User:Will Hanley/History of Armenian nationality

Background of Armenian History

Armenians are originally Indo-Europeans who, it is thought, left the Balkans for Anatolia around 2000 B.C. The earliest written mention of an Armenian people dates back to the 1300 B.C. in the Hittite tablets which referred to a Hayasa-Azzi Kingdom. In the 6th century B.C. Armenians conquered the Urartu kingdom with local inhabitants adopting the Armenian language.

Religion

The Armenian Apostolic Church was founded by Gregory the Illuminator. They were the first nation to officially adopt Christianity as the state religion in 301 B.C. There were also Catholic and Protestant Armenians

Geography

Between 645 and 94 B.C. Armenia underwent periods of foreign rule and self rule. The Arshakuni dynasty of Armenia ruled from 63 A.D. to 428 A.D. Because of its strategic location between East and West Armenia was contstantly being invaded by neighobring empires such as Persia. Armenia was invaded by Arabs and a treaty was signed in the 8th century in which the Armenian kingdom was ruled by Bargatuni Dynasty but under the influence of Arabs. The last Armenian kingdom was in Cilica from the 11th to the 14th century when it was conquered by the Egyptians. In 1514, Armena was conquered by the Ottomans and became part of the greater Ottoman Empire.

Timeline

645 - 94 B.C.: Periods of foreign and self rule
63 - 428 A.D.: Ruled by the Arshakuni dynasty
1063 - 1072: Conquered by Seljuk Turks
1242 - 1244: Invaded by Mongols
1500 - 1700: Fighting over Ottoman Turks and Persians
1800 - 1828: Ruled by Persia
1828 - 1991: Ruled by Russia under the Treaty of Turkmanchai

Armenia under Foreign Rule

Marriage and divorce
Although Armenia was constantly being invaded it retained a certain level of autonomy. The Armenian church controlled marriage, divorce, and inheritance issues. Nobles and peasants were allowed to marry. There was a national judge called Melik of Erevan who would decide on dispute cases.
Taxation
Most peasants lived and worked on crown land and therefore had to pay taxes to the state.

Armenia under Russian Rule

There was less autonomy under Russian rule. Taxes were much higher. Muslim landlords had administrative and judicial power over Armenian peasants.
Polozhenie Law (1836)
Regulated relations between Armenian Church and Russian government. The head of the Armenian Church, Catholicos, had to be confirmed by the Russian Tsar before installed in the office.
1912 Legislation
Compulsory redemption of land by peasants within a maximum of 56 years. Armenian nationalism in the 19th C had a main goal of liberating and unifying the Armenian people.