“No matter where I am, I am always in Armenia. First of all, I am a human being and only then a scientist. Artsakh is always in my heart, and I fight for the justice”.

Jasmine Dum-Tragut

More than 3 decades, Professor of Salzburg University Jasmine Dum-Tragut has been telling about Armenia and Armenian culture in Europe. Her doctoral dissertation is also devoted to Armenia as the first country to adopt Christianity. After learning Armenian the perspective was to establish a chair of Armenian Studies in Austria. As she mentions, at first it was almost impossible but she is a stubborn person. And it has already been 20 years that the Professor heads the chair of Armenian Studies at the University of Salzburg.

The Polytechnic University Rector Gor Vardanyan has invited the Professor Tragut to the university and it was not accidental. Gor Vardanyan has awarded the Austrian Armenologist NPUA Certificate of Honor for her contribution in the spread of Armenian Studies in Europe, establishment of the Armenian Studies Center, as well as presentation of research works on Armenia in international institutions.

The rector on behalf of the Polytechnic University scientific community and himself expressed special gratitude to the professor for the huge works accomplished. He also pointed out that her every work is available for everybody, from peasants to intellectuals.

“I would like to highlight that your role in our ancient and current history has a special significance. You have been carrying out a very important mission for the Armenian nation for about 35 years. Your works in the Armenian Studies prove not only the importance of the Armenian Language but also the millennial history of our country. Your image of the scientist is necessary for Armenia in this difficult situation. You specifically address Artsakh as well in your speeches and works. In your works you prove such formulations that can become basis for different negotiations” – NPUA Rector pointed out and added that the work she does is more expensive than precious metals.

The Armenologist Tragut was really surprised by the Certificate of Honor and confessed that it assured her that she was right when devoting years of her activities to Armenia.

“I am grateful for such a warm attitude and for your warm welcome. Honestly, I am very excited. Armenia has become my second homeland. I am ready to do any joint activity that will assist Armenia to develop even more. Students and scientists from Austria are involved in our works and activities. I will be delighted to cooperate with you and gain new achievements”.

Professor Jasmine Dum-Tragut also met university students and scientific community of the university. It lasted about two hours, including new programs presentation, questions and answers, and arrangements to start the new cooperation.

When asked about the reason of choosing Armenian Studies, the professor answers that Armenia is a land of dreams and Artsakh is the Treasury.

The Armenologist came to Armenia in 1988 and stayed here till 1994. She worked in different scientific and educational institutions. During the years, as the professor notices, number of European students studying Armenian Studies is increasing.  She comes to Armenia 4 times a year and every time she starts a new cooperation. A special series of her works are devoted to Artsakh. She presents the collected cultural heritage data on different platforms all over the world.

Professor Tragut will again visit Armenia in September. She promised to come to the university and announce about the new start of the joint activities.