The Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts Matenadaran marked two significant milestones with the support of AraratBank: the opening of a new biochemical laboratory and an international seminar.

On October 11, Matenadaran officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art biochemical laboratory, financed by AraratBank.

The bank reported that this new facility is set to elevate Matenadaran’s manuscript restoration capabilities to a new level and will significantly contribute to the implementation of its new programs. The laboratory will play a crucial role in the restoration of manuscript collections from spiritual centers worldwide, which is one of Matenadaran’s priority projects.

AraratBank’s support extended beyond funding the laboratory. The bank also co-financed the 13th annual international scientific seminar “Faces of Memory,” held at Matenadaran between October 9 and 11.
The seminar brought together leading experts, manuscript specialists, scientists, and restorers from various parts of the world, including Italy, Greece, Lithuania, India, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, France, Belgium, Moldova, and Georgia. Participants presented thematic reports and conducted masterclasses in Matenadaran’s restoration laboratory.

The four-day seminar covered a range of important topics in the field of manuscript preservation and restoration, including:

•    International management expertise in the conservation and restoration of written heritage
•    Documentation methods for the restoration and preservation of written heritage: European legislation on preservation
•    Good practices and methods for restoration and conservation
•    Higher education in the field of restoration and conservation of written heritage
•    Analysis of certain components of manuscripts: successful restoration examples  

As part of the event, an exhibition titled “The Radiant Mission of Matenadaran” was opened, showcasing restored samples not only from Matenadaran but also from other galleries in Armenia.

The opening ceremony featured speeches by Grigor Hovhannissian, Chairman of the Board of AraratBank; Mher Ananyan, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of AraratBank; Ara Khzmalyan, Director of Matenadaran; Gayane Eliazyan, Head of the Department of Restoration of the Biochemical Research Group of Manuscripts at Matenadaran; Vassilis Maragos, Head of Delegation, Ambassador of the European Union to Armenia and Zhanna Andreasyan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports.

“These initiatives marked significant steps in preserving and studying Armenia’s cultural heritage, as well as advancing international scientific collaboration in the field of manuscript restoration and preservation,” the bank said in a news release.