Leiden University in the Netherlands has announced plans to digitize its collection of Armenian manuscripts and ancient books, including the first printed Armenian Bible, made in Amsterdam in 1666, reports Armenia’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Viktor Biyagov, in a post on Twitter.
The Ambassador expressed his gratitude to Dr. Arnoud Vrolijk, curator of Oriental Manuscripts and Printed Works at Leiden University Libraries, and Anna-Maria Mattar for their efforts in this project.
The digitization of these valuable Armenian works will ensure their preservation and provide global access to these important cultural artifacts.
Leiden University (LEI) is a prestigious public research university in Leiden, Netherlands, founded in 1575 by William, Prince of Orange. It was the first university in the Netherlands and attracted prominent scholars like René Descartes and Hugo Grotius during the Dutch Golden Age. The university has seven faculties and more than 40 research institutes. Its main campus is in Leiden, with a second campus in The Hague. Leiden is a member of the League of European Research Universities and has produced 16 Nobel Laureates and notable alumni, including members of the Dutch royal family and U.S. President John Quincy Adams.
