Levon Karakhanyan — 5 Portraits from the History of the Armenian People

In the early 20th century, changes were taking place in the world, with old states collapsing and new ones forming. In our region, one of those new states was the Soviet Empire, the USSR, emerging instead of the Russian Empire. A diplomat of Armenian descent, Levon Karakhanyan, commonly known as Lev Karakhan, stood behind the foundation and origins of the diplomatic style of this empire, the formation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Different figures of Armenian descent played a crucial role in the foreign and military policy of various great states and empires. The Soviet Union was not an exception. Its foreign policy and diplomacy at the initial stage of its formation and in the first 20 years of its existence were closely related to a person named Levon Karakhanyan.

Who was Lev Karakhan?

An Armenian born in Tiflis, he adhered to communist ideology from an early age and was actively involved in various revolutionary movements. Lev Karakhan is considered one of the most famous diplomats of the 20th century, who played a key role in solving various political issues of the Soviet Empire.

Lev Karakhan held two key positions in the Soviet Union. He was one of the first employees of the newly created Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Soviet Union and, together with Minister Chicherin, established the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with its departments.

Lev Karakhan was considered one of Lenin’s favorite members of staff. Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union, said on various occasions that he was able to work skillfully with Lev Karakhan, who had innate abilities to resolve various complex political situations.

Karakhan also served as ambassador to important countries such as China and Turkey.

Lev Karakhanyan had the idea of serving the interests of Armenian statehood, Armenia, and the Armenian people. He accomplished this in at least three specific episodes.

He tried to prevent the Turks’ genocidal attacks on the Republic of Armenia, contributed to, and played a role in the creation of Soviet Armenia, which the Turks call Levon Karakhan’s great anti-Turkish move and say that Soviet Armenia was created or, according to Turkish terminology, “wedged” between Turkey and Azerbaijan thanks to Levon Karakhan.

Lev Karakhan dealt with the immigration issues of Armenians who survived the genocide. This is an obvious proof that the presence of Armenian figures in big politics and diplomacy did not allow them to bypass the Armenian problems.

In the ‘5 Portraits from the History of the Armenian People’ series of Alpha News’ fall season, renowned scholar Professor Ruben Melkonyan reveals the image of Levon Karakhanyan as one of the most experienced diplomats of the 20th century, as well as the lessons of his period.