On 26 March, the Rafael Javakh Educational and Cultural Center in Akhaltskha hosted a ceremony of paying homage to renowned writer, literary critic and ethnographer Albert Isoyan. Among the attendees were Georgian-Armenian writers, representatives of the Center’s personnel, the elder members, as well as the writer’s family and close ones. Albert Isoyan was awarded with the William Saroyan Medal of the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia as a token of appreciation of his merit, reported the press divan of the Center to Hayern Aysor.

The event began with a speech by President of Vernatun Union of Armenian Writers of Georgia, Director of the Center Zhora Snkhchyan, followed by the blessing of pastor of Ninotsminda, Fr. Priest Armash Poghosyan.

During the ceremony, the attendees expressed kind words and appreciation to the renowned intellectual. Isoyan has published eight large-scale books devoted to the ethnography of Javakhk and his traveler’s notes about visits abroad, including poems, funny stories and more.

Writers Nazeli Nairi, Hovhannes Marikyan, Mikayel Yesoyan, Hmayak Grigoryan, Manuk Karakhanyan, Araksya Vardanyan, Tamar Tsarukyan and Kimik Isoyan gave speeches in which they cordially congratulated the writer. At the end, Albert Isoyan gave a speech in which he expressed gratitude to Minister of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia Hranush Hakobyan for the high award and to the Vernatun Union of Armenian Writers of Georgia.

The event featured sensational performances by the choir of Rafael Javakh Educational and Cultural Center, as well as members of the recitation club Karine Gharagulyan, Anna Kirakosyan, Diana Marabyan and Varsenik Ayvazyan.

The ceremony of paying homage turned into a unique and beautiful festival devoted to Armenian culture and literature.