For the 13th time the "Faces of Memory" international seminar brings together influential institutions around the world with the mission of preserving written heritage.

Within 13 years, Matenadaran hosted more than 130 international organizations, hundreds of professionals and established extensive business contacts. Matenadaran is regarded as the only professional center for restoration of written heritage in Armenia and one of the best in the region. For over 60 years of its existence, it has accumulated an immense professional expertise, restoring thousands of manuscripts, archival documents and ancient books not only from its own collections, but also from museums and libraries throughout Armenia.

AraratBank, in its commitment to preserving cultural heritage, has financed a new biochemical laboratory in Matenadaran. The official opening of the laboratory will take place on October 11, within the frames of the "Faces of Memory" 13th annual international scientific seminar, also funded by AraratBank. The seminar will be held between 9 and 12 October.

"AraratBank's support creates new opportunities for Matenadaran, enhancing its possibilities for preservation and restoration of written heritage,” noted Ara Khzmalyan. “This initiative is consistent with the new development strategy of Matenadaran, intended to expand the role of the institution in the protection of written heritage, including the cultural property of Armenian spiritual and manuscript centers located all across the globe.”

"We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the administration of Matenadaran. The opportunity for our engagement in this worthy endeavor is invaluable. Today I would like to reaffirm our commitment and express the hope for the continuation of our reliable partnership in the future.

I personally place great importance on preservation of manuscripts. While still a student-orientalist, I had the honor of studying Arabic manuscripts in Matenadaran. That experience has increased my genuine awareness of the importance of our cultural heritage.

The cooperation between Matenadaran and AraratBank is not only an investment in the preservation of Armenian culture, but also an opportunity to share in a globally important scientific advancement. We are proud to be able to add our voice to this important mission, and we believe that this initiative will benefit future generations," said Grigor Hovhannissian, Chairman of the Board of Directors at AraratBank.

AraratBank's support to the Biochemical Laboratory of Matenadaran is a significant step forward in charting new horizons for conservation and research of the cultural heritage of Armenia.