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ILLUSTRATED ARMENIA AND THE ARMENIANS
By Rev. Ohan Gaidzakian. Boston, 1898 1st Edition with 255 pages and many illustrations.
1898, first edition - Armenian Massacres missions and history Marash Sassoun, Harpoot, Aintab, Asia Minor.
Original hard cover binding and contents are in good condition for its age.
The book Illustrated Armenia and the Armenians (Boston, 1898) is a late‑19th‑century historical, cultural, and religious portrait of the Armenian people—written by Rev. Ohan Gaidzakian, who also includes an autobiographical sketch of his own life, conversion, and missionary work. It blends history, ethnography, Christianity, national identity, and eyewitness‑era commentary on the massacres of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire.
📘 What the book covers
1. Armenian geography
It opens by explaining where Armenia is located, how its borders were historically understood, and the significance of the land.
2. Origins of the Armenian people
It discusses:
• Who the Armenians are
• Early dynasties: Haigazian, Arshagonian, Pakradonian, Rupenian
• The development of Armenian identity over centuries
3. Periods of foreign domination
A chapter is dedicated to the long eras when Armenia was ruled by Persians, Byzantines, Arabs, Seljuks, and Ottomans.
4. Pre‑Christian Armenian religion
The book describes pagan beliefs, gods, and rituals before Armenia became the first Christian nation in 301 AD.
5. Christianization of Armenia
It covers:
• Early evangelization
• The role of missionaries
• The formation of the Armenian Church
6. Armenian literature and prominent figures
A chapter highlights major thinkers, clergy, and writers who shaped Armenian culture.
7. Missionary work among Armenians
This section reflects the author’s own Protestant background and the influence of American missionaries in the Ottoman Empire.
8. Massacres and persecutions
The final chapters describe:
• The “Last Horrors” in Turkey
• Massacres and martyrdom of Armenians
These refer to the Hamidian massacres (1894–1896), which were still recent when the book was published.
The author’s personal story - Rev. Gaidzakian:
• Was born in 1837 in Albastan (Aleppo province)
• Discovered Christianity through American missionary pamphlets
• Secretly read the New Testament as a child
• Converted and joined one of the earliest evangelical Armenian churches
• Experienced persecution for his beliefs
His life story frames the book’s religious tone.
It’s a patriotic, religious, and historical introduction to Armenia, written for an American audience in 1898.
It blends:
• History
• Faith
• National identity
• Eyewitness‑era commentary on atrocities
• Personal testimony
It’s part history book, part missionary narrative, part cultural portrait.
