On April 10–12, within the framework of the annual student conference titled "Culture, History, Modernity", a two-day academic event was held at the YSU Tsaghkadzor Training and Production Base. The conference was organized by the Chair of Culturology of the Faculty of History and addressed a wide range of issues related to cultural heritage and history, contemporary cultural processes, as well as identity and memory.
The conference brought together faculty members, students, and young researchers, creating a platform for interdisciplinary discussion and the exchange of academic experience. Alongside student presentations, members of the academic staff also delivered presentations, contributing to a deeper professional dialogue.
The presentations covered topics such as medieval iconography, the role of women in church architecture, the formation of monumental landscapes, khachkar culture, and manifestations of local historical memory. Special attention was given to the study of rituals, beliefs, and symbols, including the reconstruction of burial rites, sensory perceptions in ritual systems, and multilayered interpretations of symbolic structures.
The conference also addressed contemporary issues in cultural policy, including post-Soviet memory, civic movements, the activities of cultural institutions, and the formation of the cultural identity of industrial cities. Current challenges in the preservation of cultural heritage and museum policy were also discussed.
The event concluded with a discussion of the presented papers, during which the importance of students' research activity and such initiatives in developing professional competencies was emphasized. Interdisciplinary cooperation and the continued organization of such events were highlighted as an effective platform for young researchers.
The annual conference aims to promote students' academic engagement, develop analytical thinking, and foster a culture of scholarly discussion.
