24.06.2007
The Czech Armenian Community in the past and at present
On June 22 of the current year in “Noravank” Foundation was held a seminar on the subject “The Czech Armenian Community in the past and at present.” The speaker, in the face of “Noravank” Foundation’s expert Khachatur Dadayan, mentioned about the study of Armenian communities conducted by the Foundation, a component part of which was the Armenian community of Czechia.
The speaker represented the life and activity of the son of Astvacatur Georgius Deodatus Damascenus (in Czech sources Jiri Deodat) who lived and worked in Czechia in the 18th century. The later one founded the first café in Prague which has survived to our days (called U Zlateho Hada – “At the golden snake”).
It was the first time that Kh. Dadayan released the information about the figure of Armenian origin among the intellectual circles. In his lifetime Georgius Damascenus published 5 Latin and 3 German books on theology and has left 6 manuscripts unknown to the Armenian bibliography up till now. These books and manuscripts are preserved in the archives of Prague and other cities of Czechia.
Kh. Dadayan mentioned about the intention of shooting a film about Deodat in the framework of Armenian-Czech cooperation informing that the scenario was already ready. In that framework it was planned to set a highly artistic bas-relief with the depiction of Deodat on it in the café.
Kh Dadayan also spoke about separate Armenians living in Czecha, among which is one of the most famous entrepreneurs of the country, the owner of “MIKO International” Gevorg Avetusyan. With his helpful assistance all the manuscripts of Georgius Damascenus were digitalized and are ready to be sent to Matenadaran. With the help of the monthly “Orer” (Days) founded and published by its Chief Editor Hakob Asatryan were found almost all the books by Deoda. Their copies will be sent to the Armenian National Library.
Kh. Dadayan spoke with great affection about Foundation Czech friends Pavel and Pavla Landa couple, who did their best to carry out the research.
