Professor Emeritus Michael Stone, Founder of the Chair of Armenian Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has been awarded the prestigious Medal of Gratitude by the President of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan. The award recognises his significant contributions to Armenian studies and his dedication to preserving Armenian cultural heritage.
Professor Emeritus Michael Edward Stone, Founder of the Chair of Armenian Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a distinguished figure in the field of Armenology, has been awarded the prestigious Medal of Gratitude by the President of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan. This esteemed award recognises Prof Stone’s significant contributions to the development of Armenian studies and his long-term dedication to preserving Armenian culture and heritage.
Prof Stone, a member of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities, has authored and edited over 60 books, including numerous translations of Armenian sources. His extensive research also delves into Armenian-Jewish relations and the historical presence of Armenians in the Land of Israel, solidifying his reputation as a preeminent scholar in Armenian studies.
The Medal of Gratitude is one of Armenia’s highest state honours, awarded for exemplary achievements in state, economic, social, scientific-technical, and public activities. It is also bestowed upon individuals who have made major personal contributions and demonstrated many years of devotion to promoting the spheres of health, education, and culture.
The award ceremony took place at the President’s residence, where President Khachaturyan presented the medals to several distinguished scholars in the field of Armenology, including Prof Valentina Calzolari Bouvier of the University of Geneva and Prof Cristina Marantzi of Harvard University, alongside Prof Stone.
In his address, President Khachaturyan expressed profound gratitude to the awardees for their invaluable contributions to Armenian studies, particularly during a time when the preservation of Armenian historical cultural heritage is of paramount importance. President Khachaturyan further emphasised the critical role that scholars like Prof Stone play in representing Armenian history and culture on an international stage, ensuring that the world understands and appreciates Armenia’s rich heritage.
Prof Stone’s receipt of the Medal of Gratitude underscores his exceptional impact on the field of Armenian studies and his unwavering commitment to the advancement of knowledge and cultural preservation. As a co-founder and honourary president of the International Association for Armenian Studies (AIEA), Prof. Stone has left an indelible mark on the academic community and continues to inspire future generations of scholars.
The Hebrew University continues to offer Armenian and Armenian cultural studies through its Department of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. This program provides students with the opportunity to explore the rich history, culture, and language of Armenia, fostering a deeper understanding of the Armenian experience in both historical and contemporary contexts.
Visit Michael Stone’s personal website
Photo was taken by the Presidential Residence of Armenia
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s premier academic and research institution. With over 23,000 students from 90 countries, it is a hub for advancing scientific knowledge and holds a significant role in Israel’s civilian scientific research output, accounting for nearly 40% of it and has registered over 11,000 patents. The university’s faculty and alumni have earned eight Nobel Prizes, two Turing Awards a Fields Medal, underscoring their contributions to ground-breaking discoveries. In the global arena, the Hebrew University ranks 81st according to the Shanghai Ranking. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en