Mkrtchyan E. S., Khtsaberd and the Offspring of My Life (Memoirs), Yerevan, Real Print Publishing, 2023, 280 pp. + 58 pp., illustrations.

Mher A. Harutyunyan
Ph.D. in History

Summary

Keywords – Khtsaberd, Hadrut, Artsakh, Nagorno-Karabakh, memoirs, professor, settlement, etymology, research, genealogy, historical memory, resident, word formation, grammar, school, indigenous people, forced displacement.

In the context of the Azerbaijan-Turkey aggression from 2020 to 2023, which led to the occupation of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and the threat of genocide against the indigenous Armenian population with subsequent forced displacement, rethinking and popularizing the history of the once-existing “eastern regions” of Armenia has gained significant importance. This is due to the need to convey to international specialized and authorized organizations the demand for urgent measures to preserve the Armenian historical and cultural heritage, which is being destroyed, appropriated, and distorted in the occupied territories of historical Armenia, to maintain the historical memory of our compatriots and unite them around the idea of returning to their homeland, as well as to strengthen our counterarguments in the information war imposed on Armenia and the entire Armenian nation.

From this perspective, it is worth noting that the initiative of Doctor of Philological Sciences, Professor Eduard Samsonovich Mkrtchyan to present the history of his native village of Khctaberд in his memoirs can serve as a positive example for publishing books dedicated to other settlements of Artsakh.

Professor E. Mkrtchyan’s memoirs were published by decision of the Scientific Council of the Armenian State Pedagogical University named after Kh. Abovyan. The book was prepared for publication by the Syunik Center for Armenian Studies. The editor of the book is Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor Mher Kumunts.

The author of the memoirs has presented the history of his native village of Khctaberд, its language, genealogies, the origins of toponyms, and other interesting information. All of this is presented in the context of significant events in the life and work of Professor E. Mkrtchyan.

In conclusion, it can be noted that E. Mkrtchyan’s valuable publication aims to become a reference book for the reading audience. The usefulness of the book is evident both for specialists in Armenian studies and for the broader reading public interested in the history of Artsakh. The publication of the book is relevant in terms of restoring the territorial integrity of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, recognizing the international right to return to the homeland, and substantiating the historical, political, and legal aspects of its status.