On December 11-12, the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO) in France hosted a two-day scientific conference titled “Shushi: The Cultural Capital of Karabakh.” The conference was organized by the Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO) and the Memory Project.

The conference began with an opening speech delivered by Archbishop Gabriel Ajaryan, the Primate of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. He conveyed the blessings and appreciation of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

Pierre Ouzoulias, the Senator of France representing Seine-Saint-Denis, also welcomed the attendees with a speech.

The conference was well-attended by various individuals, including the Prelate of Shushi and Eastern Artsakh, Archbishop Grigor Chakhtranyan, Armenian Ambassador to France Hasmik Tolmajian, President of the INALCO Charles Personnaz, and numerous Armenian and foreign scholars, political figures, and cultural figures.

Throughout the conference, reports were presented that focused on the preservation of the spiritual-cultural heritage of Shushi and the development of humanitarian programs for Artsakh. Archbishop Gabriel Ajaryan shared insights on “The Development of Shushi as an Educational and Spiritual Center of Artsakh and the Preservation of Cultural Heritage.” Additionally, he presented signed documents regarding the recognition and protection of Armenian holy sites in the territory of Artsakh and proposed joint steps involving the international community.

Source: News from Armenia – NEWS.am