Joanna Sławińska

Współczesne chaczkary na terenie Polski

Introduction

Współczesne chaczkary na terenie polski. Poznaj współczesne chaczkary w Polsce (1978-2023). Analiza historii, symboliki i rozmieszczenia ormiańskich krzyży wotywnych w kontekście kultury Armenii i diaspory.

Abstract

MODERN KHACHKARS IN POLAND The article analyses the history of erecting, artistic values and symbolism of Armenian votive crosses (khachkars) in Poland within its current borders, from the first one, funded in 1978, until the last one from 2023. It presents their geographical distribution (Warsaw, Krakow, Gliwice, Elbląg, Gdańsk, Lublin, Zamość, Kartuzy, Szczecinek, Kurów, Białystok, Zabrze, Kielce, Łódź, Polanów), funders, authors, goals and circumstances of foundations, dates of consecrations, persons consecrating, materials and places of creation. The analysis has been placed in the context of the history of carving art concerning khachkars, their connections with the culture of Armenia and its Church, the tragedy of the 1915 genocide, as well as creation an Armenian diaspora in Poland, its martyrology in the time of World War II and expatriation trauma after 1945.

Review

The article, "Współczesne chaczkary na terenie Polski," presents a highly focused and timely examination of modern Armenian votive crosses (khachkars) erected within Poland's current borders. Addressing a fascinating intersection of religious art, diaspora studies, and cultural heritage, the study meticulously traces the presence and significance of these unique monuments from their first installation in 1978 until the most recent one in 2023. This chosen scope, concentrating on contemporary installations, offers a particularly valuable lens through which to understand the evolving cultural landscape and the enduring legacy of the Armenian community in Poland. The abstract indicates a remarkably comprehensive and multi-layered approach to the subject matter. Beyond a systematic documentation of geographical distribution across numerous Polish cities, the research delves into the history of erecting, artistic values, and symbolism of each khachkar. Crucially, it provides granular detail regarding funders, authors, goals, circumstances of foundation, consecration dates, materials, and places of creation. This empirical depth is then skillfully woven into a broader interpretative framework that contextualizes these modern creations within the history of Armenian carving art, its profound connections to Armenian culture and the Church, and significant historical traumas such as the 1915 genocide, the formation of the Armenian diaspora in Poland, its WWII martyrology, and post-1945 expatriation. This article promises to be a significant contribution to several academic fields, including art history, religious studies, diaspora studies, and Polish-Armenian cultural relations. By systematically documenting and profoundly contextualizing these "modern khachkars," the research sheds vital light on the resilience, identity, and memorial practices of the Armenian community in Poland. Its detailed empirical data, combined with a robust historical and cultural analysis, makes it an invaluable resource for scholars seeking to understand the living heritage of the Armenian diaspora and the complex ways in which memory, faith, and identity are inscribed into the built environment.

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