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A Grand Family: From Publishing House to Bookstore and Educational Complex

Our tale begins in the year 1997, a year that would mark the inception of Zangak Publishing House. It was the vision of the Mkrtchyan couple, who entwined their future with the noble pursuit of disseminating knowledge and nurturing the educational landscape of Armenia.

Picture this: one lone printing machine, three modest computers, and a handful of dedicated individuals nestled on the fourth floor of the Writers’ Union. In these humble beginnings, Zangak Publishing House was born, a beacon of hope for authors whose dreams of seeing their manuscripts in print hung in limbo. During a time when the book publishing industry in Armenia was teetering on the brink of nonexistence, and starting a printing house was viewed with skepticism, the Mkrtchyans dared to dream.

What propelled the founders of Zangak was beyond mere ambition—it was an unyielding passion to resurrect the cultural reverence for books. They wanted to witness the revival of bustling bookstores, filled with beautifully crafted, high-quality books that would captivate the hearts and minds of readers. This fervent vision for books as vessels of knowledge and culture became the bedrock upon which Zangak was built.

Fast forward to today, Zangak Publishing House stands as a testament to this dream. Each year, it produces and publishes a diverse array of textbooks, pedagogical manuals, children’s and young adult literature, as well as an impressive collection of fiction and non-fiction for both Armenia and its Diaspora. Adjacent to the publishing house is the Zangak Printing Shop, a marvel of modern offset printing technology, ensuring every publication is a masterpiece.

In 2002, driven by a desire to further bolster Armenia’s educational framework, the Mkrtchyan family established the Tatev Educational Complex. This complex now encompasses the Manana Vocational Training Center, the Universe Language Center, and the Pedagogical Thought magazine, the latter being recognized in the list of scientific journals approved by the Higher Attestation Commission.

The Tatev Educational Complex has carved out a distinctive and enduring place in Armenia’s educational sphere. Since 2020, it has been pioneering retraining courses for teachers and principals from general education schools across the country, enriching the pedagogical landscape with new knowledge and innovative practices.

In 2012, the opening of the Zangak Bookstore heralded a new era. It swiftly became a beloved and iconic bookstore chain, rooted in a singular mission: the dissemination of Armenian-language books. The dedicated team at Zangak Bookstore fulfills this mission daily, fostering a culture of reading and championing the acquisition, distribution, and appreciation of books through a myriad of vibrant programs. Every aspect, from the elegant arrangement of books to the welcoming ambiance of the stores, and the seamless online services, is designed to make the book-buying experience a delight.

Thus, the story of Zangak continues—a story of dreams realized, of knowledge shared, and of a cultural legacy preserved. We invite you to join us on this journey, to be a part of a narrative that enriches minds and hearts with every book we bring into the world.

On Zangak Publishing House

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On Zangak Bookstore

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Who heads Zangak

Zangak wouldn't be Zangak if its halls echoed only with the rustle of turning pages. It is a singular school of pathfinders, where each individual blazes the trail for their own work.

Yet, most profoundly, our elders weave an atmosphere here, a tapestry of familial warmth. Indeed, they are one and the same – a family. Zangak, the publishing house and its network of bookstores, is the lifeblood of the Mkrtchyan clan, where each member contributes their own thread to the rich fabric. Here, within Zangak's walls, programs and aspirations intertwine.

Sokrat Mkrtchyan
Sokrat Mkrtchyan
CEO

Sokrat Mkrtchyan is the founder and CEO of Zangak Publishing House and Tatev Educational Complex, as well as the founder and president of the Tatev Center for Science and Education Support NGO. A seasoned educator and author of elementary mathematics textbooks, he brings decades of pedagogical and publishing experience to Zangak.

Masha Mnatsakanyan
Masha Mnatsakanyan
Vice President of Finance, Chief Accountant

Masha Mnatsakanyan is a co-founder of Zangak Publishing House and Tatev Educational Complex. She serves as the Vice President of Finance and Chief Accountant for the Zangak bookstores network. Here she combines her professional role with the irreplaceable position of a caring mother.

Emin Mkrtchyan
Emin Mkrtchyan
Executive Director of Zangak Publishing House

Emin Mkrtchyan is the Executive Director of Zangak Publishing House and the founder of its children's and translation literature departments. Continuously striving for excellence, he stands out as a leading expert in publishing, printing, and entrepreneurship.

Shahen Mkrtchyan
Shahen Mkrtchyan
CEO of Zangak Bookstores Network

Shahen Mkrtchyan is the CEO of the Zangak bookstores network and the main inspiration behind its unique atmosphere and culture. By promoting reading through his own example, he dreams of having enough time to read all his favorite authors.

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