How were they created almost a century ago, in 1918, during the days of shaping of the First Republic?
The Republic of Armenia that enters the third decade of its history, has inherited the symbols of the first independent statehood of Armenia – the flag, the hymn and the coat of arms. But how were they created almost a century ago, in 1918, during the days of shaping of the First Republic?
What do we wave?
For the first time the Armenian tricolor was raised on August 1, 1918. The red-blue-yellow poster was waved during the day of the National Assembly opening. The red, blue and yellow were the colors of military units. Afterward the yellow was decided to change, because the combination of red, blue and orange was considered to be more eye-pleasing. Artist Martiros Saryan had proposed other versions as well, one of which was a flag with colors of the rainbow. He wrote, “There are many tricolors, multi-colored flag would be more suitable for us, because we are an Oriental nation.”
The red-blue-orange flag of the First Republic as well as the Republic itself survived for 2, 5 years till November 29, 1920. And in February 1922 the first assembly of the Armenian Councils confirmed the Bolshevik flag with golden SSR letters on red background.
After the collapse of the USSR the tricolor of 1918 returned.
What do we sing?
At first “Our Homeland” (“Mer Hayreniq”) song did not have a status of a hymn. In 1859 June Nalbandian wrote “The Song of the Italian Girl”. He praised the Italian women, who are ready to struggle for their homeland, bringing them as an example for his compatriots. Self-taught young Khachatur Margaryan wrote music for Nalbandian’s poem, who, like Nalbandian, escaped announcing his name. His name is not mentioned even on the original version of the notes. The name of Barsegh Kanachyan, to who the music of the Armenian hymn is attributed today, appeared for the first time on the collection issued by students of Komitas in 1919 in Constantinople.
On August 1, 1918, the song was to become the hymn of the First Republic, and on July 1, 1991, the hymn of the Second Republic.
Who are supervising Armenian statehood?
The coat of arms created by Alexander Tamanyan was confirmed by the Government in 1920. Tamanyan’s inspiration source have been the logos of Tigran II, as well as the references of historians Khorenatsi and Byuzand suggesting that Kings of Arshakuni were “bearing eagles”, the coins of Levon II and the relief with the lion of the gates of Ani.
The birds and beasts of the kings seem to be very aggressive in Tamanyan’s sketches. And it is natural: a young state surrounded by enemies could not have a kind coat of arms. Meanwhile historians and lawyers are getting orientated in these issue, “the beasts of the coat of arms” are guarding the Armenian statehood already for the 3rd decade.
While preparing the article we have used the materials of the Armenian National Archive.
