Iconography of dragon symbol in Vank Cathedral gravestones

Some of the remaining works in history have values and messages which are embodied in the fabric of their roles based on the beliefs of the old man in the form of art work, and there is need to symbolic elements to understand the meaning of this ancient motifs, which at a time, like verbal language, has had a specific meaning in ancient cultures, somehow, a representation of the mythical beliefs. Iconological research helps to represent symbolic and mysterious elements based on different cultures, and with the interpretation of the scientific method, helps to obtain a clear meaning based on analysis and classification of their iconographic, and achieve its cultural values. However, research iconology is about the content of images and impressions, but tries to find the relationship between these components in the widespread cultural system. In this article, has tried to discuss the semantic understanding of the role of the Dragon in the Vank Cathedral gravestones by Iconography (early seventeenth century). In this context, before any other thing, there is need to understand the cultural context of Armenians in the early seventeenth century and the period before the migration, and also period before the adoption of Christianity and representational practices of their beliefs. Therefore, through the Iconography, we will discuss the dominant role of the dragon in the pre-Christian beliefs, and after that, and the impact of such a belief in the creation of dragon motifs.

Keywords:

Iconography , Iconography , mythology , Vank Cathedral gravestones , Dragon