On November 20, Russian Ambassador to Armenia S.P.Kopyrkin took part in the opening of an exhibition dedicated to the 245th anniversary of the founding of Nakhichevan-on-Don. The event was held in the house-museum of the outstanding native of this city, the artist Martiros Sergeevich Saryan, with the support of the State Archive of the Rostov Region and the Historical Museum of Armenia.
In his welcoming speech, S.P. Kopyrkin recalled that Nakhichevan-on-Don is widely known in Russia as an important center of Armenian presence and culture. He also noted the invaluable contribution of outstanding representatives of the Armenian people, among whom M.S. Saryan holds a significant place, to the common cultural heritage of our countries.
Nakhichevan-on-Don (Nor-Nakhichevan) It was founded in the lower reaches of the Don in 1779 by decree of Catherine II, where the Empress resettled the Christian population, including Armenians, from the Crimean Khanate, where they were subjected to oppression. Residents of the new city were exempted from taxes and public service for 10 years, received the right to freely worship and build their temples, as well as land free of charge.
By the beginning of the 19th century, Nakhichevan-on-Don had become a major craft, industrial and trade center. Today it is part of the city of Rostov-on-Don.
