G. Alishan). The architectural structures and lithographs were accordingly studied by S. Mnatsakanyan and S. Barkhudaryan in the middle of the XX century. There is no particular study on the Noratus cemetery. Some of the cross stones were presented in the monographs and catalogs dedicated to them.

Archaeological description

Location
The village of Noratus is located on the western shore of Lake Sevan, on the plane near the narrow neck formed in the lake. The large cemetery “Forest of Cross Stones” is located on the right bank of Gavaraget passing through the village. It occupies about 1 ha area.

Stratigraphy

Noratus village is one of the ancient settlements of Gegharkunik province of the historical Syunik province, where many historical and cultural monuments have been preserved. According to the legend, the settlement was founded by Hayk Nahapet’s grandson Gegham, naming it Noratuns. Later, the letter “n” was cut and it was named Noratus. Medieval historians mention the settlement under the names Noratus, Noratuk, Noratuats. It was known as a prominent fishery. In the High Middle Ages, it was the administrative center of Tsmak province, where the ruler of the Zakaryans sat. In the XVI century, the Melik clan of the Azaryans was established here.

In the center of the village is a domed hall type St. Astvatsatsin Church built at the end of the IX century by Sahak Syuni, the brother of Prince Grigor Supan II, lord of Gegharkunik province; the latter was buried in front of the church he had built.

Among the monuments preserved in the territory of the village St. Grigor or Dopunts Monastery located on the south-eastern edge of the village is also known: it was a nunnery. The most famous monument of Noratus is the large cemetery “Forest of Crosses” on the eastern side of the village, on a high plateau. In 1972-1973 improvement of the area and strengthening of khachkars were carried out.

In the list of historical and cultural monuments of Noratus, more than 400 khachkars and tombstones from the “Forest of Crossstones” are counted dating back to the IX-XVIII centuries. They are spread over the western part of the high plain of the hill, and the modern cemetery is spread over the vast eastern part. In the medieval cemetery the majority of khachkars and tombstones date back to the XIII-XVII centuries; most of them are grouped to form separate family cemeteries. Cross-stones are generally erected on pedestals. They are mostly rectangular slabs with a western-style sculptured face. There are also khachkars with a cornice or two-sloped pointed top, which is typical of the XIII century and later period. There are high-quality art works among the cross-stones bearing the names of the masters who created them: Kiram, Nerses, Bab, Melikset.

During the long existence of the cemetery, there were flat rectangular, double-sloped arks typical of the XII-XIV centuries, later in the XV-XVI centuries, rectangular tombstones spread sometimes on multi-tiered plinths. There are remarkable plot sculptures with various scenes representing feasting and crafting on their ledgers.

In the large cemetery there are two chapels about 30 m apart from each other for performing liturgies for the salvation of the deceased souls. The southern chapel was built in theXIII century. According to the preserved inscription, the chapel on the northern side was built by Alexan in 1714 and was restored in 1977.

In addition to the large cemetery, 7 cross stones called Tsasman khach (cross of anger) are erected on the four sides of the village to protect the inhabitants from sudden disasters. There is another famous khachkar at the northern end of the village called “Hazakhach” (cough cross).

Significance

Noratus “forest of cross stones” cemetery is the largest complex of cross stones after the destruction of the Jugha cemetery.

📜 Traditional legends

“At some point, the Turks attacked King Gegham. Having very few soldiers, he dresses these khachkars in soldier’s clothes and stands in front of these stones with his small group. When the Turks see this, they think that they are all troops and run away. King Gegham reaches them with his small group and slaughters them all.”

Sources

Literature

Stepanos Orbelyan, 1986, History of Syunik (translated by A. Abrahamyan), Yerevan, Soviet writer, 615 pages.
Barkhudaryan S., 1973, Diva of Armenian Lithography, 4, Gegharkunik. Kamo, Martuni and Vardenis regions, Yerevan, Academy of Sciences SSR ed., 526 pages.
Ghanalanyan A. 1969, Legends, Yerevan, “Publication of the USSR Academy of Sciences”, 530 pages.

List of monuments

Gegharkunik 5.71/4