English: Tombstone, carved by Varpet Grigor (d. 1602), originally in Old Julfa’s cemetery, now in Ēǰmiacin. About 3000 khachkars were counted as still standing in 1998 (from 10000 in 1648) in Julfa's cemetery. The cemetery has since been leveled in an act of cultural vandalism by the Azerbaijani government.

Since 2010, khachkars are included in UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

A khachkar (also referred to as Armenian cross-stone) is a carved, memorial stele bearing a cross, and often with additional motifs such as rosettes, interlaces, and botanical motifs. After being blessed and anointed, the Khachkar is believed to possess holy powers and can provide help, protection, victory, long life, remembrance and mediation towards salvation of the soul. Among more than 50,000 Khachkars in Armenia, each has its own pattern, and no two are alike. Khachkar craftsmanship is transmitted through families or from master to apprentice, teaching the traditional methods and patterns, while encouraging regional distinctiveness and individual improvisation.