Matenadaran – The museum of ancient manuscripts

At the upper end of Mashtots Avenue, is Matenadaran, with its solemn facade facing Ararat. Impressing statues of Mashtots, the creator of Armenian Alphabet and other eminent Armenians; Korun, Gosh, Shirakatsi, Tatevatsi etc. are erected in front of Matenadaran.

Matenadaran, which was built in 1959, has one of the world’s largest manuscript collections in the world and has the largest collection of Armenian manuscripts. It has over 20 000 units which include numerous fragments from Armenian and foreign ancient manuscripts, complete parchments, copies of first printed books etc. The oldest manuscript, that has been preserved completely, is the Vehamor (Our Lady) Gospel written in the 7th century. Some of the most impressing items in Matenadaran are the Msho Charentir, the largest manuscript that weighs over 27 kilos and the tiny church calendar of 1434 which not bigger than a passport photo and which weighs only 19 grams. Many manuscripts with Armenian miniature done with Armenian Red, a magnificent dyestuff discovered in ancient Armenia are exhibited in Matenadaran. This special paint was first documented to exist in 714 B.C. and was made from worms peculiar only to Ararat plain. The Armenian Cochineal was used in rugs and in miniatures, which maintain their vivid color even after centuries.

Matenadaran is not only a museum, but a major research center. There is a large library functioning adjacent to Matenadaran, which is truly the most important scientific center for Armenian studies.

Even a very short visit to Matenadaran, (Shelf for Parchments) will reveal the vital role the Armenian language and the Armenian Alphabet have played in world culture…