ARMENIAN
GENEALOGICAL
SOCIETY
Drawing up a genealogical tree is not an easy task, especially if beginners are involved. For an experienced genealogist, however, it is a kind of interesting adventure in searching for the correct information. They will say with confidence that the genealogical sources are all around you, which is true.
A variety of sources are often used when compiling a genealogical tree: metric books, revision lists, confessional records, etc. In this text, we will cover the most important genealogical sources for your family tree. All of these genealogical sources are the basis not only for studying the genealogy of Armenians, but also the Russian, Greek, Haysor, Jewish and other nations who lived in Armenia.
THE METRICS BOOKS
The metrics books (also known as “vital books”, which means records of marriages, deaths, births, etc.) are among the most trustworthy sources for genealogy. The archives keep s the metric books not only of the Transcaucasus, but also, due to the history of Armenian people, of different communities of the Russian Empire. The earliest metric book dates back to 1734. It is also noteworthy that metric books had been introduced in Armenian communities long before the "Statute" on the Armenian churches of 1836.
THE REVISION BOOKS
The revision books are the second most important genealogical source for family trees, as they can include cameral descriptions and censuses. The first listings relate to the history of Armenians in Astrakhan (the first list for 1725) and Novo-Nakhichevan (1789-1790). But in Transcaucasia, during the first population census in 1817, only a list of villages' population was compiled. The census of 1825 was more complete and included information about family members, their age, and other demographic details.
The census of Eastern Armenia was taken in 1830 and 1836. It is a very valuable genealogical source, as it also contains information on the status of the family - native or immigrant (including origin), and number of family members. There were several of these censuses in 1842, 1852-1859, 1873, and 1886.
AGRICULTURAL CENSUSES
Agricultural censuses are the next most important source when compiling a genealogical tree. These censuses list only the householder, his age and occupation, however, the names of other family members are not included. They were taken in the Kars region as well and their main value lies in the fact that the names of family members and their ages were indicated.
FORMULARY AND SERVICE LISTS OF OFFICIALS,
TEACHERS AND PRIESTS
Formulary and service lists of officials, teachers, and priests are another valuable genealogical source when searching for details to complete a family tree. Almost all officials who worked in the state structures of Yerevan province and Kars region were included in these lists. In addition, in the funds of religious institutions one can find information on almost all clergymen and Armenian churches of the Russian Empire from the beginning of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century. The biographies of the clergymen are recorded, and there is also information about the members of their families.
THE TESTAMENTS
The testaments can be rightfully classified as the most interesting type of genealogical sources, which help in compiling a genealogical tree. These describe the genealogy of several generations, usually the testator himself, his spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters. In the archives, one can find the wills of the foundations of church organizations (the Office of the Catholicos of All Armenians, the Holy Synod of Echmiadzin, etc.)
Unfortunately, all of the presented genealogical sources refer to the Armenians of the Russian Empire. There are a few sources relating to the history of the Armenians of Western Armenia, most information is only available for survivors of the genocide of 1915.
During World War I, in 1914, a special "Committee of the Brotherly Aid" was created. Their task was to compile lists of refugees, noting their name, surname, age, family composition along with the age of each, nationality, etc. Now these documents can be found in various funds of the National Archives of Armenia, and they serve as a reliable source when compiling a family tree. Lists of orphans in orphanages both in Eastern Armenia and in other cities of the Russian Empire belong to the same category.
Lists of persons petitioning to obtain citizenship can be classified as additional genealogical sources to supplement the lists of refugees. The earliest such lists were compiled in May 1941, but the census was interrupted by the outbreak of war. The population of Yerevan, Etchmiadzin and parts of Leninakan were covered. The form of this list gives valuable information about the refugees - name, surname, patronymic, year and place of birth, duration of residency in the USSR, occupation and place of work, relatives in the USSR and their nationality, ties with foreign countries, and residential address. After the victory in World War II, when repatriating Armenians, there was a questionnaire with genealogical questions which is also a useful source for compiling a genealogical tree.
After the victory in World War II, when repatriating Armenians, there was a questionnaire with genealogical questions which is also a useful source for compiling a genealogical tree.
REPRESSION FILES
Repression files are a genealogical source not only for Armenians, but also for citizen of other nationalities in Armenia. In the archives there are cases of repression from 1920 to 1955. According to the information contained in the questionnaires of those who were subjected to repression, it is possible to present a family tree of several generations.
If you choose to take on the task of creating a family tree on your own, you need to be aware of many nuances (for example, the basic principles of separating information on the population and storage in archives). Most often you will have to spend more than one week looking for the information you need, and most importantly, you need to know exactly where to look what to look for, and how to receive access to this information! Otherwise, a beginner will simply reach a roadblock and make the conclusion that there is no information about their. As the saying goes, whoever is looking, is sure to find. And Sonya and Mher will help you with all of your questions.