Pioneer of Urartology, orientalist K.F. Lehmann-Haupt (1861–1938) during his research of the Armenian Highlands and Northern Mesopotamia (1898–1899), among other ancient sites, also researched the probable region of Musasir, the religious center of the Kingdom of Van. Discussing the problems of the early period of the history of Van Kingdom (Urartu), the scientist considered as a special topic of a deep research the spread of the cult of the god Khaldi in the capital Tushpa and other areas out of the city. It is noteworthy, that in this context the researcher was the first to conduct a scientific discussion on the circumstances of the location of the bilingual inscription of Kelishin of Musasir region, its dates, about the scribe who recorded it, also the language of the inscriptions. According to K.F. Lehmann-Haupt, the city of Musasir was probably founded in the 9th century BCE and the cult of the god Khaldi was established there. The researcher believes that Menua’s brother, Sarduri was appointed viceroy in Musasir and there was a statue dedicated to him in the temple of Musasir the presence of which was evidenced in the description about the invasion of Urartu in 714 BCE by the Assyrian king Sargon II (721–705 BCE). Examining the road from Van to Musasir, K.F. Lehmann-Haupt considers it as a result of the Biainian engineering mind and notes that it was also built in accordance with the features of the transportation of the Biainian army.

KeywordsK.F. Lehmann-Haupt Assyria Biainili Tushpa Ardini-Musasir god Khaldi bilingual inscription

Chakatamart” was a daily newspaper published in Constantinople from 1918 to 1924. It succeeded the “Azatamart” daily newspaper, the official organ of the ARF Western Bureau, published in Constantinople from 1909–1915. The periodical addressed the situation and problems of Western Armenian immigrants until its final edition. It also discussed the challenges faced by exiles who sought refuge in Soviet Armenia, their efforts to adapt to the new political system, and the repressions they faced due to their faith and political views. Materials about immigrants were included in the “Haykakan Kyanq”, “Hayastan”, and “Lurer Hayastanen” sections. From 1923 to 1924, "Chakatamart" mainly published articles and news on these topics from Soviet-Armenian periodicals, as it did not have its correspondents in Soviet Armenia. In addition, it printed letters and complaints sent to the editorial office from Soviet Armenia without mentioning the sources of the information. Summarizing our study, we can state that particularly in 1920–1923, in its articles as well as editorials, “Chakatamart” emphasized that Armenia was Sovietized by force, and the people, including Western Armenian immigrants, were mostly against the abolition of the First Republic of Armenia, and the Bolsheviks becoming the ruling power. Regarding the emigration of Western Armenian exiles from Soviet Armenia, the newspaper attributed this phenomenon primarily to their poor socio-economic status and the political persecutions initiated against them by state bodies. In 1923, after the Lausanne Conference, the editorial staff of “Chakatamart” wrote that the Armenian question seemed to have reached a dead end, and Soviet Armenia was viewed as a manifestation of statehood uniting all Armenians (albeit not completely). The structures of the Armenian diaspora should try to be useful to Soviet Armenia, and the newspaper called for cooperation with the Soviet authorities. In its final year of publication, “Chakatamart” presented the daily life of emigrants in Soviet Armenia, and the work carried out for them through the relevant government agencies, as well as the success and achievements of Armenian emigrants.

Keywords“Chakatamart” daily newspaper the Armenian Question Western Armenia Soviet Armenia Treaty of Sevres Treaty of Lausanne Armenian immigrants

The present article concerns the final work of the British missionary of German-Jewish origin, Joseph Wolff (1795–1862), Travels and Adventures of the Rev. Joseph Wolff (1860–1861). As an autobiographical memoir and the culmination of his journeys from 1821 to 1845, it contains rich testimonies about the Armenians, both in their historical homeland and in various regions and countries, including the Ottoman Empire, Persia, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and India. Wolff provided accounts of both ordinary Armenian inhabitants and prominent figures of the time. Possessing profound knowledge of Armenian history and culture, he often included historical digressions covering both distant and more recent epochs. Thus, his final travelogue-autobiography serves as a valuable source for studying the history, demography, and daily life of Armenians in the first half of the 19th century.

KeywordsJoseph Wolff travelogue missionary Armenians of Middle East Jerusalem Syria Persia

During their 1898–1899 journey through the Armenian Highlands and Northern Mesopotamia, the German orientalist C.F. Lehmann-Haupt and the chemist W. Belck, among other archaeological sites, also explored the supposed region of Musasir, the spiritual center of Biainili-Urartu. It is noteworthy that they also copied the Topzawa inscription, already known from various testimonies.1 According to C.F. Lehmann-Haupt, this bilingual inscription constitutes a primary source for reconstructing the events that unfolded between Urartu and Assyria during the reign of Rusa, son of Sarduri. It is noteworthy that a number of reconstructions suggested by this pioneer of Urartian studies in connection with the Topzawa inscription remain debated and contested to this day. They concerned the identity of the king who left the inscription, the chronology and nature of the events described, as well as the causes and route of the Assyrian king Sargon II’s campaign against Urartu in 714 BCE (reigned 721–705 BCE).2 At the beginning of the twentieth century, when C.F. Lehmann-Haupt addressed the route of Sargon II’s campaign in the Urmian basin, the boundaries of Urartu were still unclear, and his hypotheses were largely disregarded.

KeywordsTopzawa inscription Lake Urmia Mana Musasir Sargon II Urzana campaign.

This article examines the institution of lobbying in the United States, presenting its historical development, regulatory framework, and empirical scope, with the aim of drawing lessons for the Republic of Armenia. In the U.S. context, lobbying has evolved into a significant economic and political sector, creating both democratic opportunities and risks of corruption. By contrast, Armenia lacks a comprehensive legal framework for lobbying, despite pressing anti-corruption imperatives. The article argues that Armenia could benefit from adapting elements of the American model – particularly transparency, registration, public access, and oversight – while tailoring these mechanisms to its local institutional context and democratic needs. The study concludes by offering recommendations to Armenia’s emerging reform agenda․

KeywordsLobbying USA anti-corruption policy lobbying groups Armenian diaspora lobbying organizations in the U.S. Republic of Armenia lobbying oversight.