History
A. Tahktajyan Institute of Botany NAS RA
The initiation of floristic studies in the Republic of Armenia is intricately tied to the groundbreaking contributions of Alexander Shelkovnikov (1870 – 1933). In 1922, he established the Natural History Museum of Armenia, where the herbarium (1925), alongside the Botanical Garden’s collection, served as the cornerstone for botanical studies. These invaluable collections laid the foundation for the creation of the Department of Botany, in 1931, within the Institute of Biology. Subsequently, the Department of Botany evolved into the Institute of Botany in 1938. Following the formation of the National Academy of Sciences of the Armenian SSR in 1943, it seamlessly transitioned into one of the principal institutes under the umbrella of the National Academy of Sciences of the ASSR. In 1943, A.L. Takhtajyan and A.A. Yatsenko-Khmelnytsky took the initiative to establish the Department of Evolutionary Morphology and Paleobotany within the Institute of Botany. This initiative led to the formation of specialized groups focusing on palynology and anatomy. In 1949, with A.L. Takhtajyan’s relocation to Leningrad, the Department of Evolutionary Morphology and Paleobotany merged with the Herbarium, under the curatorship of D.I. Sosnovsky. Building upon this foundation, the Department of Plant Taxonomy and Geography was founded in 1953. Over the years, it has been led by distinguished individuals, including Y.I. Mulkijanyan (1953-1973), V.E. Avetisyan (1973-1989), E.Ts. Gabrielyan (1989-2011), M.E. Hovhannisyan (2011-2021), and currently, A.M. Hayrapetyan (since 2021).
During the last 80 years due to the efforts of its research staff the Institute of Botany NAS RA became one of the leading botanical institutes, which carries out valuable fundamental and applied investigations on flora and vegetation of Armenia, as well as the introduction and acclimatization of plants in the Botanical Gardens of Armenia (Yerevan, Vanadzor and Sevan).
Yerevan Botanical Garden
In July 1935, an area of land measuring 100 hectares was assigned for Yerevan Botanical Garden construction purposes in the southeastern region of Yerevan, between Avan and Kanaker villages. Experts in botany, namely N. A. Troitsky, D. I. Sosnovsky, and A. A. Grossheim, were invited from different cities to take part in the design and construction of the Botanical Garden and its main building. Y. S. Ghazaryan, H. K. Maghakyan, G. D. Harshenkon, Z. A. Astvatsatryan, and other individuals actively participated in the construction work. Between 1954 and 1965, the Yerevan Botanical Garden underwent significant growth and success under the guidance of academician V. H. Ghazaryan, alongside the efforts of technicians and specialists such as L. B. Makhatajyan, H. H. Mkrtchyan, and T. G. Chuba.
Vanadzor Botanical Garden
The Vanadzor Branch of the Yerevan Botanical Garden was established in 1936, with its first plantings being carried out by the Yarushenko brothers, who were among the park’s founders. Between 1936 and 1939, the Branch made great strides in collecting a rich variety of plants and creating an arboretum. From 1938 to 1946, the Botanical Garden was managed by agriculturalists S. T. Sargsyan, T. A. Torosyan, B. A. Hakobyan, and forester L. G. Shakhverdyan, who put in a lot of effort to enhance and preserve the Garden’s collections. Between 1946 and 1953, the Botancial Garden was headed by L. B. Makhatadze, who contributed significantly to diversifying and beautifying the city of Vanadzor through his prolific activity in enriching the Garden’s collections. Subsequently, the department was led by G. I. Adamyants (1954-1962), A. A. Grigoryan (1962-1964), R. S. Atabekyan (1964-1983), and G. R. Atabekyan (1983-2020).
Sevan Botanical Garden
In 1944, the Sevan Botanical Garden was established on the initiative of G. D. Yaroshenko, with the help of A. I. Khrimlyani, T. Ch. Chubaryan and G. D. The Garden’s import activity gained momentum from 1947 to 1955 as there was a need to green the settlements. The first plantings were carried out by T. G. Chubaryan, G. D. Yaroshenko, R. A. Abrahamyan, and V. A. Azaryan, who actively participated in the process. From 1952, V. A. Azaryan contributed to the expansion of scientific research works by plant introduction and establishing laboratory, administrative building, and greenhouse. Since 1985, the Sevan Botanical Garden has been headed by S. M. Mnatsakanyan.
Հայերեն