Throughout all the history of humanity in all over the world there have been created innumerable monuments which have an international value, bear witness to the grateness of human mind and strength and are a part of world heritage.
In the course of time many of them have been damaged because of different causes, and today a great number of monuments of historical-cultural value have the need of being preserved and taken care of.
In 1956, by UNESCO the ICOMOS, the international council of monuments and places of interest was created which had 9500 members in all over the world. In 1983, the center of the cultural heritage of UNESCO, by the suggestion of the ICOMOS, proclaimed April 18 as the international day of monuments and places of interest, which is celebrated in many countries including Armenia.
The idea of the holiday belonged to scientists, architectures, employees of different organizations connected with the protection of the historical and cultural monuments. April 18 reminds the society once more, that it is necessary to protect the cultural world heritage created by different people throughout all the history of humanity. At the same time, it gives the opporrunty to learn more about the world heritage, focuses the attention on the vulnerability of monuments and historical places. ICOMOS offers a slogan, according to which all events are organized, and this gives the participants the possibility to organize conferences and various meetings, thus expanding the knowledge of the society and stressing the importance of world heritage protection.
Armenia takes an active part in the events. 5 historical-cultural monuments in Armenia are included in the UNESCO world heritage list. There are as follows: 1. the monastery of Sanahin and the bridge, 2. the monastery of Haghpat, 3. the Holy Temple of Ejmiatsin and the churches, 4. the monastery of Geghard and the gorge of Azat, 5. Zvartnots, and thousands of monuments are inimitable and unique examples of Armenian art.
It is necessary for all of us not only on the 18-th of April but every day to realize that the heritage is invaluable and that one should preserve it carefully for the coming generations as well.