Tarkhanyan center

Life

Arthur Tarkhanyan

Life and Legacy

Rooted in one of Armenia’s respected and culturally engaged families, Arthur Tarkhanyan grew up surrounded by an appreciation for knowledge, tradition, and the arts. His childhood was marked by curiosity and a deep connection to his heritage—an upbringing that instilled in him both a sense of responsibility and a lifelong passion for creative expression.

During his student years, Tarkhanyan immersed himself in architectural studies with a rare blend of discipline and imagination. He forged lasting bonds with peers and mentors, seeking out diverse perspectives and cultivating the collaborative spirit that would later define his work. His education was not only academic—it was a formative period where he learned to bridge technical skill with cultural insight, and vision with practicality.

Throughout his life, Tarkhanyan maintained this synthesis of values: cultural and historical depth, artistic and experiential richness, technical excellence, and societal relevance. Whether through design, teaching, or public engagement, he worked to create spaces and ideas that would endure—carrying forward the legacy of both his family and his own remarkable life’s work.

PARENTS & CHILDHOOD

The Early Years of Arthur Tarkhanyan: Family, Childhood, and School Days

Arthur Tarkhanyan was born on February 23, 1932, in Yerevan, but shortly after his birth, the family moved to Leninakan (now Gyumri), where he spent his childhood and youth. The Tarkhanyan family was respected in Leninakan: his father, Artavazd Tarkhanyan, was a famous surgeon described as having “golden hands,” and his mother, Hripsime Sarkisyan, served […]

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 […]

YOUTH & STUDENT YEARS

The Youth of Arthur Tarkhanyan: Student Years and the Making of an Architect

After graduating from school, Arthur Tarkhanyan arrived in Yerevan and enrolled in the Electrical Engineering Faculty of the Polytechnic Institute. However, his studies did not bring him satisfaction, and after the spring session, he returned to Leninakan, realizing he had chosen the wrong specialization. Furthermore, his health once again required attention. During this same period, […]

FAMILY

The Final Years of Arthur Tarkhanyan: Late Projects and Legacy

Architectural Peak and Challenges of the 1980s In the 1980s, Arthur Tarkhanyan reached the peak of his professional career. His projects gained international recognition, and he held key positions within Armenia’s architectural and urban planning system. In 1986, he was appointed First Deputy Chairman of the State Construction Committee (Gosstroy) of Armenia, effectively becoming the […]

The Family of Arthur Tarkhanyan: Wife, Children, Personal Life

Arthur Tarkhanyan was not only an outstanding architect but also a man for whom family played a crucial role. Despite his constant occupation and creative obsession, he found time for his loved ones, and his home always remained a place of gathering, discussion, and inspiration. Wife and Support on the Creative Path Arthur Tarkhanyan’s wife […]

WORK

Recognition and Awards of Arthur Tarkhanyan: His Contribution to Architecture and Enduring Legacy

Arthur Tarkhanyan was an outstanding architect whose works significantly shaped the architectural landscape of Armenia and earned recognition far beyond its borders. His talent, dedication to merging art with engineering, and innovative design approaches brought him numerous awards, honorary titles, and international acclaim. International and All-Union Recognition Arthur Tarkhanyan’s architectural legacy was highly appreciated not […]

Collaboration with Spartak Khachikyan and Hrachya Poghosyan: The Iconic Trio

In the mid-1960s, a creative alliance was formed in Armenian architecture that had a profound impact on the appearance of Yerevan and other cities in the republic. This alliance united three talented architects—Arthur Tarkhanyan, Spartak Khachikyan, and Hrachya Poghosyan. Their collaboration lasted for more than two decades and became a model of productive partnership, grounded […]

The Architecture of Arthur Tarkhanyan

Arthur Tarkhanyan was one of the leading architects of Soviet Armenia, whose projects became an integral part of the urban landscape of Yerevan and other cities in the republic. His work spanned various fields of architecture—from urban planning to the design of public buildings, residential complexes, and memorial structures. Each of his projects was not […]

ROOTS

Kuro (Suren) Tarkhanyan

The Tarkhanyan family has made a lasting impact on Armenian history and culture, with Kuro (Suren) Tarkhanyan standing out as a distinguished military figure who played a vital role in Armenia’s struggle for independence. Early Life and Military Education Kuro (Suren) Tarkhanyan (Կուռո Թարխանյան) was born in 1896 in Shushi, located in the Elizavetpol Governorate […]

The Tarkhanyans – A Notable Family

The Tarkhanyans descend from a renowned and pious family. Their forefather, Agha Minas Panosyan, was one of the prominent wealthy men of Jugha. He prepared his will on June 8, 1697. In it, he states in particular: “In the year ՌԷՃ(1710) of the Incarnation of the Savior, following the commandment of Saint Paul the Apostle, […]