Arshag Chobanian (Armenian: Արշակ Չօպանեան, also Tchobanian; 15 July 1872 – 9 June 1954) was an Armenian short story writer, journalist, editor, poet, translator, literary critic, playwright, philologist, and novelist.[1]

Arshag Chobanian
Born(1872-07-15)15 July 1872
Beşiktaş, Constantinople, Ottoman Empire
Died9 June 1954(1954-06-09) (aged 81)
Paris, France
OccupationShort story writer, poet, writer, translator, playwright, and literary critic.

Biography

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His father was a respected goldsmith.[2][3]

In 1898 he founded his famous periodical Anahit.[1][3] His connections and acquaintances with prominent literary and intellectual figures in France allowed him to write about the Armenian genocide and injustices freely in popular French newspapers such as Mercure de France. He became a strong advocate of western support in order to save the Armenians from the oppression of the Ottoman government.[4] After joining the Ramgavar party, he met with Boghos Nubar and participated in the Armenian National Delegation during the Paris Peace Conference of 1919.[5] In 1933 he visited Soviet Armenia and met with prominent intellectuals. After returning to Paris, he died on 9 June 1954.[citation needed]

Literary career

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Chobanian on a 2022 stamp of Armenia

Arshag Chobanian is considered one of the fundamental Armenian realist writers, though he also has many works in the romantic style as well.[1]

Among some of the readers of these writings was famed French novelist and writer Anatole France, who thereafter sympathized with the plight of the Armenian people.[1] Chobanian wrote literary criticism of European writers such as Emile Verhaeren, Honoré de Balzac, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Henrik Ibsen, and many more.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Hacikyan, Agop; Gabriel Basmajian; Edward S. Franchuk (2005). Nourhan Ouzounian (ed.). The Heritage of Armenian Literature Volume III: From the Eighteenth Century to Modern Times. Detroit, MI: Wayne State University Press. pp. 680–683. ISBN 0-8143-2815-6. Retrieved 19 October 2011.
  2. ^ Bedevian, Ruth. "Arshag Tchopanian". ArmenianHouse.org is an electronic library featuring a collection of Armenian literature and history. Armenianhouse. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  3. ^ a b Chahinian, Talar (September 20, 2008). "Mapping Armenian literature in the diaspora". Armenian Reporter. Archived from the original on 6 November 2013. Retrieved 19 October 2011.
  4. ^ "Arshag Chobanian". The Free Dictionary. Retrieved 21 October 2011.
  5. ^ Moumdjian, Garabet. "The Republic of Armenia, 1918–1921". Armenian History. armenian-history.com. Retrieved 21 October 2011.