Exhibition dedicated to Lazarian noble dynasty to open at Matenadaran
An exhibition dedicated to the activities of the Lazarian noble dynasty of Armenia will open at Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, commonly referred to as the Matenadaran, on Sept. 5.
As the Matenadaran administration told Panorama.am, vastly valuable and rare papers, unique historical documents, photographs and medals stored in the collections of the Mashtots Matenadaran and Museum of Literature and Art after Yeghishe Charents will go on display.
The exposition also features manuscript samples from the Lazarians Fund of Matenadaran.
The Lazarians have played significant role in Iran and particularly in the Armenian life of New Julfa. Setting up in Russia in the mid-18th century, they have made a great contribution to the economy and enlightenment of the country. Their role in the strengthening of the Armenian-Russian friendly relations, the development and enrichment of Armenian and Russian cultures is enormous.
By the efforts of the Lazarians, in 1805 the Armenian cemetery "Vagankovskoe" was founded in Moscow, where St. Harutyun church was erected. In 1815, the famous Lazarian Seminary opened its doors and in 1829 a publishing house adjacent to the educational center was launched. Alongside the Seminary a theater was operating. In 1827, the Lazarian Seminary transformed into the Institute of Orintal Languages, which played a great role in Oriental Studies, as well as in formation of diplomatic thinking in Russia and the Soviet Union. Famous Armenian and Russian writers, cultural figures, philologists and historians have studied at the Lazaryan Seminary.
The exhibition presents the glorious path of the Lazarian dynasty. It is organized with the support of the Armenian Ministry of Culture.