On the initiative “Service for the Protection of Historical Environment and Cultural Museum Reservations” NCSO and “Ethnos” ethno-cultural center with financial support of the State Committee of the Ministry of Education and Science of RA held today an international conference entitled “Palaeoanthropology and Pale-demography issues” at the “Metsamor” historical-museum reserve, which was dedicated to the most sighnificant event and history of of XX century to the 100th anniversary of excavations in Van led by Nicholas Marr and Hovsep Orbeli during the First World War in 1916. One of the best archaeological monuments of Armenia, in Metsamor`s exhibition hall the history and culture of Museum-reserve of Metsamor presented by the Director of the “Protection Service” NCSO Vladimir Poghosyan ,who in his speech said ” Holding of the international conference has symbolic meaning, as it itself indicates the beginning of the last century, the results of studies undertaken in difficult conditions is still true and important in terms of discussion and revaluation in terms of scientific research’’. The Deputy Head of the “Protection Service” NCSO of scientific activities, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Ashot Piliposyan said that 2 prominent experts Nicholas Mars` and young Joseph Orbelis` excavations in Van have great historical significance during difficult years of First World War.“There are old photographs, which show how russian soldiers excavate the monument. This means even in strong conditions of war the science is emphasized. During the excavationsthe famous monument cuneiform of Sarduri 2 was found, which was very important for the history of Van kingdom.” During the First World War with the Russian armies came also to the West Armenia famous anthropologist Victor Bunake, who manages to Bitlis and Mush Sanjak during the excavations opened a large mausoleum of tortured Armenians. The whole paleoantropological material moved to Moscow which later became an important source for research, testifying about the facts of torture of Armenians during the genocide. “These are two very important scientific researches that will not be interrupted during the war,” said Ashot Piliposyan. Conference participants on behalf of the State Committee for Science Samvel Harutyunyan welcomed the head of staff of Committee Levon Mardoyan. “I wish the Conference productive work. Such events help us to introduce high cultural values created by Armenians in the historical homeland. Van excavations are invaluable in this respect.” Head of the Department of Archaeology and Ethnography YSU Hayk Avetisyan gave a report during the conference, which highlighted the problems in the Armenian Highland. “The conference is very important, fairly important topics presented. I am sure thatevery nation is heir ofhis material culture, not excluding the new realities of the national identity of the anchors on the genetic heritage. In this perspective, this conference is very important.”
Armenian and foreign scientists from all the reports, the conference dedicated to the 100th anniversary of excavations in Van were published in the book “Paleoanthtropology and pale- demography issues of Armenia”. A compilation of provisions of international conference is designed for professionals and students of humanities faculties of universities interested in a wide range of excavations in Van Kingdom.
