Bournoutian to Speak at NAASR on Russo-Iranian Relations, Formation of Modern Armenia

BELMONT, Mass.—On Thurs., Oct. 2, at 7:30 p.m., Prof. George Bournoutian will give a lecture entitled, “Russo-Iranian Wars and Diplomacy and the Formation of the Modern Armenian State,” at the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) Center, on 395 Concord Ave. in Belmont.

Bournoutian will explore this fascinating historical episode, covered in his latest book, "From Ta-briz to St. Petersburg: Iran’s Mission of Apology to Russia in 1829" — Cover of Bournoutian’s latest book, “From Ta-briz to St. Petersburg: Iran’s Mission of Apology to Russia in 1829”

Following the second Russo-Iranian War (1826-28), Russia obtained the region of Yerevan from Iran and called it “Armenian Province.” Armenians from Iran were encouraged by the treaty to repatriate to the historic homeland, and thousands did. The region became the foundation of the present-day Armenian Republic.

Russia sent an ambassador to Iran in 1829 to ratify the treaty and assure the return of any Christian prisoners taken away during the war. When Russian Ambassador Griboedov gave refuge to an Armenian man and two women, Iranians became angry, attacked the embassy, and killed the Russian ambassador and all the Russian diplomats except one. Following this incident, the Shah sent a letter of apology with gifts to the Russian Court, thus strengthening the two nations’ ties.

Bournoutian will explore this fascinating historical episode, covered in his latest book, From Tabriz to St. Petersburg: Iran’s Mission of Apology to Russia in 1829, which utilizes primary Russian and Persian sources, and will discuss its enduring importance and relevance to modern Armenian history, as well as for Russia and Iran. From Tabriz to St. Petersburg will be available for purchase and signing the night of the lecture.

George Bournoutian is a professor of Eastern European and Middle Eastern history at Iona College, as well as a recipient of the IREX, NDEA, and Mellon Fellowships. He has taught Armenian and Iranian history at UCLA and Columbia University and is the author or translator of numerous books, including The Khanate of Erevan Under Qajar Rule, A Concise History of the Armenian People, Two Chronicles on the History of Karabagh, The Travel Accounts of Simeon of Poland, Tigran II and Rome, Jambr, and A Brief History of the Aghuank Region.

For more information about Bournoutian’s lecture, contact NAASR by calling (617) 489-1610 or e-mailing hq@naasr.org.