Keron Development Foundation Donates Rare 17th-Century Armenian Manuscript Collection to Matenadaran

YEREVAN — The Keron Development Foundation has donated an exceptional 17th-century Armenian manuscript collection to the Matenadaran.

Dating from approximately 1672–1676 and containing additions from the 19th century, the collection brings together several manuscripts of medical, religious, and historical significance.

The official handover ceremony took place on July 22 during the exhibition titled One Year of Eternity: Manuscript Acquisitions of the Matenadaran, which opened as part of the Third International Congress of Armenian Studies.

The manuscript comes from the collection of Hrant Samuelian’s historic Oriental Bookstore, which operated in Paris.

In 2025, the asset-management company Wilco Wealth Management acquired 13 rare printed books and five manuscripts from the collection. The items were subsequently donated to the Keron Development Foundation.

The transfer of the manuscript to the Matenadaran will ensure its professional preservation, restoration, and scholarly study while making it accessible to researchers and future generations.