Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Natalie Agazarian
Editor
“Colophons of Armenian manuscripts are a separate genre of literature; among many other things, they reveal the inter-relationships between Armenians and other groups,” remarked Dr. David Zakarian during his presentation, “Colophons: Treasures of Armenian Manuscripts,” held on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at St. Paul Armenian Apostolic Church, in collaboration with the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Greater Fresno Chapter.
The afternoon began with an introduction by Prof. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, who thanked both the church and the AGBU for co-hosting the event and introducing Dr. Zakarian as the newly appointed Haig & Isabel Berberian Professor of Armenian Studies.
During the Armenian Genocide, Armenians often carried a manuscript with them as they fled, resulting in the preservation of many Gospel manuscripts.
While much of manuscript study has focused on the language, inscriptions, art, and composition, Dr. Zakarian’s research specifically highlights the colophons – a lesser-studied, but rich source of historical insight.
“Colophons are much more than just a piece of information. Scribes would use a designated part of the manuscript to commemorate people in the manuscript,” said Dr. Zakarian.
The British Library defines a colophon as “an inscription relating to the production of manuscripts or printed books.” However, Dr. Zakarian expanded this definition, describing colophons as, “an inscription of varying length in the form of a plea found commonly at the conclusion of a manuscript (or early printed book), serving to memorialize everyone involved in its creation, often providing information about the circumstances of production. The main aim of memorialization was to increase one’s chance of salvation through the prayers of future readers who would ask God to remember everybody commemorated in the colophon during His second coming and have mercy on them.”
After discussing the definition, Dr. Zakarian outlined the typical structure of a colophon. The inscriptions reveal that the “concept of salvation was key to their [the Armenians] identity,” he noted.
“All colophons start with the word “park” or “glory.” After reading and translating the colophon for the audience, he broke down its format: the doxology (glory statement), date of inscription, sponsor name, list of authoritative figures, name of the scribes, a personal story, curses or blessings, and a memorable remark.
“One of my favorite things is when you find the illuminator’s [painter’s] or scribes’ inscriptions,” commented Dr. Zakarian. These small details shed light on their personalities, concerns, daily lives, and even family trees. “Scribes could write whatever they wanted – what worried them, even such mundane things as what fruits they liked, and more,” he added.
“These details reveal the beauty of human nature, as well as the laborious reality of manuscript production.”
Dr. Zakarian introduced the Moush Lectionary, the largest surviving Armenian manuscript, held in the collection of the Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran in Yerevan, Armenia.
This manuscript “symbolizes the history of the Armenian people in general,” he remarked. The commemorative notes with-in the manuscript document its journey across lands, listing the names of every person who donated money to free it from captivity and preserve it.
Weighing sixty-two pounds, this 13th century manuscript was so large, that it had to be cut in half. During the Armenian Genocide, one half was buried in a churchyard, while two women carried the other half to safety.
These acts demonstrated the lengths Armenians would go to protect their sacred texts. To further ensure their survival, Armenians placed protective curses over the manuscripts, condemning any unworthy captor to the torments of the serpent, Judas, Cain, and other disgraced figures.
This presentation summarized many years of Dr. Zakarian’s dedicated research.
As he continues to collaborate with other scholars and uncover new insights, the Armenian Studies Program and broader community remain eager to engage with and learn from this emerging field of study.