Azat Bazoyan: States having a serious school of translation are considered more powerful today

PanARMENIAN.Net - Upon the initiative of Council of Young Orientalists, Doctor of History Azat Bazoyan delivered a report on the "Role of Translators in Mediterranean Culture".



He started with a retrospective review of Greco-Roman translators' contribution to world history, referring to the translators of Arab Califate, as well as main events at different stages of European history and influence of ancient translations in Renaissance era.



Historian dwelled on translation art in Armenia, which, tracing back its origins to the invention of Armenian scripts, played crucial role in Mediterranean culture and developed on equal footing with European translation school beginning the 5th century. Translators also played a key role in disseminating Christianity in Armenia. They translated excerpts from Holy Book into the language of indigenous population. Invention of Armenian scripts contributed to the translation of Holy Writ, enriching Armenian chronicles with many new genres. To honor those achievements, Armenian Apostolic church established a special holiday - Holy Translators' Day. Translation from Armenian became reliable historical source for many nations.



"The culture of translation is one of the key elements of culture testifying to the cultural development of a nation. States having a serious school of translation are considered more powerful today," Azat Bazoyan said in conclusion.