World history is rich in events: civilizations changed, nations appeared and disappeared from the face of the Earth, states formed and crumbled. Most modern nationalities were formed by the 1st millennium AD. The article will discuss the history of the relationship between two ancient ethnic groups: Armenians and Russians.
Relationship history
The first written mentions of the Armenians who settled in Ancient Russia date back to the 10-11th century. As far back as the 9th century, close trade and cultural ties were established with Byzantium, which was ruled by representatives of the Armenian dynasty (867-1056).
The earliest community of Armenians was formed in Kiev. In the 9th century, they actively participated in the economic, commercial and cultural life of the city, in addition, the Armenians and Russians jointly defended it from external enemies.
As far back as the 9th century, the Slavs served the Byzantine emperors as mercenary warriors, where they adopted Christianity and carried its traditions to their Fatherland.
It is known that the grandson of Grand Duchess Olga, Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavovich, the baptist of Ancient Russia, was married to Princess Anne, the Byzantine princess.
From Kiev, the Armenians settled in other cities: Nizhny Novgorod, Vladimir-Suzdalsky, Smolensk.
The first written mention of the Armenian people in Moscow is found in the annals of the Moscow fire of 1390.
By decree of Tsar Ivan IV, the Armenians were settled in the White City - this is part of Moscow, where they settled free people of foreign origin who enjoyed special benefits. In the 16th century in Moscow, at the Ilyinsky Gate, the Armenian court of merchants was located.
After the partition of Armenia between Iran and Turkey, the Armenian people suffered severe oppression and religious persecution. People turned to Russia for help, which by that time was a strong state.
Since the 18th century, relations between Armenians and Russians have become strong and friendly. Russian tsars encouraged the activities and enterprise of Armenian merchants.
The diamond throne, which is now stored in the Kremlin in the Armory, was donated to Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich by Armenian merchants. It was made of expensive wood and upholstered in black velvet, silk and satin. Its decoration consists of 897 diamonds and 1298 pearls, amethysts, sapphires, topazes, turquoise, gold and silver.
Peter the Great made an attempt to free the Armenians from the yoke of the Persians and Turks. A military alliance was concluded between the Armenians and the Russians. The king promised to help the people immediately after the end of the Northern War. He kept his promise and embarked on a famous Caspian expedition, as a result of which Russian troops occupied Rasht, Derbent, Baku and a number of Caspian regions.
The liberation of Armenia was long and lasted until the beginning of the 19th century (the war for Karabakh and Eastern Armenia). During this time, the friendship between the Russian and Armenian peoples has strengthened, wars have shown cultural, spiritual and religious closeness, devotion and loyalty to each other.
450 thousand Armenians fought side by side with the Russians against fascism, of which 275 thousand were killed, more than 70 thousand Armenian front-line soldiers were awarded with medals and orders, 103 soldiers were awarded the title of Hero of the USSR.
Thus, close political, military, economic, cultural and religious ties have developed between Armenia and Russia since ancient times. The Armenian diaspora plays a huge role in the development of Russian-Armenian relations.
Diaspora in Russia
According to the “Union of Armenians in Russia”, the diaspora exceeds 2.5 million people in this country. More than half of Armenians live in 3 regions of the Russian Federation: Rostov Region, Stavropol, Krasnodar Territory.
After the collapse of the USSR, the number of Armenians in Russia increased sharply due to refugees from Abkhazia, Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Central Asia. About 700 thousand Armenians moved to Russia after the Spitak earthquake, the war with Azerbaijan.
Now the Armenians play an important role in the cultural, social and economic life of Russia, they are represented in the government, show business, art, science and other fields of activity. In 2000, the Union of Armenians of Russia was established in the country. Its departments are actively working: they build temples, restore abandoned churches, open Sunday schools, organize national holidays, publish newspapers and magazines.
Interesting Facts
The Armenian-Russian relations have been going on for centuries, here are some interesting facts about this:
- One of the government officials who took part in the liberalization and abolition of serfdom in the Russian Empire was Loris-Melikov, an Armenian by birth.
- In the Shamkir region of Azerbaijan there is the Armenian village of Chardakhlu, which gave the USSR 2 marshals (Babajanyan, Baghramyan), six generals, 4 Heroes of the USSR. During World War II, 1,250 people left the village for the front, 853 were awarded orders and medals, 452 people died.
- The first written evidence of hired detachments of Armenians of horsemen (Cossacks) dates back to the 14th century. According to these archives, the Armenians entered the hired horse-drawn military force, which guarded Tanu from raids. At present, a council of atamans of Cossack Armenian troops is operating in Armenia and in Russia. They are united in the International Armenian Cossack Association. In total, there are about 5 thousand Cossacks in Armenia; they are reservists of the troops of the country's Ministry of Defense.
What do Armenians think about Russians and Russia
The American company Pew Research Center conducted a poll in 2017 in Armenia. The topic was what Armenians think without hypocrisy about Russia. The survey revealed that 79% of Armenians regret the collapse of the USSR. In addition, 80% of Armenians believe that Russia is a center for preserving the traditions of Orthodox Christianity.
Mixed marriages: Armenian and Russian girl
It should be noted that in Armenia they treat mixed marriages well. Although recently, due to demographic problems in some families, they have become painful. How happy and full are these marriages? Vladimir Mikaelyan, Ph.D. (Psychology), associate professor of the Department of Social Psychology, Yerevan State University, believes that mixed marriages are the relationship of two cultures, and the closer the people are to each other, the less problems there are in the union. For example, it is much easier for Christians of even different nationalities to find a common language and common ground.
In a marriage between an Armenian and a Russian, an important aspect is the readiness of the husband and wife to adapt to each other. It is necessary to cultivate the understanding of each spouse that marriage is a merger, that there are no random unions, each of them is perfect in heaven. And even if the marriage breaks up, this does not happen by chance. He is sure to teach people something.
Features of the Armenian man
What does marriage with an Armenian mean to a Russian woman? Armenian men are somewhat different from the Slavs.
Armenian men prefer not to talk, but to do. They are harsh only in appearance, behind their appearance are gentle souls who know how to enjoy life and love.
Marriage with an Armenian is a strong family in which understanding and respect reign. Armenians respect women and elders.
They create large and durable marriages. The man in the family is the main one, but he is a loving, caring father and husband. He will work tirelessly so that his family does not need anything.
The Armenians are reasonable, full of dignity and confidence. They value kindness and peace, know how to enjoy life.