The Institute is launching the “Guardians of the Vishaps” program.

The Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia (IAE NAS RA) has launched a new collaborative project titled “Guardians of the Vishaps” in partnership with the Culture Factor NGO.

The main goal of the project is to raise awareness among children aged 10–14 and local communities about the exceptional cultural significance of Armenian vishap-stones (dragon-stones), as well as to promote heritage preservation, critical thinking, and civic engagement.

This initiative, implemented with the support of a grant from the H. Hovnanyan Family Foundation, combines fundamental scientific knowledge with innovative educational methodologies. As a leading research center, the IAE ensures the scientific accuracy and validity of the project’s content.

Our specialists provide consultations on the general concept and all educational materials, aligning the available information about vishap-stones with the latest archaeological research data.

The IAE is also directly responsible for the development and implementation of specialized educational courses. These courses will be held for schoolchildren and their families as part of community awareness campaigns. Through this experiential learning process, participants will gain in-depth knowledge of the unique iconography and archaeological context of vishap-stones, becoming informed guardians of this heritage of global significance.

The “Guardians of the Vishaps” is a nine-month program that began in September 2025, based on a concept developed by Culture Factor NGO. It includes the production of an animated film “Vahagn and the Vishap”, the publication of informational booklets, and film screenings during community outreach events.

Through this collaboration, the Institute aims not only to disseminate scientific knowledge but also to present the historical and cultural value of vishap-stones to various segments of society—especially to the younger generation—thus contributing to the long-term preservation of Armenia’s cultural heritage.