Research on Armenian Architecture (RAA) organization is a non-profit 501c3 organization which was founded in 1969 by Dr. Armen Haghnazarian, in Aachen Germany. Since then, and in 1996, the USA branch was founded in California and in 1998 officially registered as NGO in Yerevan, Armenia by monument expert, Samuel Karapetyan. After more than 50 years of extensive efforts in the field of research, preservation and documentation of Armenian historical architecture and cultural heritage, RAA is proud to continue its mission in the 21st century.
Presently, RAA has more than 20 staff members who tirelessly work at the Yerevan office in Armenia. Their work includes, but is not limited to, research and utilization of the existing archives, publication of documentary books, special brochures and educational publications, regular quarterly periodicals, including electronic version of all the publications, printed and digitized maps, numerous 3D/CAD modeling of historical churches and monasteries, calendars, documentary films, as well as digitization and electronic publication of archives on the internet.
These impressive archives are extremely valuable and unique, as unfortunately many of these architectural treasures surveyed and documented by RAA, are now in total ruin and can only be remembered and studied through archival information.
Today, these archives are being heavily relied upon by scholars, researchers and more significantly by Armenian officials and legal groups. They are being referenced in political negotiations with neighboring countries, in pursuing legal cases in the international courts and the United Nations, as undeniable proof of the existence of Armenians and the Armenian heritage in these lands for over two millennium, and as irrefutable evidence of the true ownership of these lands. Thus, the updating, maintenance, publication, and dissemination of these archives are of the utmost importance for the survival of the Armenian heritage and national identity.
RAA/USA is committed to raising the necessary funds to support on-going projects and activities. The main source of our funding is the charitable donations received from Guardians and Supporters of RAA.