MONUMENTS

1962

The statue of Mesrop Mashtots, the creator of the Armenian alphabet, the founder of the Armenian script and the Armenian script school, and the first teacher of the Armenian language, is located in front of the Matenadaran. The monument is built of basalt and is 5.6 meters high. Behind Mashtots' right hand are the Armenian letters, and his student Koryun is kneeling at his left foot. On the wall to the left of the Armenian letters, the first sentence written in the Armenian alphabet is carved: "To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding". To the right of Koryun, an eagle with a sword and shield is depicted on the wall. The alphabet created by Mesrop Mashtots laid the foundation for the development of Armenian culture, literature, and self-awareness. His historical mission played an important role in preserving the Armenian national identity. The ceremonial opening of the statue took place on May 26, 1962, during the celebrations of the 1600th anniversary of Mashtots' birth.