Bust of Academician Joseph Orbeli unveiled in St. Petersburg University

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan visited St. Petersburg State University to participate in the official unveiling ceremony of Academician Joseph Orbeli’s bust.

Director of the Hermitage Museum Mikhail Piotrovsky also was present at the ceremony.

The Armenian Prime Minister explained his arrival at University by three factors: first, the Armenian people’s attitude towards Orbeli’s family, which includes outstanding scientists, who have considerably contributed to the Armenian science. Second, a special attitude should be displayed towards science and people engaged in it in the 21st century. And third, if respect is displayed towards the peoples, who are bearers of such values, it will contribute to formation of a new society.

“A special aura is established in the university yard. And it seems that it lacked Orbeli’s bust,” he said.

Joseph Orbeli was a Soviet orientalist of Armenian descent. He was an Academician of the USSR Academy of Sciences, as well as Academy of Sciences of the Armenian SSR, associate professor and professor of the St. Petersburg University. He worked in the Hermitage Museum, where he established a department of Oriental Studies. Besides, he was a director of the Hermitage Museum.