Arevakhach sign on the fortress wall of Ani

A swastika sign on the fortress wall of Ani, the medieval capital of Armenia.

The swastika is an ancient symbol used by various cultures and religions for thousands of years. It is a cross-shaped sign whose four arms are bent at right angles. The word comes from Sanskrit and means “bringing well-being” or “good fortune”. In Armenia, since the most ancient times, the swastika, the arevakhach (from the words for sun and cross), has been a symbol of eternity and of the national identity of the Armenian people. It symbolises the sun, life, fire, fertility, progress and development.

On the wall of yellowish dressed stone, the sign is laid in dark stones; below it is an arched window.