AraratBank to Support Modernization of Laboratory of Biological Research of Manuscripts at Matenadaran

On April 15, 2023, a ceremony for the signing of the Donation Agreement and Memorandum of Cooperation was held in the Donation Hall of Matenadaran.

Under this Agreement, AraratBank will provide financial support to Matenadaran for the modernization and re-equipment of the Laboratory of Biological Research of Manuscripts and the implementation of the 13^th annual international seminar on "Faces of Memory: Latest technologies for preservation and restoration of manuscript and printed heritage" authored by Matenadaran. A memorandum was also signed as a tool for promoting a more comprehensive cooperation between Matenadaran and AraratBank.

The signing ceremony was attended by Chief Executive Officer of AraratBank Mher Ananyan, Director of Matenadaran Arayik Khzmalyan, and Executive Director of “Friends of Matenadaran” Foundation Davit Danielyan.

"It is not about the money that we prefer to open up, but about the values within the walls of Matenadaran, which are indeed invaluable. Matenadaran needs a laboratory that will meet high international standards, because the manuscripts stored here for centuries are living things. The arising challenges cannot be addressed through conventional methods. New laboratories are being created around the world, new and strong laboratories equipped to provide a more efficient, sound and scientifically based storage of ancient manuscripts. Together with Matenadaran, we are trying to set up a modernized and re-equipped laboratory in the pursuit of national cause," said Chief Executive Officer of AraratBank Mher Ananyan.

"We have more than 60 years of expertise on restoration, yet manuscripts are exposed not only to physical, but also to biological and chemical damage, and that's why we have recently formed a Group of Biochemical Research of Manuscripts, which will work day and night on a study of the biochemical status of our manuscripts.

In no way should this cooperation between Matenadaran and AraratBank be taken as a mere provision of support by the bank to acquire the equipment that we need so much. Such cooperation has a strong moral voice and builds a positive momentum," noted Arayik Khzmalyan, Director of Matenadaran.

The unparalleled performance of the "Avetis" string quartet followed the official part of the event, marking the beginning of a new comprehensive cooperation.