From Genocide to Genius: The Enduring Legacy of Arthur Tarkhanyan’s Family
Arthur Tarkhanyan came from a family with a deep history, the roots of which extended into the tragic and heroic pages of the Armenian past. His ancestors survived the horrors of the Genocide, lost their loved ones, but despite this, they continued to live, build, and create. Their story is one of resilience, education, and devotion to their nation.
The Family Tragedy During the Armenian Genocide
Arthur Tarkhanyan’s family, like thousands of other Armenian families, suffered during the Genocide of 1915. Almost all the men on both his father’s and mother’s sides were killed, leaving the women and children alone. Despite the terrible losses, the survivors found the strength to continue the struggle for existence and to pass on knowledge and culture to their children.
In harsh conditions, the Armenian women, left without husbands, took on the responsibility for their families’ future. They did everything possible to give their children an education. It was thanks to their courage that mothers sent their sons to the Yerevan Medical University, where fate brought together Arthur Tarkhanyan’s future parents—Hripsime Sargsyan and Artavazd Tarkhanyan.
Father — Artavazd Tarkhanyan: The Surgeon Who Went to War
Arthur’s father, Artavazd Tarkhanyan, chose the profession of a doctor and became the chief surgeon of Gyumri (then Leninakan). His medical talent and professionalism were recognized at the state level, and he dedicated his life to saving people.
When World War II began, numerous wounded soldiers started arriving at the hospitals in Leninakan. Seeing the suffering and realizing that his help might be more needed on the front lines, Artavazd decided to go to the front as a surgeon in a military field hospital.
However, the war did not spare him. After two years of service, he died on the front, leaving his family without a breadwinner.
Mother — Hripsime Sargsyan: Care and Strength
Arthur Tarkhanyan’s mother, Hripsime Sargsyan, was one of the leading female medical professionals in Armenia. She held the post of chief pediatrician of Gyumri, dedicating her entire life to the care of children.
After the death of her husband, she raised Arthur alone, giving him all her love and support. Despite the difficult living conditions, she did not allow circumstances to break their family. Her efforts were not in vain: her son, Arthur Tarkhanyan, grew up to be a person of high culture, diligence, and talent, who carried respect for traditions and family values throughout his life.
The Family’s Relocation to Gyumri
Although Arthur Tarkhanyan was born in Yerevan on February 23, 1932, the family moved to Gyumri shortly after his birth. This decision was related to the professional activities of his parents, who worked in the region’s healthcare system.
Gyumri, a city with rich architectural traditions, played a key role in shaping the artistic worldview of the future architect. It was here that he became acquainted with the national style of Armenian architecture, finding inspiration in the ancient churches and narrow streets of the city.
The Family’s Legacy and Influence on Arthur Tarkhanyan
The history of the Tarkhanyan family is the story of people who overcame cruel trials, preserved their dignity, and passed on the main legacy to their children: education, hard work, and love for their homeland.
The early tragedies and difficult times did not break Arthur Tarkhanyan. The strong maternal love, respect for his father’s memory, and the historical heritage of his family became the foundation of his character. He grew up to be a purposeful, talented, and infinitely devoted person to his nation.
As an already recognized architect, he repeatedly mentioned that his work was inspired by the spirit of Armenian architecture, its resilience and harmony with nature. Perhaps it was his family history, imbued with pain and the struggle for survival, that made him the great architect he is remembered as today.