French and Italian translations of “Narek” presented in Yerevan

 

 

 

The Matenadaran Institute of Ancient Manuscripts hosts the second international scientific conference “Readings from Narekatsi.” The event dedicated to the memory of famed scholar, Hrachya Tamrazayan has brought together best specialists in the field of Narekatsi studies.

The Italian and French translations of Narek (Thr Book of Lamentations) were presented within the framework of the conference today. French orientalist, philologist and historian of Caucasus, specialist of Armenian studies Jean-Pierre Mahé has worked on the French translation for six years.

Theo Maarten van Lint, Calouste Gulbenkian Professor of Armenian Studies at Pembroke College, University of Oxford, has worked on the French translation for six years.

Narek has been translated into Italian by Archpriest Boghos Levon Zekiyan, Pope’s envoy at the Mekhitarist Seminary. It was due to his efforts that Pope Francis declared Gregory of Narek Doctor of the Church.

Disclaimer: This article was contributed and translated into English by Emil Lazarian. While we strive for quality, the views and accuracy of the content remain the responsibility of the contributor. Please verify all facts independently before reposting or citing.

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Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS