Diaspora Studies Department

The task of the subdivision is:

1. To engage in the study of the Diaspora (general and specific characteristics of the vital activity, self-organization, economic, social, and cultural integration processes of Armenians living abroad, trends in the preservation and reproduction of ethnic and ethno-religious characteristics, research of the national information space, economic, social, political and spiritual relations between Homeland and Diaspora, database of Diaspora heritage) using quantitative and qualitative methodology.

2.In addition to theory, to enrich the research with applied problems, which are aimed at:

• Finding the economic, social, and spiritual potential of different segments of the Diaspora; ​​                                           
• Searching for ways to solve national and specific problems of ethnic consolidation;                                                                 
• Developing a strategy aimed at preserving and developing the national image in a foreign environment.

3. From the perspective of the period, to deal with the XX-XXI centuries.                                                                                   

• To develop research on the Armenian Diaspora in Armenia, ensuring the influx of relevant personnel and their natural generational change. 
• The subdivision conducts its work in the following forms of activity: field, archival, and office.                                             
• The scientific output of the subdivision is measured by high-quality publications (monographs, collections, articles), which must be relevant and innovative, use modern methods, participate in and organize events (conferences, seminars, etc.), effective field and laboratory work, the effectiveness of international relations (involvement of foreign resources, participation in international conferences), personnel influx, defense of dissertations, provision of professional opinions.

 

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The past and present of the Department

Introduction

In the second half of the 20th century, the rapid and general development of cities coincided with significant changes in the activities of ethnic groups. These changes were reflected in ethnographic research through the emergence of new questions and the expansion of urban themes. The seminal work of Yuri Hrutyunyan laid the foundation for conducting systematic research in this area.

Serious discussions arose concerning the ethno-social consequences of the spatial displacement of Armenians, which became a starting point for two primary directions in studying the development of the Armenian ethnos. The first of these focused on developments within the cities of the Republic of Armenia. Large-scale ethno-sociological surveys conducted among the Republic’s population in 1980, 1993, 2005, 2010, and 2018 revealed that both internal and external migration flows to Armenian cities played a critical role in the ethno-social transformations of the urban Armenian population.

The findings of ethno-sociological research conducted within the current territory of Armenia demonstrated that Armenian populations from diverse social and ethno-cultural backgrounds significantly influenced the formation of the ethno-social landscape in various cities of the Republic, particularly in Yerevan.

 

The process of developing a Diaspora Studies program

In such circumstances it was important to identify the main features of the Armenian ethnic group in modern diversity, as well as to identify the necessary common and special features of typification between different parts of the nation.

The life activity of a fairly large number of Armenians, both in the past and in the present, was carried out in the diaspora, which determined both the disadvantages and the advantages of the ethnos. On the one hand, the diaspora can be useful in the approach of Republic of Armenia to the world economy and, in general, in the conditions of modern global processes, become a factor in the formation of intercontinental and regional structures on the national basis of Armenians. On the other hand, as a collection of small ethnic groups, the diaspora is subject to assimilation, which reduces its opportunities. All this served as the basis for taking into account the following three fundamental questions when creating the project.

- revealing the economic, social and spiritual potential of different parts of the ethnic group;

- searching for ways to unite the ethnic group, necessary for solving national and specific problems;

- developing a strategy aimed at preserving and developing the national profile.

The project was intended to create a common base for obtaining and storing the necessary and reliable information. When choosing methodological techniques, it was necessary to ensure:

1. a) the reflection of panorama of phenomena by comparing and contrasting data, while ensuring chronological sequence and territorial sections;
2. b) an analysis procedure for modeling the necessary processes and phenomena,
3. c) the combination and systematic use of qualitative (substantive and explanatory) and quantitative (highly reliable) data.

 

The creation and activities of the Department of Diaspora Studies

One of the most significant outcomes of the project's implementation was the establishment of the Diaspora Studies Group within the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA) in 2011. This group was formed with the participation of Ruben Karapetyan (project author and head), Syuzanna Barseghyan, Lusine Tanajyan, Karine Nalbandyan, and Sona Nersisyan. Later, in 2013, a separate Department of Diaspora Studies was established. Work commenced on developing the department's research program, aimed at creating a strong theoretical and methodological foundation. To this end, the department was initially organized as a cohesive team whose members' research topics derived from the conceptual framework and methodological principles of the general program. This structure required work to be conducted in both theoretical-methodological and empirical research directions, executed sequentially as well as concurrently.

Experience was gained through comparative quantitative and qualitative analyses of the content of media from the Republic of Armenia and the Diaspora, which formed the basis for developing a content analysis toolkit. This toolkit facilitated the refinement of the method and streamlined data collection. Four periodicals published in the Diaspora and Armenia between 2005 and 2010 (in Russia, Iran, the USA, and Armenia) were examined, encompassing approximately 5,000 articles, news pieces, and other materials from the newspapers Noev Kovcheg, Alik, Asparez, and Aravot. These materials were formalized, categorized, and analyzed. Based on this analysis, the collective monograph “Homeland-Diaspora Relations in the Armenian Press” (2012) was compiled. During this period, the work “The Role of Ethnic Press in the Armenian Diaspora (Ethno-Sociological Research)” was also prepared and later published in 2020 by departmental researcher Syuzanna Barseghyan. This study was presented as her candidate dissertation and was successfully defended.

Subsequently, a research algorithm aligned with the program was developed, specifying objectives, elaborating the methodology, selecting appropriate tools, and conducting the research. This included fieldwork in Armenian communities through various research techniques. Document analysis (including media, church, cultural, and political sources) was conducted, along with structured surveys and in-depth interviews with members of Armenian communities in the following locations: Beirut (Lebanon), Tehran (Iran), Los Angeles (USA), Marseille, Paris, Lyon (France), Athens and Thessaloniki (Greece), Prague and Brno (Czech Republic), Nicosia and Larnaca (Cyprus), Tbilisi and Akhalkalaki (Georgia), Barcelona and Madrid (Spain), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Almaty (Kazakhstan). The fieldwork enabled each department member to deepen their engagement with the research themes, contributing significantly to the development of individual and collective research processes.

A special emphasis within the department’s research agenda has been placed on studying demographic processes occurring in the Diaspora. These studies have been pursued in two primary directions. The first direction concerns the monitoring of the spatial movements and patterns of resettlement among Diaspora Armenians, while the second focuses on examining the process of ethnic reproduction, particularly in terms of family structure and intra-family relations. The development of the department’s research materials revealed that the spatial movements observed within the Armenian ethnos largely reflected a trend of relocation from ethnically concentrated areas to urban centers in economically developed regions. This shift has resulted in a dispersed pattern of settlement. Consequently, the majority of Armenians now live in urban environments, often outside their traditional geographic territories. Over a dozen publications by Ruben Karapetyan have addressed various dimensions of this phenomenon. The second direction of research aimed to assess the impact of these spatial movements on the dynamics within Armenian communities. In two monographic works—“Migration and the New Armenian Diaspora” and “Armenian Communities Today”—Ruben Karapetyan provided scientifically grounded conclusions based on extensive analytical data. These studies not only analyzed ongoing demographic and social processes but also contributed to the proposal and development of advanced methodological approaches for identifying and monitoring such transformations.

From its inception, the department’s research activities were primarily oriented toward identifying and tracking social processes within the Diaspora. This was driven by the recognition that ethnic groups—especially Armenians in the Diaspora—tend to develop distinctive social lifestyles and demonstrate adaptive social competencies rooted in their historical traditions. Social processes in the Diaspora are inseparably linked to ethnically shaped traits such as group cohesion (particularly among communities with collective memory of the Genocide), as well as ongoing challenges related to economic and social integration into host societies. It became evident that a proper understanding and interpretation of Diaspora dynamics—and any realistic assessment of future trajectories—required in-depth attention to their social components. This, in turn, necessitated the clarification of both internal mechanisms (such as social structures and traditional skills of community life) and external factors (economic, social, ethnic, religious, cultural, and legal contexts), as well as the interaction between these. The primary objective was to identify the social dimensions of various Diaspora groups and to trace their evolution over time.  This line of inquiry culminated in the successful defense of a PhD dissertation by Lusine Tanajyan in 2020, entitled “Social Changes in the Armenian Diaspora: An Ethno-Sociological Study of Armenians in Los Angeles, Tehran, and Beirut.”

Another essential component of the social expressions of an ethnic group in a foreign environment—as outlined in this section—is the nationally (or, more precisely, intragroup) constructed or emerging environment, comprising its social relations, institutional structures, and everyday social practices. When studying such communities, it is crucial to consider factors such as the nature of settlement (dense vs. dispersed), migration dynamics, environmental conditions, and the characteristics of the host population.  Valuable expertise in this area was acquired through the work of the Department researcher Sona Nersisyan, who defended her PhD dissertation in 2019 titled “The Role of the Social Network in the Armenian Diaspora” (Ethno-Sociological Research).

In terms of the next research direction, particular attention should be paid to the studies of Arman Andrikyan, a researcher at the department, which focused on the regional and political contexts surrounding the activities of the Armenian Apostolic Church. As a result of this work, he submitted his PhD dissertation titled “The Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Iran (History and Modernity),” which he defended in 2021. This ethno-confessional line of inquiry continued to evolve, both in terms of the depth and scope of the research questions raised and the development of a robust empirical foundation. In 2022, the involvement of department researcher and scholar of religion Nelly Khachaturyan further advanced this direction. Her earlier PhD dissertation, “Ismailism: Development Dynamics and Identity Formation” (defended in 2013), is considered one of the department’s significant achievements. Her ability to comprehensively analyze one of the religious diasporas represented a significant contribution to research practice. It served as a hopeful indicator that the complex issues surrounding the mechanisms and factors of ethno-religious transformation—one of the most important processes occurring in the Diaspora—could be effectively addressed. Her grant project, “Relations between Religious and Ethnic Identity in the Armenian Diaspora,” added further depth to the department’s general program. In this context, a new researcher, Seyedeh Nasim Fatemi, complemented this direction with her topic, “Ethnic and Religious Transformations in the Diaspora.”

Within the broader framework of this research agenda, the department initiated the development of several new directions, pursued both by individual staff members and through collaboration with external specialists. Among the principal projects currently underway are: “Ethnic Media in the Diaspora,” currently being carried out by Salvine Markosyan (in place of Syuzanna Barseghyan); “Homeland-Diaspora Relations,” conducted by Syuzanna Barseghyan; and “The construction of social space in the diaspora (ethno-sociological research) by Mariam Harutyunyan. In the context of the second topic, new research directions have emerged that necessitate the involvement of additional specialists. For example, in order to analyze and address ethno-economic issues, the department has collaborated with Dr. Ashot Avetisyan, as well as Gor Martirosyan, who has contributed to two to three thematic and international programs as a full member of the department.

Any comprehensive study of the manifestations of Armenian life in foreign contexts would remain incomplete without consideration of the economic dimension. This necessitated the inclusion of the economic component, both at the broader (macro) level and the community-specific (micro) level. The macroeconomic approach aimed to provide insight into the overall economic conditions of the host countries where Armenians reside, taking into account global trends. The microeconomic perspective sought to understand the economic activity of Armenians in real-life contexts. The integration of these two levels allowed for a more accurate and holistic view of economic trends within Diaspora communities. As a result of accumulated experience in this area, an international program was launched focusing on the development of Armenian-Russian economic relations and the role of Russian Armenians. Within this initiative, macroeconomic analyses concerning the homeland-Diaspora dynamic were carried out by invited economist Ashot Avetisyan, while the analysis of specific cases and local economic conditions was undertaken by department researchers Sona Nersisyan and Syuzanna Barseghyan. Ruben Karapetyan analyzed the cultural and behavioral aspects of traditional economic practices.

It should also be emphasized that within the overarching theme of “Ethnosocial Processes in the Armenian Diaspora,” the department continues to develop several other research directions. These include studies of Diaspora potential, community modeling, and initiatives for establishing a consortium of Armenian studies centers.

Thus, any attempt to thoroughly examine the manifestations of the specificities of the vital activity of Armenians in a foreign environment would remain incomplete without incorporating the economic dimension. This necessitated an analysis of the economic component, both in a broader context and at the intra-community level, through both macroeconomic and microeconomic perspectives. The macroeconomic perspective aimed to generate an understanding of the overall economic situation in the countries where Armenians reside, interpreted in light of global economic trends. The microeconomic perspective focused on the actual manifestations of Armenian economic activity within these environments. By combining these two analytical levels, the department aimed to develop a comprehensive understanding of emerging economic patterns.

Drawing on the experience gained through this line of research, an independent international project was launched to explore the development of Armenian-Russian economic relations and the role of Russian Armenians within that context. In this framework, a macroeconomic analysis of homeland–Diaspora relations was conducted by the invited economist Ashot Avetisyan, while the examination of localized situations and case studies was carried out by department researchers Sona Nersisyan, Syuzanna Barseghyan and Ruben Karapetyan, the latter focusing particularly on the role of traditional behavioral models in shaping economic relations.

It is worth noting that within the framework of the overarching research theme—“Ethnosocial Processes in the Armenian Diaspora”—the department continues to develop a range of additional topics. These include the study of Diaspora potential, community modeling strategies, and the coordination of academic efforts through a consortium of Armenian studies centers.

The analytical materials obtained from these diverse research activities enabled the organization of high-level scholarly discussions on several critical themes. In addition to regular thematic seminars held at both international and national levels, the department, through collaboration with researchers from Russia, France, the Czech Republic, Belarus, Georgia, Lebanon, Ukraine, Spain, and other countries, organized five international conferences. The first of these conferences, titled “Armenian Ethnicity in Its Own and Foreign Environment: Development Paths” (2013), focused on the direction and core issues of research related to Armenians in the Diaspora. The second major conference, held in 2018 in collaboration with the Center for Diaspora Studies at Haigazian University in Beirut, addressed “The Armenian Family in the Context of Modern Challenges.” During this event, significant findings were presented, confirming observable shifts in family structure: whereas multi-generational, extended families (including three generations) were once prevalent among Armenia’s urban population, today, nuclear (two-generation) and incomplete family structures are more common. A similar pattern has also been identified among Diaspora communities.

The study of Diaspora-related issues and the strategic directions of the Department of Diaspora Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia have been presented on several international platforms. One notable event was the joint conference with Harvard University entitled “Diaspora and ‘Diasporans’: New Approaches to the Study of Diaspora Formation” (2018), where conceptual and methodological questions concerning the formation and transformation of Diaspora identities were addressed. Another key event was the 2019 conference “Priority Issues of the Armenian Diaspora,” organized in collaboration with Haigazian University in Beirut, which focused on the challenges facing Armenian communities in the Middle East. Further programmatic issues related to current developments in the Diaspora were discussed during the 2023 conference, “Ethnosocial Changes in the Armenian Diaspora: Trends and Developments.” This conference, co-hosted by the Department and the State Museum of Ethnography and National Liberation Struggle of Armenia, brought together scholars from Armenia, the United States, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, the Russian Federation, Belarus, Lebanon, and Kuwait. The event facilitated an in-depth examination of ongoing ethnosocial transformations across the Armenian Diaspora.

Ruben Karapetyan, PhD, Leading Researcher, Methodological Issues of Diaspora Studies

Arman Andrikyan, PhD, Researcher, Spiritual Heritage of the Armenian Diaspora in the Middle East and Iran

Syuzanna Barseghyan, PhD, Senior Researcher, Homeland–Diaspora Relations

Nelly Khachaturyan, PhD, Researcher, Relations between Religious and Ethnic Identity in the Armenian Diaspora

Mariam Harutyunyan, Senior Laboratory Assistant, Researcher, The construction of social space in the diaspora (ethno-sociological research)

Salvine Markosyan, Junior Researcher, Ethnic Press in the Armenian Diaspora

Sona Nersisyan, PhD, Senior Researcher, Social Self-Organization in the Armenian Diaspora

Seyedehnasim Fatemi, PhD, Senior Researcher, Ethnic and Religious Transformations in the Diaspora

Lusine Tanajyan, PhD, Senior Researcher, Socio-Cultural Processes in the Diaspora

 

International cooperation

One of the most important activities of the department is the formation of scientific ties. In this regard, the department is in constant contact with the Charles University in Prague, the Kiev International University and the Regional Center for Diaspora Studies, the Haigazian University in Beirut, the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Moscow State University, the Southern Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Central Economic and Mathematical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the University of Aix-Marseille, the Catholic University of Lyon, the Copernicus University of Warsaw, the "Aniv" Foundation (Belarus), the Complutense University of Madrid, the Vytautas Magnus University, the Lithuanian Institute of Emigration and other educational and scientific institutions.

During its activities, the department has established ties and signed cooperation agreements with scientific organizations in 6 countries. These organizations are: the Institute of History and Ethnography of the Kazakh Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Kiev International University, the Institute for the Study of Armenians in Poland Institute, the Center for Diaspora Studies of Haigazian University in Lebanon, the Southern Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The department also cooperates with the Armenian Studies Centers and Diaspora Studies Groups of 5 national institutions of the Diaspora: the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Poland. At the personal level, scientific cooperation has been carried out with 18 leading scientists from the USA, Great Britain, Lebanon, France, Poland, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Russia, Iran, Ukraine, Moldova, with whom joint publications have already been carried out (3 team monographs, 4 conferences, 20 seminars).

 

Publications

The department's employees have published 10 monographs, 14 team works (8 in Armenian and 6 in foreign languages), 100 articles (55 in Armenian and 45 in foreign languages).

 

Fieldwork

The department's employees have conducted research in Los Angeles (2013), Tehran (2014), Beirut and Anjar (2015), Paris (2016, 2021), Tbilisi, Akhalkalaki (2017-2019), Almaty (2019), Kiev (2018), Istanbul (2017), Marseille, Paris, Lyon (2021), Prague and Brno (2022), Cyprus (2020), Barcelona, Madrid, Seville (2023), Athens and Thessaloniki (2024).