About the Project
The Institute records oral histories of individuals who lived through this seminal period of Armenian history, covering topics such as the independence movement, the consolidation of statehood, the subsequent economic and political upheaval, and first Artsakh war. The interviews also capture the sentiments of the period, including feelings of hope, loss of hope as well as Western and non-Western orientations with regards to the region’s development.
As of September 2024, the Institute has collected over 60 in-depth oral histories from leading political and intellectual figures from the independence movement. The collection serves as a primary source for researchers, scholars, and artists worldwide investigating this important period in Armenia’s modern history. This first-of-its-kind archive provides historical records and diverse perspectives that not only contribute to post-Soviet history and regional studies but also support strategic thinking for Armenia’s secure development.
The Institute continues to expand the collection by conducting more interviews and gathering significant archival materials. The interviews will be available through the USC Digital Libraries while the hard copies of documents and photographs will be housed at the National Library of Armenia.
