ARMENIAN BUSINESS ELITE OF RUSSIA (biographic reference book)
The Armenian business people who were the agents of Armenian-Russian centuries-long trade and economic relations and successors of friendship and cooperation between Armenia and Russia, Armenian and Russian people, are summarized in a single book.
This publication (
in Russian) is the first attempt to create a biographic reference book and to “catalog” the economic potential of Armenian Diaspora.
In 19-20th centuries many biographic reference books and information yearbooks of various types were published in Diaspora. It is worth mentioning those by M. Poturian (Romania), Theodic (Constantinople and Paris), V. Zardarian and T. Gushakian (Egypt), A. Khashmanian and M. Seropian (USA), K. Gevorgian (Greece), I. Ter-Abrahamian (Rostov-on-Don), A. Ter-Astvatsatrian (Tiflis). Since the Armenian Diaspora communities survived mainly thanks to the efforts of Armenian capitalists (who funded the establishment and upkeep of churches, schools, and other cultural structures), the mentioned publications never fail to make references to the merchant class.
However, no book was ever published about the Armenian business people of Diaspora and this is the first such attempt.
What were the main principles in writing this reference book?
Turning to “Armenian” business in Russia was no coincidence. This was not only due to 10 centuries of Armenian economic presence in Russia, but also centuries-old friendship and cooperation between Armenian and Russian people.
The work on the book took an entire year. “Dossiers” on 230 individuals from 57 towns of Russia were gathered through internet. However, the lack of data complying with the criteria of a reference book prompted me to contact the “actors” with anticipation to receive necessary data. Some of them responded with willingness and I am grateful to them for that, while some others refused. Finally, it was decided to include in the first publication only the persons data about whom were relatively complete. Thus, only 70 individuals from 17 towns are reported in this reference book. However, we hope that in the subsequent editions this list will expand considerably.
Although these people have different fates and fortunes, personality and styles, attitudes toward Armenians, but the analysis of their businesses is quite interesting and it exposes the business interests of Armenians in Russia. These include finance and banking, construction, oil and gas industry, hi-tech, mass media and insurance.
There were two concerns during the work on the book. First, was I entitled to use their biographical data without permission? I believe I was, because only information from open, internet sources was used. The main part of the work was finished in July, 2008, and some additions were made later regarding the persons who carried out whatever activities in Armenia.
Second, did I have the moral right identify all of them as ethnic Armenian business people? It is no secret that some of the individuals included in the reference book have lost their Armenian ethnic identity. However, I decided that perhaps this book might remind them of their roots.
Finally, another thing is important. The overarching goal of this publication is “cataloging” the economic potential of the Russian Armenians, compiling a data summary of people who contribute to development of both Armenia and Russia. After all, one way or another, they are the visible or sometimes invisible bridges for friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding between Armenian and Russian people, Republic of Armenia and Russian Federation. This responsibility and mission has been placed on them through centuries-long traditions.
I hope and believe that the book will have a continuation…
Khachatur Dadayan
