A conference dedicated to the 150th anniversary of public and political figure, literary critic, and pedagogue Nikol Aghbalyan was held at YSU Faculty of Armenian Philology. The event was organized in collaboration with Yerevan State University, the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, the Institute of Literature of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, and Armenian State Pedagogical University after Khachatur Abovyan.
The conference opened with welcoming remarks by Arshaluys Galstyan, Dean of YSU Faculty of Armenian Philology. In his speech, he highlighted Nikol Aghbalyan’s extensive public activities, emphasizing his patriotic contributions. Arshaluys Galstyan noted that the purpose of the gathering was to present a more comprehensive view of Aghbalyan’s legacy through discussions and a question-and-answer format.
Ruzan Arakelyan, Director of the Yerevan office of the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society, also delivered a welcoming address. She underlined Aghbalyan’s tenure as Minister of Education in the government of the First Republic of Armenia, calling it one of the most significant periods of his life. During this time, Aghbalyan played a pivotal role in establishing the Union of Writers of Armenia in Yerevan. A distinguished publicist and a brilliant orator, he addressed almost all major socio-political issues of the early 20th century. As the Minister of Public Education and Arts of the Republic of Armenia (August 1919 – May 1920), he made significant efforts toward shaping state policies in the fields of culture, science, and national education. Under his leadership, the long-standing decision to establish Yerevan State University was finally implemented.
The conference featured presentations by prominent scholars, including Prof. Zhenya Kalantaryan, Doctor of Philology; Prof. David Gasparyan, Doctor of Philology; Assoc. Prof. Ashkhen Jrbashyan, PhD; Assoc. Prof. Knarik Abrahamyan, PhD; Armen Manukyan, PhD; and Lusine Avetisyan, PhD.
The speakers provided in-depth analyses of Aghbalyan’s literary criticism, public and political activities, and significant contributions to Armenian literary studies. Throughout his career, he collaborated with numerous periodicals. Aghbalyan’s works made a significant contribution to the study of Armenian literary history and linguistics.
During the event, speakers emphasized that Aghbalyan was always objective in his literary evaluations, stood by emerging writers, and inspired them throughout their creative journeys.
