As part of a delegation visit to Iran led by Armenia’s Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan, the Armenian Corner was officially inaugurated at the National Library and Archives of Iran, where around sixty books on Armenian history and culture will be displayed.
The Ministry has already donated fifteen books, while other volumes were contributed by members of the Armenian delegation.
The initiative was carried out at the proposal of the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts – Matenadaran, with support from the Armenian Embassy in Iran.
Highlighting the symbolic importance of the initiative, Andreasyan said, “This is yet another testimony to the centuries-old friendship, neighborly relations, and intercultural dialogue between Armenia and Iran.”
She emphasized the role of institutions that preserve historical memory in both countries, noting that in Iran, this mission is undertaken by the National Library and Archives, while in Armenia it is fulfilled by the Matenadaran and the National Library of Armenia.
“Matenadaran, as a repository of thousands of Armenian and foreign-language manuscripts and early printed books, is considered a priceless center not only for Armenian but for global civilization. The National Library of Armenia, with its vast collection, plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Armenia’s literary and scholarly heritage,” she noted.
During the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Matenadaran and the National Library and Archives of Iran. The document was signed by Matenadaran Director Ara Khzmalyan and Iranian counterpart Gholamreza Amirkhani.
The memorandum will serve as a foundation for joint exhibitions of Armenian and Persian manuscripts and expanded research collaboration.
Ara Khzmalyan, referring to the already effective partnership, noted that Matenadaran has received dozens of catalogues from the library and has regularly sent Iranology- and Armenology-related materials via the embassy.
In a meeting with the head of the Iranian National Library and Archives, the parties also discussed enhancing cooperation between the national libraries of Armenia and Iran. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of the memorandum signed on August 19, 2025, in Yerevan, which outlines plans for professional exchange, joint projects, and initiatives.
Zhanna Andreasyan also stressed the need for training library professionals and developing professional capacity.
Regarding translation efforts, both parties underlined the significance of translating and promoting Armenian literature into Persian and vice versa.
