YEREVAN, Armenia — On December 3, the American University of Armenia (AUA) Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy (MAIRD) program hosted Dr. Hayk Demoyan for the presentation of his recent book, Tiflis: An Illustrated History of Armenian Heritage. This is the second book Dr. Demoyans has presented at AUA, following his earlier presentation of Armenian Legacy in America: A 400-Year Heritage, dedicated to the arrival of the first Armenian in Virginia in 1618.
Professor Vahram Ter-Matevosyan delivered the welcoming remarks and introduced Dr. Demoyan, after which the author took the floor to present his illustrated book. In his talk, Dr. Demoyan brought to light previously unknown or little-known chapters in the history of Tbilisi, which was the center of Armenian intellectual, economic, and cultural activity in the South Caucasus before and after the region’s annexation by the Russian Empire.
In his presentation, Dr. Demoyan highlighted that the Armenian presence in old Tiflis (Tbilisi) represents an impressive and valuable legacy of the historical and cultural bonds between the Georgian and Armenian peoples, who have endured trials and hardships of a shared destiny for centuries.
“This book reveals many unknown or little-known pages of Georgian-Armenian common heritage, Dr. Demoyan noted. “The content of this volume covers almost all aspects of the Armenian activities in the history of Tbilisi. Newly discovered historical materials, both textual and visual, may also inspire new research and academic studies, and I am pleased to note that fostering such inquiries was one of my primary goals in preparing this volume.”
The event was followed by a lively Q&A discussion, during which AUA students and faculty in attendance seized the opportunity to expand on various points and seek further elaboration on the book and the points raised by the author
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.
