Haigazian University in Beirut, Lebanon, held the inaugural ceremony of its Armenian Diaspora Research Center with the unveiling of a plaque in the new Heritage Building by University President Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian and Yercho Samuelian, whose donation made the launching of the center possible, The Armenian Weekly reported.
Established to study the diverse aspects of the Armenian Diaspora in the Middle East and throughout the world, using the most advanced research techniques, the center aims to conduct and publish primary research – while holding annual academic conferences, public lectures, and internship programs – that will further the understanding of Armenian culture.
Characterizing the Diaspora as a “vast world of people, symbols, dynamics, and relationships,” the president of Haigazian University, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian emphasized the importance of researching these communities, which will take us “deeper into revisiting what we thought we knew.”
“We present our research to the academic community so that future generations may be reconciled with their past,” he said.
Armenian ambassador to Lebanon, Ashot Kocharian read a letter from the Armenian Minister of Diaspora, Hranush Hakobyan, who offered her congratulations to Haigazian University and its dedicated staff and faculty. She said she hopes the center tackles the challenges and issues facing Armenian communities worldwide, and greatly contributes to the cooperation between Armenians and the Diaspora.
