A Study of the Historical Background and Evolution of Echmiadzin and Its Role During the Qājār Era According to Historical Sources

تاریخ و فرهنگ

Article 4, Volume 56, Issue 2 - Serial Number 113, February 2025, Pages 83-103   

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.22067/jhistory.2024.90524.1341

Authors

Mohammadreza Alam^{* 1}; Arsen Avakian²; Abbas Eqbal Mehran³

¹Professor, Department of History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

²Professor, Department of History, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armenia

³PhD Candidate, Department of History, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

Throughout Armenian history, Echmiadzin has been the primary unifying force among Armenian people, preventing their fragmentation and acting as a mediator between the Qājār state and the Armenians living within Iran’s territory. Due to the trust placed in the Echmiadzin by Armenians and the Qājār state, this religious Christian institution played a key role during the reign of Qājār kings in solving conflicts, organizing Armenian affairs, and ensuring the religious freedom of Armenians. The present study seeks to analyze the history and development of the Echmiadzin through an analytical lens. Accordingly, the study aims to answer the following questions: 1. What status and function did Echmiadzin hold among the people and governments? 2. What roles have different states played in the evolution and transformations associated with Echmiadzin’s status? The findings of the study suggest that Echmiadzin played a key role in maintaining Armenian unity and preventing its fragmentation, due to the Armenians’ deep trust in it and the esteemed position it held among Armenians and the Qājār state. Several factors influenced the changing titles associated with Echmiadzin, with ruling authorities playing a central role in this transformation.

Keywords

historical background; evolution; Echmiadzin; Qājār

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