Famous Armenian Writers

Sayat-Nova was a renowned Armenian poet, musician, and ashugh, known for his compositions in multiple languages. He had a prolific professional career, creating a diverse body of work that showcased his talent and versatility. Sayat-Nova's poetry and music resonated with audiences across different cultures, earning him widespread recognition and admiration. His artistic contributions continue to be celebrated for their depth, beauty, and cultural significance, solidifying his legacy as a prominent figure in Armenian and regional artistic traditions.

Saint Gregory Narekatsi was an Armenian mystical and lyrical poet, monk, and theologian, venerated as a saint in the Armenian Apostolic and Catholic Churches. Educated and ordained, he was stationed at Narekavank on Lake Van's shores. Considered a significant theological and literary figure in Armenian tradition, his Book of Lamentations is a renowned piece of mystical literature, widely used as a confessional prayer book. His works have had a profound impact on Armenian literature, inspiring many and shaping the literary landscape for generations.

Hovhannes Tumanyan was a prominent Armenian poet, writer, translator, and literary activist known as the national poet of Armenia. His diverse body of work includes poems, quatrains, ballads, novels, fables, and critical articles, all characterized by a realistic style that depicted everyday life. Tumanyan gained recognition for his simple yet poetic creations, which resonated with a wide Armenian audience. His works have inspired numerous films and animated adaptations, as well as operas such as Anush and Almast based on his writings.

Yeghishe Charents was an influential Armenian poet, writer, and public activist whose literary works focused on themes such as his experiences in the First World War, the Russian Revolution, and Armenia. Initially a supporter of communism and the USSR, Charents joined the Bolshevik Party and actively promoted Soviet Armenia. However, he later grew disillusioned with Stalin's regime, leading to his arrest during the Great Purge in the 1930s. Despite this, he was posthumously rehabilitated by the Soviet state in 1955, recognizing his significant contributions to Armenian literature.

Paruyr Sevak was a prominent Armenian poet, translator, and literary critic known for his significant contributions to Armenian literature. He is revered as one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, admired for his profound insights and innovative writing style. Throughout his career, Sevak produced a substantial body of work that showcased his deep understanding of language and culture, earning him widespread acclaim and leaving a lasting impact on Armenian literary heritage.

Raffi, born Hakob Melik Hakobian, was a prominent Armenian author known for his significant contributions to 19th-century Armenian literature. He gained widespread recognition for his compelling historical novels that played a crucial role in the advancement of modern Armenian nationalism. Raffi is celebrated as one of the most influential and popular modern Armenian authors, earning a reputation as Armenia's "greatest novelist of the 19th century." His professional legacy is marked by a profound impact on Armenian literature and cultural identity.

Khachatur Abovian was a multi-talented Armenian polymath known for his contributions as an educator, scientist, philosopher, writer, and poet. He advocated for modernization in Armenian society, leaving a lasting impact on Armenian literature and history. Abovian's most renowned work, the novel "Wounds of Armenia," holds significant importance as the first novel published in Modern Armenian language. Despite his disappearance in 1848, Abovian's posthumously recognized achievements and influence on Eastern Armenian literature solidify his position as a pioneering figure in Armenian cultural and literary heritage.

Avetik Isahakyan was a prominent Armenian lyric poet, writer, and public activist. He is recognized for his significant contributions to Armenian literature, particularly in the field of poetry. Isahakyan's works are known for their emotional depth, cultural richness, and artistic craftsmanship. Throughout his professional life, he actively engaged in social and political issues, advocating for the rights and welfare of the Armenian people. His legacy as a literary figure and activist continues to inspire generations of Armenian writers and activists.

Silva Kaputikyan was a prominent Armenian poet and political activist, recognized as a leading figure in Armenian literature during the twentieth century. She was highly regarded for her contributions to poetry and advocacy for Armenian national causes. As a member of the Communist Party, she addressed political issues in her works while also writing in both Armenian and Russian languages. Her first collection of poems was published in the mid-1940s, and she established herself as a significant literary figure in Soviet Armenia by the 1950s.

Hovhannes Shiraz was a prominent Armenian poet known for his profound and emotionally resonant works. He gained recognition for his lyrical poetry that explored themes of love, nature, and the human experience. Shiraz's poems have been celebrated for their eloquence and depth, drawing inspiration from Armenian culture and history. His contributions to Armenian literature have left a lasting impact, solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential poets of the 20th century.

Vahan Terian was a prominent Armenian poet, lyricist, and public activist known for his sorrowful and romantic poems. His literary works continue to be celebrated for their emotional depth and lyrical beauty. Terian's writings have left a lasting impact on Armenian literature, with his most famous poems being adapted into musical compositions that are still enjoyed today. Through his creative endeavors, Terian made significant contributions to the cultural heritage of Armenia, solidifying his legacy as a revered figure in Armenian literary history.

Armin Theophil Wegner was a German soldier and medic in World War I, a prolific author, and a human rights activist. He witnessed the Armenian genocide while stationed in the Ottoman Empire and documented it through photography. Despite great personal risk, he opposed the antisemitic policies of the Nazi regime and authored a plea to Adolf Hitler on behalf of German Jews. Persecuted by the Nazis, he fled Germany and lived the rest of his life in Italy. Wegner's anti-genocide efforts were later recognized, including by Yad Vashem as Righteous Among the Nations.

Diana Abgar was a diaspora Armenian writer and humanitarian. She made history as the first female Armenian diplomat, serving as the Honorary Consul to Japan for the First Republic of Armenia. Her appointment marked one of the earliest instances of a woman holding a diplomatic post in the 20th century. Throughout her career, Diana Abgar demonstrated dedication to promoting diplomatic relations and supporting her community. Her contributions as a pioneer in diplomacy and advocacy for Armenian causes left a lasting impact on international relations.

Missak Manouchian was an Armenian poet and communist activist who moved to France in 1925 after surviving the Armenian genocide. He was active in communist Armenian literary circles and during World War II, he became the military commissioner of FTP-MOI, a group targeting Nazi forces in the Paris Region. The Manouchian group, consisting of European immigrants, including many Jews, was considered the most active in the French Resistance. Manouchian and his comrades were arrested in 1943 and executed by the Nazis in 1944. He is remembered as a hero of the French Resistance and was buried in the Panthéon in Paris.

George Mardikian was a prominent Turkish-born American restaurateur, chef, author, and philanthropist of Armenian descent. He gained recognition for opening the renowned Omar Khayyam's restaurant in San Francisco in 1938, which became a culinary staple for over 40 years. Mardikian played a pivotal role in introducing and popularizing Armenian cuisine in the United States. Additionally, he founded the ANCHA organization, dedicated to aiding homeless Armenians. His professional legacy is marked by his contributions to the culinary world and his philanthropic efforts in supporting his community.

Mikayel Nalbandian was a prominent Russian-Armenian writer, poet, political theorist, and activist known for his advocacy of secularism, modern Armenian language, and cultural nationalism. He was a vocal critic of the conservative clergy of the Armenian Apostolic Church and espoused anti-Catholicism. Inspired by the Enlightenment and Italian unification, Nalbandian championed reform, agrarianism, and cultural revival among Armenians. Influenced by Russian radicals, he faced persecution for his beliefs and died in exile. His works influenced a generation of Armenian nationalists, revolutionaries, and Marxists.

Michael S. Hart was an American author and inventor known for creating the e-book and founding Project Gutenberg (PG). He was a pioneer in making e-books freely available online, publishing them via ARPANET, BBS networks, and Gopher servers. Hart dedicated his life to digitizing and distributing literature from the public domain, typing many early e-books himself before enlisting volunteers to expand the project. His work revolutionized access to literature by making it easily accessible in digital formats.

Alexander Shirvanzade was a prominent Armenian playwright and novelist known for his works that explored social issues and human behavior. He gained recognition for his insightful and satirical portrayals of Armenian society, shedding light on various aspects of life through his writing. Shirvanzade's plays and novels were widely acclaimed for their depth and intellectual commentary, earning him a reputation as a talented and influential literary figure in Armenian culture. His work continues to be studied and appreciated for its enduring relevance and artistic merit.

Sarmad Kashani, also known as Sarmad, was a Persian-speaking Armenian mystic and poet who settled in the Indian subcontinent during the 17th century. His professional life was characterized by his mystical poetry and philosophical writings that transcended religious boundaries. Despite his potential conversion from Judaism to Islam, Sarmad's own writings suggest a rejection of religious labels, asserting that he belonged to neither Jewish, Muslim, nor Hindu faiths. His work reflected a deep spiritual exploration and a unique perspective on religious identity.

Zori Balayan is a multifaceted professional with expertise in various fields. As a novelist, he has contributed significantly to Armenian literature. His career in journalism has allowed him to inform and engage with audiences on a wide range of topics. Additionally, his background as a sports doctor showcases his commitment to health and wellness. As a traveler, he has likely gained unique perspectives and experiences that have enriched his work. Being recognized as a "Renowned master of the Arts" highlights his exceptional contributions to the cultural landscape.

Emilia Zoryan is a versatile Armenian-American professional known for her work in the entertainment industry. With a background in film and television acting, producing, and writing, she has made a mark as an award-winning author. Her debut novel, "Love and Other Sins," delves into themes of family dynamics, immigration, child abuse, trauma, and love. Zoryan's expertise in storytelling and her ability to capture complex emotions and experiences have solidified her reputation as a talented and multifaceted artist in the industry.

Siamanto, born Adom Yarjanian, was a prominent Armenian writer and poet known for his influential works during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was a significant national figure, using his literary talent to advocate for Armenian rights and raise awareness about social and political issues. Siamanto's writing reflected his deep connection to his heritage and his strong commitment to his people. Tragically, he was martyred by the Ottoman authorities, becoming a symbol of resistance and sacrifice during the Armenian genocide.

Sos Sargsyan was a prominent figure in Armenian entertainment, known for his work as an actor, director, and writer. With a career spanning several decades, he made significant contributions to Armenian cinema and theater. Sargsyan's talent and dedication were evident in his versatile performances on stage and screen, captivating audiences with his compelling portrayals of various characters. As a director, he brought unique artistic vision to his projects, and as a writer, he showcased his creativity and storytelling prowess. Sargsyan's legacy continues to inspire aspiring artists in Armenia and beyond.

Armen Ohanian was a multi-talented individual known for her contributions in various fields. She was a renowned dancer, captivating audiences with her performances. As an actress, she showcased her versatility and talent on stage and screen. Ohanian was also a gifted writer, sharing her thoughts and stories through her works. Additionally, she excelled as a translator, bridging language barriers and bringing different cultures together through her linguistic skills. Overall, Ohanian's professional life was marked by creativity, passion, and a commitment to artistic expression.

Aram Asatryan was a prominent Armenian singer and songwriter known for his contributions to Armenian pop and rabiz music. He was recognized for his energetic live performances and is hailed as the pioneer of the rabiz music genre. Asatryan's professional career was marked by his immense popularity and influence within the music industry, establishing him as the most celebrated rabiz singer of all time. His legacy continues to resonate in the Armenian music scene, inspiring generations of artists and music enthusiasts.

Nora Nadjarian is a prolific Armenian–Cypriot poet and short story writer known for her multilingual writing in English, Armenian, and Greek. Her work predominantly addresses the enduring repercussions of the 1974 partition of Cyprus. Nadjarian actively engages in international literary events, competitions, and festivals, and her pieces have been featured in various global anthologies. Influenced by renowned poets such as Sylvia Plath, Yehuda Amichai, Paul Celan, Pablo Neruda, and Sharon Olds, Nadjarian's professional life is characterized by a dedication to exploring themes of identity, conflict, and human experience in her writing.