Silent Sentinels Unveiling the Stories of Armenian Tombstones in Iran
Abstract
Armenian tombstones across Iran act as ‘silent sentinels’ reflecting the long history and cultural continuity of Armenian communities. This study examines their significance through historical and descriptive analysis, using photographic data from Salmast Heritage Association expeditions, the RAA archive, Google Maps, and scholarly sources. It highlights regional typologies – horizontal blocks, slabs, vertical and ram‑shaped forms – distinct from traditional Khachkars. Motifs reveal religious symbols, gender roles, and social identity. The research also addresses modern shifts and preservation challenges, emphasizing these monuments as key expressions of Armenian identity and resilience.
open access
Submitted: Sept. 8, 2025 | Published July 16, 2026 | Language: en
Keywords Tombstone Symbols • Preservation Challenges • Rectangular Block Tombstones • Ram • Tree of Life • Slab Tombstones • Cross • Arevakhach • Combined Tombstones
Copyright © 2026 Andreh Marouti. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/979-12-5742-061-1/007