The Hovhannes Tumanyan Library in Tbilisi has stopped operation since the beginning of this year. The library, named for one of Armenia’s most beloved writers, has been housed in his former residence since 1909.

Georgian businessman Archi Lejava, who in 1997 acquired the premise for $162,000 from the municipality of Tbilisi now decided to empty it.

Tumanyan (1869-1923) is the author of favored poems, lyrics, ballads, stories, fairy tales. “Anoush” and “Almast” Operas based on Tumanyan’s poems continue to be staged internationally.