Booktime and Gulbenkian partner to bring new Western Armenian children’s books to the diaspora
Charitable publisher Booktime, which specialises in providing free access to illustrated digital books in multiple languages, has partnered with the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (CGF) to bring more than 100 Western Armenian children’s books to families worldwide.
Booktime, a global initiative from open access pioneer the Hindawi Foundation, has received a grant from the CGF to support the professional translation, linguistic review and publication of 102 titles newly translated into Western Armenian.
The Booktime platform is available on app and desktop and offers children aged 12 and under a wide range of stories – from fairy tales, folk legends and Greek myths to sci‑fi adventures, mysteries, classic literature and early non‑fiction – in multiple languages.
Dr Razmik Panossian, director of the Foundation’s Armenian Communities Department, said: “Including Western Armenian on Hindawi Foundation’s Booktime is an important step in making the language available on international platforms.
“We are delighted to help bring these stories to readers around the world, offering communities the opportunity to enjoy these beautifully illustrated books.
“Booktime will broaden Western Armenian readership and reinforce the revitalisation of the language as a living, dynamic part of global culture.”
Each book is being translated and reviewed by native Western Armenian-speaking translators and literacy specialists to ensure accuracy, quality and cultural resonance, with idioms and references carefully adapted for children from diverse backgrounds.
Booktime founder Ahmed Hindawi said: “At Booktime, we believe every child should have free access to high‑quality books that reflect the richness of global languages and cultures.
“Working with the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation allows us to offer these titles in Western Armenian, allowing more families to enjoy them. Sharing heritage, traditions and identity with the next generation starts with great books.”
Launched in 2024 by the Hindawi Foundation, Booktime builds on its heritage of open‑access academic publishing and its commitment to making knowledge more widely available. It offers free children’s books in multiple languages, with new stories and illustrations released every month.
The CGF is a Lisbon‑based charitable organisation established in 1956. Its Armenian Communities Department is dedicated to supporting Armenian culture, education and diaspora communities worldwide, alongside the Foundation’s broader work in the arts, science and social development.
