About The Poet

Avetik Isahakian
(1875-1957)

Avetik Issahakian was born in October of 1875 in a little village called 'Khazarabad,' in Armenia. He received his education at Eichmiadzin's Spiritual Academy, followed by studies at Leipzig and Zurich Universities in Europe, which included courses in history and literature.

Issahakian spent time in Paris, France and in 1934 returned to Armenia, where he played an active role in creating the Armenian Academy of Sciences. He was also nominated to the Chairmanship of the Armenian Writers.

Mr. Issahakian wrote numerous lyrics that dealt with themes of fatherland and of motherly love. Some of his works were, "Yerker oo Verker" (Songs and Wounds), "Abu Lalla Mahari," "Im Hogin" (My Soul), "Mayrigis" (To My Mother), "Gisher" (Night), "Goozes Linem" (You Want Me To Be), "Hayrenikits Heroo" (Away From My Fatherland), "Dariner Hedo" (Years Later).

Dozens of his poems were set to music. His works in Armenian were translated and published in English, Russian and many other languages.

Issahakian died in 1957 and was buried in Yerevan's Artist's Pavilion.