Armenia Marks 25th Anniversary of Europe Council Membership with Gift of Historic "Book of Judgment"

​On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s accession to the Council of Europe, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan presented a state gift to Secretary General Alain Berset: a handwritten reproduction of the manuscript "Datastanagirk" (Book of Judgment), the first judicial code in Armenian history.

​Mirzoyan emphasized that this monumental work, authored by the 12th-century philosopher and legislator Mkhitar Gosh, serves as the cornerstone of Armenian legal thought. 

Moreover, he noted that centuries ago, "Datastanagirk" laid the foundation for the understanding of the rule of law—a core principle that forms the backbone of both the Council of Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights.

​During the presentation, the Minister stated: "We are confident that this gift, reflecting the core values shared by Armenia and the Council of Europe, will hold a prestigious place in this institution, becoming a symbol of our deep respect and firm commitment to its principles. It also expresses our gratitude for the Council of Europe's essential contribution to protecting the rights and freedoms of Armenian citizens."

​This diplomatic gesture follows a significant international recognition on April 10, 2025, when the UNESCO Executive Board, during its 221st session, unanimously decided to register the "Datastanagirk Hayots" in the Memory of the World International Register.

​While often known to Armenian readers as an author of fables, Mkhitar Gosh was a prominent monk and a leading figure in Armenian spiritual, political, and cultural life during the 12th and 13th centuries. He compiled the "Book of Judgment" in 1184, driven by the need to protect the rights of Armenians in a religiously diverse environment, regulate social relations, spread Christian values, and address various societal ills.

​The legal collection is rooted in the Old and New Testaments, as well as Armenian canonical and customary law. Consisting of between 251 and 254 laws depending on the version, the code addresses all spiritual and secular classes of society. It serves as a unique encyclopedia of medieval Armenian life, containing vital details regarding daily living and social structures of that era.