YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. Days of Armenia are held in Royal Armoury, the oldest museum in the Royal Palace in Stockholm, which was organized by the efforts of the museum and Armenian embassy in Sweden, The Information, Press and Public Relations Department of the Armenian MFA informed “Armenpress”.

A lecture entitled “Armenian-Swedish historical relations” was held in the Royal Palace of Stockholm on February 4 which was attended by members of the Swedish Royal Court, members of parliament, ambassadors accredited in Stockholm, heads of cultural institutions, intellectuals, media representatives and members of the Armenian community.

Artsvi Bakhchinyan, senior researcher from the Institute of History of the Armenian National Academy of Sciences, who has authored monographs and articles on the Armenian-Swedish relations, introduced the historical connections, economic and cultural ties between the Armenian and Swedish peoples since Middle Ages until the beginning of 20th century, reflected on the role of nobles, diplomats and royal courtiers of Armenian descent in the social and political life of Sweden. Following the lecture Artsvi Bakhchinyan also answered numerous questions raised by attendees.

The central event organized at the museum is the exhibition "Tracing the Raw Silk Trade: Armenian merchants at the Court of Karl XI". It is dedicated to the history of first silk import to Sweden, which was carried out in 1687 by Armenian merchants of New Julfa accompanied by the special envoy of the Swedish monarch, Ludwig Fabritius. They visited Stockholm to negotiate the northern direction of the “Silk Road," which led to the signing of a trade agreement with Karl XI. The Armenian merchants were given privileged right of import for their goods via Russia to Sweden and then to other European countries.

The exhibition showcases the original text of the agreement, one of the seven gold-plated sabers presented by merchants to the King, the ceremonial mace of merchants and other unique artifacts. The exhibition will be presented throughout 2016.

The Days of Armenia were launched on 28 January by the presentation of the Swedish edition of the book of famous writer, publicist Zori Balayan "No Right to Die".

Within the framework of the cultural activities the Royal Armoury is also hosting Armenian storytelling events. The members of Stockholm Association of Storytellers (Berättarnätet Öst) through their unique presentation and various scenic performances are telling the children and teens famous Armenian fairy tales in Swedish and English.