Assen Khachkar, Armenian monument
The Assen Khachkar is a stone sculpture located in the main cemetery of Assen in the Netherlands. It is an intricately carved stone cross with decorative niches and traditional Armenian religious symbols that represent eternity and faith.
This memorial was created in 1999 and officially unveiled in 2001 on April 24, a date significant to Armenians for remembrance. The khachkar was sculpted by Norig Zilinjan and brought from Armenia to the Netherlands.
The khachkar displays traditional Armenian symbols and religious patterns that reflect the Armenian Christian faith. The local Armenian community visits this site to honor their cultural identity and maintain a connection to their heritage.
The memorial is located in the De Boskamp cemetery and is easily accessible to visitors. The site is well-maintained and provides a quiet setting for reflection and respect.
The inscription on the memorial was carefully adjusted after discussions to honor Armenians from the period 1910-1920 more broadly. This compromise allowed the Armenian community to keep their memorial while addressing concerns from other groups in the city.
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