Khachatur Abovian Commemorative Medal, 1969

ANRO-1752

Obverse: A detailed portrait of Khachatur Abovian, the pioneering Armenian writer and educator, depicted in profile. His name, ԽԱՉԱՏՈՒՐ ԱԲՈՎԵԱՆ, is inscribed in Armenian letters along the edge.

Reverse: Inscription ԻՄ ՀԱՅԱՍՏԱՆ ԵԱՐՆ ԵՄ ՍԻՐՈՒՄ ("I love my dear Armenia"), set against a composition of a tree stump symbolizing resilience and renewal, with branches sprouting leaves and flowers representing growth and hope.

Specifications: 31.5x28.5mm, 9.89g
Artist / Engraver:
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Edge: Plain
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Image shown: ANRO collection inv. no.

Khachatur Abovian (1809–1848) is often regarded as the father of modern Armenian literature. Born in the village of Kanaker, near Yerevan, Abovian was a trailblazing writer, educator, and advocate for Armenian cultural revival. His novel "The Wounds of Armenia" (1841) was the first book published in modern Armenian, marking a turning point in Armenian literature by shifting from classical to vernacular language, making it accessible to a broader audience. Abovian's progressive ideas extended to education, where he championed reforms aimed at modernizing Armenian schools and introducing secular curricula.

The inscription on the reverse, "I love my dear Armenia," reflects Abovian's deep patriotism and enduring legacy as a cultural icon. Despite his mysterious disappearance in 1848, Abovian’s influence remains profound, symbolizing the resilience and perseverance of Armenian identity through turbulent times.