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| '''Calouste Gulbenkian Library in Jerusalem Reopens After Extensive Renovation''' | |||
| The '''Calouste Gulbenkian Library''', located within the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, reopened in 2007, after an extensive renovation funded by the ] of Lisbon and the ] Charity Trust of London. The reopening marked a new chapter for the library, which is one of the most significant repositories of Armenian literature in the world.<ref name="AZG216">AZG Armenian Daily #216, November 23, 2007</ref> | The '''Calouste Gulbenkian Library''', located within the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, reopened in 2007, after an extensive renovation funded by the ] of Lisbon and the ] Charity Trust of London. The reopening marked a new chapter for the library, which is one of the most significant repositories of Armenian literature in the world.<ref name="AZG216">AZG Armenian Daily #216, November 23, 2007</ref> | ||
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| == History == | == History == | ||
| The library was envisioned by ] (1921–1929) and was realized with the support of ], who funded its construction in honor of his parents and in commemoration of the Patriarch’s fiftieth ordination anniversary. Although the cornerstone was laid in 1929, Patriarch Tourian did not live to see its completion. His successor, ], oversaw the opening in 1932.<ref name="AZG216"/> | The library was envisioned by ] (1921–1929) and was realized with the support of ], who funded its construction in honor of his parents and in commemoration of the Patriarch’s fiftieth ordination anniversary. Although the cornerstone was laid in 1929, Patriarch Tourian did not live to see its completion. His successor, ], oversaw the opening in 1932.<ref name="AZG216"/> | ||
| === Library Cat === | |||
| ] ].]] | |||
| The library has a ] ]. | |||
| == Renovation and Reopening == | == Renovation and Reopening == | ||
Revision as of 01:43, 27 December 2024
| Calouste Gulbenkian Library | |
|---|---|
| Armenian: Գալուստ Կիւլպէնկեան գրադարան | |
 | |
| Location | Armenian Quarter, Old City of Jerusalem, East Jerusalem |
| Type | Library |
| Established | 1932 (1932) |
| Collection | |
| Size | 100,000 volumes |
| Other information | |
| Director | Father Norayr Kazazian |
The Calouste Gulbenkian Library, located within the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, reopened in 2007, after an extensive renovation funded by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation of Lisbon and the Saint Sarkis Charity Trust of London. The reopening marked a new chapter for the library, which is one of the most significant repositories of Armenian literature in the world.
History
The library was envisioned by Patriarch Yeghishe Tourian (1921–1929) and was realized with the support of Calouste Gulbenkian, who funded its construction in honor of his parents and in commemoration of the Patriarch’s fiftieth ordination anniversary. Although the cornerstone was laid in 1929, Patriarch Tourian did not live to see its completion. His successor, Patriarch Torkom I Koushagian, oversaw the opening in 1932.
Library Cat
The library has a Siamese library cat.
Renovation and Reopening
The 2007 reopening was attended by members of the Gulbenkian family, key representatives of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the Saint Sarkis Charity Trust. Their presence underscored the enduring connection between the family and the library.
The restored library now houses over 100,000 volumes in a state-of-the-art facility with compact shelving, air conditioning, and temperature control. The collection includes Armenian books, European and Middle Eastern literature, journals, newspapers, and studies in Armenology. Its archive of Armenian newspapers is the third largest in the world, following the collections in Vienna and the National Library of Armenia.
Collection and Legacy
The original collection was established through donations from successive Patriarchs, Calouste Gulbenkian himself, the St. James Brotherhood, the Armenian diaspora, and non-Armenian supporters. Today, the library is one of the largest repositories of Armenian books globally, playing a crucial role in preserving Armenian heritage and scholarship.
Reopening Ceremony
The reopening ceremony featured remarks by several distinguished speakers, including:
- His Eminence Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, Grand Sacristan of the Patriarchate.
- Martin Essayan, who spoke about Calouste Gulbenkian’s ties to Jerusalem.
- Kevork Hintlian, a Jerusalemite author, and
- Astrig Tchamkerten, Assistant Director of the Armenian Communities Department of the Foundation.
Father Norayr Kazazian, the current director of the library, outlined plans to digitize the collection with ongoing support from the Gulbenkian Foundation. The ceremony concluded with a musical interlude by seminarians and remarks by Patriarch Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, who bestowed the Patriarchate’s Medal of Honor on Mr. Essayan, Ms. Tchamkerten, and Mr. Gulbenkian for their contributions.
Future Plans
The library aims to achieve the highest standards of preservation and digitization, ensuring its collections remain accessible to a global audience.