The AGBU Armenian Virtual College (AVC) and the Yerevan Municipality held a joint global forum on April 1st, 2015, to launch the interactive e-book Exploring Yerevan – A Look Inside the City’s Past and Present. The book is the newest addition to AVC’s pioneering multimedia e-book series. Over 100 participants from the Armenian Diaspora attending the AGBU General Assembly, representatives of diplomatic agencies, local and international organizations operating in Armenia, and other high-level officials from economic, educational and cultural spheres were present at the global forum held in the Yerevan municipality hall. The e-book is replete with fascinating and useful information presented in an engaging style. It has been designed to help readers have a productive and enjoyable visit to Yerevan and its surroundings during, before and after their trip. The e-book offers a diversity of programs, ranging from city tours, to hikes to festive cultural and social events. Videos, interactive maps, virtual visits, picture galleries, 3D and panoramic images, and puzzles have been used to introduce readers to the city and its surrounding areas. The e-book is packed with a wealth of historical, social and demographic information, making it the perfect reference for those who plan to visit Yerevan or simply want to learn about the city. The English version of the e-book, which was demonstrated, will soon be followed by versions in Eastern and Western Armenian, Russian, French, Spanish and Turkish. All books will be available for free download or browsing online an in the Apple iBook store. “With a groundbreaking presentation and a fresh wave of information, the Yerevan e-book is a perfect resource for anyone who wants to make the most out of their visit to Yerevan and/or learn about one of the oldest cities in the world” said Dr. Yervant Zorian, AVC founder and president. “I am sure this book will acquire a broad readership and hence will contribute to the consideration of Yerevan as one of the best touristic destinations in the world.” Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan stressed the importance of the effective cooperation and collaboration established between the Municipality of Yerevan and the AGBU Armenian Virtual College which would surely promote such successful initiatives to be long term and continuous. “Really significant work has been carried out. Due to incorporating modern technologies our 2796-year-old capital can be presented to the world as an attractive touristic city”, pointed out the Mayor. He also noted that such eye-catching and attractive projects would further contribute to the growth of interest in books and literature. A number of AVC partners, internationals and learners around the world joined the global forum online and onsite, with their appreciation words and congratulations for the new e-Book. "Armenian Studies has been staying behind of using modern technology and AVC covers this major gap", said Dr. Razmik Panossian, Director of the Armenian Communities Department at Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. AVC Liaison for China and East Asia Henri Arslanian, who is the President of ChinaHay, the Armenian Community of China, talked about the community needs and the importance of AVC in preserving the Armenian identity in his community through teaching Armenian to young generation. Director of AGBU Scholarships & Alternative Education Natalie Gabrelian noted that AVC extended its program from virtual classroom to general public through these e-Book Series, and the new eBook marks an attractive expansion of the program. "Via AVC lessons, virtual tours, and e-publications, AVC gives us all we need as students of Armenian language, history and culture", said AVC student Maria Epatov from Romania, who is a teaching professor at the Yerevan Brusov State University of Languages. "AVC greatly covers the need for modern tools among Armenian students", noted Chahe Tanachian, the Chairman of AGBU Montreal and principle of AGBU Armen Quebec School in Montreal, Canada. Anna Dolabjian, AVC Liaison in Egypt, talked about her community experience with AVC using the blended method of teaching Armenian Language and Chess programs and possibilities of new initiatives to partner with other organizations in her community to have a better outreach. Other students from Turkey and Denmark also shared their experiences in learning Armenian topics through AVC, which contributed to the better knowledge of the Armenian history and culture as well as helped them to unite family members. "AVC is one of the first Armenian organizations to use Joomag products to create Armenian interactive content", noted Ruben Vardanyan, CEO and President of Joomag Inc. He welcomed AVC initiatives in using today’s state-of-the-art technology in their e-Book products and freely distributing it. Within the frames of the event Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan was awarded with the gold medal of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU). Expressing gratitude for the appreciation and stressing the importance of the cooperation established with AGBU the Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan presented the AGBU President Berge Setrakian a souvenir with the coat of arms of Yerevan. Exploring Yerevan e-book will soon be accessible through mobile devices and personal computers. Video Links: Exploring Yerevan e-Book Trailer E-Book Launch Live Stream Recording