KHACHATUR ABOVYAN ARMENIAN STATE PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY

The Faculty of History and Law of Armenian State Pedagogical University (ASPU) today hosted Dr. Bálint Kovács, a researcher at Leipzig University (Universität Leipzig).

It is the second time the Professor of Armenian Studies, who arrived in Armenia to participate in the events commemorating the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, has given a lecture for future educators. 

During the lecture entitled “Armenians in the Carpathian Basin,” the guest presented scientific publications about the activities and cultural life of Armenians in Eastern Europe.

“I am glad to visit Armenia and support Armenians in these days. The aim of my visit is not only to study the beautiful culture and centuries-old history of Armenia, but also to spread them around the world on a scientific level,” the famous Hungarian Armenologist said. Bálint Kovács was also happy to have an opportunity to present his English-language book to ASPU students. 

The guest then donated to the Faculty of History and Law a collection of his books. 

In his speech, Tigran Zargrayan, Director of the National Library of Armenia, spoke about the ties of the two peoples in question and assured the attendees that the legacy Armenians left in cultural, political and other spheres ‘gives us cause for pride.’ It was with special pride and gratitude that Mr Zargrayan spoke about the initiative of Bálint Kovács who recently organized an exhibition dedicated to the centenary of Armenian Genocide at the Hungarian National Library. He also urged the future historians to focus [in their professional studies] on the still unexplored areas of Armenian-Hungarian relations. 

“The new generation has carried out successful projects in the past 4-5 years. I am sure they will continue the tradition of prominent Armenologists and thoroughly study historical relations between Armenia and Hungary and promote strengthening of new historical and cultural ties,” said Anahit Simonyan, President of the Armenian-Hungarian Cultural Association. She expressed her delight over the fact many students showed interest in bilateral relations between the two countries and gathered in the hall to listen to a lecture on these relations.

Edgar Hovhannisyan, Dean of the Faculty of History and Law, stressed importance to the lecture delivered by the foreign professor and emphasized the role of his books, which, he said, would be a useful resource for all those who are interested in Armenian Studies. The Dean also expressed hope that ASPU students will refer to American-Hungarian relations in their future studies and will be pleased to collaborate with Dr. Bálint Kovács.

He guest also toured the University and got acquainted with its history.