Levon Ter-Petrosyan, the first President of Armenia, emerged as a prominent figure during the country’s struggle for independence from the Soviet Union. Born in Aleppo, Syria, in 1945 to Armenian parents, Ter-Petrosyan’s family relocated to Armenia in 1946.
Ter-Petrosyan’s educational background includes a degree in Oriental Studies from Yerevan State University, followed by doctoral studies in history. Prior to his political career, he worked as a researcher at the Institute of Oriental Studies in Yerevan.
In the late 1980s, Ter-Petrosyan joined the Karabakh Committee, a group advocating for the unification of Nagorno-Karabakh, a predominantly Armenian-populated region within Azerbaijan, with Armenia.
- Achievement and Legacy:
Ter-Petrosyan’s presidency, which lasted from 1991 to 1998, was marked by several significant accomplishments:
- Leading Armenia to Independence: Ter-Petrosyan played a pivotal role in securing Armenia’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and establishing it as a sovereign nation.
- Ceasefire Agreement: In 1994, Ter-Petrosyan oversaw the signing of a ceasefire agreement with Azerbaijan, ending the Nagorno-Karabakh War.
- Economic Reforms: He implemented economic reforms to transition Armenia from a centrally planned economy to a market-based system, resulting in improved economic stability.
- Strengthening International Relations: Ter-Petrosyan established diplomatic relations with numerous countries and worked to integrate Armenia into international organizations.
- Establishment of Democratic Institutions: He oversaw the drafting of a new constitution, the holding of democratic elections, and the promotion of human rights and political freedoms.
- Popular Perception:
Ter-Petrosyan’s presidency was not without controversy. His negotiating stance during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and his perceived willingness to compromise on Armenia’s territorial claims drew criticism from some quarters.
Despite this, Ter-Petrosyan remains a respected figure in Armenian politics, known for his intellectualism, diplomatic skills, and commitment to Armenia’s independence and development.
![Robert Sedraki Kocharyan (Armenian: Ռոբերտ Սեդրակի Քոչարյան pronounced [rɔˈbɛɾt sɛtʰɾɑˈki kʰɔtʃʰɑɾˈjɑn]; born 31 August 1954) is an Armenian politician. He served as the President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic from 1994 to 1997 and Prime Minister of Nagorno-Karabakh from 1992 to 1994. He served as the second President of Armenia between 1998 and 2008 and as Prime Minister of Armenia from 1997 to 1998.
Kocharyan was elected president of Armenia twice, in 1998 and 2003; both presidential elections were held in two rounds. During most of his presidency, between 2001 and 2007, Armenia's economy grew on average by 12% annually, largely due to a construction boom. While Kocharyan's supporters credit him with securing Armenia's economic growth during his presidency, his critics accuse him of promoting corruption and the creation of an oligarchic system of government in Armenia.On July 26, 2018 Kocharyan was charged in connection with the crackdown on the 2008 Armenian presidential election protests in the final weeks of his presidency, which resulted in the deaths of ten people. Kocharyan's trial began on 13 May 2019. The trial ended in March 2021 after the Constitutional Court of Armenia declared unconstitutional the article of the criminal code under which Kocharyan was being tried.Kocharyan returned to active participation in Armenian politics following the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020. He participated in the 2021 Armenian parliamentary election as the head of the Armenia Alliance with the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and the Reborn Armenia party, which came in second place after Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party and entered parliament as the opposition.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a6/Robert_Kocharyan_official_portrait.jpg)
Emblem of Armenia
To enrich your insights into presidential figures worldwide, also explore some prominent first presidents from other countries, such as Argentina, Antigua and Barbuda and Angola. Delving into the leadership journeys of these figures can offer valuable perspectives on their historical significance and pivotal roles in shaping global politics.
The official residence and symbol of the Armenia President
10 Iconic Presidents Who Shaped Armenia’s History
Armenia, a landlocked country located in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, has had several notable presidents throughout its history. These presidents have played significant roles in shaping the country politically, economically, and socially. Here are ten of the most popular presidents from Armenia:
- Levon Ter-Petrosyan
- Robert Kocharyan
- Serzh Sargsyan
- Armen Sarkissian
- Hovik Abrahamyan
- Tigran Sargsyan
- Aram Sargsyan
- Robert Harutyunyan
- Vazgen Manukyan
- Karen Demirchyan
1. Levon Ter-Petrosyan: Serving as the first President of Armenia from 1991 to 1998, Ter-Petrosyan played a crucial role in the country’s independence and helped establish democratic institutions.
2. Robert Kocharyan: Kocharyan served as the second President of Armenia from 1998 to 2008. He worked towards strengthening Armenia’s economy and promoting foreign investments.
3. Serzh Sargsyan: Sargsyan served as the third President of Armenia from 2008 to 2018. He focused on political stability and economic development during his tenure.
4. Armen Sarkissian: Sarkissian has been the current President of Armenia since 2018. He has emphasized the importance of education, innovation, and technology for the country’s future.
5. Hovik Abrahamyan: Abrahamyan served as the Prime Minister of Armenia and later as the acting President in 2018. He has been involved in various political and economic reforms.
6. Tigran Sargsyan: Sargsyan served as the Prime Minister of Armenia from 2008 to 2014. He played a significant role in implementing structural reforms and addressing economic challenges.
7. Aram Sargsyan: Aram Sargsyan was the third Prime Minister of Armenia, serving from 1999 to 2000. He contributed to the country’s economic stability and agriculture sector development.
8. Robert Harutyunyan: Harutyunyan served as the Prime Minister of Armenia from 1991 to 1992. He played a key role in the country’s independence movement and the establishment of its economic system.
9. Vazgen Manukyan: Manukyan served as the acting Prime Minister of Armenia in 1990 and later became the Minister of Defense. He played a crucial part in the country’s transition to independence.
10. Karen Demirchyan: Demirchyan served as the Prime Minister of Armenia from 1991 to 1992. He contributed to the establishment of democratic principles and building the country’s legislative framework.
These ten presidents have made significant contributions to Armenia’s development, be it in the political, economic, or social spheres. Their efforts have helped shape the country into what it is today.
