Monument expert: Iran's attitude towards Armenian monuments should serve example for others

An exhibition entitled “Armenian Architecture in Iran” opens at the Hovhannes Tumanyan Museum in Yerevan on October 29. The exhibition organized by the Cultural Center of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Armenia, will show the photos of Armenian monuments and settlements in Iran from the early Middle Ages until the 20th century. The exhibition is opened with the assistance of the Armenian Architecture Foundation. “This is a unique initiative in the region as even our neghbouring country, Georgia, has not organized an exhibition of Armenian monuments. This is really encouraging,” said Samvel Karapetyan, an expert in monuments. He added that Iran has spared no effort to maintain and restore Armenian monuments. Iranian Cultural Attaché to Armenia Majid Meshki said Iran considers Armenians full-fledged citizens and hence respects their cultural values. “We do not consider Armenians as second-class citizens. There are numerous Armenian monuments in Iran which can be photographed and showcased at exhibitions all the time. We want to show the service Armenians have rendered to the country where they have lived for centuries,” he said.