Matenadaran: A Treasury of Armenian Manuscripts

The Matenadaran, whose name translates to "manuscript store" or "library" in ancient Armenian, is a unique institution dedicated to the preservation and study of Armenian and foreign manuscripts. Its collection dates back to 405 AD, when Saint Mesrop Mashtots created the Armenian alphabet. The institute safeguards over 20,000 manuscripts, including approximately 14,500 in Armenian and 2,500 in other languages like Greek, Arabic, Persian, and Latin. The Matenadaran's collection encompasses a wide range of subjects, including history, geography, philosophy, science, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, church history, and law. These manuscripts are invaluable historical sources, with some preserving original texts otherwise lost to time. The institute also houses a collection of old printed books, showcasing intricate decorations and precious stones. The current building, designed by Mark Grigoryan, was constructed between 1945 and 1957. Statues of prominent Armenian figures adorn the main facade, including Movses Khorenatsi, Anania Shirakatsi, Mkhitar Gosh, Toros Roslin, Frik, and Grigor Tatevatsi. In front stands the sculpture of Mesrop Mashtots with his pupil Koryun. An open-air museum near the building displays ancient monuments from across Armenia, such as dragon stones and khachkars. A new building, designed by Arthur Meschyan, was added in 2011 to accommodate the growing collection. The Matenadaran is not only a repository but also a research center, conducting studies on Armenian writing, textology, paleography, and medieval book painting. It was registered in UNESCO's World Memory list in 1997 and is considered a crucial site for preserving and developing Armenian national memory.