David Karamian to Present at Fresno State New Book on Khatchkars of Noratus Cemetery
Author David Karamian will discuss his new book, “Eternal Armenia: Khatchkars-The CrossStones of Noratus,” at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 9, in the Grosse Industrial Technology Building, Room 101 (2255 E. Barstow Ave.) on the Fresno State campus. The lecture is The Grace and Paul Shahinian Armenian Christian Art and Culture Lecture of the Armenian Studies Program.
The culmination of nearly three years of photography, research, writing, and design, the 264-page large-format bilingual English-Armenian volume features nearly 200 photographs, including expansive panoramic views of the cemetery, intimate studies of individual khatchkars, carved grave monuments, and the landscape in which these centuries-old stones have endured. Noratus is home to the world’s largest surviving collection of Armenian khatchkars, or cross-stones –intricately carved monuments that embody centuries of Armenian Christian faith, artistry, memory, and craftsmanship. Yet despite its extraordinary significance, Noratus remains surprisingly unfamiliar to many people, including within the Armenian Diaspora.
The book combines photography with historical and cultural narrative. It examines the development of Christianity in Armenia, the origins and evolution of the khatchkar, the symbolism and visual language carved into the stones, the master artisans who created them, and the graves and human stories found throughout the cemetery.
David Karamian is an Armenian-American photographer, author, designer, and publisher whose work focuses on documenting and presenting Armenian history, culture, landscape, and heritage. Through photography, writing, publishing, and public presentations, his work seeks to connect audiences with Armenia while drawing attention to the importance of cultural preservation. He is the author and photographer of “Armenia – The Lone Stone,” and “Armenia – The Lone Stone, A Traveler’s Guide.”
Admission to the presentation is free and free parking is available in Fresno State Lot P23 or P20, near the Industrial Technology building. Parking permits are not required for Friday night presentations.
Copies of “Eternal Armenia: Khatchkars” will be on sale at the event.
For information about upcoming Armenian Studies Program presentations, follow the Facebook page, @ArmenianStudiesFresnoState or at the Program website.
