The Presentation of the Final Volume of Tigran Hayrapetyan’s Literary Legacy Took Place (Photos)

Newmag Publishing House officially presented “The Last Autumn”, a volume dedicated to the political scientist and journalist’s writings. The book’s title is inspired by the song of the same name by the Russian rock band ДДТ, a song that was particularly meaningful to Hayrapetyan. Fittingly, the last autumn of his life was one filled with intensity and purpose.

Hayrapetyan's wife and the successor to his intellectual property, Nazeni Gharibyan, explained the significance behind the book’s title, which also references one of his editorials, “The Last Autumn”.

"In 1998, he actively entered the political struggle, particularly in the fall, engaging directly with people and political leaders. He used to say that the last prophet had no place in his homeland. He believed that if nothing changed in Armenia, he had already fulfilled his mission."

Ashot Bleyan, director of the Mkhitar Sebastatsi Educational Complex, recalled how Nazeni Gharibyan first introduced him to Hayrapetyan.

"Today, the struggle to live with dignity in our own land, to raise children here, and not to leave remains a major issue. When we speak of Hayrapetyan, we must also recognize his role in education. That’s why, when he passed away, I proposed establishing a library in his name at our school and awarding prizes to teenagers and teachers. I deeply appreciate Newmag’s efforts in publishing Tigran’s works and Nazeni’s commitment to preserving his intellectual heritage."

Director Zohrab Ter-Gasparents, who staged a play based on one of Hayrapetyan’s stories, also spoke at the event.

"I was fortunate to sit in a café with Tigran, discussing what play to stage or what film to make. Outside of politics, he spoke to me through the language of art. We even talked about the play “44 Degrees” he wrote some things, shared them, and we planned to stage it together. Tigran was incredibly relevant. He was a phenomenal person, and I miss him dearly."

Mikael Badalyan, who digitized Hayrapetyan’s manuscripts, emphasized the importance of revisiting the era in which he lived and worked.

"Through his writings, we were able to step into the period where our present reality was being shaped. There were moments when I would open a newspaper, read his articles, and completely forget they were written thirty years ago."

At the presentation, several of Tigran Hayrapetyan’s personal belongings were exhibited, including his will, various books, a shirt, a statuette, a bag, and a radio. Additionally, six of the twelve paintings he created in August 1994 were displayed. The full collection of his artwork is housed in the Tigran Hayrapetyan Library at the Mkhitar Sebastatsi Educational Complex.

Newmag’s head, Artak Aleksanyan, concluded the event by announcing the revival of the Tigran Hayrapetyan Award. The 2025 Tigran Hayrapetyan Award for the best political-analytical publication was presented to political scientist Vahe Hovhannisyan.

"This award is being given to Vahe Hovhannisyan for his remarkable composure and political dedication, regardless of the political climate," Aleksanyan stated.

The Tigran Hayrapetyan Award, crafted from clay by students, was presented alongside flowers grown by the students and a bottle of Sebastatsi wine. Both teachers and students were honored with this award, reinforcing Hayrapetyan’s enduring influence on future generations.