Hye Sharzhoom Armenian Action
Dr. David Zakarian
Special to Hye Sharzhoom
The second International Congress of Armenian Studies convened at the Matenadaran, Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts in Yerevan, between July 9 and 12, 2025, bringing together some forty leading scholars, representatives of Armenian Studies programs and centers, and an increasing number of young researchers. Supported by Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports and the Committee on Higher Education and Science, the Congress offered a platform to assess recent advances in Armenian studies, outline future directions, and forge cross-institutional collaborations.
Opening and Institutional Update
Key figures welcoming participants included Ara Khzmalyan, Director of the Matenadaran; Zhanna Andreasyan, Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports; Sargis Hayotsyan, Chairman of the Committee on Higher Education and Science; and Valentina Calzolari, President of the AIEA (International Association of Armenian Studies).
In his remarks, Khzmalyan highlighted the implementation progress of the Matenadaran Development Program and infrastructure improvements carried out over the past year. It was reassuring to observe that the Matenadaran continues to undertake significant work in advancing research in Armenian studies and in preserving Armenia’s material culture, and that these efforts receive the support of the government.
Broadening the Reach of Armenian Studies at
Fresno State
This year the Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State was represented by Dr. David Zakarian, the Haig and Isabel Berberian Professor of Armenian Studies. Dr. Zakarian had the privilege to speak in Session 2, chaired by Cesare Santus (University of Trieste), which focused on expanding existing Armenian Studies programs across universities. Dr. Zakarian’s presentation focused on three interrelated proposals aimed at expanding the scope of Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State. The first emphasized making Armenian Studies courses accessible across the California State University system via Cal State Online, which is the CSU’s system’s official portal for online and hybrid programs, offering bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate options.
The second highlighted the value of deeper cooperation with existing master’s programs, whether through dedicated M.A. offerings or Armenian-focused tracks, to provide continuity for undergraduates and strengthen academic depth.
The third addressed the doctoral level, proposing cross-university collaboration so that students could benefit from joint supervision by faculty across institutions, thereby compensating for gaps in specialist expertise.
Together, these initiatives are designed to broaden access, foster advanced scholarship, and ensure a more sustainable academic presence for Armenian Studies.
In addition to speaking, Dr. Zakarian chaired Session 3, which was dedicated to exploring possibilities of how Armenian Studies programs can engage more actively with the public in their host countries and the establishment of new programs at universities that do not yet have them.
Both sessions generated lively discussion about curricula, cross-institution partnerships, and funding models.
Highlights and Cultural Events
The program of the Congress also featured the launch of Ruben Galichian’s newest book The Hidden Cosmological and Geographical Treasures of the Matenadaran, which attracted considerable interest for its exploration of manuscript-based cosmology and geography in the Armenian tradition. In addition, the exhibition 1 Year’s Eternity-II: Manuscript Replenishments of the Matenadaran (July 2024–July 2025) was inaugurated, show-casing, among other works, a remarkable 17th-century Gospel known as “the Saviour.” Donated by the “Viva Armenia” company, this complete parchment manuscript, originally from Vaspurakan’s Lim Desert on Lake Van, had long been considered lost before its recent rediscovery and final placement at the Matenadaran.
Excursions and Closure
The final day took participants on a field trip to Gegharkunik Province. After convening in Gavar for the Congress’s closing session, delegates visited the medieval cemetery at Noratus, distinguished by its rich collection of khachkars (cross-stones). The journey concluded at Hayravank Monastery, a 9th- to 12th-century site on Lake Sevan’s southwestern shore, with a prayer offered by the Mekhitarist clergy in attendance, accompanied by a moving rendition of passages from the Armenian liturgy performed by some participants of the Congress.
Looking Ahead
The Congress proved highly productive: new friendships and institutional connections were forged; ideas for curriculum expansion, cooperative degrees, and multi-campus program delivery were exchanged; and the growing presence of young scholars signals a robust future for Armenian Studies.
For those of us at Fresno State, the event confirmed that there is both an opportunity and a responsibility to help lead in this field – locally and globally.