Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahayan and Iran’s First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri participated in the events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Blue Mosque in Yerevan.
The Armenian Prime Minister stressed in his remarks that the two peoples are tied by millennia-long history and close cultural relations that come from the depth of centuries and will endure for centuries.
“The friendly peoples of Armenia and Iran have given the world a valuable cultural heritage, enriching the world treasury with everlasting values – be it in the field of literature, music, theatre, architecture or other,” Hovik Abrahamyan said.
“The Blue Mosque built in Yerevan 2.5 centuries ago is truly a best example of cultural legacy. This monument is truly one of the unique cultural pearls of the region,” he added.
Hovik Abrahamyan noted that issues of preservation of historic monuments have always been in the spotlight due to the tolerance peculiar to the Armenian and Iranian peoples.
“The joint reconstruction works of the Blue Mosque started in 1990s. We are now working jointly to have the Blue Mosque added to the UNESCO World Heritage List,” the Prime Minister noted. He also thanked the Iranian side for the careful attitude towards the Armenian historical-cultural heritage, as a result of which the Armenian St Thaddeus and St. Stephanos Monastries were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Hovik Abrahamyan voiced conviction that the Blue Mosque would remain a guarantee of cultural ties and friendship between the two peoples.
The Blue Mosque was built in Yerevan in 1764- 1765 and got its name because of the dome covered with blue tiles. It reflects the peaceful historic co-existence of Armenians and Iranians and is a symbol of friendship between the two.