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Apr 18, 2026 Events

A public lecture was held at the National Library of Armenia dedicated to the architectural and cultural features of Armenian caves, khachkars and central-domed churches with a cross-shaped plan. Doctor of Architecture, speleologist, ecologist Samvel Shahinyan presented multi-layered scientific interpretations of the topic, emphasizing that caves are not only natural formations, but also important historical and cultural evidence of human activity. They have served as residential, cult and economic areas at different times, reflecting the formation of the relationship between man and the environment. Special attention was paid to man-made caves as carriers of the cultural thinking and historical memory of the ethnos.
The architectural characteristics of Armenian churches and khachkars were covered in the lecture, with a focus on the significance of deep symmetry, structural stability, and traditionalism, particularly in cross-shaped, centrally domed buildings. Reference was also made to the fundamental components of architectural thinking: composition and tectonics, the combination of which ensures both aesthetic integrity and structural stability.
In summary, the significance of researching and conserving Armenian churches, caves, and khachkars was highlighted as an essential component of the country's cultural legacy, the appreciation of which helps to preserve historical memory and pass it on to future generations.
