AraratBank continues its partnership of over two years with the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, this time focusing on ensuring the security and preservation of Armenian written heritage.
With AraratBank’s financial support, Matenadaran’s video surveillance and security systems have been modernized. These systems will safeguard the exceptional and invaluable Armenian and foreign-language manuscripts housed at Matenadaran, while also ensuring the safety of visitors, tourists, researchers, and staff.
Following last year’s initiative, AraratBank has co-financed the annual international seminar “The Faces of Memory,” alongside the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, and the European Union. This year’s 14th seminar brings together 25 specialists from 18 countries, including representatives from renowned libraries, archives, and museums.
“Financial support also carries moral significance for both parties, because Matenadaran, with its international recognition and prestige, is entirely suited to pan-Armenian participation and engagement—it is our passport to the civilized world,” stated Ara Khzmalyan, Director of Matenadaran.
“It is an honor for us to implement programs dedicated to national values, and today is a joyous occasion for all of us, as the 14th annual international seminar held at Matenadaran carries great international importance,” said Mher Ananyan, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of AraratBank.
“It is through this consistent work that we can speak today of the seminar’s expanding geography and growing international cooperation,” noted Zhanna Andreasyan, RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports.
“Recognizing the rich repository of knowledge and history housed at Matenadaran reinforces the universal significance of cultural preservation beyond national boundaries, highlighting the shared responsibility we all bear,” said Václav Sterba, Deputy Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Armenia.
In his opening speech, the Director of Matenadaran noted that AraratBank was the first financial institution to partner with Matenadaran. During the ceremony, Ara Khzmalyan presented the “Matenadaran’s Benefactor” gold medal to Mher Ananyan, Chairman of the Board and CEO of AraratBank.
“We have established the “Matenadaran’s Benefactor” gold medal, awarded to the institutions and individuals who have made exceptionally significant contributions to Matenadaran’s mission. By decision of the Board of Directors, AraratBank is honored with “Matenadaran’s Benefactor” gold medal today,” stated Ara Khzmalyan.
Following the seminar’s opening ceremony, a special event took place in Matenadaran’s Museum to immortalize AraratBank’s name in golden letters on the Arc of Honor.
Notably, in 2024, AraratBank supported the establishment and equipping of Matenadaran’s laboratory for biochemical research of manuscripts and co-financed the 13th annual international seminar “The Faces of Memory”.
