The main focus of the conference was “Russia and Armenians: history of mutual cooperation and traditions; current issues and perspectives”. The conference was dedicated to the 230th anniversary of Crimean Armenians’ resettlement in Azov province (Rostov region) by the Decree of Queen Yekaterina II and foundation of “Nakhichevan-on-Don” (a proletarian district in Rostov-on-Don).
Commenting upon conference results, RAS Academician Samvel Grigoryan and well-known philosopher and scholar Yuriy Volkov stressed that it was really an important international event, contributing to the development of Armenology in Russia. It marked the beginning of thousand-year-old history study and modern tendencies in Armenian-Russian ties, which play an important role in world civilization development, geopolitical problems solution and peace maintenance in Caucasus.
Over 100 scholars, political scientists, researchers and students (including 26 Doctors and 35 candidates of science) from Russia, Armenia and Ukraine delivered their reports. The RAS Armenian Studies laboratory will hereafter cooperate with them, contributing to their research work. Another important result of the conference will be publication of materials collection. Considering proposals received, such conferences in Rostov-on-Don will be held regularly.
Conference participants attended the Genocide commemoration ceremonies held in Rostov-on-Don and Shakhta; visited historical-ethnographic museum of the village Chaltir where the descendents of Armenians from Ani have been living for 230 years. They also conducted master classes for Regional Sciences Faculty and Southern Federal University students, RODSA Press Service reports.
