France 24: Armenia protecting ancient artefacts from war, vandalismNovember 17, 2020 - 15:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Ever since rockets started falling over Nagorno-Karabakh, a team of historians has worked to bring hundreds of ancient Armenian manuscripts to safety for fear they might be destroyed by artillery or vandalism, France 24 says in a fresh article. Behind a thick vault door at the Matenadaran cultural centre in Armenia’s capital Yerevan, troves of Armenian manuscripts – some dating as far back as the 13th century – can be found. They have temporarily been moved there from their sister complex in Karabakh amid the war. “We saw the rocket fire fall on the Ghazanchetsots cathedral in Shushi, since the Matendaran is located next to the monastery complex of Gandzasar. For reasons of security, we decided to temporarily move everything to the Matenadaran in Yerevan,” explains Aram Torosyan, director of the centre. But he is not just worried about rocket fire. “The manuscripts were removed, given how the destruction of monuments is an ongoing phenomenon for these terrorists – Azerbaijani, Turkish groups, they have this tendency to destroy monuments.” The manuscripts are an important part of Armenia’s cultural heritage. The Matenadaran in Yerevan is the world's largest repository of Armenian manuscripts. Azerbaijan launched the war against Nagorno-Karabakh on September 27 and only on November 10 was it possible to reach a deal on the cessation of hostilities. Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |