Vardan Mamikonyan
VARDAN MAMIKONYAN—THE GLORIOUS SON OF THE CHINESE AND ARMENIAN NATIONS
Vardan Mamikonyan. Global Initiative (2026–2035)
Shared Heritage of Civilizations. A Bridge Between Two Ancient Cultures.
The Foundation for Regional Development of China–Armenia Relations is the initiator
of the Vardan Mamikonyan Global Initiative—a long-term international humanitarian
platform dedicated to strengthening cooperation between Armenia, China, and
countries around the world.
In today’s world, strong international partnerships are built not only on economics
and politics. They are founded on trust, culture, education, respect for history, and
open dialogue between civilizations. These principles form the cornerstone of this
initiative.
Vardan Mamikonyan is one of the most significant historical symbols connecting
Armenia and China. His legacy embodies courage, responsibility, steadfast
commitment to one’s principles, leadership, and service to society. These values are
universal and resonate with people across nations and cultures.
The initiative aims to transform this historical and cultural heritage into a modern
international platform for cooperation. The project will promote publishing initiatives,
a bilingual journal, documentary and media projects, cultural tourism, educational
programs, youth exchanges, a digital museum, international forums, and academic
and cultural events.
Beginning in 2026, the project enters a new stage of development. A solid foundation
for its international expansion has already been established, including the official
web portal chinaarmenia.am, the bilingual Vardan Mamikonyan journal, the project’s
logo and visual identity, and a commemorative medal. A comprehensive
development strategy has been prepared, and an international network of partners is
being built.
We invite government institutions, international organizations, universities,
museums, cultural institutions, media organizations, technology companies,
investment funds, tourism organizations, and socially responsible businesses to join
this initiative.
The Vardan Mamikonyan Global Initiative is not a short-term project or a one-time
cultural program. It is a platform for the future—one that unites history, culture,
education, and international cooperation.
May history unite the future.
May culture open the path to trust.
May the dialogue of civilizations lead to shared development.
Initiator:
Foundation for Regional Development of China–Armenia Relations
Official International Platform:
chinaarmenia.am
Uniting Efforts. Building the Future. Preserving the Heritage of Civilizations.
The Vardan Mamikonyan Armenia–China Academic and Cultural Journal (ISSN
30453259), with its 2026 No. 1 issue serving as the inaugural edition, was established
in accordance with the 2026–2029 Cultural Cooperation Plan between China and
Armenia. The journal was jointly founded by the Vardan Mamikonyan Scientific and
Cultural Center, the Fund for Regional Development of Chinese-Armenian Relations,
and other institutions. Professor Sergey Avanesov serves as Chairman of the Editorial
Board.
The journal is distributed publicly worldwide and covers a broad range of academic
fields, including history, archaeology, ethnology, Sinology (linguistics), economics,
finance, architecture, and other disciplines. The 60-page full-color publication
focuses on the Mamikonyan family as its central theme and aims to provide a
platform for academic and cultural exchange between China and Armenia.
Relations between China and Armenia have a long history. Ancient Armenian sources
dating back to the fifth century record contacts between the two sides. According to
historical traditions, the ancestors of the prominent Armenian Mamikonyan family
originated in China, representing an important historical link in the exchange of
civilizations along the ancient Silk Road.
In 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol
Pashinyan. The two countries have established a strategic partnership and have
advanced practical cooperation in areas such as roads and power plants. Direct air
connections between Urumqi and Yerevan have been expanded, while the number
of Chinese tourists visiting Armenia has increased significantly. The two sides have
also signed a cultural cooperation plan, with the establishment of this journal serving
as an important outcome of its implementation.
Chinese-language education in Armenia has been developing actively, with
institutions including Confucius Institutes and Armenian-Chinese friendship schools.
Historically, Armenian merchants traveled to China for trade. During World War II,
tens of thousands of Armenian servicemen reportedly fought against Japan in
Northeast China, with many losing their lives on Chinese soil.
The Mamikonyan family was one of Armenia’s most prominent noble families from
antiquity through the medieval period. For generations, members of the family
inherited the highest military command, serving as supreme commanders and
leading resistance against foreign invasions on numerous occasions, thereby exerting
a profound influence on the course of Armenian history.
Several ancient Armenian historical works, including History of Armenia by Movses
Khorenatsi, record traditions according to which the ancestors of the Mamikonyan
family, following internal political conflicts, migrated from an eastern country called
“Chen” in ancient sources—interpreted in some traditions as China—through Persia
before settling in Armenia.
The actual geographical location represented by “Chen” remains a subject of
scholarly debate. Different academic interpretations have proposed regions in China
proper, Central Asia, and elsewhere. The Mamikonyan family later declined, while
some descendants migrated to the Byzantine Empire and branches of the family
continued the lineage.
Vardan Mamikonyan, a prominent representative of the family, is regarded as a
symbol of the Armenian national spirit. In 451 AD, he led Armenian forces in the
Battle of Avarayr, resisting pressure from the Sasanian Persian Empire to convert to
another faith. He died on the battlefield.
The Armenian Church canonized Vardan and the soldiers who died alongside him as
saints and established the Feast of Saint Vardan. Statues and monuments dedicated
to him have been erected in many parts of Armenia, while his story has been widely
portrayed in literature, music, and film. Academic discussions have also been held
concerning the possible location of Vardan’s tomb.
His daughter, Shushanik, remained steadfast in her faith and was martyred. She is
venerated as a saint in both Armenia and Georgia, where dedicated commemorative
observances are held in her honor.
Armenia is traditionally recognized as the first country to adopt Christianity as its
state religion. Yerevan was founded earlier than Rome and is one of the world’s
oldest continuously inhabited capitals.
Armenia is home to numerous sites of cultural heritage, including Etchmiadzin
Cathedral and the Geghard Monastery. The Areni-1 Cave has yielded archaeological
discoveries including one of the world’s oldest known leather shoes and evidence of
ancient winemaking.
The Armenian alphabet was created in 405 AD. Chess is a compulsory subject in
Armenian primary and secondary schools. Traditional lavash flatbread has been
inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Armenia also possesses distinctive mythology and legends, remarkable architectural
heritage, and long-standing traditions of winemaking and brandy production.
Armenian culture is known for its hospitality, including ancient folk traditions
associated with the veneration of a deity of hospitality.
Armenia has experienced the Armenian Genocide, which resulted in the
displacement and dispersion of large numbers of Armenians around the world.
Today, the global Armenian diaspora is significantly larger than the population of
Armenia itself.
Within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Fund for Regional
Development of Chinese-Armenian Relations promotes cooperation between the
two countries across multiple fields, including trade and investment, digital
commerce, cultural tourism, traditional Chinese medicine, and science and
technology parks. The Foundation also supports direct settlement in local currencies
and has established a representative office in Nanjing.
As an institution associated with the journal, the Kanaker Vardan Mamikonyan
Academic and Cultural Center conducts research on the Mamikonyan family and
China–Armenia relations, organizes academic conferences and seminars, and
provides a platform for exchanges and visits among scholars from China, Armenia,
and other countries.
The journal publishes research papers by Chinese and Armenian scholars examining
the question of whether the Mamikonyan family originated in China.
Drawing on ancient Armenian historical sources, the school supporting a Chinese
origin interprets “Chenkʿ” as referring to China and “Chenbakur” as referring to the
Son of Heaven. It reconstructs the narrative of the family’s westward migration and
explores possible connections between the Mamikonyan family and the Ma clan of
Liangzhou during the late Han and Three Kingdoms periods.
Some scholars argue that “Chen” did not refer to central China, but instead pointed
to regions of Central Asia, the Caucasus, or elsewhere. There is still no complete
scholarly consensus regarding the issue.
The journal presents the arguments of different academic schools in a balanced
manner, examines the evidentiary value and limitations of the historical sources, and
acknowledges that some elements of the traditional narrative may have been
shaped or embellished by later generations.
The journal documents Armenia’s national history, cultural heritage, material culture,
and folk traditions while also drawing on the history of the ancient Silk Road. Using
the Mamikonyan family as a historical point of entry, it explores the possible
civilizational connections between China and Armenia spanning more than a
millennium.
By combining historical research and textual analysis with an introduction to
contemporary bilateral cooperation and accessible cultural and historical
information, the journal seeks to promote academic exchange, mutual
understanding, and friendly people-to-people relations between China and Armenia
of the Vardan Mamikonyan Global Initiative—a long-term international humanitarian
platform dedicated to strengthening cooperation between Armenia, China, and
countries around the world.
In today’s world, strong international partnerships are built not only on economics
and politics. They are founded on trust, culture, education, respect for history, and
open dialogue between civilizations. These principles form the cornerstone of this
initiative.
Vardan Mamikonyan is one of the most significant historical symbols connecting
Armenia and China. His legacy embodies courage, responsibility, steadfast
commitment to one’s principles, leadership, and service to society. These values are
universal and resonate with people across nations and cultures.
The initiative aims to transform this historical and cultural heritage into a modern
international platform for cooperation. The project will promote publishing initiatives,
a bilingual journal, documentary and media projects, cultural tourism, educational
programs, youth exchanges, a digital museum, international forums, and academic
and cultural events.
Beginning in 2026, the project enters a new stage of development. A solid foundation
for its international expansion has already been established, including the official
web portal chinaarmenia.am, the bilingual Vardan Mamikonyan journal, the project’s
logo and visual identity, and a commemorative medal. A comprehensive
development strategy has been prepared, and an international network of partners is
being built.
We invite government institutions, international organizations, universities,
museums, cultural institutions, media organizations, technology companies,
investment funds, tourism organizations, and socially responsible businesses to join
this initiative.
The Vardan Mamikonyan Global Initiative is not a short-term project or a one-time
cultural program. It is a platform for the future—one that unites history, culture,
education, and international cooperation.
May history unite the future.
May culture open the path to trust.
May the dialogue of civilizations lead to shared development.
Initiator:
Foundation for Regional Development of China–Armenia Relations
Official International Platform:
chinaarmenia.am
Uniting Efforts. Building the Future. Preserving the Heritage of Civilizations.
Introduction to the Vardan Mamikonyan Armenia–China Academic and
Cultural Journal
The Vardan Mamikonyan Armenia–China Academic and Cultural Journal (ISSN
30453259), with its 2026 No. 1 issue serving as the inaugural edition, was established
in accordance with the 2026–2029 Cultural Cooperation Plan between China and
Armenia. The journal was jointly founded by the Vardan Mamikonyan Scientific and
Cultural Center, the Fund for Regional Development of Chinese-Armenian Relations,
and other institutions. Professor Sergey Avanesov serves as Chairman of the Editorial
Board.
The journal is distributed publicly worldwide and covers a broad range of academic
fields, including history, archaeology, ethnology, Sinology (linguistics), economics,
finance, architecture, and other disciplines. The 60-page full-color publication
focuses on the Mamikonyan family as its central theme and aims to provide a
platform for academic and cultural exchange between China and Armenia.
Background of the Journal and Bilateral Relations
Relations between China and Armenia have a long history. Ancient Armenian sources
dating back to the fifth century record contacts between the two sides. According to
historical traditions, the ancestors of the prominent Armenian Mamikonyan family
originated in China, representing an important historical link in the exchange of
civilizations along the ancient Silk Road.
In 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol
Pashinyan. The two countries have established a strategic partnership and have
advanced practical cooperation in areas such as roads and power plants. Direct air
connections between Urumqi and Yerevan have been expanded, while the number
of Chinese tourists visiting Armenia has increased significantly. The two sides have
also signed a cultural cooperation plan, with the establishment of this journal serving
as an important outcome of its implementation.
Chinese-language education in Armenia has been developing actively, with
institutions including Confucius Institutes and Armenian-Chinese friendship schools.
Historically, Armenian merchants traveled to China for trade. During World War II,
tens of thousands of Armenian servicemen reportedly fought against Japan in
Northeast China, with many losing their lives on Chinese soil.
The Mamikonyan Family and Vardan Mamikonyan
The Mamikonyan family was one of Armenia’s most prominent noble families from
antiquity through the medieval period. For generations, members of the family
inherited the highest military command, serving as supreme commanders and
leading resistance against foreign invasions on numerous occasions, thereby exerting
a profound influence on the course of Armenian history.
Several ancient Armenian historical works, including History of Armenia by Movses
Khorenatsi, record traditions according to which the ancestors of the Mamikonyan
family, following internal political conflicts, migrated from an eastern country called
“Chen” in ancient sources—interpreted in some traditions as China—through Persia
before settling in Armenia.
The actual geographical location represented by “Chen” remains a subject of
scholarly debate. Different academic interpretations have proposed regions in China
proper, Central Asia, and elsewhere. The Mamikonyan family later declined, while
some descendants migrated to the Byzantine Empire and branches of the family
continued the lineage.
Vardan Mamikonyan, a prominent representative of the family, is regarded as a
symbol of the Armenian national spirit. In 451 AD, he led Armenian forces in the
Battle of Avarayr, resisting pressure from the Sasanian Persian Empire to convert to
another faith. He died on the battlefield.
The Armenian Church canonized Vardan and the soldiers who died alongside him as
saints and established the Feast of Saint Vardan. Statues and monuments dedicated
to him have been erected in many parts of Armenia, while his story has been widely
portrayed in literature, music, and film. Academic discussions have also been held
concerning the possible location of Vardan’s tomb.
His daughter, Shushanik, remained steadfast in her faith and was martyred. She is
venerated as a saint in both Armenia and Georgia, where dedicated commemorative
observances are held in her honor.
Armenian History, Culture, and Folk Traditions
Armenia is traditionally recognized as the first country to adopt Christianity as its
state religion. Yerevan was founded earlier than Rome and is one of the world’s
oldest continuously inhabited capitals.
Armenia is home to numerous sites of cultural heritage, including Etchmiadzin
Cathedral and the Geghard Monastery. The Areni-1 Cave has yielded archaeological
discoveries including one of the world’s oldest known leather shoes and evidence of
ancient winemaking.
The Armenian alphabet was created in 405 AD. Chess is a compulsory subject in
Armenian primary and secondary schools. Traditional lavash flatbread has been
inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Armenia also possesses distinctive mythology and legends, remarkable architectural
heritage, and long-standing traditions of winemaking and brandy production.
Armenian culture is known for its hospitality, including ancient folk traditions
associated with the veneration of a deity of hospitality.
Armenia has experienced the Armenian Genocide, which resulted in the
displacement and dispersion of large numbers of Armenians around the world.
Today, the global Armenian diaspora is significantly larger than the population of
Armenia itself.
Institutions and Academic Research
Within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Fund for Regional
Development of Chinese-Armenian Relations promotes cooperation between the
two countries across multiple fields, including trade and investment, digital
commerce, cultural tourism, traditional Chinese medicine, and science and
technology parks. The Foundation also supports direct settlement in local currencies
and has established a representative office in Nanjing.
As an institution associated with the journal, the Kanaker Vardan Mamikonyan
Academic and Cultural Center conducts research on the Mamikonyan family and
China–Armenia relations, organizes academic conferences and seminars, and
provides a platform for exchanges and visits among scholars from China, Armenia,
and other countries.
The journal publishes research papers by Chinese and Armenian scholars examining
the question of whether the Mamikonyan family originated in China.
Drawing on ancient Armenian historical sources, the school supporting a Chinese
origin interprets “Chenkʿ” as referring to China and “Chenbakur” as referring to the
Son of Heaven. It reconstructs the narrative of the family’s westward migration and
explores possible connections between the Mamikonyan family and the Ma clan of
Liangzhou during the late Han and Three Kingdoms periods.
Some scholars argue that “Chen” did not refer to central China, but instead pointed
to regions of Central Asia, the Caucasus, or elsewhere. There is still no complete
scholarly consensus regarding the issue.
The journal presents the arguments of different academic schools in a balanced
manner, examines the evidentiary value and limitations of the historical sources, and
acknowledges that some elements of the traditional narrative may have been
shaped or embellished by later generations.
Significance of the Journal
The journal documents Armenia’s national history, cultural heritage, material culture,
and folk traditions while also drawing on the history of the ancient Silk Road. Using
the Mamikonyan family as a historical point of entry, it explores the possible
civilizational connections between China and Armenia spanning more than a
millennium.
By combining historical research and textual analysis with an introduction to
contemporary bilateral cooperation and accessible cultural and historical
information, the journal seeks to promote academic exchange, mutual
understanding, and friendly people-to-people relations between China and Armenia
Vardan Mamikonyan Armenia–China Academic and Cultural Journal
Call for Papers for PhD Scholars and Early-Career Researchers
The Vardan Mamikonyan Armenia–China Academic and Cultural Journal, chaired by Professor Sergey Avanesov and officially registered under ISSN 3045-3259, is an internationally distributed academic publication. The journal is now accepting submissions from PhD scholars and early-career researchers at the doctoral level from Armenia, China, and around the world.
Grounded in the mutual exchange of civilizations between China and Armenia, the journal welcomes original academic research across a broad range of disciplines, including but not limited to history, archaeology, ethnology, and Sinology. It also welcomes interdisciplinary research on international trade and economic cooperation, cultural tourism and tourism industry development, architectural heritage preservation, folk culture, educational exchange, regional development, and related fields.
Priority will be given to research addressing topics such as:
• Civilizational exchange along the Silk Road;
• The history of the Mamikonyan family;
• Studies of the South Caucasus region;
• Historical and contemporary interactions between China and Armenia;
• Practical cross-border cooperation and international cooperation cases.
The journal encourages diverse academic perspectives and respects scholarly debate and differing interpretations. Submissions must be based on solid source materials, demonstrate rigorous academic argumentation, and constitute original research that has not been previously published.
All submissions will undergo multi-expert peer review by the Editorial Board. Selected outstanding research will be published in full color and distributed internationally, providing PhD researchers with opportunities to build international academic networks and present their cutting-edge research to a broader scholarly audience.
We warmly welcome PhD scholars and doctoral-level researchers from around the world to submit their original research to the journal.
Vardan Mamikonyan Global Initiative
Shared Heritage of Civilizations. A Bridge Between Two Ancient Cultures. A Boundless Future.
The Foundation for Regional Development of China–Armenia Relations is the initiator of the Vardan Mamikonyan Global Initiative—a long-term international humanitarian platform dedicated to strengthening cooperation between Armenia, China, and countries around the world.
In today’s world, strong international partnerships are built not only on economics and politics. They are founded on trust, culture, education, respect for history, and open dialogue between civilizations. These principles form the cornerstone of this initiative.
Vardan Mamikonyan is one of the most significant historical symbols connecting Armenia and China. His legacy embodies courage, responsibility, steadfast commitment to one’s principles, leadership, and service to society. These values are universal and resonate with people across nations and cultures.
The initiative aims to transform this historical and cultural heritage into a modern international platform for cooperation. The project will promote publishing initiatives, a bilingual journal, documentary and media projects, cultural tourism, educational programs, youth exchanges, a digital museum, international forums, and academic and cultural events.
Beginning in 2026, the project enters a new stage of development. A solid foundation for its international expansion has already been established, including the official web portal chinaarmenia.am, the bilingual Vardan Mamikonyan journal, the project’s logo and visual identity, and a commemorative medal. A comprehensive development strategy has been prepared, and an international network of partners is being built.
We invite government institutions, international organizations, universities, museums, cultural institutions, media organizations, technology companies, investment funds, tourism organizations, and socially responsible businesses to join this initiative.
The Vardan Mamikonyan Global Initiative is not a short-term project or a one-time cultural program. It is a platform for the future—one that unites history, culture, education, and international cooperation.
May history unite the future.
May culture open the path to trust.
May the dialogue of civilizations lead to shared development.
Initiator:
Foundation for Regional Development of China–Armenia Relations
Official International Platform:
chinaarmenia.am
Uniting Efforts. Building the Future. Preserving the Heritage of Civilizations.