U.S. Commits to Restoring Artsakh Manuscripts Housed in Madenataran

The Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts has launched a project aimed at restoring and publicizing the written heritage created in Nagorno-Karabakh and housed in the Madenataran. The project is being implemented with the support of the United States.

The U.S. Ambassador’s Fund for the Preservation of Cultural Values has allocated $74,000 to the Madenataran for the implementation of the project.

The project selected manuscripts and unique archive documents written and illustrated in Gandzasar, Dadivank, Gndevank, Khadavank, Gtchavank, and other Armenian medieval monasteries from the 13th to 18th centuries to provide insight into the rich Armenian cultural heritage and historical gaps.

“A vast collection of spiritual experience accumulated over millennia, a unique layer of Christian tradition, is facing existential threats. This reality makes us even more vigilant in protecting the heritage that has survived various historical events. As a result of this project, manuscripts and ancient archival documents, preserved for centuries in historical Artsakh-Utik, will be restored,” said Ara Khzmalyan, the director of the Madentaran.

“We want to assure you that this heritage, thought of Armenian origin, is also part of world culture and holds pan-Christian significance. The collection preserved in the Madenataran represents a broader context of written culture, beyond the manuscript heritage of Nagorno-Karabakh,” he added.

Armenia’s Culture Minister Zhanna Andreasyan emphasized that the manuscript heritage of Nagorno-Karabakh holds a unique place in Armenian cultural heritage. She noted that this heritage, with its distinctive handwriting and rich traditions, has yet to be properly publicized and presented to the world.

U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien said she was delighted at the significant work carried out by the Madenataran and noted her pleasure in visiting regularly.

“It is especially important for me to be present today to announce the launch of this program, under which efforts will be made to preserve the manuscripts of Nagorno-Karabakh. The cultural heritage and values of Nagorno-Karabakh must be unequivocally preserved,” Kvien said.