Armenian communities to celebrate 500th anniversary of first Armenian printed book

On Tuesday, November 16, Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance organized a round table titled the Role of Books in Promoting Closer Ties between Nations, Armenian Foreign Ministry's press service reports.

The discussion brought together book publishers, cultural figures, as well as heads of cultural centers operating under the embsssies and diplomatic representations accreditted to Iran.

Armenian Anbassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran Grigor Arakelyan delivered a speech, stressing the role of books in Armenian communities.

With regard to UNESCO's decision to declare Yerevan the 2012 World Book Capital, the Ambassador referred to Urbatagirk, the first Armenian printed book published by Hakob Meghapart in Venice in 1512.

He noted in that connection that the 500th anniversary of the book will be celebrated in all Armenian communities worldwide.

Armenian diplomat was also pleased to note that the first Armenian book in the Middle East was published 400 years ago in New Julfa, Iran.

Ambassador Arakelyan also offered the Iranian side to prepare joint cultural projects between Iran and Armenia and hold events dedicated to the book in both countries' capitals.