Book Presentation at NAI

Presentation of the novel about Toros Roslin in Naregatsi Art Institute

On October 23, Naregatsi Art Institute hosted the presentation of the prose writer Nana Voskanyan's historical novel "Dispelling the Mist of Obscurity" to discover Toros Roslin and his era. Based on the author's many years of research, the novel reflects on the political events of 13th-century Cilician Armenia and the cultural legacy left by the greatest miniaturist of the era, Toros Roslin.

In the 13th century, Cilicia stood at the center of major regional military-political conflicts, caught between the competing interests of the Mamluks, Seljuks, Tatar-Mongols, and Crusaders. The cultural environment formed during that difficult period became the focus of the novel.

"Roslin lived and created during a very complex era," noted Nana Voskanyan. — “He traveled, visited the Vatican, Venice, Constantinople, studied the art of Byzantium and Europe, but he preserved the originality of the Armenian story, he always remained true to what is Armenian. When asked why I undertook to write this novel, I say that I could not help but write it. As Yeghishe says, “The past is the high tower from which the future is visible.” Therefore, we must know our past well, so that we may take ownership of our future."

In his remarks, writer and publicist Vrezh Sarukhanyan addressed the artistic characteristics of the era, emphasizing that the development of medieval Armenian art was in line with global trends. "The cultural awakening that began in the 10th century with Narekatsi continued into the 13th century, thanks to such great figures as Saint Nerses Shnorhali and Toros Roslin, and later, in the works of Sargis Pitsak." Roslin's miniatures are notable for the liveliness of the characters, where combinations of poetry, sculpture, and architecture are noticeable. Yet, the artistic rendering of historical figures, in particular, is a highly complex undertaking. At times, there appear works that seem to be devoid of color. "With our Nana, it's the opposite. She writes in such a vivid, evocative way, that the characters become visible to you. I bow down to her talent," the publicist noted, adding that the author is currently working on the next book dedicated to Sargis Pitsak.

According to Raya Gabrielyan, editor of the book “Dispelling the Mist of Obscurity”, writers do not turn to the historical novel genre by chance. This choice is driven by the need to convey historical experience and cultural memory to the contemporary reader—much like in the novels of Muratsan and Raffi. She emphasized that a central, recurring theme runs through all of Nana Voskanyan’s novels: the enduring nature of spiritual values.

She means that, amidst our current difficulties, we should recognize that we have faced even tougher times in the past—yet we managed to overcome them. We will overcome again; we will once more emerge from this difficult situation. We simply need to believe that, beyond brute force, there exists a greater, more powerful force: the power of the spirit. The heroes of Nana's previous novels are also characters who carry spiritual power."

The author’s daughter, musicologist Lusine Nazaryan, also spoke during the event. She shared her experience of engaging with history and culture within her family environment, noting that this very influence shaped her professional path in the field of traditional Armenian vocal music.

The artistic part of the evening was provided by the Nubar Armenian Traditional Song and Dance Ensemble, under the artistic direction of Lusine Nazaryan.

At the end of the presentation, Nana Voskanyan handed the first signed copy of the book to Nareg Hartounian, the founder of the Naregatsi Art Institute, as a pioneer in the preservation and dissemination of Armenian culture.

Nareg Hartounian thanked the author for the extensive work carried out and, on behalf of the NAI, presented her with symbolic commemorative gifts.

The historical novel "Dispelling the Mist of Obscurity" is now available to the general reading public.