Armenian Revolutionary Leaders: Kristapor, Rostom, and Zavarian

ANRO-1757

Obverse: Portraits of Kristapor Mikaelian, Rostom (Stepan Zorian), and Simon Zavarian, the three founding members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), symbolizing their role in the national liberation movement. The inscription reads "ՔՐԻՍՏԱՖՈՐ ՌՈՍՏՈՄ ՁԱՎԱՐԵԱՆ" ("Kristapor, Rostom, Zavarian").

Reverse: Depiction of Mount Ararat, a symbol deeply intertwined with Armenian heritage and identity. In the foreground, the church represented is the Khor Virap Monastery, renowned for its historical significance as the site where Saint Gregory the Illuminator was imprisoned before converting King Tiridates III and Armenia to Christianity in 301 AD. The accompanying inscription, "Ես իմ Մասիս սառն եմ սիրում" ("I love my Masis mountain"), is a line from the poem "Mount Masis" by the esteemed Armenian poet Hovhannes Shiraz. This line reflects the profound admiration and emotional connection Armenians have with Mount Ararat, also known as Masis, underscoring its enduring presence in Armenian culture and literature.

Specifications: 31.5x28.5mm, 9.91g
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Image shown: ANRO collection inv. no.

Kristapor Mikaelian, Rostom (Stepan Zorian), and Simon Zavarian were the founders of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), established in 1890 in Tiflis (modern-day Tbilisi). The ARF aimed to secure justice and autonomy for Armenians under Ottoman and Russian rule, promoting self-defense and social reforms. These leaders played key roles in organizing resistance, fostering national identity, and uniting Armenians around the world in their pursuit of freedom. The imagery of Mount Ararat and Shiraz's verse on the reverse encapsulates the enduring connection between the Armenian people and their homeland, which the founders of the ARF sought to protect and preserve.