The role and significance of the national school is emphasized in the system of studying the centuries-old history of Armenian culture. The role of education is especially significant in the preservation of national values and traditions. The article presents a number of issues related to the educational life of Artsakh (at the beginning of the 20th century), one of the regions of Eastern Armenia based on materials published in the “Mshak” newspaper. We have briefly touched upon the policy of Tsarism in the Caucasus, the process of closing and reopening Armenian schools in the Artsakh Diocese. The educational problems of a number of settlements of the Artsakh Diocese are studied in relation with school programs, student and teacher complaints and the activities of the overseers. The activities of the Diocesan School of Artsakh, the Realakan College of Shushi, the Marinsky Girls’ School as well as one and two-grade schools of the villages of Tsmakahogh, Hadrut, Maghavuz, Taghavard, Haterk, Voskanapat and Banants are presented in separate subsections according to the information obtained from different issues of the “Mshak” newspaper. The circumstances hindering the development of educational life of Artsakh (related to the law on the confiscation of church property of June 12, 1903, the Armenian- Tatar Clashes of 1905–1907) as well as the activities of individual teachers are briefly highlighted. The charitable works of individual benefactors are appreciated, according to materials from the “Mshak” newspaper.

Keywordsculture parish school Diocesan School Real School Caucasus Getashen Gandzasar Eastern Armenia Artsakh gymnasium

The article examines the art of characterization in the vaudevilles of Gabriel Sundukyan and beyond. Gabriel Sundukyan is one of the greatest representatives of Armenian dramaturgy. His vaudevilles constitute an important and irreplaceable part of Armenian theatrical literature. Sundukyan’s vaudevilles are distinguished not only by their comedic structure but also by their deep social subtext and the multilayered development of characters. The author creates typical yet individualized figures that reflect the social relations, moral values, and contradictions of the time. The analysis shows that Sundukyan skillfully combines humor with a critical perspective, revealing social inequality, false morality, and materialism. It is also noteworthy that his characters often bear the influence of cultural intersections, such as the character Yavangul, who represents a fusion of Armenian and Georgian cultures. Through his characters, Sundukyan frequently raises issues related to the moral and social decline of society. His characters often find themselves at the center of internal and external conflicts, facing the clash between old and new values, material interests, and ethical principles. Thus, Sundukyan’s vaudevilles possess not only artistic value but also serve as an important source of socio-philosophical reflection.

KeywordsVaudeville dramaturgy European culture Gabriel Sundukyan characterization Values theatre