UNESCO lists Armenian Khachkar as Cultural Heritage to Protect

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared the Armenian Khachkar (cross-stone) an intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding, reports Asbarez.com.

The decision to classify the unique Armenian artwork was made on Wednesday during the fifth session of an intergovernmental committee of states signed onto UNESCO’s Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Further the source mentions that 46 applications were submitted by twenty-nine countries seeking classification in the coveted list, which, according to the UNESCO website, helps to mobilize international cooperation and assistance to protect the cultural assets on its list.

Armenia’s application, the first submitted to the committee, presented the Armenian Khachkar as an ancient form of symbolism and craftsmanship unique and vital to Armenian national identity. Armenia’s report, titled. “Armenian Cross-Stones Art: Symbolism and Craftsmanship of Khachkars,” can be found on the UNESCO website here.