Rafayel Ishkhanian facts for kids
Rafayel Avetisi Ishkhanyan (born March 9, 1922 – died February 6, 1995) was an important Armenian expert. He studied languages, old writings, and history. He was also a professor at Yerevan State University.
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A Life of Learning and Service
Ishkhanyan was born in Yerevan in 1922. His parents, Avetis and Haykanush, were involved in the Bolshevik movement. Sadly, his father was executed in 1937 during a difficult time called the Great Purge.
In 1939, Rafayel started studying languages at Yerevan State University (YSU). He joined the army in 1940 and fought in World War II. During the war, he was injured and captured. Later, he was released and continued his military service.
After the war, he went back to YSU and finished his studies in 1949. In 1954, he also graduated from the Moscow State Library Institute. In 1973, he earned his highest degree (doctorate) for his work on the history of the modern Armenian language.
From 1955 to 1963, he worked at the National Library of Armenia and at Matenadaran. These are important places for books and old manuscripts. From 1963 to 1992, he taught at Yerevan State University. He taught about modern Armenian, different Armenian dialects, and the history of Armenian literature and language.
He was also a representative in the Supreme Council of Armenia. This was like being a member of parliament. He served from 1991 until he passed away in 1995.
Important Writings and Ideas
Ishkhanyan's books and articles often focused on the very early history of the Armenian people. He also compared ancient languages and studied printing. He helped write the Armenian Soviet Encyclopedia, which was a big collection of knowledge.
Ishkhanyan believed that Armenians were the first people to live in the Armenian plateau. He thought they had been there since at least 4000 BC. He also often wrote about bringing back the old, traditional way of writing Armenian words.
When the Karabakh movement started, which was about Armenians wanting more independence, Ishkhanyan also wrote about how Armenians and Turks should get along. He came up with an idea called "the law of excluding the third force." This idea meant that Armenians should not rely on other big countries, like Russia or the West, to reach their goals. Instead, they should work directly with their neighbors. He wrote a book about this idea in 1991.
Family Life
Ishkhanyan was married to Byurakn Cheraz-Andreasyan. Her father, Vahan Cheraz, was a famous Armenian athlete. His son, Avetik Ishkhanyan, is a lawyer. Avetik leads the Armenian Helsinki Committee for Human Rights, which works to protect people's rights. He was also part of the Karabakh Committee.
Books by Rafayel Ishkhanyan
- Errord Uzhi Batsarman Orenke: Hodvatsner, Azat khosk, ISBN: 5-8079-0250-5
- Girke Khorhrdayin Hayastanum: Matenagitakan Tsank, Hayastani azgayin grapalat, ISBN: 99930-50-03-2
- Mer Inknutyan Glkhavor Nshane: (Grakanagitakan Hetazotutyunner), Nairi, ISBN: 5-550-00429-1
- Patkerazard Patmutyun Hayots, Book 1, 1989, Arevik, ISBN: 5-8077-0057-0
- Rafael Ishkhanian, Hayeri tzagume yev hnaguin patmutiune (The Origins and Most Ancient. History of the Armenians) (Beirut: Altapress 1984))
- Questions of origin and earliest history of Armenian people, Yerevan 1988
- On the Origin and Earliest History of the Armenian People, trans. N. Ouzounian, Montreal, 1989
- Ksiazka Ormianska W Latach 1512 - 1920, Ossolineum, ISBN 8304041782
