KHACHATUR ABOVYAN ARMENIAN STATE PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY

An international roundtable discussion entitled “Diaspora in the Context of Armenian Civilization” was held at Armenian State Pedagogical University upon the initiative of the ASPU Research Laboratory of Armenian Civilization Studies.

Representatives of a number of institutions in Armenia and specialists invited from different countries stressed the role of Diaspora in their reports, focusing on its formation and characteristics. They also referred to the theoretical research on Armenian civilization and Diaspora, tried to find similarities between these two concepts and their manifestations in modern times.

Ruben Safrastyan, who heads the Research Laboratory of Armenian Civilization Studies and the Chair of World History and its Teaching Methods, said the aim of the roundtable discussion [organized by the Laboratory for the second time] was to consider the peculiarities of Armenian civilization from different angles and aspects and be able to draw theoretical conclusions.

The Professor assured the attendees that the ASPU has created a strong platform to continue the scientific research in a purposeful way and offered an excellent opportunity to bring together specialists who have devoted a significant part of their research to the study of various aspects of Armenian Diaspora.

ASPU Vice-Rector Srbuhi Gevorgyan stressed in turn that the University is always ready to cooperate and join efforts with Diaspora in carrying out its educational function. She added that it is especially important for future teachers to maintain close contacts with our Diaspora compatriots, share their approaches and stay informed about everything: it is a pro-Armenian move which is mutually beneficial.

Analyzing the historical and classical, as well as new reasons for the emergence of Diaspora, the reporters said it is the continuation of Armenian civilization outside the boundaries of the country. “Great is the role of Diaspora in the preservation of Armenian civilization. It also promotes dialogue between civilizations,” Edgar Hovhannisyan, Dean of the Faculty of History and Law, said in his report. He added that the concepts ‘Diaspora’ and ‘civilization’ need to be put in one frame.