A ceremonial event dedicated to a landmark achievement in Armenian Iranian studies was held at the YSU Faculty of Oriental Studies. Professor Vardan Voskanyan, Candidate of Philological Sciences and Head of the Chair of Iranian Studies at YSU, has been awarded honorary membership of the Academy of Persian Language and Literature of Iran.
The official certificate confirming this highest academic distinction was presented to the professor by the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Armenia.
Academic merit and recognition
The ceremony opened with remarks by the Dean of the Faculty of Oriental Studies, Professor Ruben Melkonyan, Doctor of Historical Sciences. He described the occasion as a historic event not only for the faculty but for the entire university community.
"Professor Voskanyan's scholarly achievements and his contribution to the advancement of Iranian studies are indisputable. This title attests to the high standing enjoyed by the Armenian school of Iranian studies on the international stage, particularly within Iran's academic circles," he noted.
In his address, Professor Gurgen Melikyan from the Chair of Iranian Studies reflected on the chair's development and underscored the importance of generational continuity and academic excellence.
"It is a source of pride to witness our student and colleague receiving such a distinguished honor. This is the outcome of decades of dedicated work aimed at deepening the spiritual and cultural ties between our two peoples," he stated.
Ambassador's address and special donation
The ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia, highly commending Professor Voskanyan's contribution to the promotion of the Persian language and Iranian culture, emphasized that honorary membership in the academy is conferred only upon exceptional scholars. He stressed that such academic bridges constitute the most solid foundation for friendship between the two countries.
As a symbol of respect and cooperation, the ambassador donated the chair's library the Encyclopaedia of Islam, a publication of exceptional scholarly value, noting that it will serve as an important resource for students and researchers.
In his remarks, Professor Voskanyan expressed his gratitude to the Academy of Persian Language and Literature of Iran for the high honor bestowed upon him, as well as to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran for its continued support.
The professor highlighted the centuries-old Armenian-Iranian friendship and shared cultural heritage. He underscored that relations between the Armenian and Iranian peoples have a millennia-old historical and civilizational foundation, and that Iranian studies in Armenia represent not merely an academic discipline, but a vital channel of dialogue between the two nations.
Professor Voskanyan concluded by noting that he regards the title not as a personal achievement, but as recognition of the collective efforts of the Armenian school of Iranian studies. He affirmed his commitment to continuing his work in advancing the study of the Persian language and promoting the values of Iranian culture, for the benefit of strengthening scientific and educational ties between the two states.
