THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FIRST PRINTING HOUSE AND PAPER FACTORY IN ARMENIA – 2012-1

On the Occasion of the 500th Anniversary of Armenian Printing

Summary

Sasun M. Haroutyunyan
One of the most important developments in human history has been the invention of the printing press. It gave birth to revolutionary changes in world civilization. Many nations urgently wanted to make use of this invention in order to develop their science and culture.

The modern art of printing was also acquired by the Armenian nation. The first Armenian publishing house was founded in 1771 by the All-Armenian Catholicos, Simeon A. Yerevantsi. The funding for the construction was provided by Grigor Chakikyan a benefactor from the Indian-Armenian Diaspora.

After the foundation of the printing house the problem of paper arose. At first it was imported to Armenia from European countries, which proved to be very expensive. In order to limit the expenses, Simeon A Yerevantsi seized the opportunity to start paper production in Armenia. By 1776, the construction of a paper factory in Echmiadzin was completed.

Thus, the foundations of both the first printing house and paper factory in Armenia are closely affiliated with Simeon A. Yerevantsi.

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