Conference commemorating 150th anniversary of Avetik Isahakyan held at YSU

YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, emphasizing the renowned poet’s invaluable contribution and role in the life of the Armenian people, stated, "Throughout the centuries-long course of Armenian literature, there are individuals whose work, creative activity, and literary legacy have not only left a significant mark on the cultural achievements of their era but have also become guiding landmarks for the development of Armenian literary thought. This is equally true of the great poet, who continues to live in our minds and hearts."

The rector expressed hope that the discussions would be productive and fruitful, noting that the active participation of literary scholars, faculty members, and students is already proof that the study of Isahakyan’s work remains relevant and in demand at the university today.

Dean of the Faculty of Armenian Philology, Arshaluys Galstyan, underlined the importance of the fact that the current academic year at the faculty has been declared "The Year of Isahakyan," marked by numerous events both in Armenia and abroad.

"The 150-year-old great poet still lives in all our hearts—from the youngest child to the eldest among us. This international four-day conference concludes the series of events jointly organized by the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, the Institute of Literature, Yerevan State University, the Avetik Isahakyan House-Museum, the Mekhitarist Congregation, the Avetik Isahakyan Library, and the Maxim Gorky Institute of World Literature. Today’s session at YSU will feature reports and presentations addressing various aspects of Isahakyan’s literary legacy," said Galstyan.

The special guest of the conference was the poet’s grandson, Avetik Isahakyan, Doctor of Philology, Professor, and literary scholar.

"For Tumanyan and Isahakyan, 150 years may be only moments in eternity. As long as the Armenian people live, our classic writers will live on with us. Life without poetry and art is difficult—for a nation, they are a force that helps to live and to endure," noted the scholar, adding that it was heartening to see how the great Armenian poet is being honored not only in his homeland but also in various countries around the world.

"Wherever Isahakyan was, whatever he wrote—at the foundation of it all was Armenia. For him, the world could not exist without Armenia," he concluded.

Among the attendees were the directors of the Institute of Literature after M. Abeghyan of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, A. M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Mekhitarist Congregation, and the Avetik Isahakyan House-Museum, as well as prominent scholars, faculty members, students, and other guests.