We set off very early in the morning so as to visit the Noratus field of kahchkars, the largest of several groupings of kahchkars in Armenia. We were told that one of the most interesting aspects regarding this over 900 marking graves all facing west was the fact that apart from the variations of design the examples to be seen there could span a whole period from the 10th to the 17th centuries.
We were shown quite a few rather exquisite ones, dating back to the old days and expressing the way the event of the demise had occurred. It is said that there are no two alike and yet the reason as to why so many kahchkars were erected there is still unexplainable, it is believed though that not all of them are tombstones and may mark events other than death.
We could see pieces of broken glass around two of them which seemed to have been deliberately broken, under presumably some sort of superstition.
Whilst we were admiring the astonishing graveyard we were approached and literally followed by some peasant ladies selling amazingly beautiful woollen socks. It didn't seem the right place to bargain or buy whatever they might be selling, but again it might just be the western type of attitude ... any place might be a good place for business. We were also told that very often they bring the sheep to graze in between the graves ..., but that wasn't such a day.
Images may and certainly will not be able to speak for themselves, and neither will words, but one thing is sure, the overall image of this immense graveyard will be on my mind for some time to come ...
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