Lusine Tumanyan and the medicine of cultural restoration

Every year, thousands of people visit the Matenadaran, where ancient Armenian manuscripts, historical documents and precious canvases are preserved. Most of these treasures have been saved from the destruction of past centuries, surviving wars, migrations and the passage of time. Before appearing on display shelves or in research rooms, they undergo a long restoration process, hidden from the public eye in quiet laboratories.

One of these crucial restorers is Lusine Tumanyan. Over the past few years, she has worked at the Matenadaran, restoring priceless fragments of Armenian cultural heritage. For her, the responsibility is akin to saving a life.