YEREVAN, DECEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS. Grabar (ancient Armenian language, known as Classical Armenian) is the key of writing monuments of the Armenian heritage.

Within the framework of “Grabar Days” program held in the Matenadaran, “Armenpress” talked with program coordinator, researcher Tatevik Manukyan about the program.

-What is the importance of Grabar in today’s science, in particular, in the Matenadaran?

-Before the 20th century, all Armenian sciences are certified in Grabar, and Grabar is a precondition to understand this entire writing heritage. Our literary heritage is contained in manuscripts, and knowledge of Grabar is a priority in order to study them and publish the original texts. The knowledge of Grabar makes available our ancient literary culture to the current generation. And eventually, Grabar is our national spirit, the maintenance of national memory, it is an opportunity for new generation to learn and speak literate Armenian.

-How the Matenadaran cooperates with the Ararat Patriarchal Diocese, and how long it exists?

-Within the frames of “Grabar Days” program, this is the first year the Matenadaran cooperates with the Ararat Patriarchal Diocese by bringing its participation in the program. Visits of school-children to the Matenadaran were organized within the frames of the program. They last over two months, the launch has already kicked off.  

Interview by Ani Danielyan

The full interview is available in Armenian.