**Melkonian Institute Commemorative Album Launched at Presidential Palace**
A significant event took place last week at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, where a trilingual commemorative album detailing the history and legacy of the Melkonian Educational Institute was officially launched. This publication aims to honor the memory, education, and cultural heritage of Cyprus’ Armenian community and is available in Greek, Armenian, and English.
The nearly 400-page album was produced by the Press and Information Office (PIO) and was co-organized by the Ministry of Education and the office of the Armenian religious representative in the Cypriot parliament. It chronicles the 79-year history of the Melkonian Educational Institute, which was founded in 1926 by philanthropist brothers Krikor and Garabed Melkonian. The institute was initially established as a refuge for orphans who survived the Armenian genocide and evolved into a prominent educational center for the Armenian diaspora until its closure in 2004.
During the launch event, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou emphasized the significance of the publication, describing it as “an act of historical and moral duty” toward the Armenian people and their rich cultural heritage. She noted that the Melkonian Institute serves as a testament to the Armenian community’s efforts to maintain its identity, language, and cultural traditions. Michaelidou remarked, “The Melkonian is not only an educational institution with historical significance for the Armenian community, but also a living part of Cyprus’ own reality,” highlighting the deep ties of friendship and cooperation between Cypriots and Armenians.
Aliki Stylianou, director of the PIO, echoed these sentiments, stating that the album represents more than just another government publication; it is “an act of memory and honour.” She pointed out that the Melkonian Institute was more than an educational facility; it was a haven where the traumatic experiences of displacement were transformed into a force for hospitality and creativity. Stylianou noted that the institute was established during a time when many survivors of the Armenian genocide sought safety and a new beginning, reflecting Cyprus's long-standing history as a place of coexistence and hope.
Armenian representative in parliament Vartkes Mahdessian described the album as the result of a collective effort to document the history of one of the most significant educational institutions within the Armenian community in Cyprus. He recalled that the Melkonian Institute was founded nearly a century ago to provide shelter and education to Armenian genocide orphans, later becoming a pan-Armenian center of education and culture. Mahdessian emphasized the institute's vital role in preserving Armenian language, history, and identity.
The collaborative effort to produce the commemorative volume began in March 2021, involving a five-member editorial committee along with contributions from former students, graduates, and friends of the institute. Mahdessian expressed hope that although the educational mission of the Melkonian Institute was interrupted by its closure in 2005, its memory and legacy remain vibrant. He voiced optimism that the institution might one day reopen to continue the mission envisioned by its founders.
The launch event also featured a presentation of the commemorative album by education inspector Antonia Loizou, who led the editorial team. Following the presentation, attendees enjoyed a cultural program that included performances by the Surp Asdvadzadzin Youth Choir and the Sipan dance group from the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society.
The publication serves as a valuable resource for understanding the historical context and ongoing impact of the Melkonian Educational Institute, reflecting the resilience and cultural richness of the Armenian community in Cyprus.