Aram Manougian

1879-1919

An Armenian revolutionary, politician and general who managed and led the Van Resistance and instrumented the founding of the Democratic Republic of Armenia. Born in Zeyva village of Ghapan. Graduates from Akoulyatz school of Shooshi, and than the school of Yerevan. In his young age he joins the Dashnaktsutiun party. Instrumental  with the laborers of Baku and than Kantsag and Gars. Travels to Van via Iran as a revolutionary organizer. Gets imprisoned because of Tavo's betrayal, he is set free during Osmanian constitution. Travels through Garin to Ordu as a teacher and activist organizer.

In 1915 he manages the heroic fight of Van, and is appointed the governor of  Vasbouragan. After the immigration of the Armenians of Van, Aram settles in Tbilisi,  and occupies himself with the works of the party bureau, the national committee and issues of the refugees.

His took part in the organizing of the Battle of Sardarapat, which repulsed a Turkish attack on the newly established independent Armenia and stops the advance towards Yerevan.

In 1918, the National Committee sends him to the Yerevan area as fully authorized representative. Destiny and fate give him the historical role of being the founder of the Independent Armenia and its First Interior Minister.

He is credited as a political, military and spiritual leader of the Armenian people during and after the Armenian Genocide.

Dies at the age of 40 from Bacterial Dif sickness.