NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION OF ARMENIA

The presentation of the book “ARMENIAN PANORAMA. CULTURE, NATURE, PEOPLE” published within the framework of the cooperation between National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia and the Georg-August University of Göttingen was held.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Sports of the Republic of Armenia Artur Martirosyan, NUACA Rector Yeghiazar Vardanyan, Cultural and Press Attaché of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in the Republic of Armenia Jakob Ziegler, Representative of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Silvia Schmid, Doctor, Professor at Georg-August University of Göttingen Siegfried Siegesmund, as well as NUACA academic staff, and students.

The book was published with the support of “Volkswagen” International Research Foundation within the framework of the program entitled “Stones in Armenian Architecture”, launched in 2019. It was dedicated to the preservation of stone structures and Armenian heritage. Within the framework of the program research works, study of natural stone corrosion in the Armenian cultural heritage, and damage assessment were carried out. From Armenia the program was also attended by the ICOMOS/Armenia National Committee, the Agency for the Protection of Monuments of History and Culture Protection of the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, the Institute of Geological Sciences of the NAS RA, the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography, the Erebuni Museum. Within the framework of the program, summer schools were implemented, the first two in Armenia in 2019, and the third in 2020 in a remote format.

Deputy Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Sports Artur Martirosyan congratulated the attendees and the author personally for this important work in the field of Armenian Studies, which united the representatives of education, science, and culture.

“We hope that the distinguished scientist will continue his work on the study and dissemination of Armenian culture, and in the future also we will have opportunities to participate in the presentations of new and interesting works. I especially attach importance to the fact that the works are carried out in cooperation with one of the best universities in Armenia, National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia,” said Artur Martirosyan.

Rector Yeghiazar Vardanyan greeted the attendees and extended his gratitude to the parties involved in the implementation of the project for organizing it at a high level.

“We deem the implementation of the project effective in terms of the study, preservation and popularization of Armenian historical-architectural heritage. In particular, joint summer schools were organized, the latest research equipment was provided to our University, with the use of which research works were conducted in a number of historical and cultural sites. The research outcomes are summarized in the materials of the conference entitled “The Future of Monuments. Stone Corrosion and Strengthening 2020”,” noted Mr. Vardanyan.

The book, entitled “Armenian Panorama. Culture, Nature, People” presents the fascinating aspects of Armenia and the Armenian people, giving foreigners the opportunity to discover Armenia, get acquainted with its culture, nature, population, natural and historical monuments, etc.

According to Doctor, Professor at Georg-August University of Göttingen Siegfried Siegesmund, the book was envisaged to be published as a scientific work, then it was decided to expand the scope, encompassing various fields of study. The professor extended his gratitude to the supporters, the Armenian specialists, especially the specialists of National University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia for the input of efforts and successful ending.

The book also touches upon the geological evolution of Armenia, archeological heritage, sacral and secular architecture, winemaking and other fields of subsistence culture. Besides, 100 reasons why you should love Armenia are presented.