With the support of AraratBank, Matenadaran will record a new milestone in the restoration of manuscripts and expand the scope of international cooperation.

ArmInfo.In describing the significant collaboration between the Mashtots Matenadaran and AraratBank, Ara Khzmalyan, Director of the Matenadaran Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, emphasized, “This support extends far beyond mere financial aid.” AraratBank has aided Matenadaran in upgrading and modernizing a new biochemical laboratory for manuscript examination and restoration within the Institute's Restoration Department.

On April 15, both parties signed two crucial documents: a Memorandum of Cooperation and a Donation Agreement. These agreements will substantially bolster efforts towards restoration and preservation of ancient manuscripts and will provide a fully equipped laboratory to complement Matenadaran's existing Restoration Department.

For the past 13 years, Matenadaran has annually organized an international scientific seminar titled "Faces of Memory: The Latest Technologies for Preservation and Restoration of Manuscript and Printed Heritage." Esteemed experts deliver speeches and conduct masterclasses during this event hosted by Matenadaran's Restoration Department. This year, AraratBank will sponsor the 13th annual seminar to be held at Matenadaran between October 8 and 13, 2024.

Khzmalyan underlined that AraratBank's sponsorship signifies a long-term commitment to an ideological partnership between the Bank and the Institute. He highlighted the invaluable impact this intervention will have not only on Matenadaran but also on other Armenian institutions engaged in the conservation and restoration of written heritage.

Moreover, thanks to the establishment of the biochemical laboratory, Matenadaran will have the capacity to train specialists from outside Armenia involved in the conservation and restoration of Armenian manuscripts worldwide. Khzmalyan asserted that Armenian specialists in the field of the restoration of written heritage are exceptional and remain at the forefront of their field in terms of the best practices and expertise.

Khzmalyan underscored the global significance of Matenadaran in manuscript restoration, emphasizing the need for ambitious goals and sustained support. He expressed gratitude to AraratBank for their crucial assistance.

Mher Ananyan, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Executive Board of AraratBank, highlighted that the primary objective of cooperation with Matenadaran is to preserve values of utmost significance for future generations. He emphasized the importance of supporting higher values beyond mere financial contributions, driven by shared ideologies.

Ananyan explained that after visiting Matenadaran and interacting with its specialists, it became evident that the Institute required a state-of-the-art biochemical laboratory to combat the damage caused by microbes and fungi to the manuscripts. He expressed AraratBank's commitment to creating such a laboratory in collaboration with Matenadaran.

Expressing the significance of providing assistance, Ananyan emphasized that every Armenian leaving Matenadaran would gain a deeper understanding of their identity and the programs necessary for the future benefit of their country and people.

Lusine Margaryan, a restorer and member of Matenadaran's Biochemical Research team, highlighted the collaborative efforts with other institutions so far, such as the Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Biotechnology of the Faculty of Biology of Yerevan State University and the Research and Production Center "Armbiotechnology", to prepare antifungal and antimicrobial substances based on medieval manuscript recipes. She expressed gratitude to AraratBank for their vital initiative and contribution to preserving cultural heritage through appropriate equipment and support.