YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–The scientific community of Armenia marked the 90th birthday of the well-known Armenian archeologist and historian–honored scientist–laureate of the State Prize of the Armenian SSR–Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia (ANAS) Babken Arakelian. A ceremony celebrating his birthday took place at the ANAS Presidium on Friday. Arakelian could not attend the meeting because of health problems.
Presidential advisor Razmik Davoyan read out President Robert Kocharian’s message. The president said–"Your selfless contribution to the history of Armenia for long decades serves as the best example for the youth entering the field of science."
ANAS President Fadey Sargsian mentioned Arakelian’s numerous accomplishmen’s in the area of research dealing with the art of ancient and medieval Armenia–the history of its towns and trades summarized in 10 books and monographs.
Arakelian had a direct impact and played a huge part in archeological excavations in the ancient capitals of Armenia–including Garni–Artashat and Armavir.
According to the ANAS President–a whole generation of historians-archeologists was brought up on Arakalian’s works. He is one of the authors of the fundamental multi-volume work "History of the Armenian People," and a number of textbooks.
Arakelian’s contribution to the establishment and development of Armenian studies (Armenology) was also acknowledged. He was the founding director of the Institute of Archeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia.