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On June 15, the Foundation for Research on Armenian Architecture (RAA) donated the ASPU Scientific Library about 60 valuable works published by the structure in recent years. The collection donated on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of ASPU, was comprised of maps, guidebooks, albums, as well as books about Armenian history, culture and architecture.
During the meeting with the Foundation representatives, ASPU Rector Srbuhi Gevorgyan said thanks to its mission, activity and value system the University named after the Great Enlightener [Grigor Lusavorich] has been [successfully] carrying out its function of responding to modern challenges and solving specific problems for a century now.
The head of the university emphasizes that the joint initiative with the Foundation for Research on Armenian Architecture ‘is yet another proof of the cherished deed that reveals those challenges.’ “For centuries, cultural values have been the silent witness of our national identity, character, mentality and psychological resources which have been teaching us who we are, where we come from, and what roots and values we present to the world. The destruction of our heritage and monuments still continues; we are witnessing that reality today," Srbuhi Gevorgyan said. She added that each of those present in the hall has an important mission to complete in view of preserving the three main components of national identity - history, culture, language.
Edgar Hovhannisyan, Dean of the Faculty of History and Social Sciences, underscoredthe long-term cooperation with the Foundation and noted that the Foundation has a big role in studying Armenian culture, history and destroyed heritage, including the territories of historical Armenia and the areas where there is at least one Armenian monument.
The historian says since the day of its establishment the structure has been operating thanks to its devotees, including Armen Hakhnazaryan, Samvel Karapetian and Raffi Kortoshian - people who save and return to our people the historical heritage and memory. "I do hope that the donated books will not remain on the bookshelves, rather they will serve as research material for students and professors," the dean added.
Highly appreciating the activity of Samvel Karapetian, one of the founders of the structure, Edgar Hovhannisyan confessed that it is impossible not to be infected by his ‘incorrigible patriotism; he (Samvel Karapetian) did not just love his homeland, but adored his homeland and lived with it.
Raffi Kortoshian, Deputy Director of the Foundation for Research on Armenian Architecture, is sure that the books will find their readers thanks to the efforts of the university administration and lecturers. The Pedagogical University is a temple of education that has a history of 100 years.
By the way, 2022 is a jubilee year for the Foundation as well. Presenting the 40-year activity of the structure, Mr. Kortoshian stressed that from the beginning their aim was to save the destroyed Armenian monuments, at least on paper.
"The History of Armenia" – a book with a map of Greater Armenia (Mets Hayk), consisting of 6 parts that tell about the provinces of Greater Armenia which, as Samvel Karapetian said, is the Foundation's masterpiece of the century, is among the donated books.
"The only guardian of Armenian culture are Armenians who are in their cradle -homeland," Raffi Kortoshian said expressing hope that one day Armenian people will be able to bring back [with their honest work] what they have lost.
Director of the ASPU Scientific Library Tigran Petrosyants who served as the Scientific Secretary of the Armenian Society for the Preservation of Historical Monuments, is familiar with the Foundation's important mission. He says 'our enemies do not tolerate what the Armenians have, i.e. khachkars, coats of arms, etc.'
Tigran Petrosyants adds that the library had books and e-databases before the donation as well. He is sure that the donated books will be interesting and useful for readers.
"With the books he created and life he has lived, and Samvel Karapetian has his influence on any person. He teaches us to walk properly in the homeland, to enjoy every stone and bush, to be educated and cleansed, to educate others and to self-educate,” said Khachatur Stepanyan, Head of the ASPU Chair of World History and its Teaching Methods. He added that although still young, Raffi Kortoshian continues the work of the great patriot and expert in monuments.
