Armenian studies and preservation of national values

Editorial

Yerkir
July 15, 2005

The task of the Armenian studies is to not only study its field and
“explain” to the society who they are, but also scientifically ensures
that the objects of its study and values are preserved and developed.

This is the field where absence of a scientific “prescription” could
be devastating. Today, a situation has emerged that if we fail to
formulate a living link between the sciences studying the culture and
the policies of those fields, we may soon lose the our national values.

Without the knowledge stemming from specific fields of the Armenian
studies it is hard to imagine how the values defining the Armenian
identity could be passed on and refreshed.

But without the implementation of the scientific and educational
functions of the Armenian studies, it is unimaginable how the national
values could be preserved and developed. This means that the Armenian
studies should offer the results of its findings to not only museums
and similar establishments but also educational establishments and
governmental bodies.

In this respect, the present indefinite — or even chaotic — situation
should be overcome by elaborating mechanisms of cooperation between
governmental bodies and scientific establishments as well as formulate
a proper cultural policy.

Presently, along with preservation and enhancement of cultural
heritage forming the basis of the national values, the roles of the
specific fields of the Armenian studies acquire new significance in
preserving the existing values, boosting them and passing them on,
meanwhile keeping them away from foreign influences.

In order to succeed, the modern Armenian state should work hand in
hand with the triangle science-education-culture.