Kostan Zaryan the Poet


Although the famous Armenian writer Kostan Zaryan is best known for his novel "The Ship on the Mountain", he has also written poems and published a collection since his youth. Kostan Zaryan presents the poetry of the great and unique poet to the program "Parallel Readings"

Vahan Teryans entrance


Vahan Teryan revolutionized Armenian literature with his very first collection, “With the Shadows of Twilight.” Where and how did Teryan’s unique poetry come from, and what innovations did Teryan bring? Literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan talk about these issues in the “Parallel Readings” program.

Foreign Heroes of Armenian Literature: Part 2


In Soviet Armenian and Modern literature, foreign heroes are more full-blooded, presented from different sides and with psychological depth, reflecting the ideology of the period and the realities of new times. In the framework of the "Parallel Readings" program, literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan discuss.

Foreign Heroes of Armenian Literature: Part 1


Armenian authors have created characters of foreign heroes at different times, dedicating poems to them. In Armenian medieval and modern literature, these heroes are somewhat stereotyped, but nevertheless reveal the nuances of our attitude towards foreigners. In the framework of the “Parallel Readings” program, literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan discuss.

The potential of Armenian fantasy


Although Armenian-language works of the fantasy genre have been written a lot in recent years, this genre, which is loved all over the world, still has great opportunities and potential for development in our country. What are the peculiarities of Armenian fantasy, thanks to which it can develop in our country? The “Parallel Readings” program features literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan, Arkmenik Nikoghosyan, and prose writer Artavazd Yeghiazaryan. 

Our bookshelf in 2025


At the beginning of the year, many book lovers organize their bookshelves and plan what they will read during the new year. As part of the “Parallel Readings” program, literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan present the upcoming anniversaries of Armenian writers of the year, recommending which of their works to start reading and why.

The building of the Mesrop Mashtots Matenadaran


The building of the Yerevan Mesrop Mashtots Research Institute-Museum of Ancient Manuscripts opened its doors in 1959, becoming one of the symbols of Yerevan. It still amazes with its unique architecture, sculptural and pictorial designs. The design and construction of the building was a long and challenging process, but architect Mark Grigoryan managed to overcome obstacles and create a unique structure that combines traditional Armenian architecture with the functional features of a modern scientific institute and museum. 

Christmas in the Treasury of Gregory of Narek


The theme of Christmas finds its unique artistic realization in the treasures and tales of Saint Gregory of Narek. The traditional images of Armenian spiritual poetry are supplemented with new and diverse lines and shades of expression in the works of Gregory of Narek. Literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan discuss the works on the theme of Christmas in the work of the medieval genius.

Literary Year in "Parallel Readings"


During 2024, every week, the "Parallel Readings" program hosted literary and reading discussions about various literary works, issues of literary theory and history, and touched upon anniversaries and important events. The passing literary year and its reflections are discussed by literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan.

About one story: O. Henry, "The Gift of the Magi"


Christmas and the mysteries of this bright holiday have found their artistic expression in works of Armenian and world literature, but there is one story where the spiritual significance of the holiday is expressed in a unique way. O. Henry's famous story "The Gift of the Magi" is discussed by literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan and Arkmenik Nikoghosyan.

Cinema vs. Literature: Part 2


Do unsuccessful film adaptations of literature harm literature, how and by what principles is film adaptation evaluated, and what does it give to literature? These questions are discussed in parallel by literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan, Arkmenik Nikoghosyan, and film critic Karen Avetisyan.

Cinema for the sake of literature: part 1


Film adaptations are one of the most diverse, creative connections and remarkable manifestations of relationships between fiction and cinema. Are film adaptations of famous literary works made for the sake of literature, do they contribute to a new reading and recognition of literature, do they stimulate reading, or, nevertheless, does cinema solve its own problems? Literary critics Hayk Hambardzumyan, Arkmenik Nikoghosyan, and film critic Karen Avetisyan discuss the topic in parallel.