According to historian David Davdyan responsible questions of history and culture within the Union of Armenians of Ukraine, 2016 is an important date for the Armenian community of Ukraine. This year will mark the 400th anniversary of the first Armenian book printed in Ukraine. “It is no coincidence that in 1616 in Lvov some Hovhannes Karamatentsi created an Armenian printing which became the fourth edition of Armenian center after Venice, Constantinople and Rome. This year we celebrate the 400th anniversary of Armenian book printed in Ukraine, this first book of Armenians of Ukraine was entitled “David and Saghmos”. This demonstrates the presence of the ancient Armenian community in Ukraine. The Armenian printing Lvov is also proof that the Armenian community was highly developed and had a very high cultural level, “said David Davdyan. The Union of Armenians of Ukraine wants to make this year a series of exhibition on the first printed Armenian books in Ukraine. Note that the Armenian community of Ukraine is now estimated at over 400 000 members.
Krikor Amirzayan