YEREVAN–The bust of Nigol Aghbalian was unveiled on March 14 at the entrance of Yerevan State University (YSU), in honor of the man who is known for his many feats, but not necessarily for having founded the venerable university, originally established in Gyumri, Armenia. Aghbalian, who was a historian, critic, and the first Education Minister of Armenia, was also a founding member of Hamazkayin Cultural and Educational Society. In fact, it was Hamazkayin that initiated the placement of Aghbalian’s bust at the University’s main entrance. The ceremony featured addresses from YSU president Aram Simonian, ARF Bureau member Garo Armenian, speaking on behalf of Hamaskayin’s Central Executive, and Hamazkayin Armenia director Lillit Kalstian. Hamazkayin was founded on May 28, 1928, in Cairo, Egypt, by eight Armenian intellectuals besides Aghbalian, including writer and educator Levon Shant; former foreign minister of the Republic of Armenia Dr. Hamo Ohanchanian; and stage director and art critic Kaspar Ipekian.
