UNESCO headquarters hosts events marking Hrachya Acharian’s 150th birth anniversary and Republic Square’s centenary

Events marking the 150th anniversary of Hrachya Acharian’s birth and the centenary of the start of construction of Yerevan’s Republic Square have taken place at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Both anniversaries are included in UNESCO’s calendar of anniversaries of eminent personalities and important events for 2026–2027. The events also mark the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

According to Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, the programme included the opening of a photographic exhibition entitled “The Square and Time: From Past to Future”. Deputy Minister Tigran Virabyan delivered remarks at the opening.

Welcoming those present, the deputy minister stressed that UNESCO’s mission had consistently placed importance on human creativity, cultural diversity and the preservation of historic monuments.

“A century ago, the renowned Armenian architect Alexander Tamanyan created a masterpiece combining Armenian architectural traditions with modern approaches to urban planning. Built from Armenian pink tuff, this ensemble became not only a symbol of the Republic of Armenia’s statehood and independence but also an integral part of the history of world urban planning and architecture, and of cultural heritage,” Virabyan said.

He added that Republic Square, with its exceptional proportions, national spirit and embodiment of collective memory, vividly demonstrated how stone could become history, culture and a platform for dialogue.

The deputy minister said the exhibition was distinctive because it not only presented Republic Square’s 100-year history but also offered an opportunity to discover the creative spirit of contemporary Armenia.

“You can see how Republic Square’s ornamental motifs are also reflected in Armenian traditional costumes and the work of artists in fashion,” Virabyan said.

He explained that this part of the exhibition was presented by the Teryan Cultural Centre, which is implementing the “Culture Is My Way” grant project within the framework of UNESCO’s 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

The deputy minister reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to preserving, carefully cherishing and passing this magnificent heritage intact to future generations. He also thanked Armenia’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, represented by Ambassador Aram Hakobyan, and UNESCO’s leadership for the opportunity and support provided to hold the events.

The exhibition runs from 28 October to 2 November. Around 40 photographs tracing Republic Square’s history were selected from the archival collections of the National Archives of Armenia, the History Museum of Armenia, the Chamber of Architects of Armenia, Armenpress news agency and individual photographers. Alongside the photographs, the Teryan Cultural Centre presented Armenian traditional costumes whose decorative motifs were paired with those of Republic Square.

The programme also included a conference entitled “A Life in Science: Hrachya Acharian”, marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of the renowned Armenian studies scholar, linguist and academician. Participants included Deputy Minister Tigran Virabyan, diplomatic representatives accredited to UNESCO, and scholars and students specialising in Armenian studies.

The conference focused on recognising Acharian’s scholarly legacy and his significant contribution to the development of Armenian linguistics. His research into the origins, history and dialects of the Armenian language and its connections with other languages made an important contribution both to Armenian studies and to linguistics worldwide.

The conference was organised at the initiative of the Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran, with support from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport.

The programme will conclude with a joint concert by the Hover State Chamber Choir and the Vahagn Hayrapetyan Trio, featuring jazz arrangements of Armenian folk songs.

The anniversary events are organised by the ministry and UNESCO.

At the 43rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference last year, it was decided to include the 150th anniversary of the birth of the eminent Armenian linguist and academician Hrachya Acharian (1876–1953) and the centenary of the start of construction of Yerevan’s Republic Square in 1927 in UNESCO’s calendar of anniversaries of eminent personalities and important events for 2026–2027.