Conference organizers:
Matenadaran (the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts)
ISFNR (the International Society for Folk Narrative Research)
Call for papers:
MAGIC AND MANUSCRIPTS
18th International Conference of the ISFNR Committee on Charms, Charmers and Charming
Yerevan, Armenia | 14th – 17th October, 2026
The International Society for Folk Narrative Research’s (ISFNR) Committee on Charms, Charmers and Charming invites submissions for its 18th international conference, organized in collaboration with the Matenadaran (Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts).
The conference will take place from the 14th to 17th October, 2026 at the Matenadaran.
The conference is especially devoted to amulet scrolls, charms, prayers, and records of their use (with no geographical or chronological restrictions).
Thematic scope of the conference
• Manuscript heritage
• Printed heritage
• Miniature painting
• Amulet scrolls in state and private collections
A special session will focus on the catalogue of handwritten Armenian amulet scrolls held at the Matenadaran, Mesrop Mashtots Research Institute of Ancient Manuscripts. As part of the conference, a catalogue will be officially launched, and there will be the opening of an special exhibition dedicated to manuscript and printed amulet scrolls preserved at the Matenadaran.
The language of the conference is English. Synchronous translation will be provided from English into Armenian, and vice versa.
Submission deadline: 31st May, 2026
Proposals for 20-minute papers should include:
- the title
- a 250-word abstract
- and a short biographical note
Please send your submissions to:
[email protected]
There will be no participation fee. Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs.
https://www.matenadaran.am
https://isfnr.org/special-committees/committee-on-charms-charmers-and-charming/