VIDEO PHOTOS: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Speech in Isfahan

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Mrs. Anna Hakobyan visited the Holy Savior Monastery complex in Isfahan, where they were greeted by the Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Isfahan, Bishop Sipan Kechejian.

According to the press office of the Government of Armenia, the Prime Minister and his wife toured the monastery complex and visited the museum to learn about its history. Following this, Nikol Pashinyan and his delegation visited the Isfahan "Ararat" club and met with thousands of representatives of the local Armenian community. The attendees warmly welcomed Prime Minister Pashinyan with enthusiastic applause.

Addressing the audience, Nikol Pashinyan noted, "Since we are discussing the concept of pride here, I believe it has undergone a certain semantic shift. Yes, according to the Bible, pride is a sin; however, I think it refers to arrogance in that context. Pride, in modern language, is used to describe a person, a nation with solid footing, a strong spine, hardworking hands, and an open brow. Therefore, the proud citizens of the proud Armenian community of New Julfa, I greet you."

Indeed, this is a historic hub for the Armenian people, and due to geopolitical circumstances, a large portion of the Republic of Armenia's population found themselves in Isfahan and established New Julfa. Essentially, yes, people left Armenia in sorrow, but New Julfa became a true center of cultural renaissance for the Armenian people.

These were indeed tumultuous geopolitical times, and following that migration, the territory of the Republic of Armenia found itself in a troubled situation, constantly facing the backdrop of recurring wars, while New Julfa became the center where the Armenian people developed their culture.

The Holy Savior is one of the unique churches that preserves exceptional examples of Armenian murals. It is believed that similar masterpieces also existed in Eastern and Western Armenia, but time has been relentless towards our cultural heritage.

I want to thank you for preserving these invaluable treasures of Armenian culture for our people, as they are an inseparable part of our identity, pride, and greatness. Thank you for preserving the Armenian identity and ultimately the Armenian dream of returning to Armenia.