Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan and Iran’s First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri participated in the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Blue Mosque in Yerevan.
Abrahamyan stressed that Iran and Armenia “are tied by millennia-long history and close cultural relations that come from the depth of centuries and will endure for centuries”, public radio of Armenia reported.
“The friendly peoples of Armenia and Iran have given the world a valuable cultural heritage, enriching the world treasury with everlasting values - be it in the field of literature, music, theatre, architecture or other,” Abrahamyan said.
“The Blue Mosque built in Yerevan 2.5 centuries ago is truly a best example of cultural legacy. This monument is truly one of the unique cultural pearls of the region,” he added.
Abrahamyan noted that issues of preservation of historic monuments have always been in the spotlight due to the spirit of tolerance unique to Armenians and Iranians.
“The joint reconstruction works of the Blue Mosque started in 1990s. We are now working jointly to have the Blue Mosque added to the UNESCO World Heritage List,” he said. He also thanked the Iranian side for preserving the Armenian historical-cultural heritage, due to which the Armenian St. Thaddeus and St. Stephanos monastries were included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Abrahamyan said the Blue Mosque “will remain a guarantee of cultural ties and friendship between the two peoples.”
The Shia mosque was built in Yerevan in 1764-1768 and got its name because of the dome covered with blue tiles. It reflects the peaceful historical co-existence of Armenians and Iranians and is a symbol of friendship between the two.
