The 15-18th centuries were a period of political instability and transformation for Armenia.
In 1639, Armenia was divided between Ottoman Empire and Persian Empire. Amid the devastation caused by the Turkish-Persian wars, liberational ideas were rising in both Armenia and Armenian communities elsewhere.
In the second half of 17th century, national liberation programs were developed by I. Ori, H. Emin, Sh. Shahamiryan, and H. Arghutyan. Efforts were made to find allies in Europe, and eventually, by the early 19th century, the Armenian people had placed their hopes of liberation in Russia.
The first half of 18th century was marked by Armenian liberation struggles in Artsakh and Syunik, with participation from Armenians coming from Armenian communities elsewhere as well.

The exhibition features:

• Photographs and documents highlighting the role (impact) of the church and Armenian (colonies/diaspora) communities during the historical events of the period, particularly in the absence of statehood during Armenia’s division.
• Maps and documents testifying the 18th century liberation movements, and Russo-Turkish and Russo-Persian wars of the early 19th century and their outcomes.
• Examples of Armenian printing from early 16th century, as well as church donation records and documents.
• Printed books preserved from Armenian diaspora communities, hundreds of coins, and other remarkable exhibits of cultural significance.