On International Mother Language Day, AraratBank Summarizes Results of Unique Project with Matenadaran
The new biochemical research laboratory, established in Matenadaran with AraratBank’s support in October 2024, has demonstrated remarkable progress since its inception.
The facility has successfully completed contamination analysis and disinfection procedures for 9 manuscripts (comprising 3,164 pages), 8 antiquarian and printed books, and one oil painting. The laboratory has also conducted crucial air quality assessments in the Restoration Department’s workspaces.
Throughout 2024, the Matenadaran’s Restoration Department has accomplished extensive conservation and restoration work, including 7,247 manuscript pages, 10 leather book covers, 18 early printed books, 43 prayer scrolls (spanning 26 meters), 1,280 archival document pages, and 18 historic photographs.
Notably, this important initiative has been implemented with the support of AraratBank, which became the first financial institution to undertake the mission of contributing to the development of Matenadaran. “It is a great honor for us to be the first financial institution taking practical steps towards developing Matenadaran as a cultural center of global significance. We are pleased to see that our initiative had a strong outreach, and we are confident it will serve as an example for many companies, inspiring them to join forces in the preservation of our cultural heritage,” said Mher Ananyan, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of AraratBank.
As we approach International Mother Language Day, initiatives aimed at preserving our national identity, written culture, and linguistic purity become increasingly significant. The Armenian language and script have served as the fundamental means of our nation’s survival and cultural heritage transmission throughout the centuries.
Since the creation of the Armenian alphabet, our manuscript culture has been the most vital factor in preserving our identity. The Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran continues this mission today, serving as the leading center for preserving and studying Armenian cultural heritage.
In 1999, the UNESCO declared 21 February as the International Mother Language Day, to promote the recognition and use of language rights. Armenia has been commemorating International Mother Language Day since 2005, highlighting the essential importance of preserving and passing on our mother tongue through generations.