On December 18 on the initiative of the Speaker of the National Assembly Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan in the NA Gilded Hall the presentation of the book Sisakan: Topography of Syunik by the Armenian distinguished poet, philologist, historian, geographer, translator, member of Venice Mekhitarist Congregation Ghevond Alishan was held. The book is dedicated to the 500th anniversary of the Armenian printing and was republished by the sponsorship of the Governor of Syunik Mr. Suren Khachatryan.
The Chairman of the NA Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Mr. Artak Davtyan gave an opening speech. He emphasized the republishing of the book and touched upon Ghevond Alishan’s heritage dedicated to the Armenian studies and geography, reminding the great poet’s words: “Be reasonable, love Armenian language, Armenia and each other.”
In his greeting word RA NA Speaker Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan said:
“Dear guests,
I am glad to welcome you in the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia. During the past year the Armenian parliament was not only the center of the legislative power of our country, but also an important center of culture and knowledge, where many events were held. Of course, the National Assembly is the place, where the Armenian word and thought, Armenian culture will be kept.
In almost all spheres of the Armenian studies the forefather of the Mekhitarist Congregation Father Ghevond Alishan has great contribution. He began his career as a poet. With his poetic lasting heritage, as Ghazaros Aghayan characterized, he became Forefather of Thousands of Grandchildren. Alishan was powerful and unique personality, his literary heritage of 60 volumes became the crown of the Armenian thought.
In Ghevond Alishan’s heritage the works of historical and geographical character occupy their unique place. He planned all states, provinces, cities and villages of Armenia: he gave their characterizations, history, described the monuments of material culture. His aim was to publish in 20 books the complete description of all states of Armenia. In the 1870s he launched that unimaginable work. Without being at least once in Armenia he wrote voluminous works on Shirak, Ararat, Syunik, Armenian Cilicia. His books dedicated to Aghvank and Artsakh remained incomplete. The works dedicated to the states of Historical Armenia continue to be invaluable sources for today’s researchers.
Still during his life time the thought characterizing the great Forefather became a saying that Alishan was big and far looking eye that living in Venice could count all the stones of Armenia.
Today the generations highly assess Ghevond Alishan’s contribution and complete devotion to the Armenian culture. Its vivid evidence is the republishing of the book Sisakan:
Topography of Syunik
printed by Hayagitak publishing house on the initiative and sponsorship of the Governor of Syunik Mr. Samvel Khachatryan. The book is dedicated to the 500th
anniversary of the Armenian printing. This brilliant work is a rich complete encyclopedia data and spiritual food. Let this initiative of Suren Khachatryan serve an example for our other Armenians in passing to the rich cultural heritage and generations.”
Governor of Syunik Mr. Suren Khachatryan thanked NA Speaker Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan and those present for assessing his initiative as granted. He noted that the process of republishing the works of the devotees of the Armenian culture and literature would be continuous.
Writer, publicist Razmik Davoyan stressed the state sponsorship in evaluating the Armenian culture. In this context he highly assessed the NA Speaker’s undertaken measures, among which was the first Youth Republican Recitation Competition-Festival.
RA Deputy Minister of Culture Mr. Davit Muradyan, Director of Hayagitak Publishing House Albert Isoyan. Literary critic Kim Aghabekyan had welcoming speech and touched upon Ghevond Alishan’s significant activity in the history of the Armenian studies and Armenian literature and the importance of the republished book Sisakan.
NA Speaker Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan expressed willingness to support and sponsor the publishing of the valuable works of the Armenian culture and literature.