Site Background
Oshakan is the burial place of Mesrop Mashtots, the inventor of the Armenian alphabet, and one of the most important cultural pilgrimage sites in Armenia. Mashtots created the alphabet in the early 405 CE during the reign of King Vramshapuh, a representative of the Arsacid dynasty of Armenia, at a time when Armenia was redefining itself politically and spiritually after the adoption of Christianity. The invention took place under the leadership of Sahak Partev, head of the Armenian Church, a major religious statesman and a descendant of the family of Gregory the Illuminator - his epithet Partev itself pointing to Parthian (Iranian) lineage. The Armenian alphabet was not merely a linguistic achievement but a civilizational turning point: it enabled the translation of the Bible, the formation of a national literary tradition, and the consolidation of Armenian religious, cultural, and political identity in a contested imperial environment. At Oshakan, we will visit the Church of Saint Mesrop Mashtots, originally built in 443 CE over his tomb and later reconstructed in the 19th century, standing today as a powerful symbol of Armenia’s intellectual sovereignty. The visit highlights how the creation of the Armenian script ensured cultural continuity and resilience, allowing Armenian Christianity, literature, and historical memory to flourish for over sixteen centuries.
Pre-Visit Activities (Bus Session)
Instructors provide historical context and vocabulary preview for all three locations. Students are encouraged to ask questions, practice terms, and discuss anticipated observations.
On-Site Activities
Students actively engage in guided discussion, Persian conversation, observation, and Q&A at each site, applying historical knowledge and vocabulary in real-world contexts