Armenia’s Cultural Aspects of Literature

Armenia, overshadowed by its complex political timeline, is often overlooked when it comes to its extensive cultural developments and contributions to creative arts. Literature, art, architecture, and other types of design have been produced by Armenians outside of Armenia itself, and over the past few decades, Armenians have been migrating abroad instead of staying within the country’s borders due to political and racial turmoil. With a rich historical backdrop, much of their creative landscape came as a result of its governmental influences and religious impacts. Armenia’s literature is majorly derived from its political and social affairs at the time of its development, characterized by representational motives of its authors, and the enduring prevalence of their writings displayed in the contemporary world.

Historical Influences

Before Armenian literature gained its own representation and distinction, it was significantly influenced by other nations’ political and social situations surrounding the country. Its origins stem back to the 5th Century C.E. during Armenia’s very first golden age of literature (Britannica.com). According to the Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, during this phase, Armenian scholars originally studied compositions such as Aristotle and Philo of Alexandria. This shows the prevalence of  Hellenistic literature, arguably one of the most well-known concepts that heavily influenced Armenia by global factors, and also proves that during this period they were guided by groups of governments in means of writing and arts. 

Due to religious influence, Armenians gained momentum in translation work produced from Greece or studied in Constantinople after the large religious influence of Christianity assimilated into the culture (Britannica.com). Additionally, Christian priests played a pivotal role by drawing on Greek and Syriac Bibles to study. Armenians finally translated their own religious books, exemplified by the Oskan Bible that was published in 1666 (Merian 294). Given the predominant religious focus of the era, it is clear that literature of this period bore the mark of the religious factors surrounding Armenian society.

Since most of these writings around the time were based on religion, notable texts emerged, such as “Refutation of the Sects” by Eznik Koghbatsi, which provided a history of old Armenian culture (Britannica.com). This was an early sign reading how Armenians were shifting towards indigenous representation; a contrast from the previous writings that once were guided by other dominating nations, and signifying a departure from heavy influence of other civilizations. Now, these written works are considered famous in the contemporary world. In summary, in light of early ages, Armenia was impacted by other teachings and political values, but the peoples would eventually emerge into their inclusive cultural variety of literature and arts.

Progressing in Time

Armenian literature carried on and began to write within the walls of their own nationality after a period of decline, promoting nationalist identity and culture. However, their representation didn’t maintain as a whole throughout the timeline of history. During the 10th Century, there was a period of decline after a branched split in the east and west parts of Armenia, and subsequently there was an uprising that finally occurred, resulting in a change of the trajectory of literature that had shifted apart centuries before (Kebranian). According to Kebranian, the country of Armenia itself didn’t have as many people inside as outside, but rather “throughout the Armenian diaspora” in places such as India, Venice, Moscow, and Vienna. 

Armenia’s commitment to preserving literature and cultural representation exhibits the enduring pride they had even after they were separated from their homeland. Despite the split in people’s homes in the diaspora, the values of preserving their ethnic backgrounds are commendable. In the Eastern literature of Armenia, authors who engaged in political ideologies were often persecuted (Britannica.com). It is disheartening to acknowledge that they were persecuted because of their national representation under the rule of external powers. 

However, in the face of adversity, Armenian authors continued to write about their country and culture. Harob Paronian’s short stories represented Russian Armenia, Raphael Patkanian’s poems such as “Spring in Exile” included a variety of Armenia’s nature, Khachatur Abovean wrote “Wounds of Armenia” to describe its trials, and Gabriel Sundukian eloquently wrote about Armenian society in Tbilisi (Britannica.com). Despite how these writings came from different geographical locations, they all united under one culture that has been portrayed throughout these ages.

These literary expressions that emerged from different locations of the world stand as a testament to the resilience and unity of Armenian writers. They, through their works, continue to articulate the essence of their land and culture.

Contemporary Creations

Nowadays, Armenian literature has ascended into prominence in response to the rise of contemporary issues, while also acknowledging the past experiences and persecution older authors have undergone. This literary balance consistently maintained a moderate approach, involving in its literature from the olden days as well as the present. This transition into the modern world witnessed several tragedies: conflicting wars began, leading to tragic mass genocides and significant diaspora. Reflecting this repeating history, individualism and society were one of the many key concepts written in newer outcomes, especially through poems and narratives from different diverse Armenian works (Atamian). 

The admirable legacy of Armenian creations continues to grow as it encapsulates recurring focal points. Recent works that have been published in the 21st Century incorporate these themes, such as “Goodbye, Bird” by Aram Pachyan and "Fleeting City” by Hovhannes Tekgyozyan (Atamian). Their take on topics such as war, crime, and identity, and furthermore represent pride in their language and heritage. The shift in historical necessity of having to translate other nations’ work in the past to preserve their history with confidence in the language, marks a positive change in Armenian literature. While modern Armenian literary works introduce reformed topics and ideas, they consistently preserve the rich traditions and concepts of previous centuries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the political and religious impact on Armenian culture significantly shaped the literature and other art-related works created in Armenia. Throughout different epochs, authors have woven narratives that incorporate the historical experiences of the expansive geography and divisions that unfolded. Even in light of the vast migration and extensive diasporas from Armenia, their literature and artwork remained preserved by innovative artists. It is fascinating how Armenians managed to tell their stories through various prominent stories, songs, art, and literature.

References

“Armenian Literature.” The Project Gutenberg EBook of Armenian Literature, 5 Mar. 2004, https://www.gutenberg.org/files/11461/11461-h/11461-h.htm#PROVERBS_AND_FOLK-LORE

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Armenian literature". Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Nov. 2014, https://www.britannica.com/art/Armenian-literature

“Armenia: Art, Religion, and Trade in the Middle Ages - Metpublications - the Metropolitan Museum of Art.” Armenia: Art, Religion, and Trade in the Middle Ages - MetPublications - The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2018, https://www.metmuseum.org/art/metpublications/Armenia_Art_Religion_and_Trade_in_the_Middle_Ages