collective memory Archives

AstghikOsyan

There are a number of scientific approaches of understanding the concept of Genocide. Some of them may spread a light on understanding the impact of Genocide on the identity of both the victim and the murderer. For instance among such approaches are AleidaAssmann’s discussions of collective memory, Gregory H. Stanton’s suggestions of the genocidal process, the concept of cultural trauma of Jeffrey Alexander, etc. The Armenian Genocide is not an exception. Nevertheless the Armenian Genocide has its own features and characteristics. Moreover it is distinguished from other cases by its results and effects on the society. To be precise we come across to a complicated phenomenon which is typical for the Armenian case. On the one hand it has created dual Armenian identity via Diaspora[1]. On the other hand within the memory of the Genocide it has constructed the images of victim and the image of enemy. Both of these factors are highly connected to nationalism and nationalistic behavior.

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Hakob Matevosyan

hakob.matevosyan@gmail.com

The main objective of my research is to answer the question how collective memory and local identity intertwine in the Diaspora as well as the home country of the Armenians. What dividing lines can be observed? And can we even assume that there exists a unified Armenian collective memory? Answering this question is all the more interesting because it can resolve universal problems of Diaspora theory and sociology, for which the example of the Armenians is ideal, since they first appeared in various European and Asian regions as early as in the Middle Ages, taking along their identity and cultural treasures, which would be reflected in various ways in the memory of both the Armenian and the local communities upon a synthesis with the individual local societies.

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collective memory

The Memory of the Armenian Genocide as the Main Factor of Armenian Nationalism

Collective Memory as a Basic Axis of Local Identity Construction – Armenians in the Home Country and in the Diaspora in a Transnational Perspective –