The Mesrop Mashtots Research Institute of Ancient Manuscripts today hosted a presentation of the program aimed at restoring and popularizing the written legacy created in Nagorno-Karabakh, stored in the Matenadaran, with the support of the U.S. Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation.

ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan, U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia Kristina Kvien, representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations, and cultural figures attended the event.

Within the framework of the program, manuscripts and rare archival documents written and illustrated in Gandzasar, Dadivank, Gndevank, Khadavank, Gtchavank and other Armenian medieval monasteries from the 13-18th centuries were selected, shedding light on the rich Armenian cultural heritage and historical events.

ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan welcomed the attendees and expressed gratitude to the U.S. Embassy for, among other programs, implementing the program of restoration and popularization of manuscripts written in Nagorno-Karabakh and exclusive documents related to its ancient history, jointly with the Matenadaran, with the support of the Fund for Cultural Preservation.

"It is hard to imagine a more vivid example of the intersection of professional responsibility and emotional impact than the field of literary heritage restoration. The Restoration Department of Matenadaran has more than six decades of professional experience: it consistently combines its own and international experience, ensuring a natural generational shift of restorers, paralleling the traditional and the innovative. It is the most technically equipped link in Armenia and the region, which, in parallel with the preservation of written legacy, also carries out activities on the preservation and restoration of manuscript collections in Armenia and the Diaspora, as well as various materials in libraries and museums," said the Minister.

She emphasized in particular the importance of creating a laboratory for biochemical research of manuscripts in cooperation with the state and the private sector and equipping it with advanced technology on a scientific basis, which opens up new opportunities.

"The handwritten heritage of Nagorno Karabakh holds a special place in the Armenian cultural heritage. This heritage, with its distinctive handwriting and rich traditions, has not yet been properly popularized and presented to the world.

Thus, this program is significant from a popularization perspective as well.

Once again, my sincere appreciation goes out to the U.S. Embassy, represented by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Mrs. Kristine Kvien, for the ongoing assistance under the Fund for Cultural Preservation. I am confident that our close and productive collaboration will be long-standing, and the results achieved together will become more accessible to the public," Zhanna Andreasyan concluded the speech.

Ambassador Kristina Kvien also welcomed the attendees, noting: "As part of this three-year program, $74,000 is being allocated for the preservation of 13th-century manuscripts written in ancient Armenian monasteries in Nagorno-Karabakh, renowned for its rich historical and cultural heritage. This is the 15th program of the U.S. Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation, within which we support the preservation of Armenia's unprecedented cultural heritage. Looking forward to implementing new programs in the near future."

Director of Matenadaran Ara Khzmalyan also delivered a welcoming speech, expressing gratitude for the program's execution.