Ferdowsi Hall opened with solemn ceremony at YSU Oriental Studies Faculty

YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan noted in his welcoming speech that relations with the Iranian Ambassador have significantly improved in recent months. He highlighted the opening of this hall as a testament to the effectiveness of these partnership ties.

"Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Armenia Mehdi Sobhani very quickly took over the implementation of this initiative. I am sure that many events will take place in this hall, dedicated both to Ferdowsi and Armenian-Iranian relations, culture and history. With its educational function, it will play a pivotal role for our students and faculty. I welcome everyone and congratulate you all on this significant occasion," noted the YSU rector. 

Referring to academic cooperation, the YSU rector highlighted that significant partnerships have been established with universities in Tehran, Tabriz, Qom, and other institutions. The educational ties between Armenia and Iran are growing stronger thanks to reciprocal visits. 

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Vahan Kostanyan, expressed his pleasure at being at YSU both in his role as Deputy Minister and as a graduate of the Iranian Studies Chair at the YSU Oriental Studies Faculty.

"I believe this hall will become another significant academic space where Armenian-Iranian relations can further strengthen. The relations between Armenia and Iran have always been at a high level, including in the realms of education and academia. This hall will certainly support the extensive initiatives undertaken by the Iranian Studies Chair for the benefit of Armenia and Iran," said Vahan Kostanyan. 

Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Mehdi Sobhani highlighting the importance of cooperation with YSU, stressed that this is another opportunity to meet in an academic environment.   

"This event pertains to the cultural and inter-university relations between our two countries. Our academic cooperation is inseparable. The more we develop and expand our collaboration in these areas, the more we will contribute to strengthening the fraternal ties between our peoples. We are eager to seize any opportunity to advance our relationship across various fields. We are confident that these efforts will yield well-trained specialists and experienced diplomats," the ambassador emphasized.

The speeches were followed by a literary and artistic event dedicated to poet Ferdowsi, with students from the Iranian Studies Department. 

In his speech, Ruben Melkonyan, the Dean of the YSU Oriental Studies Faculty, described the opening of this hall as one of the best reflections of Armenian-Iranian relations. 

"Ferdowsi said, 'Mighty is he who has knowledge.' This hall is a space where knowledge will be generated, and as a result, people will become strong and capable in both mind and intellect. I view this not only as an auditorium for lessons but also as a gym for the mind," noted the dean.

The Head of the Iranian Studies Chair, Vardan Voskanyan, emphasized that Armenia and Iran are countries with histories spanning thousands of years while discussing Armenian-Iranian relations. Additionally, YSU Professor Gurgen Melikyan recited passages from Ferdowsi's works for the audience. 

The event was also attended by YSU vice-rectors, employees of the Embassy of the Republic of Iran in Armenia, representatives of the teaching staff and students from the YSU Oriental Studies Faculty.